COFFEE RAVE – BREW, BEAT, BERSAMA PUTRAJAYA MARRIOTT HOTEL

Culture, creativity and community take centrestage at the launch of ‘Coffee Rave – Brew, Beat, Bersama’ event hosted by Putrajaya Marriott Hotel.

 
Held at the Lobby Lounge, the lively showcase of flavours, music, and artistry highlighted the collaboration between the Hotel and local artisan coffee brand Hétam. It’s also part of Marriott Bonvoy's ongoing efforts to deliver exclusive experiences for members and guests, creating opportunities for them to discover new flavours, local talents and unique cultural experiences.
 
Ms. Nikie Mok, General Manager of Putrajaya Marriott Hotel said: "Coffee Rave is more than an event; it's a celebration of togetherness, flavours, and artistry. We are proud to create experiences connecting people through meaningful moments; be it through food, culture, or community."

 
Hétam, an innovative homegrown coffee brand founded by passionate coffee artisan Wira, is dedicated to redefining Malaysia's coffee culture. At the Coffee Rave event, guests were treated to Wira’s specially crafted beverages embodying local heritage and inspirations.

Emas was the first coffee concoction we sampled. The name Emas pays tribute to the coffee’s golden hue courtesy of Harum Manis mango – the royal fruit of the north. We love how the fruity sweetness of fresh mango (purée and cubes) tangoed with the warm, robust richness of espresso. A delightfully bright, fizzy, creamy and fruity drink.

 
Inspired by the equatorial spirit of Malaysia, the bold and complex Khatulistiwa bore tropical citrus fruitiness amidst the invigorating acidity of coffee. Passionfruit pulp, a dried orange slice and a rosemary sprig lent the mocktail refreshing and aromatic finish.

 
Echoing our country’s lush rainforests, the earthy and robust Belantara exuded nuances of bright, green fruits layered with full-bodied roasted coffee; its creaminess touched with sea salt to round off the taste profile.

 
Rich and delightfully sweet like kuih seri muka, the Puteri coffee mocktail pays tribute to cherished tradition and treasured heritage. Its pandan green and coconut white hues coupled with the delicate pandan scent and creamy coconut taste juxtaposed against a canvas of espresso is akin to a drinkable form of the much-loved local dessert.

To complement these inventive beverages, Chef Zulkifli Asyul and his culinary team curated a special menu for the afternoon tea event. We feasted on delicious Mee Rebus Lamb Feet, dainty hand-rolled Nasi Lemak Temaki, and Macaroni Cheese in-between sips of those winsome coffee drinks.

Delectable morsels of Ayam Percik Vol Au Vent and Sardine Canapés added to the day’s merriment. Aside from classic Scones with Jam and Whipped Cream, we savoured Durian Cheese Tarts, Macaroons and Kuih Ubi Ketuk.

 
Soulful renditions by Agal Musik livened up the Coffee Rave session while Jessie Art Studio captivated us with a live art showcase. Henna artistry also imbued the proceedings with a cultural touch.

 
The live art piece by Jessie Art Studio was then presented to Ms. Nikie Mok, General Manager of Putrajaya Marriott Hotel as the wrap-up for the Coffee Rave event.
 

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS FEAST AT THE WESTIN KUALA LUMPUR

Drawing inspiration from ten countries around the world, The Westin KL chefs left no stone unturned in their quest to impress with a lavish spread fit for the festive season.

Taking diners on a whirlwind culinary tour around the globe, the vast Yuletide selection decking The Living Room starts with colourful platters of Santa Devil Eggs, Christmas Antipasto Wreath, Salmon Gravlax, Rainbow Vegetable-Wrapped Feta Terrine, Assorted Seafood and freshly shucked Oysters amongst other temptations.

In line with the Westin’s Eat Well philosophy, a Salad and Cheese Station featuring numerous imported kinds of cheese, fresh lettuce and salad leaves with a variety of condiments, pickles, sauces and dressings is included; to enable diners to rustle up their own salads.

Main highlights to savour range from perennial Roast Turkey, Lamb Leg and Beef Wellington to more distinct European-centric fare such as the well-spiced and aromatic Spanish Paella Seafood, and a surprisingly moist Duck Leg Confit with Cherry, Quinoa and Orange Sauce.

The rustic but flavourful dishes of German-inspired Braised Red Cabbage with Apple, and Swedish-inspired Hasselback Potato with Orange Cheddar Sauce somehow left quite an impression. Possibly because they are meatless; a nice counterpoint to the heavier, protein-laden fare we've been feasting on.

Not to be outdone, newly appointed Executive Pastry Chef Syeriff Hafizal holds his own by proffering a treasure trove of sweet treats. Flanking his showpiece of a giant gingerbread house are an oversized Chocolate "Log" Red Velvet Cake (lauded for its moist fudgy texture), a Croquembouche Tower and assorted Macarons (whimsically decorated as reindeer, santa, snowman and Christmas tree) amongst others.

Some gems await in the bread section: Ginger Bread Loaf inspired by Vienna, Panettone and Christmas Stollen Sweet Bread from Italy, and Walnut Raisin Baguette inspired by France are notable choices. Dial up your festive mood with traditional Christmas cookies if you are so inclined.

Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet (6pm-10pm) at RM258 nett per adult, RM129 nett per 7-12 years old child
 
Christmas Day Brunch Buffet (12.30pm-3pm) at RM258 nett per adult, RM129 nett per 7-12 years old child
 
Christmas Day Dinner Buffet (6pm-10pm) at RM258 nett per adult, RM129 nett per 7-12 years old child
 
New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet (6pm-10pm) at RM258 nett per adult, RM129 nett per 7-12 years old child
 
New Year’s Day Dinner Buffet (6pm-10pm) at RM258 nett per adult, RM129 nett per 7-12 years old child
 
Prices above inclusive free flow of soft drinks, fruit punch, sangria, Tiger draught beer and house pour red/white wine.
 
For reservations, please call Westin Dining at tel: 03-2773 8495 or WhatsApp: +6012 305 1715 or email: westindining@westin.com
 

CLASSICAL AFTERNOON TEA AT THE SHANGRI-LA KL

Arch Quartet — a string quartet will perform a stirring repertoire of classical favourites to feed the soul from 3pm to 6pm every Sunday, while you savour a fine cream tea in the plush Lobby Lounge of the Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

From now until 28 February, the Afternoon Tea theme remains Chinese New Year-centric. Served on a circular-shaped, Oriental-inspired and multi-tier display stand, the dainty selection of savoury and sweet morsels including a miniature KL Tower in chocolate is a sight to behold. Come March, expect a floral theme to burst forth.

 

In their bid to evoke the current festive mood, the culinary team proffers delicious Peking Duck in Crispy Wonton Skin, Grilled Chicken Jerky in Mantou, Pickled Onion and Chicken Floss, and Seared Chicken & Chives Dumpling. While the wonton and mantou hit the spot, the dumpling tends to be a little soggy after sitting in its vinegar dip.

Deliciously crisp Sesame Prawn Toast helps to dial up the nostalgic feel alongside evergreen CNY trad treats of Ninko & Sweet Potato Spring Roll and Steamed Ninko with Grated Coconut. These go marvellously well with our freshly brewed tea.

Since mandarin oranges, tangerines and pineapples are ubiquitous in local CNY celebration, we find the chefs have drawn plenty of inspiration from those fruits for the dessert creations. Besides Plain Scones, the light, buttery Red Dates & Five Spice Scones when smeared with Pineapple Jam & Clotted Cream and Chinese Style Lightly Sweetened Butter Cream got full ‘ayes’ from all present.

A subtle hint of citrus is discernible when I sample the lush filling of the mini Ivorie Mandarin Orange Cream Hornet. The Clementine Butter Cookie is equally on-point. Prefer a dessert treat with playful flavour contrasts? We recommend the delicate Tea, Lychee & Raspberry Tart — a tempting tartlet blending the bitter astringency of tea, the sweetness of lychee and the refreshing tartness of raspberry.

Slightly high on the decadence scale would be Pistachio & Rosella Opera Slice, Prosperous Macaron with Dark Soya & Bitter Chocolate Ganache and Red Velvet Whoopie Pie & Orange Tangerine Cream Frosting. Take comfort the irresistible offerings come in small, titillating portions.

Your walk down memory lane should be accompanied by nice retro-style nibbles like Classic Kampar Cookies, Pineapple Shortcake and Golden Good Luck Coin Chocolate.

The Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Lounge is priced at RM190 nett for 2 persons and at RM320 nett for 2 persons inclusive of 2 glasses of Prosecco.  

For reservations, call Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, tel: 03-2074 3900 or visit https://www.shangri-la-specials.com/web/home.aspx