CALIFORNIA WINES CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JUDGMENT OF PARIS

 

It’s a coup like no other. In 1976, California wines outscored highly regarded French wines in a blind tasting organised by British wine merchant Steven Spurrier in Paris.

Known as the Judgment of Paris, the ground-breaking event established the excellence of California wines and California as a world-class wine producing region.

In celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, California Wine Institute hosted a convivial afternoon of California wine sampling for trade partners and local media.

Christopher Beros, Director for Greater China & Southeast Asia (top pic) said, “2026 is a landmark year for California wines. The 50^th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris not only commemorates the historic victory for California wines but also showcases how California continues to lead in quality, innovation and sustainability of its wine-making.”

Held at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, we watched a short documentary on the Judgment of Paris. A curated range of California wines including those from participating wineries in the pivotal event 50 years ago.

The Chardonnays showcased were Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2023, Spring Mountain Vineyard Chardonnay 2024, Veedercrest Vineyards Chardonnay 2022 and David Bruce Winery Chardonnay 2022.

Notable Cabernet Sauvignons included Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Ridge Vineywards Monte Bello 2023, Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Clos du Val Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Heitz Wine Cellars Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 and Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2021.

 
Stellar pioneers such as Grgich Hills Chardonnay 2022 and Robert Mondavi To Kalon Reserve Cabernet 2022 left us thoroughly charmed.

The Golden State of Mind, embodying California’s optimism, boldness, innovation and sustainability, is in every bottle of California wines.

Notable modern day picks included Gallica Albarino 2022, Maggie Hawk Jolie Pinot Noir 2021, Massican Annia 2024, Matthiasson Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Rombaeur Chardonnay 2024, Senses Charles Heintz Chardonnay 2023, Terah Barbera Amador County 2024 and Titus Napa Valley Zinfandel 2023.

For more information, visit the official website: www.discovercaliforniawines.com
 

A TASTE OF PHUKET AT MAKAN KITCHEN

Pad Thai Goong hot off the wok. Creamy Massaman Curry. Gaeng Kiew Warn Pak (Thai green chicken curry) to tease the tastebuds. Those are some of the tempting dishes whipped up by Guest Executive Chef Noppadon Chainat from DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort at Makan Kitchen, DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur from 8 June to 31 July 2026.

Through The Essence of Thai Cuisine, a special culinary collaboration at Makan Kitchen, guests will enjoy a limited-time dining experience showcasing Phuket’s and Thailand's rich culinary heritage, regional specialities and time-honoured cooking techniques by Chef Noppadon.

Bold flavours, fresh ingredients and culinary traditions of regional Thai fare shine through servings of Yam Som O (pomelo salad), Som Tum (young papaya salad), Tom Yum Goong and Tom Kha Gai.

Robust and piquant main dishes to sample include Steamed Seabass Fillet with Lemongrass, Kaffir Lime, Garlic and Chilli, Gai Yang (Marinated Grilled Chicken with Thai Herbs and Northern Thai Spicy Tamarind Sauce), Prawns in Yellow Curry and Mango Sticky Rice among others.

Chef Noppadon Chainat said "Food is an important part of Thai culture and hospitality. Each region of Thailand offers its own distinct flavours and traditions. I hope guests will enjoy discovering some of that diversity through this special menu."

Elements of Thai culture are also highlighted through interactive activities such as "Smell the Fragrance" challenge and traditional Thai Batu Seremban activity.

Those who spend RM450 or more and guests who make reservations via SevenRooms will stand a chance to win a 2 days/1 night’s stay inclusive of breakfast for two persons at DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort.

The Essence of Thai Cuisine at Makan Kitchen is priced as below: 

The Essence of Thai Cuisine Dinner Buffet
8 June - 31 July 2026
Fridays & Saturdays | 6.30pm - 10pm
RM168 nett per adult | RM84 nett per child

True Taste of Thailand High Tea Buffet
8 June - 31 July 2026
Saturdays & Sundays | 12.30pm - 4pm
RM118 nett per adult | RM59 nett per child

Hilton Honors members enjoy up to 25% off food and beverages, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

For reservations and enquiries, contact Makan Kitchen, DoubleTree by Hilton KL, tel: 03 2172 7272, email: KULDT_FB@hilton.com or make reservations via the Makan Kitchen booking page.

 

AUSSIE BEEF & LAMB NUTRITION WORKSHOP

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) hosted an Australian Beef & Lamb Masterclass titled Nutrition that Powers Wellbeing for local dieticians and nutritionists recently.

Held at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, workshop attendees including media members were all ears as Aussie master butcher Gary Hine touched on key topics covering the farmers’ hands-on involvement and sustainable practices of raising cows and sheep to the Halal certification and stringent quality controls. Overall, it was a most enlightening and educational session.

Hine then demonstrated the breaking down of beef and lamb cuts whilst sharing useful tips along the way. There was also a question and answer session on the nutritional benefits of Aussie beef and lamb, and other relevant points.

Another highlight of the workshop was cooking demonstrations by Chef and President of the Professional Culinaire Association (Malaysia) Bob Adnin, Head Chef Richard Tay of Calia Restaurant Malaysia and Executive Sous Chef Mohd Ridzwan Mohamed Rasit of Hilton Kuala Lumpur. Each chef showed how simple recipes using Aussie beef and lamb can be replicated at home.

 
To complete the immersive experience, attendees got to sample delicious Aussie beef and lamb creations such as beef rendang, beef pie and Xinjiang lamb with mantao among others.  

For more information on Aussie beef and lamb, visit https://www.aussiebeefandlamb.my/