BAZAAR JALAN KERINCHI AT CAPRI BY FRASER KUALA LUMPUR

With Kampung Kerinchi right at its doorstep, it’s savvy of Capri by Fraser Kuala Lumpur to capitalise on the idea of conjuring up a lively bazaar atmosphere for the upcoming buka puasa period.

 

Billed as Bazaar Jalan Kerinchi, the hotel’s Caprilicious restaurant will showcase over 120 mouth-watering specialities, based on five rotational menus. Located right in the heart of Bangsar South City, Capri by Fraser Kuala Lumpur should be a convenient buka puasa outpost for residents and the working crowd in that area.

Decked up with the requisite Hari Raya decor, the high ceiling and spacious Caprilicious has ample room for a buffet line, hot and cold drinks, dining space and a shaded patio where ten cooking stalls will be serving up hawker-style fare during Ramadan.

 

Right off the bat, the Mee Mamak was on-point — the noodles had a nice smoky aftertaste with the faint zing of chilli heat. Also up my alley was Ikan Bakar — the assorted fish like stingray and kembung rubbed with turmeric and ground spices, and wrapped in banana leaves for grilling emerged with perfect doneness.

 

As expected, the stall proffering Satay with complementing condiments proved to be a perennial crowd fave. Well-marinated, the skewers of chicken and beef held their own, with or without peanut sauce.

 

Rice lovers should make a beeline for the aromatic and spice-laden Nasi Biryani. Pair it with some Fried Chicken for greater taste satisfaction. A whole Roast Lamb in addition to Burger, Murtabak, Roti Canai, Ais Kacang and Cendol form the remaining stall offerings.

Senior Sous Chef Fikri Fauze recommends Ikan Patin Masak Tempoyak but this acquired Pahang speciality isn’t for the faint-hearted. Cooked with fermented durian, the yellow fish curry hit the spot for me as I’m an avid fan of the ripe, pungent gravy.

 

 

My top picks from the extensive cornucopia include Pucuk Paku Tumis Sambal (fern shoots with ground sambal), Sambal Taucu, Telur Dadar (omelette with chilli), Gulai Tulang Rusuk Kambing Nangka Muda (rich young jackfruit and lamb ribs curry), and Ayam Percik Panggang (roast chicken basted with spicy sauce).

 

 

 

 

Dessert ran the usual gamut from dainty Kuih Bahulu cakes to Fruit Rojak. Assorted fritters such as Goreng Pisang, Goreng Keledek and Keropok Lekor as well as Malay kuih and tropical fresh fruits are laid out to wrap up the meal.

 

 

 

Early Bird vouchers at RM98 nett each are still available until 5 May. The regular price for the Buka Puasa dinner is RM128 nett per adult while senior citizens get 50% off the normal price. Children 5-12 years old will be charged at RM48 nett child.

 

A special Bazaar Jalan Kerinchi dine and stay package is available at RM390+ per night, applicable from 8 May to 1 June 2019. Perks include:

·         daily buffet breakfast or pre-dawn meal

·         Bazaar Jalan Kerinchi buffet dinner for 2 adults and 2 children below 4 years old at Caprilicious

·         Complimentary parking for 1 car

·         Complimentary in-room internet/Wifi access

For reservations at Caprilicious, call tel: 03-2386 0891. Room reservations can be made via tel: 03-2383 0888. Address: Capri by Fraser Kuala Lumpur, No.5, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South City, Kuala Lumpur. Website: www.capribyfraser.com

TRACE'S SKY-HIGH FEASTS AT ELEMENT KUALA LUMPUR

Honey Glazed Spiced Whole Roast Turkey. Hot Smoked Norwegian Salmon Trout. Australian Angus Prime Rib. Roast Lamb Leg. These hearty specialities form the stellar cast of festive eats to tempt you this celebratory season at the sky-high TRACE Restaurant & Bar at Element Kuala Lumpur.

Pix courtesy of Chasingfooddreams

An effervescent buzz from the Cocktail of the Month, Tipsy Candy Cane (RM34 nett) is guaranteed to liven up the festive revelry from 20 to 31 December 2018. Suitably red to befit the sparkling holiday spirit, the drink is concocted with gin, dry vermouth and tonic infused with fresh sprig of rosemary and berries.

The culinary team has gone to town, decking the dining hall with loads of seasonal eats, starting with a whole roast turkey with all its trad trimmings: roasted potatoes, sautéed veggies, Brussel sprouts and apple chestnut stuffing alongside cranberry and giblet sauce. Also available as Turkey-To-Go (RM388 nett per set) throughout December with 3 days prior notice, the big bird is perfect for home or office parties.

Marinated with spices and sous vide for 12 hours, the prime rib is a serious show-stopper as is the delectable roast duck. The various carvery centrepieces are on-point and best relished with roasted root vegetables and complementing sauces.

 

There are plenty of fish and seafood to reel you in too. From Assorted Sushi and Chilled Seafood to a whole Smoked Salmon Trout with cucumber ‘scales’ and Tuna Tataki with Dried Fruit Salsa & Wasabi Mayo, get ready to surf up and net your choice catch.

No festive celebration is complete with sweet Yuletide treats such as Gingerbread, Cookie Assortment and Cheesecake among others. Most are not overly sweet and whimsically decorated especially the frosted gingerbread houses, cupcakes and yule log.

 

The Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner (24 Dec, 630-pm-1030pm) is priced at RM138 nett per adult (inclusive of Christmas cocktail) and RM70 nett per child. On Christmas Day, the Buffet Brunch (25 Dec, 12.30pm-4pm) costs RM138 nett per adult and RM70 nett per child. Early birds enjoy 20% off the regular price for bookings made before 10 December 2018.

Merry-making reaches new high when you welcome the New Year with a fabulous feast and fireworks. A sumptuous BBQ buffet awaits with an ample Seafood Selection (think slipper lobsters, oysters, black mussels), hot off the grill Satay, Sushi & Sashimi, luscious cakes and decadent dessert.

 

 

The New Year’s Eve BBQ Buffet Dinner (31 Dec, 630-pm-1030pm) is priced at RM158 nett per adult and RM70 nett per child.

For reservations at TRACE, tel: 03-2771 3388 or email: element.kualalumpur@elementhotels.com or visit www.elementkualalumpur.com

Address: Level 40, No.8, Jalan Binjai, Kuala Lumpur.