Kaamatan BBQ .... Not very Kaamatan are we?

Alright...

I believe it's been too long since I last posted something on my blog and finally I am cracking at it, lazily. :)

So, just over the mourning period, on Saturday night, my family organised a small get together since my Aunty and Cousins from Lahad Datu were in KK. I didn't even realise that a BBQ was on the way, until I saw clouds of smoke rising through my room window, which made me panic, as I thought my maid was on fire!! Kidding

Anyway, the feeling was jovial that night, kids running around like no one's business, cats climbing tables, Mommys getting excited over the prospect of striking 4-Digit, birthday candles to blow out, and the first ever chance of getting a glimpse at big sister's elusive boyfriend (which I missed as I went clubbing early). About the latter, it's true! I have a better chance of seing a live Tasmanian Wolf rather than ever seeing him.

Food was prepared by my little sister and the Mommys, while the eating was done by yours truly. Hmm.. Tasty chicken wings. Maybe because we have not had a BBQ in a long time.

Before I conlcude, two funny snapshots just to share with you; one is of course my niece, the other one is of my pet Louis.. hehehe

At the Wake..

8:03 am - I was awaken by a call from my sister. I told them the previous night that I would be spending the Wesak Holiday at a friend's house, obviously to party like mad after working hard the past 2 weeks.

"Grandma has passed on!!" Sheela said while catching her breath..

The words shocked the sleepiness out of me, as I contemplated on my next course of action. It wasn't until 11:00 that I made my way to my Grandma's house in Likas, and what a sad reunion it turned out to be.

You see, I have been one of Grandma's favourite grandchild, but as I grew up, I also grew further apart from my dad's side of my family. Fond memories flushed through my thoughts when I entered the house, amidst the sobs and wails. How I used to love playing until late evening at my grandparent's garden. How my grandma used to kiss and hug me everytime we met. And how fond I was of Grandma's smell when I kissed her. It was all very sad.

My other family members were already there when I arrived. My sisters and mom were all seated in a line on the stairway. My nephew being the little monkey that he is, was oblivious to the emotions felt at that very moment.

Slowly visitors came in and paid their last respect. I was surprised that even for a petite and quiet old lady, my grandma had many visitors. Perhaps it was her easy attitude towards matters and her cooking that made her reputation.

Mmm.. I can easily recall all the curries and dhals, Korma, sambals and murtabak that she made. I always looked forward to Fridays as she would make a large batch of murtabak and dhal that I would eat till I was stuffed. It wasn't the ordinary murtabak you get in Mamak Shops, but the ones that was made with love and care put into it. I used to observe her making murtabak, how she used to take flour out of the flour jar, and get a fresh batch of ghee, how she kneaded the dough to perfection, roll it and then pan bake it. The whole house would have the sweet smell of melted ghee and it meant happiness to me.

Now, her legacy is gone.

Al-Fatihah to Allahyarhamah Hajjah Sarbanun..

You will forever be in our hearts Nek..

How Noble is Noble?

Got a text message from my sister (Sheela), while I was trying to grip a thick notebook, a pen, my over sized wallet, my bank book and at the same time trying to key in the account number on the auto deposit machine at RHB Gaya Street.. Immediately when the phone beeped, everything I just mentioned just now fell to the floor, which gave me my 5 seconds of fame for the day as everyone in the bank turned their heads to look at clumsy me..

The message read : Will you be able to come back by 12:30?

Hmmm.... I wondered why she asked me the question. So I quickly finished up my bank transaction, and left the premises, while replying her text : Can't promise. I'm still at the bank. Why?

Sheela: Boss wants to bring us out for Dim Sum lunch.
Me : Hahaha... Maybe next time la.. thank him for me will ya..

So I leisurely drove back, and when I reached the office, I saw my boss's car parked outside. Apparently he was picking my sister and Wana up, and when I appeared, Sheela walked over to the car and asked me if I wanted to join. So I did..

Dim Sum... Hmmm.. Will we be driving up to KK again?

Apparently no.

Nexus Resort Karambunai has a Chinese Restaurant. Duh!!


I was made to understand that the Dim Sum here is pretty good.. Good Dim Sum? How come I've never heard of this place before? Or have I just ignored it all these years? How come none of my foodie friends never talk about this place?
The interior was just average. I was actually expecting more, perhaps like the Chinese Restaurant at the Hyatt. When we walked in, there were 3 occupied tables, mostly Hotel Guests I presume.


I also felt that the menu selection was limited. I guess I'm used to the trolley pushing servers that brings 'Loong' (Baskets) of tasty dim sum for selection. To be honest with you, I was also once a trolley pushing server when I first started working after SPM, so I know my way around the loongs and menu like the back of my hand.


So Boss made several selections, while Wana and Sheela talked gossip and made tiny laughters.


The usual came out : steamed bun, siew mai, har kau etc...


It was good! Not great, but just good.

And like always, with friends, stories came pouring out. Eventually every single morsel was gobbled up, when I realised that I didn't take any photos, except for the Sesame Balls, which was served pretty simple... Almost like a boat with oarsmen in it.