MORE THAN JUST DESSERT AT MADHATTER

 

Banker turned baker Marcus Low shows his creative culinary prowess transcends the dessert realm at the new MadHatter Boulangerie in Kepong.

The 2015 MasterChef Asia First Runner-up remains a wizard at conjuring sumptuous treats as evidenced by the array of luscious dessert creations he plied us with during our visit recently.

Not only does Marcus uses premium and locally sourced ingredients, his artful, judicious pairing of cogent and cohesive flavours readily sets him apart from other pâtissiers in the city.

 

Upon sampling Marcus’ distinctive dessert creations such as Raspberry Rose Lychee, Chocolate and Cherry, Local Chestnut & Coffee Tart, Chocolate Calamansi, Apple Cinnamon and Banana Bread with Caramelised Cardamom Cream, we find ourselves spellbound by his superior skills and knowledge.

Striving to use more locally sourced ingredients, Marcus tells us his supply of rare jungle fruits and other exotic produce is procured from the Orang Asli community and through like-minded partners such as Langit Collective and Chocolate Concierge.

 

A good example is Bidara or Indian jujube, a local fruit that’s rarely if ever used in French pâtisserie. Instead of raisins, Marcus gives bidara the major role in the fruity filling for his Pain Aux Bidara (one of the distinctive items found in MadHatter Baked Boulangerie).

Marcus who made his maiden business debut in 2017, opened his MadHatter Desserts shop in Uptown Damansara to much social media fanfare. Now, post-pandemic times has driven him to streamline and relocate; he is focusing on providing dessert solutions for businesses whilst his ‘food with a purpose’ philosophy continues through attempts to include more locally sourced ingredients into his creations.

The new MadHatter menu also offers a selection of hot dishes in addition to dessert. Top of the list is MadHatter Signature Focaccia with Deli Cold Cuts (RM28). According to Marcus, the two distinctive charcuterie items: Smoked Paprika & Cocoa Husk Lamb and Ayam Kampung Ham with Turmeric Leaves are made on premise. We find the localised tastes punching above their weight; the emerging accents palate-pleasing and instantly cognizant.

Our enlightening culinary sojourn continues with Faux Liver Paté with Cerapu Jam. Whipped up from an ingenious blend of cashew, nam yue (red fermented beancurd) and blackened kulim (jungle garlic or Scorodocarpus borneensis Becc.), the meatless spread is winsome. We like its nutty creaminess accentuated by complex nuances of nam yue and kulim.

Spread onto toasty bread slices and cocoa husk crisps, we couldn’t stop raving over how well it paired with the cerapu (button mangosteen) jam’s delicate tart-sweetness.

According to Marcus, the cocoa husk crisps we tried is made from ground cocoa husk. “Cocoa husk is high in protein and pectin. Ground into powder, it can be used to make noodles and bread just like flour.”

Tasting somewhat woody-earthy like mushroom, the thin Cocoa Husk Crisps serve as a perfect foil for the deliciously creamy Smoked Mackerel Paté studded with salmon roe.

Fast gaining favour among local gourmands thanks to its musky-garlicky-truffle scent, kulim (another local fruit) when infused in olive oil, bestowed depths of flavour in the freshly baked and sliced Focaccia with Tomato and Kulim Olive Oil.

Adventurous eaters should wade into the boldly inventive Deep Fried Pomfret Open Sandwich with Tempoyak Mayo (RM32). Much to our surprise, the fish’s inherent sweetness held its own amidst the pungency of the creamy fermented durian mayo. Possibly not for the faint-hearted but this is a notable option if you seek something off the beaten culinary path.

Offal fans will find much to love in the Beef Tongue Stew with Swiss Cheese, Chimichurri & Bagel (RM36). Irresistible chewy-soft textures and unapologetically big, hearty flavours rule here. The accompanying coleslaw adds refreshing contrast to the ensemble.

Redolent with the warmth of spices, the Johor style Kacang Pool proved on-point. Topped with a sunny side up egg, the comforting bean stew induced us to lap up everything.

 

There is nothing coy about the Kukur Mushroom Pate Pizza Focaccia (RM22). Earthy-woody nuances abound in every mouthful – something mushroom enthusiasts will appreciate.

So if you’re tired of the ho-hum café fare, go give your tastebuds a rejuvenating jolt with the noteworthy and one-of-a-kind savoury and sweet treats from MadHatter.

For more information, please call MadHatter, tel: 03-6734 9632/012-370 4327. Address: 26, Jalan Medan Putra 4, Medan Putra Business Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

FESTIVE FEASTS AND TREATS FROM EQ KUALA LUMPUR

 

Christmas cookies, chocolates, baked goods and festive hampers will be available at EQ’s Festive Bake Shop starting 15 November 2023. Customisation service is available too, to make the gift selection more personalised for the year-end celebration.

 

Having tried the Roast Cajun Turkey, we reckon it's perfect for Thanksgiving and the Yuletide holidays. It'd be a splendid attention-grabbing centerpiece. Order it from the Bake Shop from 15 November 2023 onwards.

 

Hassle-free options to consider include the hearty Beef Tenderloin Wellington and Baked Lamb Leg; they’re ideal food gifts or a celebratory main minus the arduous prep work.

Much to our surprise, the King Crab Hot Pot from Kampachi proved to be a non-traditional contender for the celebratory table during our preview. The heartwarming broth was delicately sweet thanks to the chunks of Japanese crab in it.

 

A sumptuous seven-course Christmas Eve dinner beckons at Sabayon, EQ’s celebrated fine dining restaurant. At RM888+ per person, nab the window seats with view of the glittering city skyline or at RM788+ per person for regular seats. The price includes a bottle of 375ml champagne per person.

The signature raclette and its accompaniments will add a touch of luxe on Christmas day; replicating the Chalet’s famed Christmas Day buffet lunch at RM308+ per person, and RM154+ per child under 12. Top up RM288+ per person for a free flow of sparkling, white and red wines, the creative gin trolley, juices, soft drinks and mocktails.

New Year’s Eve can be heralded at Sabayon with an eight-course Countdown degustation (RM2,688+ per couple for window seats and RM2,388+ per couple for regular seats; inclusive of a bottle of 375ml champagne per person). New Year’s Day lunch is priced at RM308+ per person, and RM154+ per child under 12. Add RM288+ per head for free flow of drinks.

Make a beeline to Etoile bistro for delectable dine-in options including Grilled Wagyu Tomahawk and tempting Christmas platters comprising a choice of meat and seafood: Ribeye, Roast Turkey, Lamb Rack, and Boston Lobster.

Delicately crafted sweet and savoury bites take centrestage at Bottega Lounge for the festive holiday Afternoon Tea. Available daily from 1 December 2023, the festive Afternoon Tea is RM99+ per person or RM198+ for two. Each set comes with a choice of premium JING tea or coffee. Bottega’s range of wines will also be available by glass or bottle.

Decorated cold Roasted Chicken, Fish Terrine in Smoked Capsicum, Seafood Cocktail with Berry Compote, and Capellini Crayfish with Spicy Tomato Basil Pesto are some dishes from the lavish Christmas Eve buffet dinner at Nipah.

Priced at RM238+ per person and RM119+ per child inclusive of unlimited chilled juices and soft drinks, succumb to the deliciousness of Roasted Cajun Turkey, Baked Herb-crusted New Zealand Lamb Leg and Baked Dill-salt Crusted Barramundi.

On Christmas Day, Nipah’s lunch buffet (RM218+ per person) will be merry and bright with a seafood selection on ice featuring oysters, mussels and prawns, festive cheese platters and a Christmas Roast selection: whole roasted Cajun turkey and leg of lamb with gravy, mushroom sauce, cranberry sauce, mint sauce, roasted Russet potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and roasted mixed highland vegetables.

Save room for pasta and EQ’s famed chicken rice alongside a grill serving stingray, prawns, squid, chicken, and scallops accompanied by piquant sambals and tamarind dipping sauce. Finish on a sweet high by indulging on Mini Cakes, Christmas cookies, warm Stollen and Panettone, and Mince Pies.

SKY51 will host its Party In The Sky (RM168+ per person inclusive of one drink) on New Year’s Eve. Revel and ring in the New Year with resident DJs, live music and grazing platters.

Finally, make your way to the front of Bottega Lounge for the New Year’s Eve balloon drop on 31 December 2023.

For full information and details of EQ's festive catalogue and on-property events, please visit: www.eqkualalumpur.equatorial.com