MID-AUTUMN MOONCAKES FROM FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KL

The Snow Skin Mooncake with Butterfly Pea Flower Custard Paste with Saffron, Mullet Roe, Salted Egg Yolk and Pistachios – a new snowskin mooncake crafted by Chef Ng Meng Loong of Four Seasons Hotel KL turns out to be the bee’s knees this year.

 
Clad in swirly white and blue snow skin threaded with saffron, the subtly sweet custard paste incorporating mullet roe and pistachios, and a salted egg yolk core bewitched us instantly at first bite.

 
Levelling up on the nut mooncake variant, Yun House’s dim sum and dessert maestro also proffers his Eight-Nut Treasure Baked Mooncake for fans who enjoy utterly nutty mooncake filling. The favoured pistachios - now all the rage among kunafa choc fans - makes its presence felt.

This year’s mooncake gift box comes stylishly beribboned with a specially commissioned scarf designed by acclaimed Malaysian artist C.N. Liew. Bearing contemporary patterns juxtaposed against an auspicious red background, the gift box exudes modern glamour and understated sophistication. Best of all, the designer scarf can be used as a pocket square, handkerchief or twilly.

Back to the artisanal Mid-Autumn Festival creations, the winsome baked variants include Classic Lotus Seed Paste with Single Yolk and Melon Seeds (RM45++ each), Pandan Lotus Seed Paste with Single Yolk and Melon Seeds (RM45++ each), Pure Lotus Seed Paste with Single Yolk and Melon Seeds (RM45++ each), Red Bean Paste with Almond Flakes (RM45++ each) and Eight Nut Treasure (RM48++ each).

Snow skin mooncake fans will swoon over the luscious Musang King Durian (RM88++ each) and revel in the luxe appeal of Black Sesame Lotus Seed Paste with Bird’s Nest and Almonds (RM68++ each). The distinctly inventive Pure White Lotus Seed Paste with Palm Sugar, Macadamia and Seaweed (RM58++ each) tastes equally sublime.

"The Mid-Autumn celebration is all about joy and togetherness, with the main event being a feast with family and friends under the full moon," says Chef Loong. "Designed to appeal to all generations and palates, our mooncakes welcome everyone to join in the festivities."

 
Orders can be made and collected now and 6 October by calling tel: 03 2382 8602 or email:
yunhouse.kualalumpur@fourseasons.com
 

MAN OF FOUR SEASONS IN KUALA LUMPUR

Simon Barnett’s career in hospitality began at the ground level—quite literally. He started out parking cars and working as a bellman, long before stepping into the polished shoes of a hotel general manager.

Now helming the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Barnett brings with him over three decades of hands-on industry experience. Despite his impressive résumé, the Sydneysider remains refreshingly grounded.

“I was drawn to hospitality because I love meeting people,” he recalls with smile. "Back then, the idea I actually got rewarded for doing a good job was incredibly appealing."

With his parents working overseas, Barnett pursued his university studies in Brisbane, where his sister was living at the time. His first hotel job was in the front office of a five-star Brisbane property where he quickly discovered a passion for the fast-paced world of luxury hospitality.

As he climbed the ranks, Barnett expanded his expertise across various departments before finding his niche in sales. His journey took him from Australia’s Gold Coast to the global cities of London and New York, strengthening his knowledge of international hotel operations.

In 2011, he joined Four Seasons Hotel Sydney as Director of Catering and Conference Services. His strong business acumen and people-first mindset saw him rise swiftly, first to Director of Marketing, and later to Hotel Manager. His dual role in Singapore—as both Hotel Manager and Director of Marketing—further sharpened his leadership skills.

Barnett’s first General Manager role was in Jakarta where he played a pivotal role in stabilising and relaunching the property post-pandemic. Before moving to Kuala Lumpur, he spearheaded the award-winning Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok.

Thanks to his astute operations and sales and marketing background, Barnett has a natural affinity for connecting with team members across the board. 

“I used to be really focused on climbing the ladder,” he reflects, “but now, I try to be more intentional about the relationships I build. Hospitality is a 24/7 industry, so creating the right structure to support our people is fundamental to ensuring our guests always have a great experience.”

Barnett is particularly passionate about nurturing young talent. “What I love about this industry is that you can come in at any level and still go far, as long as you’re committed. That kind of opportunity is very powerful—and I think it resonates with the younger generation.”

Work-life balance is another area he takes seriously. “It’s not just about taking time off—it’s about being present when you do,” he says. “There’s no point going on holiday if you’re glued to your phone the whole time. That’s why I always ask my team what they did on their days off. I want to encourage them to enjoy that time and be present for their loved ones.”

A sports enthusiast at heart, Barnett unwinds by watching the Australian Football League matches, rowing, playing rugby, and hitting the gym. Although he’s just moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia isn’t new to him.

“When I was based in Jakarta, I’d come here several times for vacations. I love the culture, the people, the food—it’s such a dynamic place,” he says, expressing his desire to explore more of the country, especially Penang and East Malaysia. His aim? To gather firsthand experiences to share with Four Seasons guests looking for something beyond the ordinary.

A strong believer in open communication, Barnett makes it a point to create safe spaces for his team to speak up. “I spend an hour each month with every department so they can share what’s on their mind. I even walk them to my office and tell them, ‘My door’s always open’ but no one has taken up my offer yet,” he laughs. “I want them to know the offer stands.”

And what’s his guiding philosophy?

“Don’t take things too seriously,” he quips. “We have high standards and as we strive to meet them, we should still find moments to laugh, to have fun, and to make the workplace an enjoyable one."

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PHOTO GALLERY MARKS SHANGRI-LA KL’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

 

A photo gallery depicting Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur’s (SLKL) 40 year history and evolution was unveiled recently by General Manager Daniel Kaeflein together with the hotel’s long-service team, celebrating SLKL’s 40^th Anniversary.

Opened on 19 September 1985 by former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad, the newly launched Photo Gallery walked invited guests down memory lane, celebrating four decades of heartfelt hospitality, stellar service, and cherished memories.

Titled “Where Moments Become Memories: 40 Years of Heartfelt Hospitality,” the visual journey reveals SLKL’s significant milestones and transformations throughout the decades. Many iconic moments, key refurbishment programmes, notable guests, dedicated staff, prestigious accolades and the hotel’s social responsibility and sustainability commitments are highlighted.

Speaking at the launch, General Manager Kaeflein said, "We’re not only celebrating 40 years of Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur but also the extraordinary people who have been instrumental throughout the journey. This photo gallery pays tribute to the cherished memories, guests we’ve welcomed, and colleagues whose dedication ensure the Shangri-La hospitality remains unparalleled."

Aside from the traditional white silk kebaya worn by SLKL’s Guest Relations Officers to the current maroon and gold songket design, the  photo walls also gave glimpses of the hotel’s major refurbishments in 2002 and 2010 as well as ongoing transformation in 2024–2025.

Admire photos of the hotel’s distinguished guests, from royalty to international celebrities. Heartfelt testimonials of loyal team members who have served and grew with SLKL in the past 40 years are included.

In addition, the showcase includes SLKL’s Gift of Life charity initiative which has raised over RM5 million since 1985 to support children in need of life-saving medical care. Numerous accolades received by the hotel including Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards 2023 for Best Business Hotel in Kuala Lumpur and Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards No.1 Hotel in Southeast Asia among others are proudly displayed.

The celebratory event is part of the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur’s 40^th Anniversary highlights. Other initiatives planned will include a specially curated "Timeless Journey" Anniversary Menu at Shang Palace and Anniversary Buffet Specials at Lemon Garden.

SUSTAINABLE FINE-DINING AWAITS AT EQ'S SABAYON X JAMPA DINNER

A four-hands, one-night only dinner partnering Sabayon’s Chef de Cuisine, Steve Ariffin at EQ with JAMPA’s Executive Chef, Rick Dingen from Phuket will be held on 26 April.
 
Billed as a sustainable seven-course menu (RM650 nett per person), the dinner will showcase T’lur – Malaysia’s own local caviar, the vaunted Harumanis mango and exotic ingredient like bael, known as the Bengal quince or wood apple.

The two culinary creatives hope to reframe diners’ perceptions of value, creativity and promote the advantages of sourcing and using local ingredients.
 
Chef and Netherlands native Dingen has chalked up stints at Michelin-starred Dutch restaurants: La Rive and De Heer Kocken. Dingen’s Chef de Cuisine phase at celebrated Bangkok restaurant Savelberg saw the restaurant awarded a Michelin star.
 
He then proceeded to the one Michelin starred and Michelin Green Star Haoma which espoused sustainable, seasonal, local ingredients sourced from farmers, breeders, fisherfolk and the restaurant’s own garden. A subsequent stint at Madison Steak Avenue, Anantara Bangkok prepared him for JAMPA in Phuket.
 
At this one-of-a-kind dining destination, Dingen assimilated his fine dining restaurant experience with the use of local produce and woodfire cooking skills, elevating JAMPA’s fame throughout Thailand where live-fire cooking and sustainable gastronomy result in sophisticated dishes that celebrate the ever-changing seasons of nature. JAMPA also owns an organic farm, reducing their environmental impact while enabling the culinary team to showcase the best from the land and sea.
 

Back on homeground, Chef Steve Ariffin’s three-year tenure at Sabayon has cemented his reputation as a technical innovator. Conceiving and curating menus for some of Malaysia’s most influential personalities, historic wineries and gastronomes, Chef Steve Ariffin will work hand-in-hand with JAMPA’s Dingen, bringing the exclusive dinner to stellar heights.

For reservations, please contact EQ Kuala Lumpur:

https://www.eqkualalumpur.equatorial.com/guest-chefs/

SAVOUR GLAMOUR KAMPUNG AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KL

 

Cherished kampung fare with a touch of sophistication mingled with Balinese specialities and Middle Eastern delicacies are front and centre at Curate, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur until 30 March.

 

Nostalgic dishes levelled up with premium ingredients and refined flair will titillate the palate. Choice picks range from Pajeri Nenas Timur, Beef Short Ribs Rendang, Braised Lamb with Spicy Acar, and Salmon Fish Head Asam Pedas to Curry Puffs, Cucur Udang, Satay, Kerabu Umbut Kelapa and Smoked Stuffed Tahu Bakar with Chicken Floss.

Reeling in landlubbers from the luxe Seafood Bar will be extravagant catches of crayfish, slipper lobsters, crabs, mussels, clams, prawns and sashimi.

 

Guest chef Surya Hadinata from Four Seasons Resort Bali shares the spotlight with his Balinese offerings: Gegecok Udang (cucumber prawn salad with toasted coconut), Sate Languan (fish satay), Ayam Betutu, Kambing Menyatnyat (lamb leg in a robust sauce of coconut, ginger, turmeric and chillies).

 

Venturing further afield, exotic Middle East offerings such as the distinctive speciality of Lamb Mansaf – a Jordanian dish of lamb cooked with dried sheep’s milk piques interest with its hearty meaty richness.

 

Aromatically spiced, the Madgout Rice pairs well with Rubyan Meshwi (Emirati grilled prawns), Chicken Shish Taouk, and Spinach Falafel. Delicious nibbles in the form of Potato Kibbeh and Cheese Sambousek also notable.

 

We love Moqueca de Camarao (Brazilian Shrimp Soup – a mildly spiced broth brimming with deep prawn accent like a dialled down tom yam). Meat lovers can look forward to Roast Beef Topside, Kerala Crab Curry, Malabar Avail Lamb Vindaloo, Hungarian Beef Goulash, and Soy Braised Beef.

  
From the live cooking ‘stalls’, we highly recommend unmissable servings of Kambing Golek Utara, Gearbox Soup, Grand Imperial Bidor Duck with pillow-soft steamed buns, Apam Balik and Nasi Ulam with Truffle.

 

A decedent sweet selection to wrap up the evening includes Apam Gula Hangus with Jackfruit, Bingka Ubi, Sparrow Nest Pistachio, Turkish Delight, Babousa, Kol Washkor Cashews, Teh Tarik Mocha Cheesecake, Serawa Durian and Rose Bandung and Pistachio Panna Cotta. Fresh seasonal fruits, stuffed dates, pralines and retro biscuits and tidbits are also available.

Available until 30 March, the Glamour Kampung buffet is priced at RM318+ per adult and RM159+ per child.

 

For reservations, contact Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, tel: 03-2382 8602 or email: diningreservations.kualalumpur@fourseasons.com