A MAD PICNIC BY MADHATTER DESSERTS

The MadHatter returns! Masterchef Asia S1’s first runner-up and dessert maestro Marcus Low will host MadHatter Desserts: A Mad Picnic at Psychotic Operator Wine Space on 11 and 12 July.

Collaborating with homegrown brands like Raksasa Spirits and Chocolate Concierge, Low’s masterpieces will feature nostalgic Chinese-inspired dessert using French techniques and Malaysian flavours.

Taking pride of place in his repertoire is Pineapple Beneath the Looking Glass featuring a snap-crackle pineapple-shaped chocolate shell filled with Raksasa gula Melaka rum baba with mascarpone mousse, spiced pineapple compote and gula Melaka rum 'snow'. Tastes super-boozy so it should hit the spot for avid drinkers.

Chocoholics will adore the Rather Peculiar Biscuit featuring decadent dark rye brownie and chocolate mousse topped with a layer of savoury chicken biscuit crumbs, a popular Malaysian snack of yesteryear. Upping the indulgent ante further is roasted peanut skin ice cream. Definitely a luscious creation to go nuts over.

A whimsical Teapot Cake drew admiring gasps of delight. The squat Chinese teapot is delicately made with exquisite oolong tea mousse and jelly, passionfruit curd and tea biscuit crumble.

We were astounded by the fine handiwork employed to create Porcelain Illusion. Low used white chocolate, coconut mousseline and peanut génoise; transformed into retro bowls adorned with the iconic rooster motif bearing peanut-filled tang yuan (glutinous rice balls).

The chef’s playfulness also emerged in Marry Me Cake – an artful melding of two traditional pastries known as ‘lou po beng’ (Wife Cake) and ‘lou kung beng’ (Husband Cake). His flaky, buttery puff pastry flaunted a distinct core of fermented red beancurd and roasted peanuts paste sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.

Low’s other notable offerings we sampled include Sambal Tempoyak Buns, The Curious Orchard (buttery pâte brisée tart with apple-kedondong compote and local lime) and feather-light, crisp Palmiers.

His classics: Matcha Pistachio Passionfruit, Chocolate & Calamansi Cake, The Queen’s Victoria (sponge with berry compote, fresh cream and port-macerated locally grown berries) and Raspberry Rose Lychee Cake need no introduction for long-time MadHatter fans.

 
The full MadHatter’s sweet collection is available for pre-order via @madhatterdesserts

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