NEW GASTRONOMIC TREATS AT CEDAR ON 15

Midday Specials. Social Bites. The Cookbook. These catchy names denote the new lunch, light snacks and dinner menus at Cedar on 15, the  rooftop restaurant and lounge at Impiana KLCC Hotel in line with 2019.

Following a fresh approach taken by Chef Helmut Lamberger, Corporate Chef (WACS Global Master Chef), local media peeps were given first dibs into the culinary team’s versatile repertoire.

 

Waitstaff swooped in bearing trays of Social Bites, catching our eye with the unusual presentation. Our Version of Bitterballen (RM26) — crisp potato croquettes flavoured with smoked turkey ham and cheese finished with dollops of avocado mousse (pix below)  were scrumptious enough that I unashamedly went for repeat helpings.

Cocktail parties definitely would be more fun with wickedly delish Rockefeller Shrimp Popcorn (RM40) — crunchy deep-fried shrimp ‘popcorn’ in waxed newsprint cones served with roasted garlic aioli (bottom top pix). These nibbles easily reel you in so keep a tight grip on your own resolve or else...

Simpler but no less appealing on the palate is Vine Tomato Bruschetta (RM39). Amazing how sublime Cameron Highlands baby tomatoes baked with ricotta cheese, parsley oil and crushed pepper (bottom top pix) can taste when paired with some nice tipple. 

 

According to Chef Helmut, the new menus focus on classic European favourites with modern updates, to cater to today’s discerning diners. He emphasised his team also took into consideration key issues such as seafood sustainability, the use of locally-grown herbs and mushrooms, changing food trends and evolving palates.

One of Chef Helmut’s notable creations, Carpaccio of Portobello Mushroom (RM54) actually won him the coveted ‘Chef of the Year, Austria’ by Gault Millau back in 1991. His latest interpretation in which the thinly sliced fungi came dotted with burrata cheese and whipped horseradish was a delicate, no-frills composition of rustic earthiness — to symbolise the Forest in The Cookbook (dinner menu).

The evening’s showstopper for me was the Earth-inspired Cream of Kohlrabi (RM44) with butter-seared scallops, baby greens and coral tuille. Also known as German turnip, this temperate vegetable is now grown in Camerons. Part bulb and part vegetable, it’s a cross between a radish, jicama, collard green and broccoli.

The Cedar on 15 team did an excellent job turning it into a lush, creamy soup that allowed the scallops’ natural sweetness to shine and enveloped the asparagus tips with its sleek smoothness. 

With sustainability issue gaining traction in the food industry, Chef Helmut and his team selected Pan-fried Fillet of Malaysian Barramundi (RM64) as their main course of choice during the menu launch. A good decision as the fish itself proved on-point, accompanied by churned almond butter and sides of artichokes, potatoes, asparagus tips, olives, herbs and lemon wedges.

Passion is essential to chefs and the entire gastronomic feast we had experienced proved Chef Helmut Lamberger and his chaps spared no efforts in ensuring we went home happy. Their finale appeared in the form of A Medley of White Chocolate & Raspberry (RM44) with citrus crème and crispy snaps. Cloud-light with a well-balanced quotient of sweet and tangy accents, it hit the spot for me although I’m no fan of mousse-type treats.

The chef also demonstrated the preparation of some signature dishes such as Skaagen or Scandinavian Shrimp Salad, Foie Gras ‘Magyar’ and Barbary Duck Breast during dinner. A plethora of specialities from all three menus was also displayed for us to photograph and view at the launch.

For reservations, call Cedar on 15, tel: 03-2147 1111. Address: Level 15, Impiana KLCC Hotel, 13, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur.

THE SUITE LIFE AT NEW WORLD PJ HOTEL

A weekend staycation encsconced in one of the tallest hotels in Petaling Jaya sounds like music to our ears. Thanks to New World Petaling Jaya Hotel, we checked in for a first-hand experience of the suite life recently.

As expected, we breezed through the check-in on arrival. Located beside the bustling Paradigm Mall and with close proximity to the Kelana Jaya LRT station, hotel guests will find easy, convenient connection to business and leisure activities from the hotel.

By day, the expansive lobby is airy and light-filled, accentuated by a soaring high ceiling and a contemporary light installation reminiscent of raindrops as its focal point. Evocative of a chic living area, the Lounge furnished with numerous comfy couches, wing chairs and modern chaise lounges beckon invitingly. Coupled with tasteful Malaysian decorative influences such as a six-metre high wau (traditional Malaysian kite), a giant gasing (wooden spinning top) sculptures and local artworks, this welcoming space offers plenty of Instaworthy possibilities.

General Manager, Jai Kishan said New World Petaling Jaya Hotel is a gateway and a home for business and leisure travellers; convey through its 300 plush guest rooms featuring bamboo flooring, sleek furnishings and marble-clad bathrooms.

We were stoked to find ourselves revelling in the lap of luxury once we entered one of the 20 spacious suites. Modelled like an upmarket apartment, the linear and tactile layout in neutral shades of chalk, sand, stone and wood is easy on the eye. 

Pops of colour from Malaysian-themed artworks and key furniture pieces like the high-back swivel reading chair complemented by the warm glow of mood lighting at strategic nooks and corners evoke homely vibes, making us feel instantly welcome and at ease.

A free-standing bathtub takes centrestage inside the spacious bathroom in addition to a separate shower and toilet. Fluffy towels, bathrobes and luxe amenities are par for the course here. Our fave has to be the powerful rainshower which offers a constant flow of temperature-controlled hot/cold water. Alternatively, frolicking in a bubble bath whilst admiring the panoramic PJ city view is a great way to while time away.

 

In these connected times, complimentary WiFi access is fast becoming a key necessity and New World PJ Hotel is well-equipped in this aspect. Our suite boasts mod-cons like electrical plugs with USB slots, a Nespresso machine, wall-mounted flatscreen TVs and a sleek work desk that score extra brownie points with moi.

 

  

Our suite experience starts from RM778 nett per room per night. Perks include buffet breakfast for two adults at Pasar Baru, and exclusive access to the New World Hotels’ signature Residence Club Living Room where evening cocktails is served from 6pm to 8pm, refreshments throughout the day and dedicated concierge service.

Mirroring the same sleek look, the Residence Club Living Room offers abundant private space for small groups to converge and chat. Depending on your preferred seating of choice, certain areas are furnished with sectional sofas with cushy armchairs and low coffee tables whilst others have dedicated dining tables and high stools. Panoramic vistas of the city skyline are visible from different vantage points.

Located on Level 29, the Residence Club Living Room is open from 7am to 10pm. There's a boardroom here for meetings (complimentary 2-hour use for suite guests), with onsite administrative services upon request. 

 

An island tableaux in the kitchen nook serves the chef’s selection of nibbles during evening cocktail hours from 6pm to 8pm. Wine, beer, juices and soft drinks are available to liven up the convivial atmosphere as a fine precursor before dinner.

We were well-fed throughout our stay at New World PJ Hotel since the lavish breakfast and dinner buffet at Pasar Baru practically left us spoiled for choice. Here, whether you’re a local or foreign guest, Malaysia’s multi-cultural mélange of Malay, Indian and Chinese flavours can be savoured in a lively market-style setting. (Note: refer in-depth review of Pasar Baru in Jom Makan Life)

 

  

You can tell we had a field day and night feasting on the wide array of goodies at Pasar Baru. Nothing beats waking up to a splendid cooked breakfast of eggs cooked to our liking, accompanied by sausages, grilled tomato and fried mushroom. Of course, we simply could not pass up on the house speciality of curry laksa. Trad Indian fare: thosai, roti telur and vadai proved on-point as well.

 

Come dinner time, the spread was no less extravagant. The hearty Indian selection proved irresistible but notable dishes that scored highly with us also included the deep-fried durian fritters, chicken rice and soupy noodles.

 

Up on Level 30 is the PJ’s Bar& Grill where the rooftop restaurant and bar extends out to a viewing deck with uninterrupted view of PJ's panoramic skyline. Western and Asian grilled dishes, tempting appetisers and creative cocktails are the key culinary attractions in addition to a private cigar lounge.

 

Water babies will find the outdoor infinity-edge rooftop pool up to splashing expectations. Besides the whirlpool proffering soothing water therapy, a kiddies' wading pool is found around the corner from the vertical garden feature wall. Gym bunnies can have the run of a fully equipped state-of-the-art fitness centre illuminated by natural light on Level 29.

For more information on New World Petaling Jaya Hotel or to experience a similar staycation, please visit newworldhotels.com or call tel: +6 03 7682 0111.