REMOVING THE GENERATION GAP

Dearest Friends, Fans and Family,

Finally after such a challenging pursuit, we are proud and happy to present to you “ADRENALINE - CHRISTIANBPALENCIA EP LAUNCH”. Many of you have played a part in helping Christian catch his dream, you’ve helped choose his guitar, decide the tracks for the EP, contribute photos and ideas, early morning interviews, going for his gigs, sponsoring his portrait, giving him a chance by listening to him, promoting his dream and to the extent of picking him up and sending him home after recording sessions. For that, we want you to know that we are eternally grateful, to us - EVERY EFFORT COUNTS! For those who are relentless and wish to help us further, we welcome your help and participation to a SOLD-OUT LAUNCH!

In my thinking, I don’t see this as just another event. I see this as a community event, as a chance, a chance to, so to say, remove the generation gap. This is a time we get to interact and bring together several generations under one roof. We get to see how our Generation Y work, think, play and in the spotlight. We get to prove to them that they matter, they count! We get to make a difference and we get to increase them, to get to their full potential. We get to help them succeed. We get to take part in building our leaders for tomorrow, our future.

A Little About Christian

Christian is a Generation Y, he’s 18, a college student, a born leader, goal oriented, confident, full of enthusiasm, a self-taught musician, very hardworking, a king’s scout and super talented. He’s been writing songs and of late, he had been aggressively building a fan base. His dream is to be a Star and his mission for now is to inspire people. So far, he’s been doing a pretty good job and we are here to help him achieve his goals. Most importantly, Christian is willing to do whatever it takes to get where he wants to go.

PROGRAMME FOR THE NIGHT

8.00pm - Arrival of guests

8.20pm - Enter hall

8.30pm to 9.00pm - Christian performs

9.05pm to 9.30pm - Special performance by  Mia Palencia

9.35pm to 10.00pm - Christian performs

10.05pm onwards - Autograph signing, phototaking, sharing

PASSES AND SEATING ARRANGEMENTS

All passes are numbered and in running order. They are also distributed out on a first come first served basis. This means that the sooner you get your tickets the closer you are to the stage; and the better your seats. You may call us or better still SMS US to make an early booking to secure your seating arrangements and then pick up your tickets when it is convenient for you. However, you should mention your dates. If you are coming with a big group and you want to sit together, make it a point for your friends to confirm as early as possible. Lastly, please make sure you get the numbers of your passes you want booked correct and that they are in running order for group bookings. Ideally, there will be no passes at the door. Passes are priced at RM48, EP included. In the meantime, we are hoping to put together a goody bag for you, the more sponsors we get; the more goodies for you.

From this point forward, we have 49 days to a SOLD-OUT LAUNCH! Take time, come out and join us. Bring everyone, our parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties, friends and their friends. Ask them if they would come. Our promise to you is a fun, exciting and inspiring night.

Thank you for asking everyone folks, to us - EVERYONE COUNTS! Thank you also for your helping hand.

“You can’t do it all yourself, don’t be afraid to rely on others to help you accomplish your goals” - Oprah Winfrey

Love and Peace, Jen    

WHAT'S BEEN, WHAT'S IN, WHAT'S COMING...

Dearest Friends and Family,

Even though I live in sunny Malaysia where the weather is mostly hot and wet, I still love to follow the seasons in the metaphysical sense. Somehow, I get the drift, an outline of what is taking place and an idea of what’s to come. 

So, according to the solar calendar, we are now into the second month of autumn. In autumn I’ve observed that because metal is prosperous…the winds are so to say…cold, dry and piercing…physically, our hair and skin tend to get dryer, you notice? Water is becoming stronger and stronger and together with the energies of the year of the water dragon, publishing appears to stay dominant. We see the emergence of many new self-published authors; everyone wants to write including myself. Earth is weak and so we see and hear of many going homeless, a pivotal point in many minds. Wood is interpreted as dead and generally folks in the retail line are being challenge. I suspect a do or die year in store for some. Fire is trap, terribly weak hence it’s tough to keep afloat, happy and stay passionate. 

Ahh…autumn, a time of contemplation, to take heart and time to refocus, reflect, rethink and become rejuvenated. You ready…let’s go!

I’ve been reminded to give a heads up on this side of the planet, what’s been, what’s in and what’s coming! I have to say that it’s been pretty great for us so far. After such a long spell of uncertainty, we actually had to reacquaint ourselves with this new season of much promise. We are happy, much more peaceful at heart and we sincerely wish the same for all of you.

Here goes….

At Jen’s Homegrown Cooking Academy we’ve been pretty busy with our tourist classes (Tuesdays and Wednesdays only). We’ve met so many great folks from all over the world; I’m like totally convinced that “people who love to cook”, they really rock!

What I’m really really happy to announce though is that we have a new partnership coming in this October. I have been commissioned by Oasis Swiss Sdn Bhd to hold FREE monthly cooking demos at our venue. Yes, I will be demonstrating and sharing “How to cook with Futura’s Hard Anodized Pressure Cooker”. We end each session with food test-tasting so do watch out for our announcement schedule! You can also buy these amazing units at our school.

On the other hand, Jen’s Underground Supper Club continues to thrive with the amazing support from many of you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. As per our announcement on our facebook page (please like us if you haven’t), available dates for normal dinner bookings are still opened for 4th, 5th, 6th October and 3rd, 8th November only. To those who have called to book for other dates, we apologise, do try your best to fit into the above dates.

For those who celebrate Christmas, you might want to consider booking for any one of our 10 amazing Christmas Dinner Parties that we are throwing. Not arrogant but if you have not tried my Christmas feast, you must, as always, everything’s made-from-scratch!

Here’s an outline of my menu,

For starters - Mushroom Tartlets, Sherry Ruby Red Poached Pear Tapas, Chevre Cheese Truffles, Hot and Spicy Salsa Bruschetta, Apricot Glazed Meatballs, Tasmanian Brie with Cognac on French rounds

Solothurn Wine Soup for Entrée

Mains – A combination of three types of roasts, Roast Beef, Roast Turkey with real Cranberry Sauce, Stuffed Roast Lamb or Stuffed Roast Chicken served with Fresh Greens, Feta Cheese, Cranberries and Pecans

Desserts – French Puff Pastry served with Hazelnut Praline and Crème Patisserie and Brandy Cherry Baby Cheesecake.  

Dates are per as below everyone, it’s never too early to plan for Christmas and remember, we do not take last minute bookings. Make a date with us! Also, do ask Natasha about our Gift Certificates.

November - 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 21st, 22nd, 27th, 30th  

December - 6th and 7th

As much as I tried, I could not do away with JEN’S CHRISTMAS CAKES AND CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES, orders are coming in. Just a gentle reminder that our cakes take 2 months to mature so all orders must come in by 20th October. Also, I think by now you know that I use Fluer de Sel for my cookies so planning ahead is a prerequisite. Hope that’s cool with you.

Last but not least, we’ve set the date for CHRISTIAN’S EP LAUNCH. It’s gonna take place at 8.30pm, 9th December, 2012 at Bentley Music Auditorium. Please come and support Christian everyone, your encouragement and support will mean so much to him and his future. Tickets are available at RM48 (includes EP), so do call Natasha for your tickets. Also, we would be ever so grateful if you could share this event with your friends.

Mia will be back and will be playing a set. No promises but I hear that she will be selling some new stuff she’s recording in AussieLand.

Here’s a clip of Christian so you know what to expect. Thanks in advance!

Click on this link to watch the video 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHrBAv7CzxE&feature=autoshare 

On a separate note we’ve been so lucky to make new friends in the media who share my passion for food. As always our gratitude goes out to the folks at IM Magazine, Personal Money Magazine, The Edge – Lifestyle and NewMan Magazine.

Seriously, I’m thinking, a party for all our media friends, what say you?

Love and Peace, Jen

JEN'S JULY UPDATES

Hey Everyone, 


It's been like forever since my last update and as much as I had planned to regulate my writing and regiment our schedule, destiny got the better of me and us! 


Firstly, you know how the music world can get complacent, and we don't have to spell it out but there are times we have felt more frustrated than awed. Well, after 12 years in the business, biting our tongues and with 7 inches between our ears, there's only so much hope we can put up with. Imagine our surprise when Petronas came forward and offered us, yes us SABAHANS, an opportunity to explore our talent and get our work out to the public? 


"Is this a joke?" I asked. "I tell you what," I said to them, "Call us back only when you're serious, really serious", I volunteered. 


As it turned out, phew, what a break! It wasn't a joke. Check out what we did. Kudos to our Mia Palencia!


Kembali by Mia Palencia


Now there we were, busy as ever with the "Kembali" timeline, giving our all and, mind you, losing our minds. Emails poured in; and the phones just kept ringing.


"The Hindu: Life and Style/Metroplus, Her World, Marie Claire, Capital FM, Going Places, Fried Chillies, LifestyleAsia Kuala Lumpur, Men's Folio, Bloggers, Malaysia Tourism, Japanese Media, but, but I'm not ready! The place is not ready! And I have to cook; we're booked! And besides, I have to teach and blog, and what about my writing, huh?" 


My heartfelt thanks to: 


Shonali Muthaly of The Hindu Times for two articles:
http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article3383899.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/Food/article2899739.ece


Renyi Lim of Marie Claire for our feature:
http://jensundergroundclub.blogspot.com/p/media.html


Xandra Ooi and Liang of Capital FM - Natasha and I had an awesome time!


Vivian Chong and Lee Kuen of Going Places - out in this July issue, we haven't seen this yet


Marie Lim of Her World - coming out in August


Kenny Mah of Men's Folio - coming out in September


Sean of Eat Drink KL Blog:
http://eatdrinkkl.blogspot.com/2012/03/jens-underground-supper-club.html 


Chris Healy Blog:


http://followchris.me/2012/04/making-rounds


Yin Jie Blog:
http://malaysianbaby.blogspot.com/2012/04/jens-underground-supper-club.html


Alexandra Prabaharan of LifestyleAsia and Friedchillies:
http://my.lifestyleasia.com/en/features/wine-and-dine/kl-s-underground-supper-clubs-11052/
http://www.friedchillies.com/articles/detail/take-it-way-down-underground/ 


Liyana Dizzy Blog:
http://dizzy.li/tag/jens-underground-supperclub


Syafinaz of Tourism Malaysia and Japan Media

Then, "What did you say? Come again. Discovery Channel Asia? What do they want? Are you kidding me? But, my face! I'm fat!"


Well, meet Aaron Craze everyone, celebrity Chef from London! If you've not met him on TV, "Rude Boy Food", Aaron was the winner of "Jamie's Chef" a television competition created by Jamie Oliver in 2007. Since then he has opened a restaurant with Jamie and written a book "Aaron cooks Italian". 


Aaron was here at Jen's Underground Supper Club and Jen's Homegrown Cooking Academy filming his soon to air "Taste Off" series which will air via Travel and Living on Discovery Channel in September. During this particular episode in Kuala Lumpur, Aaron will meet three homegrown or self-taught chefs, learn a dish from each of them, then take on a challenge to beat "one of them" on her/his featured dish. 


When Aaron and Discovery Channel chose me, I decided to challenge Aaron with my "Sirloin Beef Rendang". To see who wins -(we had nine food test-tasters) - catch our episode!

OUR YOUNGEST ASPIRING SONGWRITER - Christian Palencia also got to Jam with Aaron Craze

So now with most of the dust settled, here are the July updates:

TOURIST COOKING CLASS - Every Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Elaiph and Rob - Rob Hope is Britain's Most Aspiring World Leading Body Builder

Shonali Muthaly from The Hindu Times and Chris Healy - A World Traveler from USA

JEN'S LITTLE HOMEGROWN CHEFS - Happy to mention that Vignes Balasingam has agreed to come forward as our official photographer.

Clarissa is only 9 years old and she made this cake with Jen for a special Hantaran.

JEN'S UNDERGROUND SUPPER CLUB - Open for Dinner bookings Thursdays to Saturdays with the exception of the first Thursday of every month when we only open for "Tea". Do take note that this Wednesday 4th July, we will be open especially for 4 beautiful ladies (serious foodies) from India who are coming to Malaysia to specifically dine at our destination. We welcome you to join us!

HARI RAYA PINEAPPLE TARTLETS AND KUIH MAKMUR - Thank you to all who have placed your orders. If you have not, please do so now! For my Kuih Makmur lovers, I've gone all out to get the bestest peanuts from KK so you can expect them to be even more special this time round.

Love and Peace,

Jen

www.jensundergroundclub.blogspot.com or www.homegrownchefs.blogspot.com

3 THINGS YOU HAVE TO KNOW AND DO BEFORE THE WEEKEND!

Hey Everyone,

We've been swamped and.making headway in the news.phones are ringing.foods are serving night and day.cameras clicking away.and our Mia is coming home to wow us again after a very long spell.

DINNER AND JAZZ WITH MIA PALENCIA - 30th March 2012, Friday - RM198++ per person (RM227.70nett)

We really really wish with all of our hearts for a SOLD OUT night but you know what, we can only do this with YOU! You can expect our promise of a small intimate crowd, good sound, great food and totally amazing jazz. Mia will be swinging with two of Malaysia's highest acclaimed musicians, John Thomas on drums, Fly on bass and the very best from China, Eric Li on piano.

Show your love Everyone, we're counting on you...call Jen or Natasha now at 03 7728 7909 for your tickets! And.by the way.for all who are coming.you get to enjoy 20% off our normal rates to hire Mia for your private event. Please know that while we are extending this offer kindly take note that your preferred dates do not clash with Mia being at school.

Click here for a preview listen www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgCjg0QzqnM

JEN'S LITTLE HOMEGROWN CHEFS

We're happy to announce that our publisher has set the month of September 2012 to be the launch of our book "Jen's Little Homegrown Chefs". Below are some samples of our work in progress. You can place your orders with us NOW!

JEN'S UNDERGROUND SUPPER CLUB

Needless to say, we have been totally blessed with the help of many bloggers, KL radio air time, international media and on-going listings. We'd like to extend our appreciation to all who continue to believe in us. I look forward to welcoming you to our Underground and cooking especially for you.

As such, we are now open for tea Tuesdays to Fridays, 3pm to 6pm and some Saturdays when there are no private bookings from 6pm to 9pm due to demand. Do visit http://www.eatdrinkkl.blogspot.com/2012/03/jens-underground-supper-club.html for an idea of what we serve.

Call us and see you at Mia's.


Love and Peace always, Jen

JEN'S 2012 UPDATES!

Hey Everyone!

Finally 2011 is officially over (4th February - enter the Dragon, Ren Chen) and I’ve only just completed auditing our 2011 list...which then brings us to visualize upcoming goals and plans for 2012! “What?” you might say “I did mine like months agooo”. Well, I know, I know, thing is, I do struggle year in, year out. Don’t you?

The following are some memorable mentions for 2011


Turning wiser at 55?

with the help of Vanessa and Mia...

Home vacation with “The Mafias” to our beautiful tropical hometown Kota Kinabalu

On the way to Pulau Sapi (loosely translated, Cow Island)

Mosaic Music Festival Singapore 2011 with Mia Palencia - thank you Ester (for bringing us in the second time), Mosaic Music Festival and Carlota Lo for her most gracious hospitality 

Outdoor Theatre - Mia performing a collaboration with Adhitia from Indonesia

Mia  indoors at "The Living Room" backed by our favourite friends Zalila and Melina

"in the house" interview

Jen, Nessa, Brabon, Mia, Vanessa Chua and Carlota Lo

Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices (double bill) and Raul Midon in Concert 

Appeared on RTM1, TV2, TV3 and NTV7 www.homegrownchefs.blogspot.com

A feature in Female Magazine

Turned the “BIG 50”

Ethereal Pear Charlotte

Our 3rd daughter Vanessa Twyla graduated

Our future writer

Having the cake and eating it!!!

Our son Christian Palencia's confirmation

My son, Christian

Jen’s Homegrown Academy 1st Anniversary and exceeding 100 students

Jen’s Homegrown Academy 1st first official graduation 11 proud apprentices

Travelled to Paris, Lourdes, Geneva, Zurich, Mount Appenzell, Arth-Goldau, Luzern, Epesses, Montreaux, Bex, Gstaad, , Thun, Montespertoli, Firenzi, Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, Rome, Biene, Tramalar, Bern, Jungfrau, Fribourg, Neuchatel  

Prayed at Lourdes, The Vatican City and visited more than 20 churches throughout Europe

Read “In Search of Bacchus”, “The sharper your knife, The less you cry”, “Enter the 10 Gods”, “Analyse the Gods”, “Letting go”, “Linchpin”, “The Rules of Wealth”, “The Prince”

Became a Blogger www.jenthecookingtourist.blogspot.com

Officially an Underground Chef 

http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=%2F2012%2F1%2F2%2Flifeliving%2F9936247&sec=lifeliving#.TwEY24YncvE.facebook

Experienced Fete de la Musique, Paris Jazz Festival, Latin Street Festival, Zurich and Montreaux Jazz Festival

Attended several Cooking and Baking Classes in Paris, Tuscany and Switzerland

Corrine Preteur (Ceo of Lifestyle Vacations) Chef Patrick and Moi

Chef Myriam

Chef Patricia

My beautiful friends and Chef Laura in Tuscano

Learnt to speak French and Italian

Brabon and I celebrated an advance “Anniversary” playing in the snow during summer at Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe - a gift from Kurt and Olga Wittwer

Stayed at Podere Dell’ Anselmo, a vineyard and olive oil estate amidst the magnificent Tuscan countryside and learnt from Fabrizio himself; about wines and olive oils www.forconi.it

The ever charming Fabrizio whose hospitality cannot be matched!

Got our 1st review on Tripadvisor for Jen’s Homegrown Cooking Academy “Tourist Class” http://www.tripadvisor.com.my/ShowUserReviews-g298570-d2477681-r123131870-Jen_s_Homegrown_Cooking_Academy-Kuala_Lumpur_Wilayah_Persekutuan.html

Mia Palencia’s 1st Official Music Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwrhRF-ssvk

Mia Palencia’s  1st Australian “Bernie Shines” TV Commercial

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5CNhmYbjm0

Suffice to say, we’re certainly not quite sure how we might match 2011 at all! Well, I’m guessing “what better way than to kick off 2012 by first putting our skills into action” huh? So for now, here are some early ideas we have lined up and so to say, ride The Dragon…

Jen’s Underground Supper Club

Kiss crowded restaurants and the same old predictable boring thingy goodbye this Valentine's and take the love of your life for a stylish European secret supper adventure...tell me, when was the last time you did something super exciting together huh? Open bookings are available for 14th February and 1st March. Also while you’re at it, ask us about our specially designed “Custom-Made Cocktails Events” and watch out for our upcoming “Real Jack Daniels Burger Friday Nights - no bluff”!

“Take A Bow” Dinner and Jazz with Mia Palencia at Hotel Equatorial - 30th March, Friday at RM200nett - Yes folks, specially flown in courtesy by Hotel Equatorial…besides MPO is history…and Mia Palencia has just got better and better…come, take a bow and join us for “our last gig at Hotel Equatorial”…secure your bookings with us now. Call us at 03 7728 7909 or 016 916 8598 or Hotel Equatorial direct, more details to follow up soon.

Jen’s Homegrown Cooking Academy

1)   Level 1 Apprenticeship - registration is happening now with classes resuming this 18th February. They’re saying “Help your kids to help themselves”

2)    Master Chef At Home - 24th February - “Cooking in Tuscany” - Don your Aprons and learn, or sharpen your skills, and discover the secrets to making crispy delicious “Fried Zucchini”, The perfect “Eggplant Parmigiana” (I’m not kidding) and the most spoken about “Classic Tiramisu” after which we sit down and indulge in your very own efforts. Want to make it more fun? Come and learn with a partner and bring that bottle of wine along with you! Don’t wait, we’ve been having lots of fun!

3)    Happy Customers - Click and read what the young and old have to say!

4)    Bridal Showers - It’s a hit and new on the block

5)    Tourist Class - Don’t know what to suggest or do with your visiting guests or clients? Send them to us for an awesome, delicious, authentic and classic “Malaysian Cooking Culinary Adventure”

Jen’s HomeKitchen

This is just a gentle reminder to remind everyone of our occasional Famous Cookies, Celebratory Cakes and Poolside Catering (New). 

Find us and Like us on Facebook

If you haven’t, then do so now!!! Wake up and smell “The Starbucks” folks, don’t be so old-fashioned or afraid and be left behind. Haven’t you notice that our entire planet is in our fingertips!

Jen’s Underground Supper Club

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jens-Underground-Supper-Club/146649492069201

Jen’s Homegrown Cooking Academy

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jens-Homegrown-Cooking-Academy/166713690034351?ref=ts

Jen’s HomeKitchen

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jens-Homekitchen/148931251798415

Happy 2012 everyone, I look forward to cooking for you and welcoming you to our Underground Supper Club and Cooking School. Oh and thank you for spreading the joys, your continuous support is precious to us!

As always our gratitude and special thanks to

The Star, Female Magazine, Expatriate Lifestyle Magazine, Women’s Weekly Magazine, Time Out KL, RTM1, TV2, TV3 and NTV7

Love and Peace always, Jen