I attended Tun Dr. Mahathir officiating "The Loaf"

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad officially launched his gourmet bakery and pastry restaurant, The Loaf, at The Pavilion in Jalan Bukit Bintang, this afternoon.

Left: The Loaf, from Jalan Bukit Bintang

Right: Tun Dr. Mahathir releasing the balloons upon alighting from the car, marking the launch

The restaurant, is operated under M & M Consolidated Resources Sdn. Bhd., was a venture with the son of a long time Japanese friend. He was inspired to open this bakery as he was fond of gourmet Japanese breads and pastries, whilst on visits to Japan, since 25 years ago. Since there was no such product nor restaurant here, he took the opportunity after retired from Government.

The first restaurant was opened at the foot of Gunung Mat Cincang in Langkawi and this one, commenced operations on 2 October 2007. his partner and long time friend, Jiro Suzuki will run the business. They expect to open more outlets, which include Singapore.

Left: Tun Dr. Mahathir giving his speech

During the media conference, Jiro said the investment for this was RM 3 million and they expected to recover the investment just after a year. They also anticipated that the outlet can bring in RM 1 million a month sales.

Right: Datin Norzieta Zakaria (wife of Dato' Mukhriz) in forefront where else Dato' Mohamed Abid (Dato' Mokhzani's father in law), Datin Mastissa Mohamed (Dato' Mokhzani's wife), Dato' Khalid and Dato' Siti Nurhaliza in the back

Left: An interesting 'decor', made from bread, at the entrance of the restaurant

Many of his old friends were there, which include former Transport Minister Tun Ling Liong Sik, former Chief Secretary to the Government and EPF Chairman Tan Sri Halim Ali, Emkay Chairman Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal, Naza Motor Chairman Tan Sri Sheikh Nasimuddin SM Amin, The Pavillion Chairman Tan Sri Ismail Aziz, Berjaya Chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan, Ekran Chairman Tan Sri Ting Pek Khiing, Country Heights Chairman Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew and wife of former Finance Minister, Toh Puan Mahani Idris-Daim. Celebrities like Dato' Khalid Mohd. Jiwa and songstress Dato' Siti Nurhaliza were present too, seen socialising along with Tun 's children and one of his in laws.

Left: Salahuddin enjoying a light moment with Dato' Kadir

Some of the familiar faces, include former NST Group Editor Dato' A. Kadir Jasin and my good friend, Salahuddin Hj. Hisham were present to celebrate this joyous gastronomic occasion.

Right: Salahuddin chatting up some of the known bloggers

So were some of the usual blogger friends like Rocky, Nuraina Samad, Jeff Ooi and Soon Li Tsin. Of course Rantings-by-MM blogger, Dato' Marina Mahathir, who were there with her husband Tara and daughter, Ineza.

Left: Rocky struck a very interesting pose, during the PC

Tun Dr. Mahathir's staff from Perdana Leadership Foundation were there, too.

Right: Tun Dr. Mahathir's private secretaries Sufi and Azlin, who were present to ensure the event when smoothly

I would personally recommend the signature bread, 'Compagne Fromage' and the chocolate mouse tart for the take-aways and if you decide to sit in for a meal and enjoy the ambience on the Level VI, the carbonara spaghetti or smoke salmon sandwich is the thing to go for. They say the lamb sandwich is rather good too!

We wish success on The Loaf. Personally, I would like to see more on the menu offered.

*An update, as of 3.30am, Wednesday 23 January 2008. Photo-journo-blogger Jinggo just send me this one, via e mail.