VIVA ITALIA SUNDAY BRUNCH AT PREGO

 

The simplest things in life are often the best. Marco De Cecco, Chef De Cuisine at Prego will testify to that. At his urging, our Sunday brunch experience got off to a rousing good start with the antipasto (starter) of Buffalo Mozzarella and

Burrata with Tomatoes.

A splash of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar helped to amplify the custardy-soft cheeses' voluptuous creaminess and the subtle sweetness of tomatoes, making it an opener to remember. Of course, drizzling it with aged balsamic vinegar would be divine...if you can lay your hands on some.

 

Served every Sunday from 11.30am to 2.30pm, the Viva Italia Sunday Brunch proffers a vast array of antipasti (appetisers) and chilled seafood, buffet-style. Main courses, pasta and pizza are brought to the table throughout the brunch for optimum freshness and with different chef's specialities featured weekly. In addition, there are barbecue and carvery items in the line-up too.

A tall chalkboard reveals the day’s tempting offerings: from appetisers and oven-fresh wood-fire baked pizzas to hot-off-the-grill meat and seafood. In

between forays to cherry-pick from the inviting salads, soup and mains, the affable Prego team makes it their mission to ply diners with an endless stream of freshly prepared pasta, the chef’s specials and creative cocktail concoctions.

Once our glasses runneth over with the day’s first welcome drink, a platter of nibbles comprising Crunchy Bites with Housemade Citrus Mayo, Crabmeat Arancini (deep-fried breaded rice balls stuffed with crabmeat) and Asparagus wrapped with Bresaola (air-dried salted beef) whetted our appetite for the upcoming Italian feast.

We could hardly resist the lure of shelled Crab Claws, Mussels, Prawns and Shucked Oysters; all nicely laid on crushed ice. Best enjoyed with a dash of freshly squeezed lemon, tabasco or creamy dressing, the oceanic treasures proved on-point.

 

 

 

Chef Marco and his team’s versatile prowess came to the fore with antipasti such as Roasted Broccoli & Fregola Salad, Sicilian Caponata with Bread Crouton, Spanish Frittata, Prawns & Squid in Mayo Dressing, Insalata Russa (Russian salad), Macaroni Pasta Salad with Pesto, Pine Nuts, Feta, Basil & Cherry Tomatoes, Cannelloni Di Bresaola with Ricotta & Rocket Salad.

 

After sampling the Baked Salmon marinated with Italian Herbs and Beef Salami, we made a beeline for the BBQ station out by the patio. The chefs will grill a choice of Beef Steak, Freshwater King Prawns, Mediterranean Chicken Skewers and Lamb Sausages on request. Although it's a hit and miss affair hinging on the eventual outcome, the barbecued servings are worth savouring.

 

Before our BBQ fare hit the table, delicious Housemade Pappardelle with Lamb Ragout and Porcini, seductively rich Venetian Risotto with Crab, rustic Housemade Pumpkin Ravioli with Parmiggiano Reggiano and a hearty portion of Polenta with Caramelised Onion kept us suitably riveted.

 

More protein overload came in the form of tender Roast Chicken, splendid Roast Tiger Garoupa and scrumptious slices of Lamb Shoulder from the carving station. Accompanied by grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes and various sauces, the delectable morsels left no cause for complaints.

 

 

Hot on the heels of those meaty options were zingy Pizza Diavola, laden with a devilishly piquant sauce, salami slices and cheese followed by the timeless Pizza Margherita.

The extensive dessert parade would befit a Mad Hatter’s tea party. True to form, we somehow found tummy room for a sweet finish by being selective and sharing our sweet spoils.

 

 

 

 

My go-to faves include Black Forest Cake, Macarons, Gelato (assorted flavours), Nutella-filled Bomboloni (Italian doughnuts) and Mixed Berry Tart. These barely scratched the surface of the cornucopia available.

 

 

 

The Viva Italia Sunday Brunch at Prego is priced at RM188 nett per person. For a luxurious bubbly experience, pop up RM260 nett per person and succumb to a free flow of Moet & Chandon champagne, prosecco, red and white wine, draught beer, special Sunday cocktails, soft drinks and chilled juices.

 

For reservations, call Prego, tel: 03-2731 8333. Address: Lobby Level, The Westin Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL.

SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO PARENTHOOD AT THE WESTIN KUALA LUMPUR

Mums and Dads are in for an exquisite treat at The Westin Kuala Lumpur this Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Special menus have been created by the chefs of Prego, The Living Room and Five Sen5es as a tribute to the Queen and King of your heart.

SUMPTUOUS MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH AT PREGO

Chef Marco De Cecco rolls out the culinary carpet, whipping up a decadent brunch spread of Italian eats for Mummy dearest and the clan. Expect a palate-pleasing array of antipasti, fresh seafood, grilled meat and homely dishes during the leisurely brunch from 11.30am to 2.30pm. Golden and feather-light, the centrepiece of Baked Salmon, Leek and Zucchini in Puff Pastry should gladden the matriarch’s palate.

Lush and velvety smooth, the soup du jour of Lobster Voluté with Lemon Foam is bound to hit the spot. Dainty Potato Gnocchi with Saffron and Prawns will evoke a taste of home, ensuring Mum enjoy her meal without having to lift a single finger.

The specialities are merely a fraction of Prego’s lavish line-up of Italian temptations on May 12 at RM188 nett (food only) per person. Patrons can enhance their dining experience by adding RM160 nett for free flow of Prosecco, red and white wine, draught beer, special cocktails, soft drinks and chilled juices or a free flow of Moet&Chandon champagne in addition to wine, cocktails, draught beer, soft drinks and juices at additional RM260 nett per person.

HIGH ON TEA AT THE LIVING ROOM

Mama deserves the best eats on this special day and Chef Halim Chek Lah pulls out the stops, conjuring an extensive parade of East and West offerings to tempt her.

Zingy and aromatic Kari Ayam Kapitan, an inherited recipe of Kerabu Perut Kuala Kemaman, Kerabu Daging Bakar, Som Tam (Thai-style papaya salad) and luscious dessert form the headliners to mark Mother’s Day.

The Red Velvet Cake is notably moist and buttery while the Matcha Eclairs pass muster. Other sweet treats to savour include a flan heaped with pink pralines and fresh strawberries, chocolate-dipped strawberries and dainty choux puffs.

 

 

Priced at RM125 nett per person, the Mother’s Day High Tea (12.30pm-3pm) will feature a cake-decorating contest for mother-child teams.

MOTHER’S DAY FIESTA AT FIVE SEN5ES

A set menu of nutritious Chinese dishes take pride of place thanks to Chef Tan and his team at Five Sen5es for the Mother’s Day celebration. Warming up her heart and tummy will be piping hot and superbly comforting bowls of Morel and Wantan in Chicken Consommé.

 

Another highly recommended speciality is Sauteed Pumpkin and Seasonal Vegetables with Walnuts, a delicately flavoured dish that’s visually and tastebud-pleasing. According to the chef, his creations are healthy and conceived to suit the discerning taste of mothers.

 

Priced at RM128 nett per person (min 2 persons) and RM1,688 nett for a table of 10 persons, the Mother’s Day Lunch is from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

 FATHER’S DAY FEAST AT PREGO

Daddy dearest can sit down to a hearty Italian selection for brunch prepped by Chef Marco. The show-stopper is Risotto with Lamb Sausage, Gorgonzola and Green Apples — a familiar Italian rice dish given a fresh slant with diced green apple. The subtle tartness and crisp acidity help to temper and balance the creamy richness of the overall speciality.

To ensure patriarchs leave replete, Prego’s hearty brunch will incorporate Roasted Black Angus Prime Rib and Raw Tuna Dices with Frozen Dried Raspberries among other appetising options for that special occasion.

Priced at RM188 nett (food only) per person, enhance the Prego dining experience by adding RM160 nett for free flow of Prosecco, red and white wine, draught beer, special cocktails, soft drinks and chilled juices or a free flow of Moet&Chandon champagne in addition to wine, cocktails, draught beer, soft drinks and juices at additional RM260 nett per person.

FATHER’S DAY FESTIVITIES AT THE LIVING ROOM

 

Bring the family patriarch for a sumptuous feast proffering Pink Pepper Macadamia Crusted Australian Sirloin, Yorkshire Pudding, Trio of Roasted Potatoes, Grilled Tuscan Vegetables and Pommery Jus as the key masterpiece. Rustic Osso Bucco is another noteworthy dish to sample; the vibrant flavours should float Dad's boat.

Priced at RM125 nett per person, the Father's Day Brunch is from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

Fathers are invited to join a Water Yoga session at The Westin KL’s Splash Poolside. Scheduled for 2.30pm-3.30pm, the fun workout will include crafted cocktails and beer.

FATHER’S DAY HIGHLIGHT AT FIVE SEN5ES

Nostalgic yesteryear specialities to stir up good memories are the inspiration behind the celebratory feast at Five Sen5es. Papa won’t be able to resist the old-school but excellent Steamed Herbal Chicken Wrapped in Lotus Leaf.

Tender, juicy and suffused with fragrant Chinese herb nuances, a single helping won’t be enough. Even the sensuous gravy is bursting with sweet, soul-warming deliciousness.

The outstanding dish is rivalled closely by Steamed Garoupa Country-Style — an on-point speciality underscored by the fish’s seductive sweetness amidst heaps of little white mushrooms, fresh coriander and spring onion.

Priced at RM128 nett per person (min 2 persons) and RM1,688 nett for a table of 10 persons.

The Westin KL will extend a complimentary glass of house red or white wine or draught beer with a specially made chocolate cigar will be given to all fathers on Father’s Day.

For reservations, please contact Westin Dining, tel: 03-2773 8495, Whatsapp: 017 281 9231 or visit www.thewestinkualalumpur.com