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.

10 SPECIALITIES TO SAVOUR AT SUNWAY PUTRA HOTEL KL

Deliciously hearty Fish Head Curry by Executive Chef Rossham Rusli of Sunway Putra Hotel KL heads the ‘must eat’ list when you visit the hotel. Served at the Coffee House daily from 11am to 1030pm, the house speciality is priced from RM39.90 nett per portion (ample to feed 2 persons, the price may vary according to size of the fish head).

Served piping hot in a claypot, the fish head curry redolent with the enticing, heady scent of Indian spices is enough to make the mouth water. Marinated overnight in turmeric powder, salt and pepper, the red snapper fish head is then cooked with onion, shallots, garlic, curry powder and fresh tomatoes before tamarind, yoghurt, green cardamoms, cumin, green chillies, coriander seeds and mace are added.

The thick, bright orange and deeply flavourful curry runneth over with such complex spice nuances that you'd be asking for more after the first taste. Sweet and fleshy, the fish is substantiated further by chunks of eggplant, okra and fish eggs.Two plates of white rice with cucumber raita, mango chutney and papadum crisps are included, making it a complete meal. The Coffee House even accords a complimentary bib with every fish head curry order. For every five portions purchased, diners will get the sixth serving free.

Angel Hair Golden Pasta with Soft Shell Crab from the Coffee House a la carte menu is a surefire crowd-pleaser. I dread creamy pasta sauces but in this case, the zingy, punchy flavours rendered by bits of bird’s eye chilli, curry leaves and garlic in the lightly creamy sauce hit the spot. The al dente pasta won extra points as did the deep-fried hunk of soft shell crab and sliced garlic bread.

Indian cuisine fans will find ample succour from Murg Butter Chicken, a delectable chicken dish cooked with tomatoes, spices, butter and cream. According to Bon Appétit magazine, this Delhi speciality was reputedly made using leftover tandoori chicken in the early 20^th century. We love the lush creaminess with subtle fruity-tangy hints of tomatoes. So scrumptious when doused over white rice.

From now until 31 December 2018, the Coffee House has a new A La Carte Deal going for only RM25 nett. One of the notable mains we’d recommend is Grilled Chicken Chop with Mashed Potato. Tender and juicy, the chicken fillet has an appetising charred smokiness to it; some veges and sauce complete the equation. Giving you more bang for your ringgit, a cup of coffee or tea and a slice of cake-of-the-day are included the superbly good value meal.

Curry Noodles is another worthy contender. Spicy fare seems to be the forte of the Coffee House team and this piquant offering confirms that. Although the cockles were a tad tiny during our visit, the overall dish still had big appeal, thanks to its sublime gravy.

Those who prefer Asian fare will find viable choices such as Indonesian Fried Rice with Melinjo Crackers, Fish Tikka with Naan Bread and Vegetable Curry Tauhu with Jeera Pulou Rice up to their expectations. Parents with little ones in tow can enjoy their meal in peace as the Coffee House has a playroom to keep the youngsters occupied.

 

Over at Gen Japanese Restaurant, Chef de Cuisine Mazwadie Mohamad holds court with a plethora of a la carte, teppanyaki and buffet temptations reflective of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Prices are surprisingly affordable when it comes to the restaurant set meals. Our advice? Go for the superb value Teppanyaki Matsu (RM50 per person) comprising Zensai (special appetiser of the day), chef’s house salad, miso soup, a choice of teppan-cooked chicken or beef steak, fried rice, stir-fried Oriental vegetables and dessert (fresh fruits or green tea ice cream). Remember to inform the Gen team how you prefer your beef done…that delicious steak coupled with the panoramic city skyline view proves dining at Gen can be a romantic and enjoyable experience.

Fish lovers may prefer the box set of Grilled Salmon Bento (RM55). It’s literally a taste of Japan in one sitting as the different compartments proffer appetiser of the day, miso soup, three types of sashimi: tuna, salmon and squid, tempura seafood and vegetables, grilled salmon with teriyaki sauce, deep-fried eggplant, steamed white rice and green tea ice cream. Based on our experience, the entire meal passed muster.

Sushi and hand rolls are equally popular at Gen. Personally I’d prefer less mayo topping for the Dragon Maki (RM39) but overall, the Salmon & Unagi Sushi should hit the spot for sushi fans in general.

 

Crispy deep-fried Soft Shell Crab & Avocado slices combine to create the hand-rolled House Special California Temaki (RM28). Resultant flavours appear subtler in this offering but the lashing of mayo and sweetish sauce atop the sushi roll should stand you in good stead.

Girly chit-chat sessions are ideally spent over light savoury and sweet nibbles. Set at the heart of Sunway Putra Hotel KL under its lovely glass dome atrium, guests can sit down to a choice of English or Malaysian Afternoon Tea (RM55 nett per set) at the Atrium Lounge.

Lest you presume the lightweight selection too little, be assured the Malaysian Afternoon Tea platter shown here is plenty for two persons. Pastry Chef Rukedi Yajid's creations include Chicken Rendang French Puffs, Sardine Tortilla Wrap, Pandan Layer Cake, Potato Curry Puffs, Egg Tarts, Chicken Satay, Breaded Sesame Balls, Lime Macarons and Fresh Fruits. 

While tea is the beverage of choice to complement the dainty morsels, coffee drinkers need not fret as the hotel team will readily serve cappuccino and latte should that be of preference. It's relaxing to sit and fritter time away in the comfy lounge settees; a splendid setting to catch up with friends or loved ones.

 

For reservations, call Sunway Putra Hotel KL, tel: 03-4040 9988 or visit the official website: http://putra.sunwayhotels.com