Showing posts with label chefs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chefs. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 04, 2023

TOSCA X GOODDAM 'FOUR HANDS' DINNER


Italian cuisine lovers are in for a treat with the upcoming ‘four hands’ dinner featuring Chef Murli Pillay (left) of Tosca at DoubleTree by Hilton KL and Chef Daniel Yap (right) of Gooddam restaurant in Petaling Jaya.

Scheduled for 14 & 15 July, the Tosca x Gooddam event will proffer a 5-course menu (RM358 nett per person) prepared by both chefs. The food and wine pairing costs RM498 nett per person.
 
Us media members had an advance preview of the event one balmy evening at Tosca. The rustic wood-stone clad setting evoked a laidback, resort-style feel although some air-conditioning won’t be remiss IMHO in the current sweltering weather.


Chilled Sanfeletto Prosecco Superior heralded a quartet of amuse bouche: Black Angus Short Rib Arancino, Oyster Beignet, Liver Mousse, and Aged Hamachi Crudo.

 

The much-anticipated Black Angus Short Rib Arancino with Sundried Tomato Aioli and Summer Truffle was a tad underwhelming. Coated with breadcrumbs, the deep-fried Italian rice ball barely had any beef in it, whilst the tomato aioli eclipsed everything in its wake.

 

Topped with a bright green, savoury sauce, the crisp-fried Oyster Beignet with Green Onion Fondue restored our faith. The mollusc’s delicate taste remained discernible and melded well with the parmesan shavings and cheesy green onion ‘fondue’.


Airy-light and exquisitely delicate accents characterised the Liver Mousse, Strawberry Vinegar Caramel, Edible Weeds and Flowers sandwiched in between wafer-thin discs. Ditto for the Aged Hamachi Crudo, Pickled Pumpkin and Spiced Passionfruit.

 

Also top marks for the crusty slices of focaccia with pesto butter.

A zesty-fresh Fantini Pinot Grigio complemented Chef Murli’s Symphony of Heirloom Tomatoes with Aged Balsamic and Goat Cheese Panna Cotta. 

We loved how the soft pudding-like goat cheese creaminess harmonised with the assortment of fruity heirloom tomatoes. Tangy-sweet aged balsamic vinegar further enhanced the dish’s allure.


Chef Daniel proved his mettle with delicious Agnolotti of Wolf Herring Mousse, Red Coral and Nasturtium Flower Butter. A type of pasta originating from Piedmont, the chef folded flattened pasta dough over toothsomely springy fish paste. Served alongside a slab of sweet and flaky wolf herring, the spicy flower butter added lush flavour to the whole ensemble.

 

Teetotallers can expect interesting mocktails such as Cucumber Gimlet and Acai Kombucha to complement their meal.

 
While the Rack of Lamb with Pickled Purple Carrot, Celeriac Purée, Mâche & Thyme Jus looked promising, my portion was unfortunately tough and sinewy. The gloppy jus didn’t help. Fortunately, my dining partner’s serving was on-point. 

 

We had a medium body Cecchi Chianti DOCG brimming with nice berry nuances which went superbly well with the lamb.

Dinner concluded on a high note with an enticing Marsala Sabayon Ice Cream, Wood-fired Fig and Fig Leaf Meringue wrapping up the evening. It was a light, mildly sweet yet slightly indulgent dessert to savour.

 

For reservations at Tosca, call tel: 03-2172 7272 or email: KULDT_FB@hilton.com

 

Thursday, January 19, 2023

SPRING INTO ABUNDANCE FEASTS AT DOUBLETREE BY HILTON SHAH ALAM

A DIY Yee Sang Station, a cook-to-order Giant Grouper, Grilled Seafood: oysters, scallops, prawns, squid and otak-otak, and a cornucopia of tempting Chinese-style dishes top the Spring Into Abundance buffet spread at DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam to celebrate this Chinese New Year.
Hopping with enthusiasm to bring great cheer to diners in welcoming the Year of the Water Rabbit, Makan Kitchen Chefs Lee Yew Ken (left) and Lee Keen Suaan (right) said they have specially chosen to prepare familiar Chinese New Year dishes in addition to seafood specialities and delicacies catering to the Malaysian palate.
Although the hotel only opened last August, it has become a favourite outpost with corporate clients and local residents. 
Having gotten first dibs at the extravagant Makan Kitchen offerings, we find the buffet highly commendable. Several distinct options even deserve special mention.
Make your way to the do-it-yourself Yee Sang station where you can rustle up the customary festive salad with fresh salmon slices, customised to your own liking.
Next, get 'souped up' with the tasty Seafood Soup with Baby Abalone. Lending a touch of luxe to the slightly thick, savoury soup with strips of fish blubber are baby abalones - a rare but welcome addition to this broth.
You can also feast on a selection of piping hot Dim Sum, and Chinese-style Roasts. Have a penchant for fish? Sample a serving of the
Giant Grouper which is freshly steamed for your enjoyment.
Braised and stir-fried Chinese dishes competing for your attention and tummy space include delicious Mud Crabs with Honey Soy Sauce, Braised Bai Ling Mushroom with Sea Cucumber and Fish Maw, Fried Perch Fillet with Salted Egg Sauce, Sautéed Prawns with Ginger, Garlic and Chilli Sauce, and yummy Chicken with Marmite Gravy & Sesame Seeds among others.
Over at the Malay Kitchen, there are a plethora of Grilled Oysters, Scallops, Prawns, Squid and Otak-otak as well as Satay. Satisfy your carb cravings with Nasi Minyak Berempah accompanied by Terung Berlado, Lamb Kuzi, and Daging Salai Masak Lemak.
The Indian Kitchen beckons with a spice-laden selection of Lobster Masala, Prawn Rasam, Fish Tikka, Lamb Kebab and Bhindi Masala. 
Delicate French dessert creations with edible Chinese New Year decorations (think little gold ingots, cherry blossoms, ancient coins, etc) adorn dainty morsels of Chocolate Cake, Passionfruit Mousse, Apple Mousse, White Chocolate Raspberry Mousse, and Green Tea Cream Puffs. Most taste as good as they look so remember to leave room for these delightful treats.
On 21 January, the Chinese New Year Eve buffet dinner (6pm – 1030pm) is available at RM188 nett per person, and RM278 nett per person with free flow of red and white house wine.
 
On 22 and 23 January, CNY dinner buffet (6pm – 1030pm) is priced at RM188 nett (food only) and RM278 nett with flow red and white house wine.
 
High Tea (12.30pm – 4pm) on 21 and 22 January is priced at RM148 nett (buffet only) and RM238 nett with free flow red and white house wine.
 
For the last hurrah, enjoy Chap Goh Mei Dinner (6pm – 10.30pm) on 5 February at RM168 nett (buffet only) and RM258 nett with free flow red and white house wine.
For reservations, please call Makan Kitchen, DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam, tel: 03-5650 0200, email SZBSA_FB@hilton.com or visit eatdrinkhilton.com

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