MERIAH KEMBALI BUKA PUASA BUFFET AT CINNAMON COFFEE HOUSE

One of the most anticipated buka puasa buffet spreads in Selangor returns full of vibrancy at Cinnamon Coffee House, One World Hotel Petaling Jaya this year. In line with new normal SOPs, disposable gloves are provided and reminders are posted urging guests to practise social distancing.

For starters, seafood lovers will find King Neptune’s treasure trove of fresh Oysters and poached Crabs, Mussels and Prawns on ice to satisfy them. Hankering for Japanese fare for buka puasa? Let the resident chefs bring you to the Land of the Rising Sun with assorted Sushi, Tempura and appetisers.

Those yearning for a taste of their kampung and old-school favourites such as Gulai Kawah, Sup Gearbox, Daging Opor Daun Salam, Nasi Rampai Sari, Kambing Hiris Gulai Daun Limau, Kerabu Telur Goreng or  Kerabu Tempeh, these nostalgic dishes are given pride of place at the buffet line-up. Redolent with local herbs, ground spices, and the richness of coconut milk, you’d find ample satisfaction from the plethora of offerings served.

Also jostling for attention and your tummy space are Malaysia’s multi-cultural specialities that should leave you spoiled for choice: Whole Roast Lamb, Beef Teriyaki, Tandoori Lamb Leg, Goan Seafood Biryani, Lamb Garlic & Tomato, Fish Kebab Cumin, Japanese Tofu with Vegetable & Crabmeat Sauce, Satay, Grilled Fish and Popiah.

Bringing the curtains down is the wide range of dessert, from local Kuih and hawker-style Apam Balik to airy-light Chiffon Cakes and fresh Fruits. Hot and Cold Beverages to wash everything down in addition to Dates are also served.

Available now until 12 May, the Meriah Kembali extravaganza available from 6.30pm to 10.30pm nightly, is priced at RM158 nett per adult and RM79 nett per child (6 – 12 years old).

Reservations are highly encouraged. For further enquiries, please call Cinnamon Coffee House, tel: 03 – 7681 1157 or email: cinnamon@oneworldhotel.com.my

CRAB CHOWDOWN AT VASCO'S, HILTON KL

Flower crabs or blue swimmer crabs from Tanjung Karang, Selangor and local coastal waters will take centrestage at Vasco’s throughout April for the Crab Chowdown promotion. Crab enthusiasts will find Vasco's chefs have pulled out the stops in rustling up a versatile showcase of Chinese, Malay, Japanese, Indian and Thai specialities to whet the appetite.

In keeping with its Travel with Purpose commitment, the culinary team is ensuring its crab and seafood supply are responsibly sourced, used and served in their efforts to preserve the enviroment. Hence the crabs will be procured from the coasts of Selangor, Johor and Sarawak.

For openers, the inventive appetiser of Kerabu Ketam with Avocado strikes a harmonious chord where East meets West tastefully. Another stellar showstopper is the soul-satisfying Crabmeat Soup with Cordycep Flowers — coming from yours truly who isn’t big on soup, this broth hits the spot!

Do keep your eyes peeled for notable tummy pleasers such as crunchy Deep-fried Baby Crabs with a dash of Vasco’s special sauce and Soft-shell Crab Maki (both laver-wrapped and ebikko-crusted made reverse-roll style).  

The crabs’ natural sweetness also make them a shoo-in for Indian-style cooking; both the smoky Tandoori Crabs and the piquant Chettinad flavoured Xec Xec Crabs get our thumbs up. In addition, there’s a tempting Goan Crab Curry to boot.

Chilli and spice fiends will find ample satisfaction from flower crabs freshly cooked in a choice of Thai tom yum or white coconut gravy with oyster mushroom and complementing condiments.

Milder and rendered with minced garlic and mixed spices, the Kam Heong Crabs and Hong Kong-style Crabs pass muster. Alas, the Black Pepper Crabs misses the mark as the dish tastes a tad sweet for our liking and lacks that necessary ‘bite’ to be of interest.

When it comes to saucy offerings like Crabs in Pineapple Curry or Chilli Crabs, some man tao buns or plain rice may come in handy to soak up the delicious gravy. This is one combo to spark joy for your crab chowdown.

Priced at RM178 nett per person, the Crab Chowdown at Vasco’s is available from 1-30 April daily from 6pm to 10.30pm. Add RM100 nett per person for Vasco’s beverage package for free flow of Tiger beer, selected house wine and soft drinks.

For reservations, please call Hilton Kuala Lumpur, tel: 03-2264 2264 or email: KULHI_FB@hilton.com