COFFEE RAVE – BREW, BEAT, BERSAMA PUTRAJAYA MARRIOTT HOTEL

Culture, creativity and community take centrestage at the launch of ‘Coffee Rave – Brew, Beat, Bersama’ event hosted by Putrajaya Marriott Hotel.

 
Held at the Lobby Lounge, the lively showcase of flavours, music, and artistry highlighted the collaboration between the Hotel and local artisan coffee brand Hétam. It’s also part of Marriott Bonvoy's ongoing efforts to deliver exclusive experiences for members and guests, creating opportunities for them to discover new flavours, local talents and unique cultural experiences.
 
Ms. Nikie Mok, General Manager of Putrajaya Marriott Hotel said: "Coffee Rave is more than an event; it's a celebration of togetherness, flavours, and artistry. We are proud to create experiences connecting people through meaningful moments; be it through food, culture, or community."

 
Hétam, an innovative homegrown coffee brand founded by passionate coffee artisan Wira, is dedicated to redefining Malaysia's coffee culture. At the Coffee Rave event, guests were treated to Wira’s specially crafted beverages embodying local heritage and inspirations.

Emas was the first coffee concoction we sampled. The name Emas pays tribute to the coffee’s golden hue courtesy of Harum Manis mango – the royal fruit of the north. We love how the fruity sweetness of fresh mango (purée and cubes) tangoed with the warm, robust richness of espresso. A delightfully bright, fizzy, creamy and fruity drink.

 
Inspired by the equatorial spirit of Malaysia, the bold and complex Khatulistiwa bore tropical citrus fruitiness amidst the invigorating acidity of coffee. Passionfruit pulp, a dried orange slice and a rosemary sprig lent the mocktail refreshing and aromatic finish.

 
Echoing our country’s lush rainforests, the earthy and robust Belantara exuded nuances of bright, green fruits layered with full-bodied roasted coffee; its creaminess touched with sea salt to round off the taste profile.

 
Rich and delightfully sweet like kuih seri muka, the Puteri coffee mocktail pays tribute to cherished tradition and treasured heritage. Its pandan green and coconut white hues coupled with the delicate pandan scent and creamy coconut taste juxtaposed against a canvas of espresso is akin to a drinkable form of the much-loved local dessert.

To complement these inventive beverages, Chef Zulkifli Asyul and his culinary team curated a special menu for the afternoon tea event. We feasted on delicious Mee Rebus Lamb Feet, dainty hand-rolled Nasi Lemak Temaki, and Macaroni Cheese in-between sips of those winsome coffee drinks.

Delectable morsels of Ayam Percik Vol Au Vent and Sardine Canapés added to the day’s merriment. Aside from classic Scones with Jam and Whipped Cream, we savoured Durian Cheese Tarts, Macaroons and Kuih Ubi Ketuk.

 
Soulful renditions by Agal Musik livened up the Coffee Rave session while Jessie Art Studio captivated us with a live art showcase. Henna artistry also imbued the proceedings with a cultural touch.

 
The live art piece by Jessie Art Studio was then presented to Ms. Nikie Mok, General Manager of Putrajaya Marriott Hotel as the wrap-up for the Coffee Rave event.
 

ROASTED MAY SIZZLES AT SUBSTANCE

‘Buy 1 Free 1’. Isn’t this music to your ears? Especially when the irresistible deal is for the All-You-Can-Eat Roasted Buffet this May at Substance all-day dining restaurant, Courtyard by Marriott KL South.

Expect a well-balanced, expansive buffet spread highlighting splendid roasts, meat and vegetables alike, to feed you well and succeed at it too. Headliners of Roast Lamb and Chicken are amply supported by roasted pumpkin, sweet potatoes, eggplant and capsicums, alongside crispy fried potato wedges.

We enjoyed savouring the rosemary-scented roast lamb and juicy chicken, made memorable by the house Peri-Peri sauce – it’s unapologetically fiery and perfect for those who like sauces with bite.

Get the dining party started with King Neptune’s ransom of Seafood Appetisers: freshly shucked oysters and a trio of sashimi along with poached prawns, flower crabs and mussels.

Salad days never look better than fresh options like Smoked Duck Salad with Orange (smoky, subtly briny duck breast slices mellowed by wedges of orangey brightness atop mixed greens), tuna-flecked Salad Nicoise, Pasta Salad, and DIY Gado-gado (blanched long beans, beansprouts, cabbage and diced fried beancurd dressed with peanut sauce) among others.

Smoked Salmon, Assorted Nigiri and Maki Sushi, and little bowls of Soba Noodles with hot and cold broth jazz up the spread with vibrant colours and textural variety.

 

Also flexing some serious muscle are notable hot dishes such as the deeply flavourful Asam Pedas Oxtail (think lip-smacking chunks of oxtail falling apart at the bone), Balitong Masak Lemak (little horn shells in tantalising chilli and turmeric-based gravy), Sweet & Spicy Prawns and a not-too-shabby Beef Rendang.

Don’t pass up on the Curry Mee either. Lemak-rich santan broth nuanced with aromatic, rounded rempah (spices) make this noodle dish sing.

Fluffy Green Peas Rice serves as the ideal canvas to embrace all those delicate, comforting flavours of Braised Lamb with Radish and Carrots, restorative Steamed Herbal Chicken with Minced Ginger and homey Braised Chicken in Sesame Oil.

Other gems worth the calories: Baked Oysters with Spinach and Cheese and Chinese Fried Rice with tiny silverfish for that subtle crunch. Over at the Indian corner, creamy-rich and well-spiced Chicken Makhani coupled with Idli and Samosa ensure a strong showing.

 

Sweet endings range from assorted Nyonya Kuih, Sweet Wheat Porridge, Fresh Fruits, dainty slices of Carrot, Red Velvet and Cheese Cake, Chocolate Eclairs and two types of Fruit Jelly.

Verdict? The Roasted May promotion is varied enough, locally grounded, and boldly cranks up the flavour when it counts whether it's a power lunch or a laid-back dinner.

Available for Saturday & Sunday Lunch from 12.30pm - 3pm at RM138 nett per Adult, RM98 nett per Senior Citizen and RM69 nett per Child and Thursday to Sunday Dinner from 6.30pm - 11pm at RM158 nett per Adult, RM108 nett per Senior Citizen and RM79 nett per Child.

For more information and reservations at Susbtance (Level 3), Courtyard by Marriott Kuala Lumpur South, please WhatsApp: +603 8682 8898.

Cheers to 137 Bar

Hidden gem of a bar is a compelling pitstop post-dinner. Tucked away up a flight of stairs just beyond the cosy setting of Courtyard Lounge, 137 Bar should be your port of call, for drinks and chill-out session.

 

Fronted by a contemporary bar with backlit drinks display, 137 Bar is tastefully furnished with mellow lighting, cushy armchairs and a secluded nook for small parties who desire some privacy. The décor is sleek bordering on minimalist.

Cocktails abound, imaginative with local twists cleverly included. The friendly mixologist rustles up a curated selection for our sampling, starting with KL South Sling.

It’s house-infused lemongrass syrup with Absolut Vodka, pineapple juice, lime juice, fresh pineapple slice, lychee fruit, grenadine, and a dash of Angostura bitters – a pleasantly bright and vibrant notes on the palate.

My fave has to be Assam-boi Mojito – an invigorating blend of Bacardi Rum with salted prune infused syrup, lime, mint leaves, and soda. Superbly refreshing and cleansing.

Tea fans will love Teh Tarik Twist – a grown-up version of brewed local black tea laced with spice-infused rum, condensed milk, cardamom, and cinnamon stick. Irresistibly potent so go easy on this.

Blending classic cocktail with local coffee gives rise to Kopi O – White Russian; mixing Absolut Vodka and Kahlúa with condensed milk, strong local black coffee, and coffee beans.

It’s only befitting local fresh coconut takes centrestage, to create a beach-worthy Coco-Mojito. Here, fresh coconut is married with Nusa Caña Rum, lime syrup, mint leaves, and fresh coconut water. Panacea for our sweltering weather yo.

Ginger loving drinkers will enjoy Twice As Nice at 137: an ingenious concoction of ginger-infused rum, sliced ginger, lemongrass, calamansi lime and orange curaçao, with a dash of Angostura bitters.

Bar 137 should be your port of call when visiting Courtyard by Marriott KL South, be it for personal or corporate entertaining purpose. The cool laidback vibes is perfect for date nights, convivial gatherings and casual way to welcome the weekend.