Cooking lessons

Do you look at the greens available in Kuala Lumpur and sometimes wonder what they are, what they’re good for and how to cook them? Then this course is absolutely for you! An introduction to at least 10 types of local vegetables; their names, nutritional value, how to prepare and stir-fry them.  Learn how to stir-fry the Chinese way — tasty, crunchy and appealing vegetables. This is a demo (not hands on course) and tasting of each vegetable. Also includes lunch (coffee/tea, small soup, basil fried rice and dessert) afterwards. The course is conducted by Judy Phoon, and priced at RM100 per person. For inquiries or reservations, email [email protected]

A public talk with writer Isa Kamari

The Silverfish Festival of Cabbages is a series of events planned for every Saturday and Sunday during the months of August and September, held at 20-2F, Bangsar Village 2, Bangsar Baru, KL. The Silverfish public talk series was initially a means of getting academia closer to “real” people, to discuss difficult topics with levity — other than partisan politics. On Saturday, Isa Kamari, a leading Malay language writer from Singapore will be giving a talk about the Malay writing scene on the island republic. The talk will start at 5pm and end at 7.30pm. Attendance is free. For inquiries, call (03) 2284 4837 or visit www.facebook.com/silverfishbooks.

Häagen-Dazs

If you didn’t think that it was possible to innovate on the amazing array of mooncake flavours that chefs have come up with in recent years, think again. Häagen-Dazs has now come up with ice cream mooncake available in three flavours: chocolate, summer berries & cream and mango. They can now be purchased from any Häagen-Dazs outlet in Malaysia. To add to the fun, any purchases made before Aug 24 enjoys 10% off. For more info, visit www.haagendazs.com.my or www.facebook.com/haagendazsmalaysia.

Dolly Dim Sum

Dolly Dim Sum is celebrating the Mid-Autumn festival with a special mooncake gift box which includes four pieces of mooncakes in a variety of flavours. Priced at RM79 and available from now till Sept 27, each purchase also comes with a complimentary voucher from Fresca Mexican Kitchen Bar. In conjunction with the festival, Dolly Dim Sum is also running a creative photo contest — post a photo of your favourite moments at the restaurant Instagram with the hashtag #dollymooncake and you’ll be in the running for some great prizes. For inquiries, call (03) 2181 3830. Dolly Dim Sum is located at Lot G9, Ground Floor, Avenue K, 156 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur and opening hours are from 11am to 10pm.

Steve Nanda Quartet

The Steve Nanda Quartet performs at Alexis Bistro tonight and tomorrow night at 10pm, set to deliver an exciting blend of jazz fusion and world music. The band will feature Steve Nanda on drums, Patrick Terbrack on saxophones, Wei Li on keyboards and Daniel Foong on bass; all of whom are very active in the local live music scene. This high-energy band will be featuring original material drawing influences from local ethnic music as well as some interesting covers by well-known jazz artists. A dress code of no shorts and slippers apply, and patrons are required to be aged 10 and above. For reservations or inquiries, call (03) 4260 2268 or log onto www.alexis.com.my. Alexis Bistro is located at Great Eastern Mall, 303 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

MPO plays the music of Queen

The legendary Queen comes to life again this weekend with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO). Featuring some of Queen’s most popular songs from decades past, the MPO along with Brent Havens, Brody Dolyniuk, Dan Clemens, George Cintron, Powell Randolph and Bart Kuebler will transport you back in time. Relive the genius of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon and Roger Taylor. Three performances take place at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas tonight and tomorrow at 8.30pm and Sunday at 3pm. Tickets are priced at RM150, RM200, RM280 and RM350 and can be purchased from mpo.com.my or by calling (03) 2331 7007.

Jes Ebrahim@Gaslight

Join Jes Ebrahim at the Gaslight Café Vol: II at 8pm tonight to catch him perform live. Although only 22 years of age, Jes has been performing since 2007, mainly at open mic gigs around the Klang Valley, such as at Lepak Cage and Arista Tropicana City Mall. He’s also written songs with the Tree Theatre Group, a children and youth based non-governmental organisation which uses art to spread environmental messages. A mixture of folk, traditional and alternative, Jes’ music is eclectic, yet strangely compelling. Galight Café & Music is located at Unit 15-2, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Plaza Damansara, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.

Live Sparkle Series

The Live Sparkle Series aims to expose home-grown musicians to the masses — it’s a weekly performance featuring the rich repertoire of local electro, acoustic, hip hop, sound art, experimental and ambient music. Tonight, Fadhil Zulkifri, The Venopian Solitude and Mr. Dragon will grace the crowd with their presence at Life Fact, which is located at No 33-2, Plaza Danau 2, Jalan 4/109f, Taman Danau Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur. Admission is priced at RM25 and can be purchased at the door. All performances start at 9pm, and doors open at 8.30pm. For inquiries or reservations, call (012) 377 8558 or email [email protected]

Circling the Sun

Paula McLain’s newest book to hit the shelves, Circling the Sun has already topped the bestseller’s list on the New York Times. Famed for her phenomenal bestseller, The Paris Wife, McLain now tells the story of Beryl Markham, a record-setting aviator caught up in a passionate love triangle with safari hunters Denys Finch Hatton and Karen Blixen. Transporting readers to 1920s Kenya, McLain skilfully weaves the enigmatic African landscapes into her enthralling new tale following Beryl and her restless heart. Circling the Sun can be purchased from Kinokuniya at RM95.22. Visit http://malaysia.kinokuniya.com for more information.

The Martian

The Martian, a science fiction novel by Andy Weir in 2011 has recently found a resurgence in popularity as a movie based on it is scheduled to be released in October this year, starring Matt Damon and Jessica Chastain. The Martian follows an American astronaut, Mark Watney as he becomes stranded alone on Mars and is forced to improvise in order to survive. The novel has been praised for its accuracy, as Weir had done extensive research on orbital mechanics, astronomy, and the history of manned space flight. The Martian is available at MPH stores nationwide at RM37.90, or can be purchased online at www.mphonline.com.