A MAD PICNIC BY MADHATTER DESSERTS

The MadHatter returns! Masterchef Asia S1’s first runner-up and dessert maestro Marcus Low will host MadHatter Desserts: A Mad Picnic at Psychotic Operator Wine Space on 11 and 12 July.

Collaborating with homegrown brands like Raksasa Spirits and Chocolate Concierge, Low’s masterpieces will feature nostalgic Chinese-inspired dessert using French techniques and Malaysian flavours.

Taking pride of place in his repertoire is Pineapple Beneath the Looking Glass featuring a snap-crackle pineapple-shaped chocolate shell filled with Raksasa gula Melaka rum baba with mascarpone mousse, spiced pineapple compote and gula Melaka rum 'snow'. Tastes super-boozy so it should hit the spot for avid drinkers.

Chocoholics will adore the Rather Peculiar Biscuit featuring decadent dark rye brownie and chocolate mousse topped with a layer of savoury chicken biscuit crumbs, a popular Malaysian snack of yesteryear. Upping the indulgent ante further is roasted peanut skin ice cream. Definitely a luscious creation to go nuts over.

A whimsical Teapot Cake drew admiring gasps of delight. The squat Chinese teapot is delicately made with exquisite oolong tea mousse and jelly, passionfruit curd and tea biscuit crumble.

We were astounded by the fine handiwork employed to create Porcelain Illusion. Low used white chocolate, coconut mousseline and peanut génoise; transformed into retro bowls adorned with the iconic rooster motif bearing peanut-filled tang yuan (glutinous rice balls).

The chef’s playfulness also emerged in Marry Me Cake – an artful melding of two traditional pastries known as ‘lou po beng’ (Wife Cake) and ‘lou kung beng’ (Husband Cake). His flaky, buttery puff pastry flaunted a distinct core of fermented red beancurd and roasted peanuts paste sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.

Low’s other notable offerings we sampled include Sambal Tempoyak Buns, The Curious Orchard (buttery pâte brisée tart with apple-kedondong compote and local lime) and feather-light, crisp Palmiers.

His classics: Matcha Pistachio Passionfruit, Chocolate & Calamansi Cake, The Queen’s Victoria (sponge with berry compote, fresh cream and port-macerated locally grown berries) and Raspberry Rose Lychee Cake need no introduction for long-time MadHatter fans.

 
The full MadHatter’s sweet collection is available for pre-order via @madhatterdesserts

SELERA KAMPUNG AT MARRIOTT PETALING JAYA

With two decades of industry experience under his toque, Executive Chef Dennie Yudie Darmawan spearheads the Marriott Petaling Jaya team in the extravaganza of dishes for this year’s buka puasa.

Available from 23 February to 18 March at The Atrium, the Selera Kampung line-up spotlights Signature Traditional Roast Lamb as one of the mainstays. Redolent with aromatic spices, the juicy lamb meat is best accompanied by fluffy biryani rice.

Inspired by nostalgic kampung favourites, the array of breaking of fast specialities includes appetite-whetting Ekor Asam Pedas (tangy, subtly spicy oxtail stew), sublime Kambing Masak Hitam (mutton cooked in dark soy sauce and ground spices), Gulai Telur Ikan (fried fish eggs in curry), Signature Sup Tulang Berempah (spiced beef bone broth), Wok Fried Dried Flower Crabs and Ayam Percik (spice-marinated grilled chicken).

Perennial crowd-pullers such as Gulai Ayam Minang, Rendang Itik Rendang, Daging Tetel, Masak Lemak Siput Sedut, Gulai Nangka Ikan Pusu, Pucuk Ubi Lemak Kuning Tempoyak, Roti Jala Kari Ayam, Terung Sambal Tempeh, Sambal Hati Buyah and Ikan Masin Cili Api beckon invitingly.

Regional specialities are aptly represented by Kepak Ayam Goreng Berlado, Burung Puyuh Berempah, Ega Penyet, Ayam Gebrek Sambal Hijau and Sambal Belut Sukarasa.

 
The cornucopia is further augmented by an assortment of Poached Seafood on Ice, Sushi and Sashimi, Karai Aburi Takoyaki, Wagyu Karai, Beef Cubes with Black Pepper and Grilled Cajun Spice Chicken.

Dessert to conclude ranges from Malay Kuih, Fruit Cake, Chocolate Fountain with Fruit and Confection Skewers, Fresh Fruits, Tapai, Bahulu and Apam Balik.

The Selera Kampung buffet is priced at RM198 nett per adult and RM139 nett for senior citizens. Advance reservations advisable.

For reservations at The Atrium, Marriott Petaling Jaya, WhatsApp: +6016 262 2070 or email: kulpj.fnb.rsvp@marriotthotels.com