CHEERY & CHIC CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AT LE MERIDIEN PUTRAJAYA

A lavish spread of irresistible holiday eats will deck the halls of Le Meridien Putraja this festive season. Executive Chef Liou Chong Yaw and his culinary team comprising Pastry Chef Hansraja Jayaraman (front row, left), Production Chef Irwan Sutan Chairul (back row, centre) and Junior Sous Chef Abdul Razak Mahamad will pull out the stops, serving up a myriad of Yuletide faves guarantee to steal hearts and fill tummies.

A showcase of Seafood Terrine Platter with Condiments was the opening volley at the media preview. Norwegian Salmon Apricot Gravlax, Smoked Rainbow Trout with Pickles, Smoked Duck with Orange Segments and Pomegranate, Potato Salad with Egg, Green Onion and Crispy Beef Strips are some of the distinctive curtain-raisers to look out for when you patronise the celebratory line-up.

In our tropical climes, those dishes’ vibrant colours and captivating flavours should do well to tease diners’ appetite for the array of main courses. Anyone anticipating a whole roast turkey won’t be disappointed but if you prefer to move beyond big bird, we recommend the delectable Christmas Roast Garlic Lamb Leg or Louisiana BBQ Short Ribs with Roasted Vegetables from the Carvery Station.

You can decide on the quantity of roast meat to satisfy the palate but make space on your plate for the complementary sides: Bread with Chestnut Stuffing, Brussel Sprouts with Turkey Toast and Sautéed Fresh Squash with Parsley, along with Cranberry, Giblet, Mint and Mustard Sauces won’t go remiss. 

Tradition and modernity combine to create a decadent plethora of sweet treats for dessert. Nibble on the hotel’s assortment of Deluxe Christmas Cookies or enjoy a slice of luscious Wild Berries Cheesecake.

My personal faves are Plum Pudding, Macarons and the chocolatey Yule Log. More fruity and traditional choices: Christmas Stollen with Vanilla Sauce, Mince Pies and Ginger Fruit Cake are notable options to consider.

Prices for the festive celebration buffet at Latest Recipe are as follow:

Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner RM168 nett per adult, RM84 nett per child

Christmas Day Brunch RM148 nett per adult, RM74 nett per child.

New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner RM168 nett per adult, RM84 nett per child

New Year’s Day Brunch RM148 nett per adult, RM74 nett per child

New Year’s Day Buffet Dinner RM138 nett per adult, RM69 nett per child.

For reservations at Latest Recipe, Le Meridien Putrajaya, call tel: 03-8689 6888 or visit https://www.facebook.com/lemeridienputrajaya/

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY DELIGHTS FROM LE MERIDIEN PUTRAJAYA

‘Tis the season to be feasting and Executive Chef Liou Chong Yaw together with his team at Le Meridien Putrajaya plan to go to town with an expansive spread to celebrate the Yuletide.

Headlining the hotel’s festive menu will be Mom’s Turkey & Sweet Onion Pie - a cherished family recipe Chef Liou obtained from his Eurasian friend in Melaka. The pie’s super-flaky buttery pastry crust had us enthralled at first bite; its savouriness yielding to the delicate caramelised sweetness of onion and melding delightfully with shredded turkey, peas and mushroom. Do keep your eyes peeled for this scrumptious pie at Latest Recipe, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant when you're there.

According to Executive Chef Liou, the Le Meridien team will focus mainly on Christmas specialities from Europe and America but he also challenged them to go beyond traditional boundaries.

That was how they got us hooked on their lush umami-rich Seafood Bisque with Ginger Garlic Bread. Since I've never been big on soupy fare, I shocked myself when I lapped up the substantial serving! Blame on the yummy baton of garlic-imbued gingerbread with a slick of honey that I couldn’t resist dunking into the creamy broth.

We then found ourselves eagerly tucking into hearty portions of Christmas Roast Turkey. Chef Liou regaled us with his countless unsatisfactory turkey-roasting experiences and told us it was his American friends who taught him to brine the big bird for 48 hours with herbs, vinegar, salt, brown sugar and bay leaf prior to roasting. "I finally passed their taste test after heeding their advice." 

Proof of the pudding was definitely in the eating as most of us gobbled the moist, tender meat down with giblet gravy and cranberry sauce. Accompaniments for it included Bread Chestnut Stuffing,  Brussel Sprouts with Beef Toast, Sautéed Pumpkin, Zucchini & Baby Carrot with Parsley. 

You can also expect to sample classics like Chicken & Mushroom Pate Platter, Giant Seabass Fillet Crusted with Lemon and Cheese & Mushroom Risotto -- celebratory eats from the European continent.

These specialities were nicely acquitted too, cementing the culinary prowess of Le Meridien Putrajaya kitchen team. Even Chef Michael Wong of Le Mei Chinese restaurant rose to the occasion with his distinctive prawn and spinach creation.

Wrapping up our preview dinner on a sweet note came luscious Christmas Pudding with Fresh Vanilla Pod Sauce complemented by an Assortment of Christmas Cookie. Our verdict as we staggered home from the simple but splendid preview? Good food made with passion always wins the day and Le Meridien Putrajaya's team has proven they are ready to deliver on-point Christmas and New Year fare for your feasting pleasure.

For more information and reservations on the hotel's festive specialities and promotions this Christmas & New Year celebrations, please call Le Meridien Putrajaya, tel: 03-8689 6888. Address: Lebuh IRC, IOI Resort City, Putrajaya.