KENDALL-JACKSON WINE PAIRING DINNER AT SHANG PALACE

 

Kendall-Jackson partnered with Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur recently to host a wine pairing dinner with Chinese food. As guests arrived for the event, they were plied with chilled glasses of Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s 2023 Reserve Pinot Gris. Fresh and crisp on the palate, we detected fruity aromas and creamy notes of juicy peach, pear and honeydew from the pale straw gold wine.

The curtain-raiser of Shang Palace Combination Platter comprising Lobster and Seafood with Truffle, and Grilled Foie Gras with Honey Sauce came paired with Kendall-Jackson 2022 Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay.

The white wine’s lush tropical fruit flavours (think pineapple and mango) with citrusy nuance melded wonderfully with the delicate tasting seafood and rich foie gras. Fleeting scents of vanilla and honey accompanied by rounded notes of toasted oak and butter emerged alongside the tipple’s long, lingering finish.

These characteristics made it a match made in culinary heaven with the soulful serving of Double Boiled Chicken Soup with Fish Maw, Dried Scallops and Matsutake Mushroom.

Interestingly, Kendall-Jackson 2022 Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir was the unconventional choice for the omega-rich Steamed Garoupa with Superior Soy Sauce drizzled with Garlic Oil.

Decanted earlier to allow the wine to breathe, we were enamoured by luscious dark cherry and raspberry accents; the oak-aged red exuded soft, supple tannins amidst toasty vanilla notes making the red wine a superb match for the fleshy fish.

Likewise, those big characteristics elevated the sumptuousness of our Fried Prawns with XO Sauce, Asparagus and Fresh Wild Forest Mushrooms.

Voluptuous black cherry and plum aromas with hints of strawberry supplemented by silky rich tannins from Kendall-Jackson Outland Ridge Pinot Noir proved stellar in heightening the delectable Pan-fried Lamb Cutlets in Chef’s Special Sauce.

Redolent with dark cherry, cassis and red currant flavours edged with some minerality and elegantly soft tannins, Kendall-Jackson 2019 Hawkeye Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon was an on-point partner to amplify the hearty taste of Stewed Hong Kong Ee Fu Noodles with Shredded Duck Meat and Mushrooms.

It was a befitting wrap-up before we segued into the evening’s sweet ender of Chilled Mango Puree with Sago and Pomelo, and two pieces of Chinese Pancake with Lotus Paste and Red Bean Paste.

SIZZLING FINE TIME AT PJ'S BAR & GRILL

A rooftop viewing deck with 360° views of Petaling Jaya city makes PJ’s Bar & Grill at New World Petaling Jaya Hotel make it an outstanding venue to chill out over drinks and good eats.

 

Sited atop the 30^th floor of the new hotel adjacent to Paradigm Shopping Centre, you sip signature cocktails, savour Western and Asian grilled selections, or graze on tasty tapas-style small plates paired with wines or a cold Malaysian beer here.

Having chalked up over two decades of culinary experience at internationally acclaimed restaurants and luxury chain hotels, Executive Chef Alexander Chong is man of the hour here; leading his team on reinterpreting fresh takes of classic Western and Chinese dishes.

We started the evening with crunchy deep-fried fish skin - the current 'it' snack. Addictive morsels these, scented with curry leaves and dried chilli but go easy as your devour them whilst knocking back your fave tipples from the bar.

Old-school beef tartaré would probably make some people squirm since it’s raw beef chopped and mixed with capers, onion, pepper and Worchestershire sauce. According to the chef, his version of Beef Tartaré (RM28) boasts a more Asian slant although we find the overall flavours subtler than expected. Served with mustard aioli, it makes a nice textural contrast spread on crispy garlic bread. The DIY part is simple enough -- all you need to do is to heap everything, minced beef with or without condiments, onto the crusty bread slices.

A surefire crowd-pleaser, the succulent slices of Marinated Salmon (RM28) tickles the tastebuds with hints of lime and dill, sour cream, capers and fresh arugula leaf. Order a nice white wine to go with it and you’d feel everything’s right in the world.

Fish stock forms the base for the house speciality of Chowder (RM16) amped up with tiger prawns, snapper and clams. Tomato, saffron & olive oil lend soft tartness, enticing aroma and lush richness to balance and amplify the oceanic accents. Our only grouse is the soup should be served piping hot for maximum enjoyment.

Inspired by Tex-Mex buffalo wings, the Chicken Wings (RM26) fleetingly singes our tongues, coated in the house spicy BBQ sauce. A creamy garlic dip complements them although the wings taste great without it.

 

Shareable main courses to party the evening away ranges from Jumbo Satay: Chicken (RM28) or Beef (RM38) to the substantial PJ’s Party Platter (RM38) comprising breaded crabcakes, softshell crab, hot fries, crispy wonton chips and Asian dips.

The former is best savoured hot with the accompanying peanut sauce. Despite their dainty appearance, loading up on the latter’s nibble-worthy options coupled with drinks and convivial chit-chat should leave anyone shooting the breeze replete. Heartier appetites may feel the compulsion to occupy casual vacancy in the tums with dessert.

Chef Alex’s pride in his Asian roots is translated into winsome Citrus Baba (RM28) -- showcasing the invigorating freshness of calamansi jelly with vanilla ice cream to create a splendid, likeable treat.

He left the Classic Vanilla Crème Brûlée (RM28) well alone; dulcet smooth and decidedly sweet with a crackling burnt sugar top, it’s a pudding that should please purists without rocking any dessert boat.

PJ's Bar & Grill is a cool, relaxing hangout to while the evening away post-work or revel in a casual catch-up with friends. Sleek wood accents dominate with strategic pendant and ambient lighting ensure the interior is aglow at dusk. The prized seating is out by the spacious patio cum viewing deck, steps away from the hotel pool and vertical garden.

Choice puffs of cigars from Cuba and the Dominican Republic are available in the plush privacy of the on-site Cigar Lounge in addition to an extensive wine and liquor list.

For dining enquiries or reservations at PJ’s Bar & Grill, please call (03) 7682 0000, e-mail marketing.petalingjaya@newworldhotels.com  or visit petalingjaya.newworldhotels.com. PJ’s Bar & Grill opens daily from 11.30am to 12.00 am.