GO WESTIN FOR MORE HIGH FIVES (PART 3)

Mind-boggling and jaw-dropping was how I felt after I surveyed The Westin Kuala Lumpur’s Juadah Iftar-Night of Traditions spread. 

Muslim patrons will have the chance to break their day-long fast with Zam Zam water served at their tables.  A selection of refreshing, ice-cold drinks such as sugar cane, sirap bandung (rose syrup with milk) and soya bean among others is also available to quench one's thirst.

The entire restaurant resembles a festive night market, complete with a gambus-strumming musician and live cooking stations dishing out 101 local delights for buka puasa.

Downstairs at the Lower Lobby, a small exhibition and display of imported marble, leather and brass handicrafts is held; a boon for those who wish to spruce up their homes for the coming Hari Raya celebration.

It's a veritable treasure trove of fine rosewood furniture, hand-knotted carpets and intricate, hand-embroidered fabrics with gold and coloured threads.

But I digress. Back to the food front, these are the 'must makan' dishes when you break fast at The Living Room:

1. Westin Briyani  

Golden hued briyani rice with pillowy thick Mamak-style omelette, braised spiced pineapple & cucumber salad, sesame seeds, fried shallot, cashews and chunky beef pieces. Scrumptious on its own or accompanied by Rendang Paru (sliced beef lungs simmered in chilli and spice paste with coconut milk), Sambal Goreng Jawa (fresh prawn sambal) and Daging Gulai Kawah (curried beef).

2. Ayam Kampung Gulai Nangka

A typical kampung dish that should assuage the longing for one's far-flung village or hometown. This rustic, simple but super-sedap chicken and young jackfruit with cassava leaves curry will transform plain white rice into something utterly magical; its delicate spiciness and lemak richness heartwarmingly comforting.

3. Hot Dog

This is an unexpected addition but what's a Malaysian pasar malam without a burger stall? It's a hot hit too especially with young diners who couldn't get enough of the tender chicken frankfurters. I give it the thumbs up too as these are the better quality ones; mine had a faintly charred smokiness to it which made it even more irresistible. There are also chicken patties in burger buns which are not too bad either.

 4. Roasted Snapper with Chive Cream Sauce

Ok, this is not very Malay but there's no reason why you should miss out on this gorgeous specimen. The fish's firm, sweet flesh tasted superb enough on its own. Turn it into an epicurean delight by dabbing on a little of the oniony chive cream sauce that will have you returning for more.

5.  Indian Odyssey

Tease your tastebuds with a distinctly different spectrum of spices from the Indian continent over at the Indian kitchen. The chefs on duty will oblige your requests for oven-fresh Naan, Chapati and Puri. Traditional condiments of Dhall Thadga, Potato Masala, Reshmi Kebab, Lamb Tandoori, Fish Tikka and Prawn Tandoori are available to complement them.

I felt like Aladdin as I uncovered several claypots and found them brimming with piquant curries of Chicken Khadai, Hyderabadi Paneer Tikka Masala, Shabji Jal Frezy, Aloo Ghobi Punjabi and Vegetable Pakora fritters.

Due to the extensive array available, I found more than five delectable dishes of course. I'd recommend these meaty options to sample: mildly spiced shawarma (pic above) and tender baked ribeye with thyme sauce and grilled squid with black soy sauce spiked with bird's eye chillies.

Other popular dishes run the gamut from Prawn & Glass Noodles Kerabu, Nasi Ulam, Assorted Tacos and Kerabu Pelam Daging Bakar (Spiced Mango with Grilled Beef Salad) to Ayam Panggang Pedas Pucuk Paku (Spicy Roasted Chicken with Ground Coconut & Fern Tendrils),  Rojak Buah Hentian Pagoh (Tropical Mixed Fruit Salad with Shrimp Paste Dressing) and Bubur Lambuk. 

I was thrilled to bits when the dessert section proffered wispy swirls of baby pink Candy Floss on a stick; jolting back childhood memories of fun fairs and amusement parks. There was also a bountiful counter of tropical fruit slices of every colour imaginable, Malay kuihs and decadent cakes: Red Velvet Cake (surprisingly moist and topped with a light cheese frosting), Chocolate Ganache, Fudgy Cashewnut Brownie and Cherry Cheesecake as well as local sweet broths.

Priced at RM128++ per adult and at RM64++ per child (complimentary for children below 6 years old), the Ramadan buffet spread will be served from 6.30pm to 10.30pm until 31 July.

Reservations are highly recommended. Call 03-2773 8338 for seats are going like hot cakes.
  

News Flash!

THE WESTIN TEAM USHERED THE FIRST DAY OF RAMADAN WITH FREE BUBUR LAMBUK GIVEAWAY TO MOTORISTS IN BUKIT BINTANG

MORE BUKA PUASA HIGH FIVES (PART 2)

Fancy breaking fast with scrumptious dishes cooked by one of the judges of MasterChef Malaysia? If you relish such an idea, then join celeb chef Zubir Mohd Zain to buka puasa at Latest Recipe.

 

Ikan Percik...more fish in the buffet to reel you in

The extensive dinner buffet is centred on delicious memories of Chef Zubir’s childhood – that of family gatherings and his mother’s delicious cooking.  

After scouring the impressive line up, the top 5 dishes that you must sample at Latest Recipe:

1. Bubur Lambuk

Forget about chicken soup for the soul and have your fill of this salubrious gruel instead. Scented with a heady mixture of local spices, let the beguilingly creamy smooth texture unleash big, bold and deep-seated flavours across your palate. Every mouthful yields savoury beef, herbaceous coriander, sweet fried shallots and other unexpected surprises that will have you begging for more like Oliver Twist.

 2. Rendang

We discovered 2-3 different variants on our visit and each is better than the last. The hotties include Rendang Kerbau Rempah Sangai-Kelapa Bakar and a bewitchingly dark Rendang Tok. The first was slightly moist with the discernible fragrance of fresh turmeric leaves and toasty, nutty nuance of roasted grated coconut coming through. The second was drier but no less delectable, the beef releasing its rich juices the longer it's chewed on.

 3. Roast Lamb

Rubbed with an exotic hodge-podge of Arabic spices, the whole roast lamb needs no other frills except for its natural jus to enhance its flavour. Tender, moist and suffused with spices that reminds you of a Middle Eastern souq, it is best savoured with a serving of chickpea-coucous.

                           

4. Siput Belitung Masak Lemak Cili Api & Belimbing Buluh

Now's the time to suck up...if you wanna relish these local escargots. Yes, we know it's a perennial offering at most buka puasa buffets but the differentiation lies in the crafty inclusion of tiny belimbing buluh – their bracingly tart sourness lends perfect balance to the gravy's unctuous richness. Never mind your manners, just get those springy morsels outta their shells.

5. Pengat Durian & Pankek Gulung

I almost missed out on this irresistible offering had not been for the chef on duty who persuaded me to try one. I succumbed and it was love at first bite! Sinfully delicious, the thick, nectar-sweet broth really 'grabbed' me with its heavenly durian aroma. Douse it liberally onto the pristine white, lacey rolled pancake (think roti jala) and it's transformed into an orgasmic great treat.

Flossy delight...spiced serunding heralds the imminent arrival of Hari Raya

Bear in mind that these five dishes are merely the tip of the lavish line-up. You'd literally be circumventing the globe as Latest Recipe also boasts Japanese, Western, Chinese and Indian live cooking counters where chefs will whip up your orders on the spot.

 

Kambing Kari Cabai Hijau...Penang's famed mutton curry with green chillies

Sashimi, sushi (both hand roll and seafood-topped nigiri) and the teppan-cooked meat or seafood invariably attract a constant queue but your patience will be duly rewarded once you sink your teeth into the goodies.

 

Goreng-goreng...crispy deep-fried banana, jackfruit, sweet potato and yam lend a rustic touch

The Indian section is another notable section with pots of brilliant coloured curries beckoning; yummy to the max with puffy naan breads or pilaf.

 

Sweet array of Malay kuihs to tickle the tastebuds

If you can find more tummy space, don't miss mouth-watering delicacies such as sup jernih udang galah (clear freshwater prawn soup), rendang ayam pencen pucuk ubi (dry chicken rendang with sweet potato shoots), asam pedas batang keladi (tangy, spicy yam plant stalks), satay kepal udang dan ikan a la Thai (Thai-style fish and seafood skewers), rusuk lembu panggang a la Mongolia (Mongolian-style grilled beef ribs) and solok sotong bakar lemak kuning (grilled stuffed squid with turmeric sauce).

This scrumptious buffet dinner is available until 6 August 2013 at RM128++ per person (from Monday to Friday), at RM118++ per person (on Saturday & Sunday) and at RM88++ per person (for bookings after 9pm from Monday to Thursday).  Free flow kurma juice, teh tarik, sirap bandung, sugar cane juice and soya bean milk inclusive.

For reservations, visit www.discoverlemeridien.com,
e-mail: dining.lmkl@lemeridien.com or call Dining Reservations at +603 2263 7434.

HIGH FIVE OUT OF FIVE (PART 1)

Now that the holy Ramadan month is in full swing, here are the TOP 5 dishes from five hotels' Buka Puasa buffets:

Padang Palate Pleasers at Concorde Hotel KL

If you can't go to Padang, then Padang will come to you. Concorde has brought guest chef Nurdeli Mansorman aka Mak Deli's Warung Nasi Padang Ibunda from Kampung Pauh Kambar, Pariaman from the West Sumatran coast to ignite tastebuds this year.

Rich and tasty thanks to the prevalent use of coconut milk, chillies and spices, the Padang parade should make curry lovers go weak at the knees. Key dishes that you shouldn't miss include:

1. Soto Padang 

The full-bodied, herb and spice-infused broth is soul-satisfyingly good. Rice vermicelli accompanied by chopped beef, fried potato patty, crushed prawn cracker, fried sliced shallot and chopped coriander make it a complete meal that you'd want repeat helpings of. This Soto Padang will be the 'gold standard' which all other soto will be up against in future.

2. Kelio Ayam Nangka

Chunks of chicken immersed in fiery orange, creamy and piquant gravy redolent with aromatic chilli and spices, what's not to like? The composition of spices distinguishes it from our local curries but let me assure you it's no less delicious. Addictive when you douse it liberally over plain white rice.

3. Urat Kaki Lembu

A perennial favourite at most Nasi Padang stalls, this tendon curry boasts toothsome texture to chew over. Again the gravy's lightly creamy but not cloying, with threads of kaffir lime leaves giving it fragrance and subtle accent. A dish that may be an acquired taste for those who isn't used to innards or organ meat but for those who enjoy it, this hits the spot.

4. Terong Balado

One of my all-time favourites when I go for my Nasi Padang fix. The brinjal pieces have a faint toasty nuance to them, smothered in ground chilli and garlic that fires up your palate in a good way. This version is not at all oily which is a big plus point.

5.  Manisan Padang

Grated coconut, coconut milk and sugar are the dominant ingredients for these rustic kuihs - local sweet cakes that are either steamed or deep-fried that are reminiscent of our local version. Notable choices include Godok Batinta (banana fritters with palm sugar), Serabi (Indonesia rice flour pancake with coconut milk sauce or plain grated coconut) and Cenil (chewy Indonesian onde-onde drizzled with coconut milk sauce and palm sugar syrup).

You can dine in comfort at the spacious Concorde Ballroom that's transformed into a Rumah Gadang Minangkabau - a typical Minangkabau big house where the extensive buffet takes centrestage. Surefire hits include local and international fare: roast whole lamb, mee rebus, grilled fish, gulai kawah, nasi beriyani, assorted kerabu salads and serunding.

Price: RM114++ per person with 15% discount for Alliance Bank, CIMB, Hong Leong, Maybank, Public Bank and RHB credit card members.

Call Concorde Hotel KL, tel: 03-2144 2200 or email fbkl@concorde.net for reservations.

WEEKEND WONDERLAND

It's never to early to think about how you wanna spend the upcoming weekend even though it's the beginning of a new week...especially if there's a Westin Weekend around the corner! The good folks at The Westin Kuala Lumpur and The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa has finally cottoned on to what every hotel guest like you and me have always wanted and asked for or should I say demanded?? ;D all along: a late check-out, extended breakfast hours and whatever perks that stretch our stay longer and give us more bang for our buck.

 

So as part of the global Westin hotels and resorts' initiative, both the Westin properties held a special launch recently to trumpet the beginning of their new, dedicated weekend programme; giving  invited guests first-hand experience of what's in store for them.

Laid out in its all-white splendor right smack in the lobby on that day was the 'star' of any Westin Weekend...the trademark, much-touted Heavenly Bed by Westin. This bed - in case you're unaware - is said to be so comfy that guests who had slept in one actually clamoured to buy it! Unsurprisingly, some invitees simply couldn't resist slipping under the covers for the experience and got their antics snapped for posterity.

After the requisite speeches and launch gambit by Hratch Khatchanian, General Manager of The Westin Kuala Lumpur; Michael Schlueter, General Manager of The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa and Chuck Abbott, Regional Vice President for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in South East Asia were dispenses with, we were divided into small groups to embark on a Westin Journey that was conceived to let us experienced multi-sensorial elements of a  Westin Weekend at these two properties.

Alas, we weren't whisked off to the isle of Langkawi but trooped off to view the sumptuously appointed rooms and suites in its sister hotel in the city. I was most reluctant to give up my seat for the quickie but most welcomed head and should massage session but duty called so off to the Poolside we went.

 

After a short and sweet cooking demo, we were stretched to the limit by some seemingly basic session of yoga moves and deep breathing techniques. Despite not breaking out into a real sweat, we were then plied with  the hotels' SuperFoodsRx inspired refreshments; a sampler of sorts that reminded us that guests can now linger in bed longer thanks to the Westin Weekend's late 3pm check-out on Sunday and late risers can rejoice over the extended breakfast hours on Saturday and Sunday at the hotel’s and resort’s all day dining venues or in room dining. 

So the next time you need something to tackle the Monday blues head-on, start thinking about a Westin Weekend. Imagine treating yourself to a good night’s sleep on the Heavenly Bed, recharging your inner 'batteries' with some exercise through the RunWESTIN and New Balance gear-lending programmes and fuelling up on SuperFoodsRX dining options before bidding adieu at 3pm on Sunday...

Sounds too good to be true? Go ahead and give the Westin folks a tinkle. They'd be happy to put you up for a Westin Weekend and let you sleep on it.

For more information on The Westin Kuala Lumpur, please visit www.thewestinkualalumpur.com or call +60 3 2731 8333. If you’re planning to spend a tropical weekend in Langkawi, check-out The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa at www.westinlangkawi.com or call +60 4 960 8888.