Showing posts with label ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ideas. Show all posts

Saturday, March 04, 2017

SPUD-TACULAR FRENCH POTATO SHOWCASE


Over 250 varieties of potatoes are grown in France. Last week, The French Embassy in Malaysia hosted a trade delegation on a mission to tap the potential of the Malaysian market for French potatoes.
Avid interest in cooking shows and the rise of more discerning home cooks have spurred greater interest in quality ingredients, including the availability of waxy or floury potatoes for different recipes. France is hopeful its potatoes would appeal to consumers here especially those firm fleshed varieties suitable for South East Asian cooking.
Since proof of the spuds’ worth lies in the eating, The French Embassy hosted a Potato Degustation Luncheon at Gobo Upstairs, Traders Hotel KL for local stakeholders, trade buyers and media.
A mini buffet of 10 different potato dishes were prepared by the Traders Hotel KL team for the special showcase to highlight the versatility of French potatoes.
Dulcet smooth Vichyssoise served in dainty shot glasses, a thick broth made from puréed French potatoes with cream, chicken stock and herbs was the smooth opener.
Despite its plain appearance, the basic Steamed Potatoes proved a big hit as we could fully appreciate the spud’s au naturel sweetness and firm yet slightly fluffy texture. The potato wedges also stood up well to deep-frying.
Equally popular was Aloo Gobi, diced French potatoes cooked in thick Indian curry with cauliflower and green peas. Many guests even returned for additional helpings including yours truly.
Personally, I love the Malaysian Chicken & Potato Curry complemented by lacy rolls of roti jala. Piquant with zingy spices and enriched with coconut milk, the potatoes and chicken were a match made in culinary heaven.
The hearty French potatoes served as the perfect canvas to amplify the aromatic spices used to cook the Chinese speciality of Soy Braised Chicken and Potatoes.
Their sturdiness means they could be mashed and made into Bergedil too. Lightly spiced, the deep-fried potato patties were addictive to nibble on.
Speaking of mash, we also enjoyed Hachis Parmentier – the French equivalent of Shepherd’s Pie. Each mini cup of the fine, smooth baked potato topping revealed delicious mince underneath.
Sliced and layered with cream and cheese, Gratin Dauphinois was a splendid way to emphasise the excellent attributes and deliciousness of French potatoes. They can also be boiled and diced for Salad Niçoise or sliced and roasted for Canapé of Duck Confit.

F&B industry stakeholders may direct trade enquiries on French potatoes to Business France Malaysia, tel: 03-2053 5646.

Friday, May 13, 2016

AIRASIA IN SEARCH OF RUNWAY READY DESIGNER




Ten young aspiring designers have been shortlisted for a chance to represent Malaysia and compete in the Grand Finale of AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search (AARRDS) 2016 this August in Kuala Lumpur.

After two judging sessions, the top 10 was chosen based on their design creativity and originality, consistency of their collection, adherence to the Asean theme, practicality and stage presentation.This is the second year-running AirAsia is involved in the development of fresh talents and empowering youth across the region, to gain a foothold in the fashion industry.  

Aireen Omar, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Berhad (AA); Andrew Tan, Founder of Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready to Wear; Vivy Yusof, Founder of FashionValet; Alia Bastamam, Fashion Designer; and Suzie Adnan, Editor-in-Chief of GLAM Malaysia formed this year’s judging panel.  

A total of 487 online submissions was drawn to the Asean-wide designer search held at JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur. Similar sessions were held in Singapore and Bangkok to look for young designers to represent each country.

AA CEO Aireen Omar said, “AirAsia has always been devoted in supporting the talents of tomorrow.  This year we have expanded our search to 5 Asean countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines in search of the Top 3 young designers to represent each country. Since the establishment of AARRDS in 2015, we are impressed with the growing number of submissions as well as the quality of talents in the Asean region.”

She was also pleased with the increased number of participation and the aspiring designers’ versatile skills. “Apart from good fashion designs, we expect the participants to be adept at presentation, eloquent in their concept rationalisation and ensure their designs are commercially viable.”

The eventual Top 3 representatives for Malaysia will stand a chance to walk away as ‘AirAsia’s Most Promising Young Designer 2016’ at the KL Fashion Week Ready to Wear 2016 runway. Prizes worth at least RM350,000 includes a confirmed show segment to showcase his or her full collection at KLFW RTW 2017; mentorship from the KLFW RTW team; RM25,000 sponsored by FashionValet to produce a capsule collection for sale in fashionvalet.com and 150,000 AirAsia BIG Points sponsored by AirAsia BIG, AirAsia or AirAsia X flights among other prizes.

AirAsia is also KLFW RTW 2016’s Preferred Travel Partner and will be flying in fashion designers throughout the AirAsia Group’s extensive route network including from India, Indonesia, China, Australia and South Korea to be featured on the KLFW RTW 2016 runway. Experience KLFW RTW 2016 this August by flying with AirAsia and earn BIG Points.

Follow AirAsia’s Youtube Channel (youtube.com/user/AirAsia) for webisodes featuring the journey of all participants for the region-wide AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search 2016, or follow the hashtag #AirAsiaRunway

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