Somersby Cider’s Giant Apples Unveil #MagicMoments

Do you like Somersby cider? Then we can be friends!

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the prettiest of them...wait, wait, wait a minute. Those apples are too big for Snow White to bite! And these are much better than Snow White's red apple; these ones serve Somersby Cider!

The secret of the two larger-than-life apples with countdown timers at the main entrance of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and at LG2 of Sunway Pyramid (near Ice Rink) finally unveiled and it transformed into a booth last week! Somersby, the best-selling cider in Malaysia once again surprised the cider lovers by giving away 4,000 bottles at these two locations in conjunction with the launch of #MagicMoments campaign.

What brightens up your day? We are all searching for things that make us happy and yet simple little pleasures that bring us the greatest joy can be easily overlooked. The new Somersby #MagicMoments campaign is to inspire customers to take a break and enjoy life’s little pleasures with the refreshing and fruity taste of Somersby Cider made from sun- ripened apples. 

People at Pavilion KL were caught by surprise when picnic goers sitting on a picnic mat with friends, apple pickers plucking apples from the tree while some were reading newspaper – as if in a garden which swiftly assembled to perform a flash mob. This led to the launch of #MagicMoments campaign. 

“Life is hectic, especially living in the city. No one would have thought of getting a free Somersby Cider on a Thursday while heading out for lunch. This is one of those little pleasures in life. We are happy that we put a smile on our consumers’ face and this is simply magical. We believe Somersby is like one’s life’s little pleasure and you can live your #MagicMoments with Somersby too!” said Charles Wong, Marketing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia. 

See how happy these friends are!

Besides the free Somersby giveaway, consumers at both locations were engaged with the 3D backdrop and the brand’s newly introduced Augmented Reality (aka A.R.) app called Somersby Malaysia. When consumer scans the QR code and download the app, they can post creative photos on their Instagram and Facebook by hashtagging #SomersbyMY and #MagicMoments and something magical awaits. Do check it out to find out more. On site consumers were excited and impressed with the application’s 3D animation and A.R.

That’s not all! Love Somersby? You can also win a 3D2N all-expense paid trip to Singapore from 6 August to 30 September using the A.R. app as well. It's simple, fun and easy. Purchase any 4-can or 4-bottle pack of Somersby Cider, take a creative 3D animated photo with the app and post it on Instagram using the app. The most ‘LIKES’ wins. Somersby is giving away weekly prizes so stay tuned to Somersby's Facebook Page and capture more #MagicMoments with your Somersby bottles or cans!

What’s Brewing at Carlsberg’s Probably the Best Brewery Tour

VIP brewery tour ex-beer-ience in Shah Alam!

What a wonderful experience it would be to be one of the winners to enjoy a VIP tour at Carlsberg Brewery in Shah Alam or, better yet, at Copenhagen in Denmark! 

Carlsberg hosted a VIP brewery tour ex-beer-ience giving members of the media a sneak preview of Probably the Best Brewery Tour in advance of its first batch of contest winners. While touring Probably the Best Brew House and experiencing Probably the Best Lounge in its brewery in Shah Alam, Carlsberg also unveiled the first grand-prize and first-prize winners of Probably the Best Brewery Tour consumer promotion held in conjunction with its 170th global birthday celebration. 

“The 170th anniversary of Carlsberg is a chance for us to pay tribute to the beer that is ‘always sharing’. It is all about the science that comes from beer knowledge and the art that brews high quality beers from natural ingredients. Through Probably the Best Brewery Tour campaign, we celebrate Probably the Best Beer in the World, Carlsberg,” Lars Lehmann, Managing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia shared. 

“We will reward 20 consumers to explore Carlsberg’s 170 years of beer discoveries in its homeland in Copenhagen and another 1,800 consumers to see, touch, smell and taste the quality natural ingredients of our brews through a VIP brewery tour ex-beer-ience in Shah Alam,” Lehmann added. 

From the moment they set foot at Probably the Best Lounge, they were greeted by beautiful brand ambassadors serving buffet of welcome brews that consists of Carlsberg Smooth Draught, Somersby Apple Cider, Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc and premium Connor’s Stout Porter. Upon learning more about the Carlsberg Malaysia’s brewery and brands through an insightful and interesting presentation by Marketing Director Charles Wong, they were chauffeured in a luxury MPV to Carlsberg’s gallery at the production plant. The ex-beer-ience also covered a guided sensory experience at Probably the Best Brew House where Supply Chain Director Piotr Zajac shared the art of brewing a quality Carlsberg beer from natural ingredients – malt, hops, yeast and water. 

The 170 years beer discoveries and innovation 

Carlsberg has changed the way the world brewed modern lagers. All this because of J.C. Jacobsen’s obsession to brew the best beer in the world and share all his knowledge (and ways to stabilise Carlsberg’s special yeast called ‘Saccharomyces Carlsbergensis’). 

“This is an opportunity to make a toast to the beer that made ground breaking discoveries in the beer landscape. For instance, the Carlsberg Smooth Draught, which is brewed longer for its signature smoothness with an easy finish. It is our latest product innovation specially crafted for consumers to enjoy the smooth sensation of a freshly tapped beer in a bottle or can. We are immensely proud that Carlsberg Smooth Draught is crafted here in Malaysia."

www.carlsbergmalaysia.com.my

  

Sensory experience to see, touch, smell and taste beer 

The media entourage had the chance to see, touch, smell and taste beer at Probably the Best Brew House – a normally restricted area. At the sensory experience room, members of the press were briefed on the aroma of hops, the taste profile of yeast and the look of beer liquid with and without purification. 

“Nowadays, there are more discerning beer drinkers who care about what makes of a lager or stout,” said Piotr Zajac, Master Brewer cum Supply Chain Director of Carlsberg Malaysia. "They want to know what are the ingredients used and how it is made." 

While many knows that wine comes from grapes, "very few actually know that Carlsberg beer comes from natural quality ingredients – namely malt/barley, hops, yeast and water" said Zajac. “Inviting consumers into our brew house to learn more about the natural quality ingredients and the art of brewing, bottling and packaging is an excellent way to showcase our brews." 

Partying the night away at Probably the Best Lounge 

Of course, it wouldn’t be a birthday party without fun-filled games and beer-tertainment. Members of media enjoyed the newly upgraded Probably the Best Lounge, learning more about Carlsberg beer from the Carlsberg heritage and art of making beer wall murals, playing the electronic dart machine iDarts and electronic beer-table tennis iPong as well as belting out their favorite numbers on the Karaoke machine too. 

They also indulged in beer-infused gourmet spread that consists of sautéed penne pasta with trio mushroom and K1664 Blanc cream sauce, roasted chicken wings with Carlsberg pineapple BBQ sauce, Connor’s goulash lamb stew and more. Some took up the challenge and participate in beer-related quizzes while some learned how to pour themselves a perfect pint, enjoyed a night long of probably the best ex-beer-ience. 

When Carlsberg does a VIP brewery tour, it is #ProbablyTheBest! 

Time to grab a bottle (or carton) of Carlsberg beer!

For more information about Carlsberg’s Probably the Best Brewery Tour campaign, please visit www.probablythebest.com.my. 

Wine Talk launches the mobile app you need

Find wines, beer, ciders, whiskeys and more with simple snap of labels.

Did you ever enjoy a fantastic wine one evening and forget what it was the next day? Did you like a bottle so much but then couldn’t find it in the shops? Have you had many varieties of wine but still couldn’t tell what type you like the most? Are you looking for information about a wine label before deciding to buy? Would you like to know more about what wines your friends like to drink?

If you drink wine, these are just some of the many questions or experiences you might have encountered. I’m not a certified wine or alcohol expert but I can relate to all of these. On many instances, I’ve come across a really great bottle of wine but have a hard time looking for it in the shops. And, yes, there are times when I can’t remember the label I’ve had. I can’t even read those French labels!

For many wine beginners, identifying what you like to drink from thousands of wine types, from Sauvignon Blanc to Grenache to Merlot, can be daunting. White wine alone has thousands of types, how can you possibly tell what you like, even after trying 10, 20, 30 or more?

Food just tastes even better when enjoyed together with wine. Wouldn't it be great if we can remember the wine we've had?

For those who have been drinking wine for longer and have better understanding of what they like, a challenge is still organising the wines you like and shopping for them. Where to find that life-changing bottle of Chardonnay or that mesmerising bottle of Chianti? 

I’ve heard so many challenges from wine lovers I’ve met in the past 4 years. But here’s great news. 

Wine Talk, known for its online shopping site www.winetalk.com.my now has a free mobile app that solves all or most of your wine problems. You won’t forget the wines you like anymore. You can now find and shop for wines then get them delivered to your home, office or event venue. You can now build and identify your taste profile. You can now simply snap a label and see information. You now have 1 solution to have a more enjoyable lifestyle with wine using Wine Talk’s mobile app. 

What makes this app even better is the social feature. Think of it like the Facebook of Wine. Here you can review a bottle that you had or like and share it among a community of people who enjoy wine. Of course, you can do this in Facebook, too, but the difference here is you’re speaking to a community with similar interest. You’ll even discover some interesting wines to try based on what other people reviewed and rated! This is very helpful in wine discovery!

What the Wine Talk mobile app does:

1. Scan labels of wines, beers, ciders, whiskeys, vodka and more to see more information
2. Build your personal virtual cellar where you keep info of your favourites
3. Discover your personal taste profile
4. Review products
5. Share your reviews in the app’s social feature 
6. Connect with other wine lovers 
7. Shop (by the way, they’re having a deal worth RM35 OFF on first purchase of RM150 using the app, use code WTAPP)

But enough said. The best way to understand is to experience the app. You can download the app for free from the Play Store (for Android users) and the App Store (for iOS users). Click here to download the app: http://onelink.to/w58y8vwt or scan the QR code with your mobile QR scanner app. 

Here’s a short video for you to see some of the features. Time to scan, build my profile, share and shop for my favorite wines and cider!

The Wine Talk app was created with the aim of allowing users to always remember a good bottle. Its development is aimed towards building a community of wine enthusiasts who can chat and share wines while keeping track of their personal favourites with various features of functions. 

The Wine Talk app focuses on four main functions: scan, share, social and shop. The app comes with a built-in scanner that allows users to scan the label of a wine they enjoy and instantly get all the information available; including ratings, price and availability. Should the wine image not be listed, app users can add the image and eventually create a database of every wine available. The social aspect of the app will allow users to communicate with others and share their favourite wines, get opinions, food pairings, provide tasting notes, compare palates and simply discuss anything and everything about all alcohol beverages. 

With a sophisticated platform and technology, the app features a cellar that captures your wine drinking preference and builds a taste profile based on how well you’ve rated wines in the database. With rated 3 stars and above and the ones you mark as a favorite, data is captured to create an easy-to-read wine profile that will help you understand your personal wine drinking style. This will act as a guide to help you pick out wines and eliminate confusion or difficulties that many wine drinkers face when it comes to purchasing wine in a store. 

If you’ve found something you like, the Wine Talk app is connected to the web store and will allow you to make quick and easy purchases while enjoying all the same benefits of the webpage with a few extras. Users across Malaysia (East Malaysia included) can place their orders with a few taps for doorstep delivery while those within Klang Valley can enjoy extra fast delivery using the 3 hour or same day delivery service. This is especially great for users who want a good bottle of liquid happiness minus the hassle to obtain it. 

Marques de Vargas Wine Dinner at The Pressroom Bistro KL

5 amazing wines. 5 delicious dishes. What a treat. 

Who wouldn’t enjoy a mouth-watering lineup of chef-curated dishes paired with aromatic wines from the beautiful regions of Spain?

On 5th May 2017, The Pressroom Bistro, together with Marqués de Vargas wines, hosted a wine dinner for a group of 20 guests. I don’t always go for wine dinners because they tend to be quite pricey at RM250+ range but this one’s reasonably-priced plus it comes with 5 varieties of wines and 5 varieties of dishes including appetiser and dessert. The dishes are chef-curated and includes an all-time favourite for me: a salmon dish!

The evening started with fizzing Resso Cava with Kir Royale. This is deadly delicious! If you’re like me who enjoys bubblies with a hint of sweetness, you will enjoy this serving and you’ll be asking for more. This Cava was paired with amouse bouche, crab aioli stuffed in cannelloni with pickled kyuri and herring caviar. 

1st drink: Kir Royale with Resso Cava

The second wine was an Albariño: Pazo de San Mauro, vintage 2015, from Rias Baixas. I liked this white wine; creamy, rich with fresh fruits and citrus flavours. This was paired with the dish I was waiting for; sous vide salmon, marinated with Asian herbs, pak choy and spicy tamarind sauce. The pairing of this dish with the Albariño was superb. 

2nd wine: Albariño, Pazo de San Mauro

sous vide salmon, marinated with Asian herbs, pak choy and spicy tamarind sauce

Third was a Crianza: V by Vargas, vintage 2014, from Rioja. This is a traditional Rioja wine, aged for twelve months in French and Russian oak barrels. It was paired with magret de canard with brie and sun-dried tomato polenta cake, served with cinnamon, apple and ginger sauce. 

3rd wine: Crianza, V by Vargas

magret de canard with brie and sun-dried tomato polenta cake

The fourth wine was a Reserva Tempranillo: Marqués de Vargas, vintage 2011, from Rioja. This one is rich and full-bodied, a little bit complex for my taste but nevertheless an amazing wine. It is full of flavours that reflect the signature characteristics of Tempranillo, has hints of spice and tobacco. It was served with cajun lamb steak with crispy sweet potato, red pepper and onion marmalade. 

4th wine: Reserva Tempranillo, Marqués de Vargas

cajun lamb steak with crispy sweet potato, red pepper and onion marmalade

The fifth and final wine was Resso Cava. (Cava is the official name for sparkling wine produced in designated areas in various parts of Spain, not to be interchanged with Champagne which is the official name for sparkling wine from Champagne, France.) I always look forward to dessert! The cava was served together with the dessert, a chocolate mousse in tartlet with roasted almond, strawberry Jello and vanilla ice cream. This pair was the perfect ending to this wonderful wine dinner. Yummmms! 

Resso Cava

chocolate mousse in tartlet with roasted almond, strawberry Jello and vanilla ice cream

Great wines from Marqués de Vargas and awesome dishes from The Pressroom Bistro!

The Pressroom Bistro  

Lot C3.10.02 Level 3, Connection, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

168 Jalan Bukit Bintang

55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Contact: +6 03 2148 3889 / info@pressroom.com.my

Open: 9:00 am to 2:00 am

www.pressroom.com.my

The Press Room Bistro is a modern interpretation of a European bistro. The emphasis is on simple Modern European food using the finest ingredients, served in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The Press Room Bistro is defined by it’s menu, serving wholesome, comfort food in a simple setting. Illy coffee, tea, wine and a good range of draught beers are served too.

By the way, Mother’s Day Special treat at The Pressroom Bistro is happening on 14th May!

Mother's Day Special menu at The Pressroom Bistro

Celebrate this day with a delightful Mother's Day Special and spoil your mom with an exclusive Sothy's treatment! A delicious feast followed by a relaxing spa treatment is the best way to pamper your mother! Available on 14th May 2017 from 8am to 3pm only. It’s best to make reservations as this day can be quite packed, you may call +6012.653.7031 or +603.2148.3889.

Marqués de Vargas Family Wines & Estates is a firmly established family project located in three highly prestigious denomination of origin regions: La Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Rías Baixas. We produce limited editions of exclusive, high end wines made from grapes harvested from our own vineyards. The quality and character of these wines are famous around the world.

Mentioning the name Marqués de Vargas means referring to a dynasty of four generations devoted to the production and commercialisation of outstanding wines from the Rioja, since the Marquisate of Vargas is held by a family that has close ties to this acclaimed Spanish winemaking region.

In 1840, Don Felipe de la Mata, 8th Marquis of Vargas, decided to plant the first grapevines at the Hacienda Pradolagar. Since then, four generations of this family lineage have cultivated the vineyards on this estate. Don Pelayo de la Mata, Count of San Cristóbal, and his brother Don Francisco, 9th Marquis of Vargas, who was elected mayor of Logroño, kept the passion for the vines at Pradolagar alive.

Today, Bodegas y Viñedos del Marqués de Vargas has become a solid family project established in three Designations of Origin of great prestige: Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Rias Baixas.

5-Course Bordeaux Wine Dinner: Chateau Beychevelle

7 beautiful wines including 3 vintages of Grand Cru. 5-course meal. You will love it.

When was the last time you truly sat down, sipped your wine slowly, appreciate each whiff of aroma, each tang of flavour and be served with chef-curated lineup of dishes? 

On 11th March 2017, be delighted by Philippe Blanc, the Managing Director of the Château Beychevelle, who will share the winery's history, secrets and, most importantly, 7 beautiful wines, 3 of which are Grand Cru, coming directly from the estate’s cellar, along with their 2nd and 3rd labels.

Chateau Beychevelle is one of the most-sought after estate from the St Julien village’s in the Medoc region of Bordeaux. With a history dating back to the 16th Century, when the Duc d’Eperon, a French Admiral built one of the most beautiful Chateau of the region, and were already producing outstanding wines.

The Chateau, classified as 4th Grand Cru Classe, is a benchmark in the region, producing powerful and concentrated wines, yet balanced with an incredible smoothness and and subtlety that only the Great Grand Crus can offer.

During this wine dinner, guests will be served with an exquisite set of dishes, specially prepared and created by Soleil Chef.  

What to expect at this dinner:
1. A beautiful 5 course dinner prepared by Chef Evert Onderbeke of Soleil Restaurant
2. Taste 7 Chateau Beychevelle wines including 3 Grand Cru  
3. Meet Philippe Blanc, the Managing Director of the estate
4. Mingle with other wine loving individuals

Full Menu

Chef’s Dish - Marinated crabmeat Cucumber, green pea, grapefruit

Wine - Grand Bateau Blanc

****

Chef’s Dish - Intermezzo Wine

Wine - Grand Bateau Rouge

****

Chef’s Dish - Beef tongue maccarello Beetroot, radish, crispy capers

Wine - Amiral de Beychevelle 2013

Wine - Amiral de Beychevelle 2008

****

Chef’s Dish - Slow cooked stuffed Guinea Fowl, Black trumpet risotto

Wine - Chateau Beychevelle 2009

Wine - Chateau Beychevelle 1999

****

Chef’s Dish - Braised Veal shank Lemon and garlic trofie, roasted fennel

Wine - Chateau Beychevelle 2013

****

Poached Peach Vanilla panna cotta, Bellini sorbet

****

Date: Saturday 11th March - 7pm

Venue:  Soleil Restaurant

Lot 7 & 8 Damansara City Mall Jalan Damanlela, 50490 Bukit Damansara

Where to buy tickets:  Online, click HERE 

Limited seats available

SALE Price: RM358
Normal Price: RM388

More about the wines you’ll enjoy at this dinner:

Château Beychevelle    

Ever since it was first produced, and down through the various vintages, Château Beychevelle has reflected the elegance and finesse of Saint Julien's finest terroirs.Graceful and complex, with a tremendous aromatic richness, Château Beychevelle is made from the best plots in the vineyard and undergoes a rigorous selection process. It reveals its character after about ten years, and can be kept for several decades, depending on the vintage.

Amiral de Beychevelle    

The rigorous selection process undergone by the grand vin results in the creation of its younger brother, Amiral de Beychevelle. Despite being made from young vines, Amiral de Beychevelle benefits from the same growing techniques, meticulous sorting, and traditional barrel ageing.It has the same elegance and finesse as its older brother, but reveals its character more quickly, offering wine-enthusiasts the full vivacity of its youth. It can be kept for up to fifteen years, depending on the vintage.

===============================================

The Venue: Soleil Restaurant & Wine Bar

In December 2016, Soleil has moved to a new location. Its 4000 sq ft home is at Damansara City Mall located in Damansara Heights. Whilst continuing to maintain its fine dining roots complete with two new private dining rooms, Chef Evert Onderbeke has created a new casual dining menu at a much expanded bar section. This includes an Alfresco area and the Chef’s Table comprising 5-seat dining area which allows a bird eye view of Chef Evert preparing his award winning creations. 

Soleil [pronounced Soh-lay], means Sun in French is a restaurant located in section 17, opened in August 2013. Serving mostly modern European cuisine with subtle Asian influence, the restaurant boasts a plethora of fresh imported and local seafood options as well as other delectable items including a small selection of meats and pastas on its menu.

Soleil continues on their journey to serve guests with its best curation of dishes in a beautiful setting, perfect for enjoyable and memorable dining.