Showing posts with label celebration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label celebration. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

EASY, SIMPLE BITES FOR A GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

 

Let's face it, Malaysians love a good celebration! Whether it's a wedding, a birthday, or even the grand opening of your kedai runcit, there's one thing guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone's face: great food! 

But when you're busy setting up, decorating with grand opening flowers (because, let's be honest, they make everything merrier!), and getting everything ready, the last thing you want is to stress over a complicated menu.

Catering vs. DIY?

Before we dive into the details, let's talk about the age-old question: to cater or cook it yourself? Both options have their pros and cons. Catering takes the pressure off you, but it can be expensive. Cooking yourself gives you more control over the menu and budget, but it's definitely more work.

If you have a small crowd and the time to spare, DIY is the way to go. It's a great way to show your personality and add a personal touch to your grand opening. But if you're expecting a large crowd or are short on time, don't be afraid to outsource some of the work. Remember, you can always mix and match – make some things yourself and order others.


Easy To Eat

Kuih: These bite-sized treats are naturally finger-friendly and come in a variety of flavours and textures. Think colourful kuih lapis, fragrant kuih bahulu, and the ever-popular kuih kapit. Arrange them on a platter, add some colourful sprinkles, and you've got an instant crowd-pleaser.

Satay: A classic for a reason! Marinated chicken, beef, or even seafood skewers grilled to perfection and served with a creamy peanut sauce and crunchy cucumber slices. Set up a mini satay station with skewers and dipping sauces, and watch them disappear!

Mini Curry Puffs: These flaky pastry pockets filled with savoury fillings like potato and sardine or chicken and peas are a guaranteed hit. You can even offer vegetarian options with lentil or mushroom fillings. Serve them warm with a dollop of chilli sauce for an extra kick.

Spring Rolls: Fresh and light, spring rolls are a great way to showcase your culinary skills. Fill them with julienned vegetables, shrimp, or even tofu, and wrap them in rice paper. Serve them with a sweet and sour dipping sauce for a refreshing treat.

Sweet & Savoury

Murtabak Bites: This popular street food can be easily transformed into bite-sized portions. Fill mini roti canai with your favourite fillings like cheese and egg, chicken and curry, or even Nutella and banana. Cut them into triangles and watch them vanish!

Nasi Lemak Cups: A deconstructed version of our beloved national dish, nasi lemak cups are fun and easy to eat. Layer cooked rice with sambal, peanuts, anchovies, and a fried egg in small cups or cones. It's a complete meal in one bite!

Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Butter Dip: Mini skewers of grilled chicken with a playful twist! Dip them in a creamy peanut butter sauce flavoured with a touch of soy sauce and lime juice. Kids and adults alike will love this sweet and savoury combo.

Mango Sticky Rice Balls: These bite-sized versions of the classic Thai dessert are perfect for a grand opening. Mix sweet sticky rice with ripe mangoes, form them into balls, and roll them in toasted sesame seeds. They're a beautiful and delicious way to end the celebration.

Tips for Success

Variety is key: Offer a mix of savoury and sweet options, as well as vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices.

Presentation matters: Arrange your food creatively and use colourful platters and garnishes.

Portion control: Smaller bites are easier to eat and help avoid waste.

Label clearly: If you have any dietary restrictions catered for, clearly label the dishes to avoid confusion.

Don't forget the drinks: Offer a variety of beverages, including water, juices, and coffee or tea.

Relax and have fun! This is your big day, so enjoy celebrating with your community.

 

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

DRAGONITE FEAST AT DORSETT HARTAMAS KUALA LUMPUR

 

We had a rousing start with the ritualistic tossing of a multi-coloured Salmon Yee Sang, to kick off our sampling of the 10-course Golden Blossom set menu (RM1,188 nett per set for 6-8 persons) at Table Talk, Dorsett Hartamas Kuala Lumpur.
The refreshing curtain-raiser heralded everything auspicious for the upcoming Dragon Year, perked up by an enticing strawberry and blackcurrant sauce. For the first time ever, Dorsett Hartamas KL is offering four value-for-money set menus, featuring dishes with symbolic connotations befitting the Chinese New Year celebration.
Every spoonful of the Eight Treasure Seafood Soup yielded dried scallops and oysters, diced prawns and surimi crabstick in the thick marine-flavoured broth. It was rather tasty albeit a tad heavy on the salt.
 
Tender to the bite, the big flavours from the Kung Pao Beef with Cashew Nuts had us chomping at the bit. However, a zingier accent to the overall dish won’t be remiss but that’s strictly my personal take.
Subtly sweet with nicely charred edges, the delectably juicy Char Siu Chicken with Special Sauce garnered praises all round. A definite crowd-pleaser that hit the spot.
From sweet we traversed to the savoury spectrum with lip-smacking Butter Prawns. Cooked to on-point springy doneness, the crustaceans were thoroughly enjoyable, with a blanket of fried crispy cereal-oaty bits lending some crunch.
Fresh and fleshy, the Deep-fried Barramundi with Sweet and Sour Sauce piqued our interest with the fish’s natural sweetness shining through. Kudos to the chef for his judicious use of the bright, tantalising sauce to enhance rather than overwhelming the fish.
No surprises from the compelling serving of Stir-fried Broccoli with Mushroom and Bean Puffs. The crunchy broccoli florets integrated well with the softer, toothsomely tender textures of both the fungi and bean puffs.
Hearty and comforting bowls of Yong Chow Fried Rice with Brined Fish followed, leaving us utterly replete.
The winsome pairing of Sea Coconut with Dried Longans and Snow Fungus accompanied by piping hot Steamed Nian Gao with Freshly Grated Coconut was excellent. Both dessert treats were light enough with acceptable sweetness level.
Chef Lai Chan Meng has outdone himself with his festive parade; from Salmon, Jellyfish and Smoked Duck Breast Yee Sang (RM98 nett for ½ portion, RM178 nett for a full portion) to three other set menus available from now till 24 February 2024.

The 8-course Prosperous Beginning set menu at RM388 nett is ideal for 2-3 persons inclusive of yee sang. For a party of 4-5 persons, the 9-course Joyous Spring set menu is RM688 nett. Lastly, the Spring Fortune set menu at RM1,688 nett per table caters to 8-12 persons.

Table Talk restaurant is open daily for lunch and closes at 6pm. For dinner reservations of 3 tables and more, the Dorsett Hartamas KL team will be more than happy to cater to your needs. 

For further information and reservations, call Dorsett Hartamas KL or WhatsApp: +60 12 6883 043 or email to: fnb.hartamas@dorsetthotels.com

Monday, January 22, 2024

TUAN YUAN THIS DRAGON YEAR AT LE MEI, LE MERIDIEN PUTRAJAYA

 

An impressive dragon-shaped yee sang and a romantic setting heralded the Chinese New Year sneak preview at Le Mei Chinese restaurant, Le Meridien Putrajaya.

The cosy affair saw pretty lasses in qi pao greeting us at the door with tempting pineapple tarts, mandarin orange macarons and peanut tartlets along with mocktails. With Valentine’s Day four days after the first day of CNY, the hotel's novel idea seemed timely and appropriate. 
The multiple course CNY Tuan Yuan (reunion) set menus featured Chef Lim Kian Meng and team’s traditional and contemporary specialities. Available now until 25 February 2024, Yee Sang selection is priced from RM60 – RM388 depending on portion sizes. Splendour and Luxurious set menus for table of 5 are at RM1,590 nett with a complimentary bottle of wine.

Our preview got off to a rousing start with everyone stirring up the dragon-shaped yee sang laid out; a boisterous experience as we all stirred and tossed the fresh salad with joyful shouts wishing for prosperity, abundance and fortune.

Sampling the Salmon, Tosaka Nori Green and Butter Fish Yee Sang, we found the well-balanced dish teased our palate with a mélange of sweet, tangy and refreshing flavours. The various crisp, crunchy and succulent textures melded cohesively.
 
The heartwarming Double Boiled Silkie Fowl Soup with Dried Scallops, Dendrobium and American Ginseng packed a bittersweet punch at first sip. My palate was instantly awakened but perhaps some diners may find it too strong for their liking. However, the hotel team had taken note of this feedback and once the amount of American ginseng used is adjusted, we are sure the nutritious soup should hit the spot.
 
You have to be a fan of interesting smooth and slippery textures with the epicurean speciality of Braised Whole 6-head Abalone with Fish Maw and Goose Web in Premium Oyster Sauce.
 
Although some may baulk at eating goose web, try and appreciate its soft supple texture and collagen-richness. Along with the marble-smooth and succulent fish maw and the toothsome chewiness of abalone, the entire ensemble is all about textural mouthfeel. Also, the nuanced marine flavours of the lustrous, savoury sauce packed so much depth it almost induced us to lick the plate clean.

A mutedly zingy black pepper sauce amped up the appeal of Wok Fried Australian Lamb Rack with Black Truffle. We like how the wedge of caramelised onion's crisp sweetness lent a subtle counterpoint to the meaty richness.

Lending a healthy spin to the festive menu was Fried Organic Brown Rice with Quinoa, Seafood and Sakura Shrimps. Slightly nutty with abundant savoury-sweetness coming from the seafood inclusion, this creation was a shoo-in palate-pleaser.
Old-school dessert of Double Boiled Almond Tea with Honey Locust Fruit, Snow Fungus and Black Sesame Dumplings brought the curtains down. The dessert broth's distinctly nutty accent could be a tad strong for non-almond fans but I personally enjoyed the interplay of different textures amidst the delicate creaminess.
 
For elevating good luck and prosperity, don’t pass up the chance to sample Deep-fried Golden Spring Roll of Glutinous Rice Cake, Yam and Sweet Potato. Crisp on the outside, the roll proved enticing with its filling of gooey- and powdery-soft textures.
For tables of 10 persons, Le Mei offers four set menus priced at RM1,988 nett, RM2,688 nett, RM3,688 nett and RM3,888 nett. Instrumental music performed live during weekends for dinner whilst a lion dance will be held from 12 noon onwards on the first day of Chinese New Year at Le Meridien Putrajaya porte cochere.

For reservations at Le Mei, call tel: 03 8689 6888 x 6868 or email: dining.lmputrajaya@lemeridien.com. More information at this link: https://lnk.bio/hDlm

 

Monday, January 15, 2024

GOOD LUCK, GREAT HEALTH AND EXTRA YUMMINESS WITH AN VIET 'S YEE SANG

 
Crunchy lotus seeds play a key role in Ăn Viet's Festive Yee Sang salad. According to the Chinese saying, “吃了 Ăn Viet 香脆 , 包你了好运莲莲, which means whoever eats Ăn Viet’s Yee Sang will enjoy continuous good luck throughout the year.

Besides the inclusion of lotus seeds for nutty taste and extra crunch, we like the fact only 100% fresh, natural vegetables and fruits are used to compose the colourful salad.
Shredded radish, carrot and young mango form the central base. Little tubs of Vietnamese radish and carrot pickles, sweet corn kernels, fresh mint leaves, shredded lettuce, roasted peanuts, snow pear chunks, cherry tomatoes and promegranate seeds are arranged inside the platter. This is to ensure minimum mess and for easy assembly prior to serving. Fresh lime wedges, smoked salmon and a house-made citrusy sauce act as the crowning glory to complete it.


For takeaway, Ăn Viet’s Crunchy Lotus Seeds Yee Sang comes in a nifty platter with a transparent lid. The outer wraparound packaging is designed for easy hand-carry.

To enjoy, simply squeeze the lime juice over the Yee Sang then place the smoked salmon on top. Then pour the citrusy sauce all over the salad and invite everyone to toss and stir the Yee Sang accompanied by declarations of ‘loh hei’ or ‘loh sang’ and other auspicious sayings.

We give two thumbs up to Ăn Viet’s Crunchy Lotus Seeds Yee Sang as the overall taste is delightfully refreshing. All the various components blend harmoniously; the layers of textures perked up by the tantalising citrusy sauce.


You can purchase Ăn Viet’s Yee Sang from 20 January – 24 February 2024. Large portion for 4- 6 persons is priced at RM68.88++ and Small for 2-3 persons at RM28.88++.
For more information, please contact any of the Ăn Viet restaurants as per the details given above.

 

 

 

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