MAGICAL CHRISTMAS FEAST AT THE WESTIN KUALA LUMPUR

Drawing inspiration from ten countries around the world, The Westin KL chefs left no stone unturned in their quest to impress with a lavish spread fit for the festive season.

Taking diners on a whirlwind culinary tour around the globe, the vast Yuletide selection decking The Living Room starts with colourful platters of Santa Devil Eggs, Christmas Antipasto Wreath, Salmon Gravlax, Rainbow Vegetable-Wrapped Feta Terrine, Assorted Seafood and freshly shucked Oysters amongst other temptations.

In line with the Westin’s Eat Well philosophy, a Salad and Cheese Station featuring numerous imported kinds of cheese, fresh lettuce and salad leaves with a variety of condiments, pickles, sauces and dressings is included; to enable diners to rustle up their own salads.

Main highlights to savour range from perennial Roast Turkey, Lamb Leg and Beef Wellington to more distinct European-centric fare such as the well-spiced and aromatic Spanish Paella Seafood, and a surprisingly moist Duck Leg Confit with Cherry, Quinoa and Orange Sauce.

The rustic but flavourful dishes of German-inspired Braised Red Cabbage with Apple, and Swedish-inspired Hasselback Potato with Orange Cheddar Sauce somehow left quite an impression. Possibly because they are meatless; a nice counterpoint to the heavier, protein-laden fare we've been feasting on.

Not to be outdone, newly appointed Executive Pastry Chef Syeriff Hafizal holds his own by proffering a treasure trove of sweet treats. Flanking his showpiece of a giant gingerbread house are an oversized Chocolate "Log" Red Velvet Cake (lauded for its moist fudgy texture), a Croquembouche Tower and assorted Macarons (whimsically decorated as reindeer, santa, snowman and Christmas tree) amongst others.

Some gems await in the bread section: Ginger Bread Loaf inspired by Vienna, Panettone and Christmas Stollen Sweet Bread from Italy, and Walnut Raisin Baguette inspired by France are notable choices. Dial up your festive mood with traditional Christmas cookies if you are so inclined.

Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet (6pm-10pm) at RM258 nett per adult, RM129 nett per 7-12 years old child
 
Christmas Day Brunch Buffet (12.30pm-3pm) at RM258 nett per adult, RM129 nett per 7-12 years old child
 
Christmas Day Dinner Buffet (6pm-10pm) at RM258 nett per adult, RM129 nett per 7-12 years old child
 
New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet (6pm-10pm) at RM258 nett per adult, RM129 nett per 7-12 years old child
 
New Year’s Day Dinner Buffet (6pm-10pm) at RM258 nett per adult, RM129 nett per 7-12 years old child
 
Prices above inclusive free flow of soft drinks, fruit punch, sangria, Tiger draught beer and house pour red/white wine.
 
For reservations, please call Westin Dining at tel: 03-2773 8495 or WhatsApp: +6012 305 1715 or email: westindining@westin.com
 

CLASSICAL AFTERNOON TEA AT THE SHANGRI-LA KL

Arch Quartet — a string quartet will perform a stirring repertoire of classical favourites to feed the soul from 3pm to 6pm every Sunday, while you savour a fine cream tea in the plush Lobby Lounge of the Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

From now until 28 February, the Afternoon Tea theme remains Chinese New Year-centric. Served on a circular-shaped, Oriental-inspired and multi-tier display stand, the dainty selection of savoury and sweet morsels including a miniature KL Tower in chocolate is a sight to behold. Come March, expect a floral theme to burst forth.

 

In their bid to evoke the current festive mood, the culinary team proffers delicious Peking Duck in Crispy Wonton Skin, Grilled Chicken Jerky in Mantou, Pickled Onion and Chicken Floss, and Seared Chicken & Chives Dumpling. While the wonton and mantou hit the spot, the dumpling tends to be a little soggy after sitting in its vinegar dip.

Deliciously crisp Sesame Prawn Toast helps to dial up the nostalgic feel alongside evergreen CNY trad treats of Ninko & Sweet Potato Spring Roll and Steamed Ninko with Grated Coconut. These go marvellously well with our freshly brewed tea.

Since mandarin oranges, tangerines and pineapples are ubiquitous in local CNY celebration, we find the chefs have drawn plenty of inspiration from those fruits for the dessert creations. Besides Plain Scones, the light, buttery Red Dates & Five Spice Scones when smeared with Pineapple Jam & Clotted Cream and Chinese Style Lightly Sweetened Butter Cream got full ‘ayes’ from all present.

A subtle hint of citrus is discernible when I sample the lush filling of the mini Ivorie Mandarin Orange Cream Hornet. The Clementine Butter Cookie is equally on-point. Prefer a dessert treat with playful flavour contrasts? We recommend the delicate Tea, Lychee & Raspberry Tart — a tempting tartlet blending the bitter astringency of tea, the sweetness of lychee and the refreshing tartness of raspberry.

Slightly high on the decadence scale would be Pistachio & Rosella Opera Slice, Prosperous Macaron with Dark Soya & Bitter Chocolate Ganache and Red Velvet Whoopie Pie & Orange Tangerine Cream Frosting. Take comfort the irresistible offerings come in small, titillating portions.

Your walk down memory lane should be accompanied by nice retro-style nibbles like Classic Kampar Cookies, Pineapple Shortcake and Golden Good Luck Coin Chocolate.

The Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Lounge is priced at RM190 nett for 2 persons and at RM320 nett for 2 persons inclusive of 2 glasses of Prosecco.  

For reservations, call Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, tel: 03-2074 3900 or visit https://www.shangri-la-specials.com/web/home.aspx

PUTTIN' ON A RITZY CHRISTMAS

For Yuletide celebration with additional sparkle and pizzazz, puttin’ on a ritzy Christmas is the way to go. Of course, you can trust The Ritz Carlton KL team to get such refined rituals down pat every year, making this the most wonderful time of the year.

 

Traditionally, the festivities’ curtain-raiser have always been the Teddy Bear Afternoon Tea (held on 10 Dec) where whimsical teddy macarons and ‘beary’ delightful pastries were served. Children also had a chance to craft their own teddies in keeping with this beloved Ritz Carlton tradition.

Similarly, a more Christmassy theme will prevail for the Christmas Afternoon Tea (RM80 per person) on 24 & 25 December. Served at The Lobby Lounge from 3pm to 6pm, delicate savouries and Christmas-inspired dessert treats will take centrestage. Jazzy music to your ears will be rendered by the resident band while you revel in the lap of such luxury amidst sips of the exclusive Ritz Carlton KL tea blend.

  

 

Roast Turkey complemented by luscious Eggnog will make their customary appearances in the Christmas Eve Dinner (RM250 per person) menu du jour. Select from a sumptuous three or four course dinner, served with aplomb at The Library.

Come Christmas Day, The Cobalt Room will set the stage for a lavishly luxe Christmas Brunch (from RM198 per person) from 12pm to 3pm. Feast to your heart’s content on scrumptious seafood including lobsters, yabbies, oysters, prawns, clams and mussels as well as succulent slices of salmon gravlax. You can also make brunch a high spirited affair with some champagne and wines.

 

Decadent foie gras terrine and dainty canapés along with roast beef with poufy Yorkshire pudding and turkey from the carvery will be part and parcel of the irresistible plethora, further enhancing the indulgent affair. 

 

For a fairy tale happily ever after ending, heed the sweet siren call of sumptuous dessert creations. Our choice picks include feather-light, jewel-toned macarons, passion chocolate crunch, blackforest marquis, pot au chocolate, cherry crunch cake, berry trifle and assorted praline lollies.

Bid adieu to 2017 with a celebratory New Year’s Eve Dinner (from RM250 per person) at The Library. Enjoy a splendid set dinner with those you love before counting down to welcome the New Year at Shook! Feast Village, Starhill Gallery.

Then welcome the New Year with fine flourish at The Library with a gourmet New Year’s Day lunch (from RM198 per person). Toast the New Year with free-flowing bubbly before sampling an extravagant parade of seafood, roast prime rib and luscious sweet treats.

For more information and reservations, call The Ritz Carlton KL, tel: 03 2142 8000 or email: dining@ritzcarlton.com.my