THE WIZARD OF SAUCE

Xinfully, cottony soft and light as air...deep-fried egg white souffle

Rarely can I recall a Chinese meal that finishes on a high when it comes to dessert. Most of the time, it's either wholesome sliced fresh fruits, hot or cold sweet broths or in the case of wedding dinners, the ubiquitous crispy pancake with red bean or lotus paste.

This is where Xin Cuisine stands out from the rest. Thanks to new Chinese Chef Alfie Hoh's inspired creation of Deep-fried White Soufflé with Red Bean Paste (RM6++ per piece, minimum order of 6 pcs), you'd be floating home on a happy high once you have sampled those unbelievably airy, puffy balls.

The dragons' domain where Chef Alfie Hoh reigns

This confection alone lends ample testament to the veteran chef's culinary wizardry. After four decades in the business and a career that spanned Zhuhai, Shanghai, Ningpo, Wuxi, Romania, Indonesia and Singapore, Alfie's akin to the Dumbledore of Chinese cuisine, a masterful wizard when it comes to conjuring up potent sauces and weaving fresh ingredients together to create captivating dishes that keep you enthralled.

Here's looking at you...Chef Alfie Hoh

What drives this 'sauce-rer' of Chinese cuisine? Apparently books and street food are the key secrets to his unrelenting drive. Citing beef noodles at the old school Lai Foong coffee shop in KL as his perennial favourite, Alfie admits that he loves giving a new lease of life to classic 1970s recipes melded with subtle Northern Chinese accents.

Don't judge a dish by its looks...this Szechuan Smoked Fish is mildly sweet with a stealthy albeit pleasing bursts of spicy heat that numbs your tongue

Years spent in China have drawn Alfie to the Northern Chinese penchant for cold dishes to prime the appetite prior to the main meal. Hence you'd find light, stimulating nibbles such as the crispy, almost jerky-like Szechuan Smoked Fish (RM18++) and Cold Cucumber Tossed in Black Vinaigrette and Garlic (RM15++) included into Xin Cuisine's latest appetiser line-up.

 

Mildly sweet yet robustly spiced, the former catches you by surprise with its subtle, 'slow-burning' bursts of tongue-numbing heat whilst the latter helps to cool things down; the finger-thick, crunchy yet slightly soft cucumber strip teases the palate with its deep-seated tartness, having been marinated in some premium Xinjiang black vinegar.

Save the sharks and dive into this superbly viscous soup instead

Now that more diners are opting to save the sharks by omitting shark's fin soup from their list of 'must have' treats when dining out, we reckon the chef's Shredded Duck, Yellow Chives and Seafood in Thick Soup would be the perfect substitute. This retro Cantonese soup of bamboo pith, crabmeat, black mushroom slices and fried crullers certainly boasts similar deep-seated hearty flavours and multi-layer textures to that of the pricey original.

Porky please...a dish that even mothers would approve of

If you prefer some home-cooked fare, Alfie's a dab hand in that aspect too. Just sample his Braised Spare Ribs with Mui Choy Beijing-Style (RM30++ per portion) and you'd be seized by a fresh perspective on how this homely Hakka staple can indeed be taken to the next level. 

Alfie's mui choi pork is oh so salubriously saucy!

Even more staggering is how simple it is...instead of the usual soya sauce base, Alfie just tweaks it with some tomato paste, giving the dish a faintly tarty nuance that balances the omnipresent beany brininess.

Palate pleaser...chicken with shredded mango salad and a tantalising sweet-sour-briny-spicy sauce

If you're averse to fiery hot bird's eye chilli, tread carefully as you dig into the Deep-fried Boneless Chicken with Pattaya Sauce (RM32++ small, RM48++ medium, RM64++ large) lest you get caught in the line of 'fire' once you bite into a sliver. You'd find the lethal chilli bits studded in the light sweet-sour dressing (a mixture of fresh juice of small limes or kat chai, 7Up and preserved plum sauce) that complements the crispy boneless chicken. Crowned with a heap of shredded mango salad, this is one addictive dish that leaves you wanting more.

The chef also looked east to liven up his repertoire of seafood specialities. Instead of ginger and soya sauce, the Wok-fried Cod with Japanese Sauce (RM26++ per 100g) receives a splendid boost with his own concoction of sake, mirin, Japanese shoyu and dashi stock.

More saucy magic emerges in the prawn dish

The wizard of sauce keeps up the pace by whipping up shoyu, sake and margarine into a sublime sauce to elevate his Baked Sea Prawns with Japanese Wine (RM55++ small, RM75++ medium, RM110++ large) up to new gustatory heights.

Green is in...as long as the leafy greens are doused in this yummy sauce!

Instead of the tried and tested 'siong tong yin choi' (spinach in superior stock) that has been flogged to death in most Chinese restaurants, I urge you to try the Wok-fried Seasonal Vegetable with Crabmeat and Salted Egg Yolk (RM30++ small, RM45++ medium, RM60++ large). Again it's the sauce that steals limelight and rightfully so.
 

Alfie tells us that in the good old days, a lot of crab roe was used to make the rich sauce but nowadays salted egg yolks prove to be an adequate and easier to obtain substitute. Mixed with freshly extracted crab meat in addition to some soup stock to lighten the viscosity, the combination imbues the dish with ample colour and superb flavour. 

Delicious ties that bind...Yee Fu Noodles with Dace

Rustic, earthy but scrumptious best describe the substantial dish of Braised Yee Fu Noodles with Dace (RM28++ small, RM38++ medium, RM55++ large). We can't get past how well the noodles soak up the hearty brininess of black beans and fried dace, resulting in such Xin-fully great taste.

Kudos to Alfie Hoh - the wizard of sauce!
 

For reservations at Xin Cuisine, please call (03) 2144 8750 or 2144 2200 ext 2338. The restaurant is located on the lobby level of Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.

 

LEND A HAND

Time to be a do-gooder folks! 

Hospis Malaysia is having a Charity Bazaar to raise funds, to fund its charitable efforts that offer professional palliative care to patients who are suffering from life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, AIDS, muscular dystrophy, motor neurone disease, organ failure etc.

The poster says it all...so show up and lend your support for every ringgit means a lot and helps to sustain its noble existence.

Many see life as a great challenge, but death is another big challenge by itself. Oblivious to many, terminally ill patients are suffering a great deal emotionally and physically. The pain of battling with worsening health condition and hovering death can never, be understood by us healthy ones and we are only doing what we can to help them out in their last leg of journey on earth.

It is an endless advocacy, but not a thankless one. In order for this non-profit organization to survive, Hospis Malaysia needs funds to pay the bills, every year at least RM3 million to sustain the cost of operation, with over 1600 patients under their care. Services are provided at no cost to patients.  

So help spread the word, show up for the event and donate to the cause. Your money will help to save lives!

iGO FORWARD

Star Power at the iGO Launch...Ian Ong (SuperModel), Issac Ong (Movie Actor), Alan Yun (SuperModel/Actor), Josiah Mizukami (Emcee/TV host), Peter Davis (Actor/Supermodel)

Clueless when it comes to looking for directions when you're driving? Wanna hunt down the newest, hottest eateries in town but dunno how to get there? 

Never fear, iGO primo app SEA edition is no here! Available at a promotional price of USD$9.99 for a limited time only, the navigation app is popular among iPhone and iPad users for its reliable route planning, intuitive interface and impressive 3D visualization. Download of community maps is FREE and users can also extend their navigation experience by purchasing speed camera databases and other  services. The community mapping portal and forum is open to public, ensuring its extensive maps are continuously updated and self-verified by MFM and NavNET contributing members, providing reliable navigation to the app users.

(Left to right) Handy app...Imre Dózsa, Head of Marketing Communications, NNG LLC, Lester Neil Francis, Group COO and Executive Director for M3 Group of Companies, Roger Huang, Vice President of Asia, NNG LLC

Other plus points include a wide range of advanced and mobile-optimized features such as Google local search, calling of POIs (Points of Interest) from within the app, Realistic Junction Views and 3D landmarks for easier orientation.

“South East Asia attracts millions of travelers every year, although the local traffic can be a challenge for first-time visitors. By launching the iGO primo app Southeast Asia edition with community-based maps on-board, we are offering quick help in one hand for the most popular holiday destinations such as Singapore and Malaysia,” says Roger Huang, Vice President of Asia at NNG LLC.

NNG’s wireless navigation solution for Southeast Asia is also available to network providers and smartphone manufacturers on Google Android and Microsoft WinCE operating system.

Ian Ong (SuperModel), Issac Ong (Movie Actor),  Roger Huang (Vice  President of Asia, NNG LLC),Imre Dózsa, Head of Marketing Communications, NNG LLC, Nadia Heng (Miss World Malaysia 2010/11), Alan Yun (SuperModel/Actor), Josiah Mizukami (Emcee/TV host), Peter Davis (Actor/Supermodel)

GUERLAIN MAKE-UP MY DAY

Guerlain hosted an exclusive Bloggers Get-Together with its international make-up artist from Paris, Maxime Poulin recently at Alexis, The Gardens one sunny morning.

Maxime, who works and trains directly under Guerlain’s Creative Director, Olivier Echaudemaison showed attendees the art of make-up using the brand's sizzling summer collection, Terra Azzurra.

Karen Tan welcoming Maxime to the Guerlain event

After showing how to gently massage and apply acupressure to our delicate peepers' area, he proceeded to explain in length about each Guerlain products, highlighting their key benefits such as the inclusion of natural ingredients, water-based primer that reflects light but gives a matte finish and Guerlain's meteorites highlighting powder that makes skin look flawless under all lighting conditions.

Maxime also regaled us with the creative collaboration between Guerlain and Emilio Pucci's daughter for the Terra Azzurra range. Apparently, the dazzling colour palette was drawn from Mother Nature especially the brilliant blues of the sun and sea, and vibrant corals and pink hues in Portofino, Italy.

Emilion Pucci's famous print design is featured on the packaging

Polished walnut case with magnetic lid and Emilio Pucci's print pouch complete this sleek blush powder case

Maxime touting the exquisite eye shadow shades from the current range

Guerlain's ingenious mascara case comes with a tiny pop-up mirror!

As Maxime took us through each of the products used, we were given first-hand feel of their textures. We were also taken by surprise by the sheer ingenuity of certain packaging like in the case of Guerlain's mascara and lipstick casings.

After plying us with drinks and finger food, every attendee trotted happily home with little gift bags containing a Guerlain eyeshadow set and lipstick in each.

AN INSPIRING EDVENTURE

Edward Kwon strikes a pose in front of his promotional poster for LITV

I still remember the hallyu or Korean wave that swept the TV world by storm with its tear-jerking drama serials like Winter Sonata and Jewel In The Palace. Then came the K-pop phenomenon where pretty boys and girls-singing and dancing troupes such as Super Junior and Wonder Girls invaded the music scene.

Now brace yourself for yet another hallyu...this time in the culinary world where dishy Korean chefs like Edward Kwon are set to reign. The recent press launch of Life Inspired (LITV) Channel's EdVentures in Asia drew such a huge phalanx of media and bloggers that you'd think it was Lady Gaga who was in town rather a new, upcoming TV celebrity chef.

Edward Kwon, host of EdVentures In Asia (centre) flanked by 

Anne Chan, LITV Asia Sdn Bhd General Manager (right) and

Lim Hong Tat, Deputy President and Head Community Financial Services of Maybank

Kwon recounting to the media and invited guests on his past culinary experiences

If you haven't heard of Edward Kwon, the South Korean chef was formerly the executive chef of the Burj Al Arab, arguably one of the world's most luxurious hotels. Not surprisingly, he has cooked for a coterie of Hollywood stars and influential figures.

Madonna apparently enthused that his food was better than sex while Barbara Streisand wanted him to be her personal chef! Former US President George W Bush actually went into the kitchen to shook his hand after savouring his creations. Kwon also scored big time with Tiger Woods too.

I had expected Edward Kwon to be tall and well-built and was completely taken by surprise by his slight frame when the chef finally appeared to rapturous applause. With his easy demenour and boyish charm, Kwon soon had everyone practically eating out of his hands - and he hasn't even started cooking yet!

Edward Kwon invited the day's VIPs to join him in the kitchen

 

Despite the two VIP attendees' meek protestations, Kwon roped them in to fire up the grill so to speak by preparing Galbi Jjim, a dish of braised Wagyu short rib with soy sauce. 

Kwon's modern approach to his native cuisine is evident as we sat down to sample his culinary handiwork. The traditional SamGye Tang was transformed into succulent discs of chicken roulade speckled with black sesame seeds and puffy rice grains, accompanied by a frothy mass of delicate ginseng-flavoured espuma (foam).

Hot on the heels of that impressive starter was Foie Gras & Doeun Jang, an unlikely soup concocted from foie gras (gooseliver) and Korean bean paste with chervil. We were amazed that the unctuous broth was so luxuriantly rich on the palate without being overly cloying. The secret according to Kwon was to add some chopped white kim chi (Korean preserved vegetable) to balance and temper the full-bodied richness.

 

For the main, we sampled the Galbi Jjim, another Korean favourite of short rib. Instead of barbecuing it, Kwon opted to braise the Wagyu short rib in soy until its meltingly tender. Side salads of refreshing apple chilli salad and root vegetable made it a wholesome, complete meal.

Only the dessert was slightly disappointing...While we love the subtle tanginess of the Yuza & Yoghurt Mousse, the White Chocolate Crispy Rice had turned soft and chewy. Although the Bokbunja (Korean black raspberries) Sorbet and Vanilla Plum Wine Fluid Gel tasted reminiscent of dark plums, it paled in comparison to Kwon's earlier dishes which were much more outstanding.

After this sampling session, I look forward to see more of Edward Kwon in his EdVenture in Asia series every Sunday night at 9 pm on Astro Byond's LITV channel.

DELICIOUS SHOWCASE

Having been a long time fan of Delicious, it is heartening to know that the cafe has picked up steam of late with 25 new dishes developed by Group Executive Chef Kasdi Dahari with some assistance from  the E&O's newly appointed Group Creative Chef Steve Allen.

A tasting session recently left me hugely satisfied with the rejuvenated menu, ample proof that Delicious is ready to take it up another level post-Benjamin Yong (the cafe's original founder).

Chef Kasdi says, “The core inspiration was to use the freshest ingredients and more vegetables, to creating more healthy food as the trend progresses towards consumption of nutritious food and the use of more sustainable products.

“The dishes have a more home-cooked dimension to them albeit with a twist, to suit the Malaysian palate with a combination of Mediterranean, Middle East and European cuisines.”

Sieving through more than 70 initial dishes, both chefs then shortlisted 45 for further testing and tasting until the list was whittled down to 25. So what are the new goodies you ask?

I'd recommend starting with something crispy. A top fave of ours is the Chickpea & Parmesan Bites (RM10.90) - finger-thick rolls of deep-fried chickpeas and parmesan.

The tantalising dips of the Crispy Tiger Prawns in Coriander Batter with Lime Chilli Dip (RM22.90) and Thai Fried Calamari with Green Peppercorn Ginger Jam (RM22.90) really made the tasty tidbits truly outstanding.

If you prefer something healthier, go for the Middle Eastern inspired Harrisa Parmigiano Baked Eggplant (RM22.90) or the sunny-yellow Cream of Pumpkin Soup with Parmesan & Truffle Oil (RM13.90). 

Prefer a walk on the indulgent side? The Crab & Avocado Salad with Gazpacho & Cos Lettuce (RM26.50) is alluringly refreshing thanks to the unexpected inclusion of chilled gazpacho as a light tangy dressing.

The two dishes that left us completely smitted are the ultra-creamy but to-die-for Italian Pumpkin Risotto with chargrilled prawn, squid and toasted almonds (RM22.90) and the imaginative Lemon & Black Pepper Parppadelle (RM22.90). 

 

It's also interesting how the Red Pesto Gnocchi with Tomato & Arugula (RM22.90) acquires a different textural dimension after the chewy pasta parcels underwent a brief grilling.I wasn't big on pesto either but this version goes down well as it's less oily than those I had tried in the past.

  

No visit to Delicious is complete without savouring its divine dessert and sweet-toothed fans would have plenty to cheer about. Priced at RM14.90 each, I'd plump for the Lemon, Lime & Ginger Cake with Citrus Frosting anytime!

Made using Steve Allen's granny's treasured recipe, this is what I would call a REAL cake minus the frills. The texture is feathery soft yet rich, with a deep-seated citrusy aroma and invigorating flavours that perk up your tastebuds, leaving you wanting more.

The Chilled Pineapple Cheesecake comes in a close second. Who could resist that crumbly oaty base, lightly rich creaminess and best of all, the hidden gem of a yummy raspberry mousse centre?

You may find it hard to stop once you taste the heavenly Raspberry & Mango Tart with White Chocolate Shavings and Warm ‘Chocolicious’ Pudding that simply melts your heart with its runny chocolatey filling. Oh, there's also the Cold Chocolate Fondant with its beguiling caramel centre!

Definitely a Delicious showcase we won't forget in a hurry. For more information, check out www.thedeliciousgroup.com