
Summertime sensations
Here are some of the highlights.
Bvlgari – Octo Finissimo
Pushing its Octo Finissimo concept even further with three bold new interpretations, Bvlgari introduces an ultra-thin tourbillon with a rare marble dial, a perpetual calendar rendered in rose gold and a new skeleton model boasting an eight-day power reserve.
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo 8 Days Black.
Once again, Italian flair meets Swiss precision in a collection set to shape the future of contemporary watchmaking.
The Octo Finissimo Marble Tourbillon exemplifies Bvlgari's distinctive approach to haute horlogerie, showcasing the record-setting super-thin BVL 268 calibre.
Housed in a satin-brushed finish, 18K yellow gold case measuring 40mm and just 4.85mm in thickness, the watch has a unique Verde Alpi green marble dial with natural veining.
Yellow gold-plated hands and indexes provide optimal legibility against the striking marble background, while the matching green alligator strap completes its refined aesthetic.
Meanwhile, the Finissimo Perpetual Calendar effectively combines the ultra-thin in-house movement with elegant, contemporary aesthetics.
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Green Marble.
Crafted in sandblasted 18K rose gold, it showcases a rose gold dial with brown hands and indexes, creating a luxurious contrast against the backdrop.
Requiring no adjustment until 2100, this timepiece embodies a distinctive fusion of Italian design and Swiss watchmaking expertise, enhanced by the sophistication of rose gold.
The Finissimo Skeleton 8 Days boasts a powerful and contemporary monochromatic look.
Its black DLC-coated titanium case is paired with a matching rubber bracelet, creating a sophisticated yet sporty aesthetic. With an impressive eight-day power reserve and a skeletonised dial, this timepiece offers a glimpse into the inner workings of its spectacular hand-wound, super-slim manufacture movement, housed in the iconic ultra-thin octagonal case.
Norqain Freedom 60 Chrono Ice Cream.
Chopard – L'Heure du Diamant
Chopard has always been keen to blend high-precision watchmaking with the elegance of fine jewellery.
Drawing inspiration from its gem-studded timepieces of the 1960s and '70s, its L'Heure du Diamant has become a coveted collection, with each timepiece crafted from luxurious materials and steeped in the Scheufele family's century-old expertise.
Now, the collection welcomes a new 26mm model in ethical 18K white gold, featuring a textured mother-of-pearl dial surrounded by diamonds, showcasing Chopard's craftsmanship.
It continues the tradition of striking aesthetics, with its textured mother-of-pearl dial that exudes femininity and iridescence.
Chopard L'Heure du Diamant.
This dial is encircled by more than two carats of brilliant-cut diamonds, put into place by Chopard's signature crown-setting technique.
Inside ticks the brand's 10.01-C mechanical manual-winding movement.
At just 15.7mm in diameter and 2.9mm in thickness, it's one of the smallest and thinnest movements. Yet despite its compact size, it offers an impressive 45-hour power reserve, demonstrating a superb blending of high-performance with exceptional beauty.
Norqain – Freedom 60 Chrono
This watchmaker's latest entry looks like it rolled straight out of an ice-cream parlour and onto one's wrist!
Norqain definitely wants to make it clear that this new watch isn't just another 40mm chronograph – it's actually one with a cheeky grin and a wink, ready to scoop out a serving of pure summer spirit!
Tudor Pelagos Ultra.
With hues of choc chip, raspberry ripple and blueberry burst, the vibrant new edition delivers a taste of playfulness with every glance of the wrist.
Emblazoned with the phrase 'Enjoy Life' on the caseback, it's a watch that doesn't take itself too seriously, yet still shows off Norqain's craftsmanship and mechanical muscle.
The chronograph subdials and sectors of the outer ring are highlighted in baby blue, candy pink and mint green, while the first of every month plus each subsequent seventh day is marked in the date window with a whimsical depiction of a three-scoop ice-cream cone.
The case, crown and chronograph pushers are of polished stainless steel, while a choice of a stainless-steel bracelet or a white rubber strap is on offer.
Powering the watch is the in-house Calibre N19 – a self-winding chronograph movement with a 62-hour power reserve.
Tudor – Pelagos Ultra
Engineered specifically to overcome the challenges associated with saturation diving, this is the most technically capable Pelagos ever made, with 1,000m of water-resistance, a proprietary bracelet adjustment system and a 43mm titanium case composed of both grade 2 and 5 titanium.
It represents a giant stride in technical advancements with a Master Chronometer Certification from the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (Metas).
The watch measures 43mm and 14.5mm thick, but doesn't look overly large thanks to its 22mm lug width, which gives it the visual proportions of something a little smaller.
With this watch, Tudor introduces a new teal accent colour.
On its dial, branding is also applied in this tone, and used as an indicator on the distinct 'rapid adjustment system' spring-loaded clasp.
Powering the Ultra is the MT5612-U master chronometer calibre, and it is also the second Pelagos that is Metas-certified after the FXD GMT.
The watch definitely pushes the Pelagos family to new technical depths, offering a purpose-built tool for serious divers that builds on the foundation of Tudor's modern dive watch legacy.
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The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Natalina Italian Kitchen serves authentic Italian delights and treasures
Ensconced on the third floor of Kuala Lumpur's Avenue K shopping mall is an Aladdin's cave of sorts for those hankering after Italian culinary treasures. At Natalina Italian Kitchen, the space is warm and inviting, with sunny yellow lemons perched on the ceiling and interspersed throughout the space. Beaming warmly as he strides purposefully throughout the eatery is Stefano La Penna, the strikingly handsome Italian chef who helms the kitchen here. La Penna hails from the southern Italian city of Abruzzo. When he was just 18, he was anointed into the world of fine-dining when he was selected to work at the three Michelin-starred Reale in Abruzzo's Castel di Sangro. 'There were 84 applicants and only 11 were selected. I was the only one with no kitchen background – everyone else had a lot of experience,' says La Penna, grinning. The eatery is warm and inviting and has an instant, easy charm. Still, there was probably something about La Penna that got him a foot in the door. He ended up staying there for three years, honing his culinary chops. Since those foundling years, he has worked all over the world, from Fukuoka, Japan to the Bahamas. When he was offered a job in Malaysia, he was actually in the midst of pursuing his masters in food and beverage management in Italy, so he was in two minds about trekking halfway across the world. 'When I came to visit KL, I was shocked. I was like 'Wow, this looks like New York!' And I love how connected the city is to food, so I just fell in love with Malaysia – the people, the place, the lifestyle,' he says. La Penna is the talented chef behind Natalina's soulful Italian fare. In September 2022, La Penna took over Natalina and since then, he has made it a point to impart his particular brand of Italian cuisine to local diners. As he is very passionate about the food of his homeland, he doesn't modify recipes to suit local tastebuds. Instead, his goal is to slowly educate Malaysian diners about the natural beauty of Italian cuisine. 'The primary focus is to provide the authentic flavours of Italy, even though we are in the opposite part of the world. And then I want to try to educate guests about the meaning behind these food traditions, so it is understandable for them,' he says. The menu rotates based on the seasons in Europe, so the current iteration offers a slew of summer hits. Beef tenderloin wrapped around tomato bread may sound like a questionable pairing, but it's actually a surprisingly good one. — ART CHEN/The Star To begin a meal here, look at indulging in the rather unusual Carpaccio Di Manzo (RM58) which features thinly sliced tenderloin wrapped around cherry tomato bread and rounded out with extra virgin oil, tuna mayo and freshly grated parmesan cheese. While bread and meat typically feel like heavier fare, this is a surprisingly light offering whose perkiness is accentuated by the tomatoes in the configuration. The meat here is silken and supine and adds contrast to what feels like a meal you're not likely to have tried anywhere else before. Breaded and deep-fried, the calamari stuffed rolls are delicious from start to finish. — ART CHEN/The Star Then there is the Crocchette Di Calamari (RM42) which is essentially breaded, deep-fried rotund balls filled with calamari and served with a garlic tomato mayonnaise. The balls are excellent – perfectly crispy on the outside and laced with sea-faring notes on the inside, buoyed by the chopped calamari in the mixture. The garlic tomato mayonnaise adds a touch of acidity to the meal and gives it a sunny disposition. Italian burrata cheese is the binding force in this light, refreshing salad. Up next, try the house-favourite Burrata (RM52). Here, imported burrata from the south of Italy is served with tomato confit (enhanced with the famed datterino Italian tomato) and wild rocket salad in what proves to be a tangy, Mediterranean hit anchored by the burrata, which is silken smooth, stretchy and incredibly fresh. From the pasta selections, opt for the Gricia Al Tartufo (RM78) or handmade fettucine in a cheese sauce, with duck bacon pasta and freshly shaved black truffles rounding out this assemblage. The highlight of the sauce is the fact that it is strung together using only cheese (parmesan) and water – no cream is utilised at all. The handmade fettucine is enhanced with a cheese sauce and freshly shaved black Italian truffles. The result is sensational – the pasta itself is cooked to al dente perfection and retains a strong, firm bite. The sauce meanwhile is thick and incredibly hedonistic and this is elevated even further by the opulence of the truffles. Then there is the Chitarrina Al Frutti Di Mare (RM88). Chitarra is hand-made pasta that is cut using a pasta cutter (also called chitarra) with wires stretched across a wooden frame, one that resembles a guitar. (Chitarra means guitar in Italian.) The chitarra spaghetti dish harnesses the richness of the sea and serves it up on a plate. In this dish, the pasta is served with clams, prawns and Boston lobster tail and finished with tuna bottarga and lemon zest. Scattered atop is dehydrated black olives. The entire dish is intense in that it that has been stitched together in order to hold a rich tapestry of oceanic flavours. As a result, the in-your-face aquatic notes may come off a little bolder and brinier than you might be used to, but it's also unapologetically underwater-themed down to the tiniest detail. The wagyu striploin has been cooked in a Josper oven and retains tender, juicy meat. — Photos: ART CHEN/The Star For something from the main meal family, go down a carnivorous path with the Tagliata Di Manzo (RM85 per 100g), which showcases wagyu striploin, served with charred broccolini and truffle sauce. The beef has been cooked in a Josper oven and retains a slight crust on the skin that yields to meat that still has a pink, tender heart and succulence coursing through its veins. The truffle sauce is a rich, nirvanic addition that adds a palatial touch to this caveman course. Luscious, creamy and coffee-tinged, the tiramisu is a sure-fire hit. End your meal on a high note with the all-star charms of the Tiramisu (RM45) – a rich, creamy, coffee-laden treat with a sponge centre and an irreverent, unpretentious charm. Guided by La Penna's able hand, a meal at Natalina takes diners on a vicarious journey through far-flung cities in Italy without losing the soul and essence of the country's culinary comforts. This is a feat that is by no means easy to accomplish when you're halfway across the world, and yet La Penna seems to have nailed it down to a science. Natalina Italian Kitchen Address: Level 3, Avenue K Shopping Mall, 156 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 012-673 3860 Open daily: Noon to 10pm


New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Melody Quah returns to perform Chopin with MPO
SHE left Malaysia at a young age to train as a classical pianist and now resides in Pennsylvania, but Melody Quah's heart remains in her homeland. Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, the 37-year-old pianist still makes it a point to return every summer to visit her parents here. Slated to perform solo in the first instalment of the two-part Chopin Festival at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas on Aug 16, Quah is thrilled to take the stage in Malaysia again. "This will be my second time performing here," said Quah, who last played at the concert hall in 2018 with a Beethoven masterpiece. "And now, I'm going to play Chopin." The concert will be led by Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra music director Junichi Hirokami. "For pianists, he is a special composer because he wrote primarily for piano. "The beauty of Chopin lies in his love for opera, especially the Italian style of singing, which gives his music an intimate, vocal-like quality. "His works are rich with nuance, offering listeners something truly special if we, the performers, do our job right." Quah will perform Chopin's iconic Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, a work that debuted to great acclaim in Warsaw in 1830 when the composer was just 21. The piece is often described as romantic, calm and somewhat melancholic, evoking the emotional landscape of cherished memories. Quah first performed the concerto as a teenager while attending the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney. "I've played it several times as an adult too. I hope that with the years of experience and skill I've accumulated, I can now offer an even more mature and thoughtful interpretation." Currently a professor of piano at Pennsylvania State University, Quah boasts an impressive international resume. Dubbed a "poet with titanium fingers" by the 'Vancouver Sun', she has performed extensively across Asia, Europe, Australia and North America. Her multifaceted career spans solo and collaborative performances, chamber music, education, adjudication and artistic direction. A prizewinner of the 7th International Paderewski Competition in Bydgoszcz, Poland, Quah has graced the stage at Carnegie Hall's Weill Hall and performed as a chamber musician at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theatre. She has appeared as a soloist with orchestras around the world, including the Ku-Ring-Gai Symphony and Central Coast Symphony (Australia), the Pomeranian Philharmonic (Poland) and numerous North American ensembles, such as the Richmond Philharmonic, Academy Philharmonic, Vancouver Philharmonic, Vancouver Symphony, West Coast Symphony, Penn's Woods Festival Orchestra, Williamsport Symphony and Altoona Symphony Orchestra. An advocate of contemporary music, Quah has premiered more than two dozen new works by living composers and commissioned pieces for solo piano from prominent names across Asia and beyond, including Adeline Wong and Tazul Tajuddin (Malaysia), Parisa Sabet (Iran and Canada), Sidney Boquiren (the Philippines), Marisa Hartanto (Indonesia), Emily Koh (Singapore) and Piyawat Louilarpprasert (Thailand). She has also recorded works by Tom DeLio and Baljinder Sekhon. Her academic contributions are equally notable. She has served as artist faculty at the Nanyang International Piano Academy (Singapore) and Euro Arts Festival (Poland) and conducted masterclasses at institutions such as UCSI University and Universiti Teknologi Mara (Malaysia), Medan Musik School (Indonesia), Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (United Kingdom) and various universities across the United States. An active adjudicator and presenter, she contributes regularly to the Music Teachers National Association and the College Music Society and currently serves as president of the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association. Quah earned her Doctor of Musical Arts from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University and holds graduate degrees from the Yale School of Music and the Juilliard School. She received her Bachelor of Music from the Vancouver Academy of Music after completing high school in Australia. Her principal teachers included Boris Slutsky, Peter Frankl, Matti Raekallio, Lee Kum Sing and Snezana Panovska. Quah recalls starting on the piano as a toddler. "I was probably around 2 or 3, playing by ear while my older sister was already taking lessons. "When my mother heard me play, she enrolled me in lessons too." She also plays other instruments, guitar and violin among them, and once told her mother she wanted to learn the flute. Laughing, she adds: "After retirement, I'll probably pick up the cello." Having performed around the world, Quah said one of her most cherished memories was her solo debut at Carnegie Hall, which was reviewed by 'The New York Times'. Another unforgettable moment was when she played the Electone at the opening ceremony of the Bukit Jalil National Stadium. "I was accompanying a famous singer. I can't quite recall who. It wasn't Siti Nurhaliza. Maybe Ning Baizura? But don't quote me on that," she said, laughing. Now a mother of two and married to an American trumpet player, Quah continues to make waves on the global classical music stage. The Chopin Festival continues on Oct 11, when the MPO will present Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2, performed by pianist Martin Garcia evening will also feature Sibelius' Symphony No. 2, with conductor Rune Bergmann leading the orchestra.


The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
Summertime sensations
Summertime certainly has plenty of added significance for fans of horology as some of the most notable watch houses out there are releasing their Watches & Wonders 2025 debutants to the world! Here are some of the highlights. Bvlgari – Octo Finissimo Pushing its Octo Finissimo concept even further with three bold new interpretations, Bvlgari introduces an ultra-thin tourbillon with a rare marble dial, a perpetual calendar rendered in rose gold and a new skeleton model boasting an eight-day power reserve. Bvlgari Octo Finissimo 8 Days Black. Once again, Italian flair meets Swiss precision in a collection set to shape the future of contemporary watchmaking. The Octo Finissimo Marble Tourbillon exemplifies Bvlgari's distinctive approach to haute horlogerie, showcasing the record-setting super-thin BVL 268 calibre. Housed in a satin-brushed finish, 18K yellow gold case measuring 40mm and just 4.85mm in thickness, the watch has a unique Verde Alpi green marble dial with natural veining. Yellow gold-plated hands and indexes provide optimal legibility against the striking marble background, while the matching green alligator strap completes its refined aesthetic. Meanwhile, the Finissimo Perpetual Calendar effectively combines the ultra-thin in-house movement with elegant, contemporary aesthetics. Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Green Marble. Crafted in sandblasted 18K rose gold, it showcases a rose gold dial with brown hands and indexes, creating a luxurious contrast against the backdrop. Requiring no adjustment until 2100, this timepiece embodies a distinctive fusion of Italian design and Swiss watchmaking expertise, enhanced by the sophistication of rose gold. The Finissimo Skeleton 8 Days boasts a powerful and contemporary monochromatic look. Its black DLC-coated titanium case is paired with a matching rubber bracelet, creating a sophisticated yet sporty aesthetic. With an impressive eight-day power reserve and a skeletonised dial, this timepiece offers a glimpse into the inner workings of its spectacular hand-wound, super-slim manufacture movement, housed in the iconic ultra-thin octagonal case. Norqain Freedom 60 Chrono Ice Cream. Chopard – L'Heure du Diamant Chopard has always been keen to blend high-precision watchmaking with the elegance of fine jewellery. Drawing inspiration from its gem-studded timepieces of the 1960s and '70s, its L'Heure du Diamant has become a coveted collection, with each timepiece crafted from luxurious materials and steeped in the Scheufele family's century-old expertise. Now, the collection welcomes a new 26mm model in ethical 18K white gold, featuring a textured mother-of-pearl dial surrounded by diamonds, showcasing Chopard's craftsmanship. It continues the tradition of striking aesthetics, with its textured mother-of-pearl dial that exudes femininity and iridescence. Chopard L'Heure du Diamant. This dial is encircled by more than two carats of brilliant-cut diamonds, put into place by Chopard's signature crown-setting technique. Inside ticks the brand's 10.01-C mechanical manual-winding movement. At just 15.7mm in diameter and 2.9mm in thickness, it's one of the smallest and thinnest movements. Yet despite its compact size, it offers an impressive 45-hour power reserve, demonstrating a superb blending of high-performance with exceptional beauty. Norqain – Freedom 60 Chrono This watchmaker's latest entry looks like it rolled straight out of an ice-cream parlour and onto one's wrist! Norqain definitely wants to make it clear that this new watch isn't just another 40mm chronograph – it's actually one with a cheeky grin and a wink, ready to scoop out a serving of pure summer spirit! Tudor Pelagos Ultra. With hues of choc chip, raspberry ripple and blueberry burst, the vibrant new edition delivers a taste of playfulness with every glance of the wrist. Emblazoned with the phrase 'Enjoy Life' on the caseback, it's a watch that doesn't take itself too seriously, yet still shows off Norqain's craftsmanship and mechanical muscle. The chronograph subdials and sectors of the outer ring are highlighted in baby blue, candy pink and mint green, while the first of every month plus each subsequent seventh day is marked in the date window with a whimsical depiction of a three-scoop ice-cream cone. The case, crown and chronograph pushers are of polished stainless steel, while a choice of a stainless-steel bracelet or a white rubber strap is on offer. Powering the watch is the in-house Calibre N19 – a self-winding chronograph movement with a 62-hour power reserve. Tudor – Pelagos Ultra Engineered specifically to overcome the challenges associated with saturation diving, this is the most technically capable Pelagos ever made, with 1,000m of water-resistance, a proprietary bracelet adjustment system and a 43mm titanium case composed of both grade 2 and 5 titanium. It represents a giant stride in technical advancements with a Master Chronometer Certification from the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (Metas). The watch measures 43mm and 14.5mm thick, but doesn't look overly large thanks to its 22mm lug width, which gives it the visual proportions of something a little smaller. With this watch, Tudor introduces a new teal accent colour. On its dial, branding is also applied in this tone, and used as an indicator on the distinct 'rapid adjustment system' spring-loaded clasp. Powering the Ultra is the MT5612-U master chronometer calibre, and it is also the second Pelagos that is Metas-certified after the FXD GMT. The watch definitely pushes the Pelagos family to new technical depths, offering a purpose-built tool for serious divers that builds on the foundation of Tudor's modern dive watch legacy.