MORE THAN JUST DESSERT AT MADHATTER

 

Banker turned baker Marcus Low shows his creative culinary prowess transcends the dessert realm at the new MadHatter Boulangerie in Kepong.

The 2015 MasterChef Asia First Runner-up remains a wizard at conjuring sumptuous treats as evidenced by the array of luscious dessert creations he plied us with during our visit recently.

Not only does Marcus uses premium and locally sourced ingredients, his artful, judicious pairing of cogent and cohesive flavours readily sets him apart from other pâtissiers in the city.

 

Upon sampling Marcus’ distinctive dessert creations such as Raspberry Rose Lychee, Chocolate and Cherry, Local Chestnut & Coffee Tart, Chocolate Calamansi, Apple Cinnamon and Banana Bread with Caramelised Cardamom Cream, we find ourselves spellbound by his superior skills and knowledge.

Striving to use more locally sourced ingredients, Marcus tells us his supply of rare jungle fruits and other exotic produce is procured from the Orang Asli community and through like-minded partners such as Langit Collective and Chocolate Concierge.

 

A good example is Bidara or Indian jujube, a local fruit that’s rarely if ever used in French pâtisserie. Instead of raisins, Marcus gives bidara the major role in the fruity filling for his Pain Aux Bidara (one of the distinctive items found in MadHatter Baked Boulangerie).

Marcus who made his maiden business debut in 2017, opened his MadHatter Desserts shop in Uptown Damansara to much social media fanfare. Now, post-pandemic times has driven him to streamline and relocate; he is focusing on providing dessert solutions for businesses whilst his ‘food with a purpose’ philosophy continues through attempts to include more locally sourced ingredients into his creations.

The new MadHatter menu also offers a selection of hot dishes in addition to dessert. Top of the list is MadHatter Signature Focaccia with Deli Cold Cuts (RM28). According to Marcus, the two distinctive charcuterie items: Smoked Paprika & Cocoa Husk Lamb and Ayam Kampung Ham with Turmeric Leaves are made on premise. We find the localised tastes punching above their weight; the emerging accents palate-pleasing and instantly cognizant.

Our enlightening culinary sojourn continues with Faux Liver Paté with Cerapu Jam. Whipped up from an ingenious blend of cashew, nam yue (red fermented beancurd) and blackened kulim (jungle garlic or Scorodocarpus borneensis Becc.), the meatless spread is winsome. We like its nutty creaminess accentuated by complex nuances of nam yue and kulim.

Spread onto toasty bread slices and cocoa husk crisps, we couldn’t stop raving over how well it paired with the cerapu (button mangosteen) jam’s delicate tart-sweetness.

According to Marcus, the cocoa husk crisps we tried is made from ground cocoa husk. “Cocoa husk is high in protein and pectin. Ground into powder, it can be used to make noodles and bread just like flour.”

Tasting somewhat woody-earthy like mushroom, the thin Cocoa Husk Crisps serve as a perfect foil for the deliciously creamy Smoked Mackerel Paté studded with salmon roe.

Fast gaining favour among local gourmands thanks to its musky-garlicky-truffle scent, kulim (another local fruit) when infused in olive oil, bestowed depths of flavour in the freshly baked and sliced Focaccia with Tomato and Kulim Olive Oil.

Adventurous eaters should wade into the boldly inventive Deep Fried Pomfret Open Sandwich with Tempoyak Mayo (RM32). Much to our surprise, the fish’s inherent sweetness held its own amidst the pungency of the creamy fermented durian mayo. Possibly not for the faint-hearted but this is a notable option if you seek something off the beaten culinary path.

Offal fans will find much to love in the Beef Tongue Stew with Swiss Cheese, Chimichurri & Bagel (RM36). Irresistible chewy-soft textures and unapologetically big, hearty flavours rule here. The accompanying coleslaw adds refreshing contrast to the ensemble.

Redolent with the warmth of spices, the Johor style Kacang Pool proved on-point. Topped with a sunny side up egg, the comforting bean stew induced us to lap up everything.

 

There is nothing coy about the Kukur Mushroom Pate Pizza Focaccia (RM22). Earthy-woody nuances abound in every mouthful – something mushroom enthusiasts will appreciate.

So if you’re tired of the ho-hum café fare, go give your tastebuds a rejuvenating jolt with the noteworthy and one-of-a-kind savoury and sweet treats from MadHatter.

For more information, please call MadHatter, tel: 03-6734 9632/012-370 4327. Address: 26, Jalan Medan Putra 4, Medan Putra Business Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

CNY HIGH TEA PARTY WITH DESIGNER CARVEN ONG

A pristine white dress inspired by Karl Lagerfeld stole the limelight at the recent Chinese New Year high tea party hosted by designer Carven Ong.

Modelled by beauty queen Miss Universe Malaysia 2023 Serena Lee, the resplendent creation was exclusively designed by Carven Ong for a client who wore the original to last year’s Met Gala in New York City.

 

According to Ong’s spokesperson, the white, multi-layered dress was based on the event’s theme of “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”. Featuring a distinctive shirt collar on the bodice, the black and white dress also included painstakingly hand-drawn designs of all 180 pieces of Lagerfeld’s fashionable sketches.

As a tribute to Lagerfeld’s fondness for bling bling, Ong had also incorporated lights into the dress, giving it an ethereal glow and a touch of glamour.

Ever the impeccable host, Ong and his team pulled off his CNY high tea party with aplomb; roping in the support of various sponsors and giving his guests ‘ang pow’ redeemable for their fashionable purchases at his boutique.

Ong also unveiled his showcase of Chinese accented apparel to herald the upcoming CNY celebration. Vibrantly coloured materials adorned with intricate embroidery drew the eyes and induced fashion-conscious guests into purchasing his designs for the festive season.

Aside from the plethora of local tea treats, they also sampled freshly brewed coffee by new local brand, byNanas. Guests didn’t leave empty-handed as they were proffered goodie bags in appreciation for their attendance.

For more information on Carven Ong Couture’s CNY collection, call tel: 03 2162 8232. Visit Carven Ong Couture Boutique at Lot 2-09, 2^nd Floor, The Intermark, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur

DEBIC SUPPORTS TEAM MALAYSIA AT WORLD’S BIGGEST PASTRY COMPETITION

Four Malaysian pastry chefs: Chef Kean Yap (team coach), Chef Mun Pui Teng (team captain and sugar candidate), Chef Goh Jun Wei (ice candidate) and Chef Lim Boon Chuan, (chocolate candidate) will demonstrate their skills and creativity at Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie 2023 in Lyon, France on 20 and 21 January 2023.

Also known as the Pastry World Cup, the Debic supported Team Malaysia will have to create a Sugar Sculpture with Chocolate Entremet, Chocolate Sculpture with plated desserts, Ice Sculpture with Frozen Desserts and Frozen Lollipop.

Centred around the theme of ‘climate change’, the two days of intense competition, spanning over for 10 hours, will see Team Malaysia will go up against teams from 20 other countries.

As a hundred-year-old premium European dairy brand made for professionals and one of the sponsors of the prestigious Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie competition, Debic has been a passionate global supporter for over 20 years and a proud sponsor of Team Malaysia 2023. 

 

Ramjeet Kaur Virik, Managing Director of Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad shared, “At Debic, we understand professional chefs and have the expertise to provide customised solutions for them with high-quality products, and ease of convenience, to inspire chefs to create high-quality creations.

“The innovative nature of this competition aligns perfectly with Debic’s passion for supporting pastry chefs. We are proud to be part of an event that provides a platform for professionals to set new trends and inspire a new generation of professionals. All competing chefs will have access to Debic products to innovate with, and we look forward to seeing the many high-quality and relevant products resulting from the event.”

The current team hopes to replicate Malaysia’s success four years ago in Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie 2019, where Team Malaysia emerged as champion with their cutting-edge creations.

Debic Ambassadors Chef Otto Tay and Chef Loi Ming Ai (members of the winning team in 2019) also served their winning pastry creations at the sending-off party hosted by Debic. 

Fans and supporters of Team Malaysia can watch the Grand Finale and cheer for Malaysia at the Official Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie Youtube live at: https://youtube.com/@Cmpatisserie