Kelantan - Place in Malaysia You Shouldn't Miss

If you are looking for local gastronomical delights with a difference, then Kelantan is the place that you should head to.

Located in the east coast, Kelantan boasts for a cultural potpourri when comes to food. The combination of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Thai influence has given rise to unique Malaysian cuisine.
Malaysians will recall the tempting Nasi Kerabu, Nasi Berlauk, Nasi Tumpang, Laksam or Solok Lada that is synonymous with Kelantan and can satisfy even the most difficult to please palate.
Then there are the Malay cakes and sweetmeats, some with unsavoury or strange names like the Tahi Itik, Kuih Kartun, Badak Berendam, Abang Balik Gelisah, Che Abang Guling, Lompat Tikam, Lidah Buaya and many more. Despite their unappetizing names, they taste great.
RICH IN TRADITIONAL FARE
According to the Kelantan State Tourism Director Muhammad Zaki Talib, Kelantan is rich in cuisines that cannot be found elsewhere.
The traditional Kelantan fare serves as a major crowd puller to Kelantan, especially the tourists.
Added with a rich cultural heritage and unparalleled hospitality of the locals, Kelantan is ever ready to receive visitors from within and outside the country, he said.
To showcase Kelantan's culinary offerings the 2009 Kelantan Food Fair, a four day event that began on March 12, was held.
The event organised by the Kelantan State Tourism Action Council was held at the grounds of the Sultan Muhammed IV Stadium and saw the participation of 24 agencies and culinary masters from Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Sabah, Sarawak and Thailand.
UNENDING MENU
The food festival served as an important avenue to highlight Kelantan's unique gastronomy with more than 200 type of food to be sampled by visitors. Among others are the Kelantan traditional cakes and sweetmeats, Sarawak layered cake, rendang tok, lemang periuk kera, ayam percik, lauk-pauk and numerous types of rice dishes and pengat.
One of the specialties dished out at the event is the nasi uduk ayam solor, a typical Kelantanese delight with the chicken grilled with sugar cane and this makes the chicken to taste sweet. Initially ducks were used, but later changed to chicken which is much preferred by the locals.
The list seems to be never ending added with appetizers like cek mek molek, jala mas, akok, puteri mandi, pulut bakar, buah tanjung and ketupat sotong.
Not only the visitors were awed by the vast spread but also the colour, shapes and their alluring presentation that are bound to make anyone drool.
One thing for sure, the food fest was well received by visitors who were all too eager to witness and savour Kelantan's fare.
GREAT TASTE TO SAVOUR
The tourism authority in Kelantan also took the opportunity to invite members of the media to join the fest.
The media members were taken for a three day visit to Kelantan and given the opportunity to savour numerous delights like kerabu jantung pisang, sambal pauh, serunding, kelapa jeli and all the appetizers.
In Kota Baharu alone, there are many locations where one can enjoy the local delights at cheap prices.
Head to the Buluh Kubu food court here and the old market of Majlis Perbandaran Kota Baharu (MPKB) to sample some of the best offerings.
Visitors can also try 'the special steamboat' at Food Village, that provides a different gastronomy experience as they not only get to dip the seafood and tofu in the boiling sup but also grille the meat.
A PLACE TO SHOP
A visit to Kelantan is incomplete without a stopover at Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah, a famous shopping area in Kelantan. For those who love to bargain, it is the place that you should not miss.
The three-storey complex is the clear testament of Kelantan women's dominance in entrepreneurship and here visitors can find a myriad of keropok (fish crackers), handicraft and batik, cloth and clothing, and key chains apart from the traditional delicacies.
This market operates daily from 6am to 7 pm and all business activities will cease for 15 minutes during prayer times.
Another place of interest in Kota Baharu is Wakaf Che Yeh. This market is open after Maghrib and offers merchandise, food, clothing and others at cheap prices.
In a nutshell, Kelantan is a well recognised gastronomical destination that offers its own unique spread and is a value for money shopping destination.

Big Blue Whale is Coming to Town

THE blue whale may be the largest animal on our planet, but it enjoys feasting on one of the smallest animals – shrimp-like crustaceans called krill.
However, it needs about 3,500kg of krill a day, which is equivalent to 64,000 hamburgers.
This interesting fact was disclosed at the Big Blue Multimedia Exhibition at Mid Valley Megamall, which runs until April 13.
A life-size sculpture of a two-month-old, 9m-long, female blue whale calf graces the East Atrium, while a low-frequency sound reverberates in the background.
“It’s to give you a feel of the sound made by a whale, but in reality, the frequency is so low that we can’t hear it,” whale expert and Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute director Dr Bruce Mate said.

The exhibition is presented by the National Geographic Channel and supported by Astro and Mid Valley Megamall to encourage Malaysians to care for this beautiful creature and to raise awareness of marine conservation in Malaysia.
Aside from the accurate replica of the calf crafted by a team of model makers in Australia, the exhibition also features expert sharing session, conservation and education activities and multimedia exhibits on Samsung LCD TV sets.
It also features footage from National Geographic’s documentary Big Blue, which will be aired on the National Geographic Channel 553 on Astro at 8pm on April 12.
From the footage, one will learn many fascinating facts about the blue whale, such as it having no teeth and being able to travel 160km in one day.
Mate, who has been conducting marine life research since 1973, is keen on up-close encounters with the marine mammal because it is mysterious.
“It spends 95% of its life in the sea and surfaces only to take a breath.
“The mystery makes a great detective story. I always say that if children love detective story, they will love science, too. It’s like trying to find out what’s real and getting closer to the truth,” the 63-year-old said.
His most amazing encounter with the blue whale happened in 2001, near San Miguel Island in Santa Barbara County in California.
“It was after a big storm and the waves were about 6m tall. A blue whale was going with the waves, body surfing.
“I sensed that this animal was doing that for fun. Maybe the blue whales have a sense of humour, too,” Mate said cheekily.
Mate pointed out that the blue whale was an endangered species, no thanks to whaling, global warming and ship strike.
“The depletion of the blue whales is because of us. The blue whale needs our help and so we need to find out more about its mysteries.
“We can’t change them, but we can change ourselves,” he said.
Conserving energy and reducing the use of plastic bags and fossil fuel are some of the small steps every one should take.

Beware! Oil Price is Rising Sharply

Oil prices rose sharply Thursday despite more hints that energy use is way down, with traders focusing instead on a rising stock market and surprising news from retailers that suggests Americans are spending money.
If registers at the mall are ringing, that likely means people are driving.
Benchmark crude for May delivery rose nearly 6 percent, or $2.86 to settle at $52.24 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Trading was very light on a shortened trading week.
Nymex is closed for Good Friday.
In London, Brent prices jumped $2.47 to settle at $54.06 a barrel on the ICE Futures exchange.
"A lot of little things are giving investors hope that maybe the economy has seen the worst," said Andrew Lebow, senior vice president and broker at MF Global.
So far this week, home decor chain Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. and restaurant Ruby Tuesday Inc. have reported better-than-expected first quarter results.
Teen retailer Hot Topic Inc. said sales at stores open at least a year rose more than analysts' forecasts.
On Thursday, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said sales at stores open at least a year, excluding fuel, rose 1.4 percent, short of the 3.2 percent rise analysts were predicting.
However, the world's largest retailer said a later Easter was to blame and that April sales are likely to be boosted by the holiday.
The government on Thursday said new jobless claims fell more than expected.
The Labor Department's tally of initial jobless claims fell to a seasonally adjusted 654,000, down from a revised 674,000 the previous week.
Analysts expected claims to drop only to 660,000.
"People are buying oil when they see signs of economic hope," said Phil Flynn, analyst at Alaron Trading Corp.
Flynn said he'll know that global demand has returned - and higher crude prices justified - when he sees both a significant drop in petroleum supplies and a decision by refineries to crank up their operations.
"Right now, we're not seeing that," Flynn said.
The government reported Thursday that natural gas storage levels in the U.S. rose more than expected last week.
Natural gas is a key energy source for many power plants and factories.
Rising storage levels suggest that people are using less energy, and companies are making fewer products.
Workers in energy intense industries like metals or manufacturing have been hit especially hard in recent rounds of job cuts.
That is reflected in the growing stocks of oil and natural gas in U.S. storage facilities.
It is potential energy that is not being used, one side effect of a very bad recession.
The Energy Department's Energy Information Administration said in its weekly report that natural gas inventories held in underground storage in the lower 48 states rose by 20 billion cubic feet to about 1.67 trillion cubic feet for the week ended April 3.
Analysts had expected a boost of between 11 billion to 16 billion cubic feet, according to a survey by Platts, the energy information arm of McGraw-Hill Cos.
On Wednesday, the government reported crude supplies increased by 1.7 million barrels and gasoline inventories rose by 600,000 barrels,
OPEC countries continue to trim crude production in hopes of siphoning off a global surplus.
Tanker tracker Oil Movements reported Thursday that shipments from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries are expected to drop another 280,000 barrels for the four-week period to April 25.
Meanwhile, with U.S. gas supplies well above average for this time of year, refiners have cut back on gasoline production, which has in turn helped boost prices.
The Energy Information Administration said 767,400 barrels of refining capacity will be offline this month, up 14.5 percent from the historical average of 670,000 barrels of offline capacity.
That could mean tighter supply and higher prices in some regions, particularly on the East Coast in the next couple of weeks.
This is the season when refineries shut down for repairs and switch over to summer blends.
That, along with more people hitting the road, usually means higher gasoline prices.
In other Nymex trading, gasoline for May delivery rose 4.14 cents to settle at $1.4810 a gallon and heating oil gained just over 3 cents to settle at $1.4288 a gallon.

Lee Young-ae giving serious thoughts about "Dae Jang Geum 2"

Second series of popular Korean TV drama "Dae Jang Geum" may indeed be coming true. Recently, manager of Lee Young-ae, female lead of the drama, was involved in a case of swindle which cheated production companies of 200million Korean won (about S$220,000) in the name of "Dae Jang Geum 2". The manager subsequently showed up and denied his involvement; instead he claimed to be victim of the scam too. It was said then that there were plans for a sequel to drama. However, according to latest Korea reports, the production team is indeed discussing a sequel to "Dae Jang Geum".

According to Korea's Money Today Star news, Lee who has not acted for some time is seriously considering her return to the screen via the drama "Dae Jang Geum 2". Production company A TOP Media said they are currently in discussion with Lee to decide if they should do part two of the successful drama, or start on something fresh. Lee's manager also admitted to be currently discussing this production and a decision will be made soon.
The success of "Dae Jang Geum" six years ago brought special attention to its sequel, causing rumors to sprout and even bringing about the scam. Should Lee return to the screen with "Dae Jang Geum 2", it will definitely become the hottest topic in town again.

Rihanna delays Malaysia show after alleged attack

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Pop superstar Rihanna has postponed a concert in Malaysia this week, organizers said Tuesday, following reports that she accused her longtime boyfriend Chris Brown of assault.

Rihanna's Los Angeles-based representatives informed Malaysia's Pineapple Concerts that the Feb. 13 show would have to be rescheduled to an unspecified date "in light of recent events involving Rihanna," Pineapple Concerts said in a statement to The Associated Press.
Rihanna had been slated to visit Indonesia and Malaysia on her "Good Girl Gone Bad" tour.
Her planned stop in Kuala Lumpur drew publicity after organizers said she would shun skimpy outfits to conform with Muslim-majority Malaysia's strict rules on performers' dress.
The Los Angeles Times, citing law enforcement officials familiar with the case and other sources it did not name, reported that Rihanna told police that Brown had hurt her the night before the Grammy Awards.
A police statement released Sunday said Brown and an unidentified woman began arguing while riding in a car following a pre-Grammy party where they were spotted together Saturday night. The fight escalated when they got out of the car, the report said.
The report indicated the woman was injured, but Brown was booked only on suspicion of making a criminal threat after walking into a police station Sunday night. Authorities said the district attorney could choose to expand the charges.

Sandra Bullock InStyle

For the down-to-earth actress with friend-you'd-love-to-have appeal, honesty is the only policy. Bullock eagerly answered questions from InStyle readers about family, career, style, and what's next. [ Check Out Pics From Sandra's InStyle Photo Shoot ]

Which role did you really want and not get?

Mary M., Brooklyn

"There haven't been any roles that I wanted that I didn't get, but there was a movie I wish I had done: 'The Matrix.' At the time [I was approached about it], it wasn't cast with Keanu [Reeves], and I didn't see myself with the person they wanted [in it]. Later I saw the movie and loved it. It was sexy and great because of Carrie-Anne [Moss] and Keanu."

What made you want to do your new movie "All About Steve"?

Annisa J., Chula Vista, CA

"I read the script and laughed so much. It encapsulated everything that has gone awry in our society for girls and women, who are pushed to be homogenized. What happened to all the Carol Burnetts in the world? All these great women were allowed to be this unique blend of things. I'm not the blond bombshell; I'll never be that. There's a piece of Mary in everybody -- to be accepted for who you are and not have to change to be seen as normal. To be true to yourself is something I admire. I wish I was like that all the time." [ See Sandra's Look Change Over The Years ]

What do you tell a girl who feels ugly because she's not blond or doesn't have a thin nose?

Elizabeth D., N.Y.C.

"Welcome to my broken nose! [Her sister accidentally broke it while lifting a garage door when they were younger.] ...I was rejected in school because I didn't look like the big-breasted, beautiful girls. I was awkward and sad. My mother always said, 'Be original!' but I didn't understand until I changed to be like everyone else. Once I fit in, I was like, 'What have I done?' I realized that my friends before were much cooler, with a great sense of humor and a way of looking at the world that was more fun. But if I hadn't gone through that, I wouldn't have been driven to make my oddities cool. It's what made me have a sense of humor and thick skin. It's like in 'All About Steve' -- I'm making fun of everything people have judged me for and put it into one character."

Which actresses do you admire most?

John S., Greenburgh, NY

"There are amazing women in our business, and they continue to break ground. I make a joke about Meryl Streep: They just need to give her her own category at the Academy Awards, and when she makes a film that year, give her a statue. I just saw Penelope Cruz in 'Elegy.' No one who looks like that should also be an extraordinary actress. I was so blown away by her in that film, I wanted to write a note to applaud her. We have to support each other. I admire actresses who are good to women. I don't like the ones who just don't like women. You can feel it, and I'm like, 'You're degrading yourself.'"

How do you stay in shape?

Aus J., Brooklyn

"People ask, 'How do actresses do it?' Um, they pay us to do this in order to look good on film. I do Pilates, kickboxing, weight training. When I'm in Austin, I run or ride a bike. If I can work out every day, I will. But there are times when I won't do anything for two weeks, and I'm like, 'You know what? I talk enough to burn calories.'" [ Find Out How To Get Sandra's Flawless Skin ]

What's your most memorable fashion moment?

David M., Los Angeles

"My wedding dress. It was beautifully handcrafted, with elegant French lace. Angel Sanchez designed it, and every time I'd try it on, he'd say, 'Sandra, please [lose] five pounds!' I apologize, Angel. I didn't give him those five pounds, but guess what? That round, shiny, happy person was me."

What is your shopping indulgence?

Christina S., Hicksville, NY

"At the end of every film I buy myself something. I'm frugal and I have to have saved for it. I once bought a big orange Hermes bag, but the guilt that followed from buying it lasted a year. I used it in another movie I just shot, 'The Proposal,' so I feel better about it."

Is there a child in your future?

Megeen C., South Orange, NJ

"I have family in spades. I walk into our house, and it is chaos. Everything we do is about the kids. I haven't had children biologically. I had shut that off; then I met Jesse, and it turned on again. I was like, 'Oh, that's that feeling.' But we realized we had to take care of some other things on this planet first. I hope to God when we get to a place where all is safe, calm, happy and healthy, it's not too late. Not until recently was it that time to say OK. It's now OK. If I waited too long, it's because we were supposed to do other things. If it is just too late? There are millions of children on this planet that I would be honored to call my own."

Meet Bar Refaeli

Sports Illustrated's annual swimsuit issue recently hit newsstands and this year's cover model, Bar Refaeli, is lighting up the Buzz. The drop-dead stunner is absolutely huge in Search. Ready or not, Refaeli-mania is upon us. Here's a primer on what you need to know...

Is she single?

Doubtlessly, this will be the first question asked by males, aged 13 to 99. Alas, Ms. Refaeli is off the market, and frankly, you have no shot. She's currently dating Hollywood A-lister Leonardo DiCaprio. Interestingly, rumor has it that the Titanic star campaigned to get his special lady on the cover. The men of the world thank you for your dedication, Mr. DiCaprio.

Where is she from?

Is she an alien from the planet Ogle? Was she genetically created by an elite crew of Maxim scientists? Neither, actually. Ms. Refaeli is the first Israeli model to grace SI's cover. In an interview with Time magazine, the model revealed that while she can't participate in the upcoming Israeli elections, she'd probably vote for Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.

How long has she been a model?

Proud of yourself because you were bagging groceries at 15? Big whoop. Ms. Refaeli had her first modeling gig when she was 8 months old. The ad was for a baby bib, and in the Time interview, Ms. Refaeli says that it still airs on TV in her native land.

Does she "act"?

It seems like a near certainty: Pose on Sports Illustrated's cover in a bikini (or less) and you're guaranteed an acting career. Kathy Ireland, Elle Macpherson, Paulina Porizkova, Gisele Bündchen, Tyra Banks... The list goes on, but is Bar going to be on it? Yep. According to IMDb, she's set to star in a "psychological suspense drama-thriller" in which a doctor becomes obsessed with a beautiful patient. You'll never guess who Bar plays.