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.

CLASSIC AMERICAN DINER EXPERIENCE AT KGB

 

Channelling retro American diner vibes in blue and white, the KGB Diner at Tropicana Gardens serves more than run-of-the-mill burgers. Once we stepped into the cheery, brightly lit outpost, the menu reveals a wide array of burgers with either flame-grilled beef or chicken patties, fried chicken fillets and even breakfast options for early birds.

Topping our list of ‘must try’ eats here is Cluck Cluck Baby (RM23.80), an offering sure to have diners seeking a novel spin clucking with approval. Dusted with Korean red pepper flakes, the two crispy fried chicken thigh patties sandwiched between spicy Jjapaguri (mixture of two South Korean instant noodles), tomato slices, fresh lettuce, melted mozzarella cheese and KGB’s secret sauce slaps; delivering a riot of robust flavours with each mouthful.

The generous portion is enough for us light eaters to share but younger diners will find utmost satisfaction from devouring it. Personally, I like the unexpectedly agreeable pairing of slightly spicy noodles with the hearty taste of fried chicken.

Another winsome feather in the KGB’s cap has to be Sizzling Buldak Wings (RM22.80). Served in a sizzling skillet of triple melted cheese, the spicy Korean soy glazed chicken wings look deceptively lethal but the demure heat quotient makes them alluring. Slathered on the creamy cheese sauce and the delish wings instantly hit the spot.

Cool aid comes in the form of Asamboi Lemon (RM7), lemonade spiked with salted preserved plums, or Pink Lemonade (RM7), strawberry purée and lemonade.

Parties of two may want to sample The Jabba Set (RM69.90 set for 2, RM49.90 a la carte), KGB’s festive twist on melding juicy burger with beef Wellington. A thin pastry crust encased a humongous burger of flame-grilled patty oozing with cheese, layered with tomato slices and fresh lettuce.

Complemented by cheese-drenched Texas jalapeno steak wedges and garden salad, this huge ensemble includes in two drinks of your choice (add RM5 for a milkshake). For those who eschew beef, feel free to ask KGB swap the beef patty to a grilled chicken patty.

Again, this oversized burger exceeds our expectations. The beef patty was deliciously juicy; its taste appeal dialled up by the cheese, tomato and lettuce. You’d be replete if you can polish off the serving of wedges in addition to drinks.

Those seeking a typical Americana experience should consider Philly Cheesesteak (RM16.90). Sink your teeth into two slices of toasted sourdough filled with pastrami (salt beef) slices, caramelised onion, mozzarella and garlic ranch sauce. A messy albeit yummy affair guaranteed.

Can’t get enough of that skillet of melted triple cheese? We suggest digging into KGB’s Skillet Cheese Burger (RM22.90 + RM2 for grilled 120g Angus beef patty or +RM6 for grilled 180g Angus beef patty). The scrumptious beef burger comes with fried onions and shack sauce atop a pool of burbling melted cheese.

Prefer the ‘less in more’ approach? You’d find the aptly named Big Daddy (RM25.80 double patty, RM19.80 single patty) ticks all the requisite boxes. Savour two flame-grilled patties dressed with zingy black pepper sauce sandwiched between soft yet sturdy brioche buns. A sprinkling of fresh onion adds fresh, sharp piquancy to the offering.

Wash it down with the house Oreo Milkshake (RM14.90), a towering concoction of milk, cookie and cream ice cream, cookie crumbs finished with Oreo cookies and whipped cream.

Complete your American diner experience with KGB collectibles from the Merchandise Corner. Take your pick of specially designed canvas tote bags and cute enamel pins as fond reminders of your visit to KGB Diner.

KGB Diner is located at Lot CC-83, Concourse Floor, Tropicana Gardens Mall, Lorong Tropicana Mall, Tropicana Indah, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

ENCHANTED CULINARY WONDERS AT SHANGRI-LA KL

‘Tis the season to be feasting…the lavish festive spread at Lemon Garden slaps! Laden with scrumptious seafood on ice: lobsters, prawns, mussels and crabs, this is no time to be demure.

Decking the spacious dining hall are a plethora of traditional roasts: turkey (served for lunch and dinner buffet every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and 24, 25 & 26 December), chicken, New Zealand lamb, and prime Black Angus tomahawk ribs.

Freshly baked specialities of salmon coulibiac – savoury pastry filled with tender salmon and herbed rice – beckons alongside a multitude of East and West temptations: think sushi and sashimi, bountiful seafood on ice, nutritious double boiled Chinese soups, aromatic Indian curries, Italian pasta and pizza, international cheese board, healthy offerings of salads and appetisers. Rest assured, you’d be utterly spoiled for choice.

Unmissable holiday-inspired dessert such as creamy burnt eggnog cheesecake, stollen, macaron tower, dainty entremets, chocolate fountain with skewers of fruit and confectionery, tropical fruits, modernist yule log, rich fruit cake, ice cream and mini puddings complete the sumptuous dining experience.

For reservations and inquiries, please contact Shangri-La KL, tel: 03-2786 2378 or email: dining.kl@shangri-la.com

Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur’s Embrace the Gift of Life

Taking pride of place in the lobby is the Shangri-La KL’s Enchanted Wonders Christmas Charity Tree. Adorned with meticulously crafted Whimsical Carousel Ornaments, the initiative aims at raising funds to provide life-saving medical treatments for children in need.

Since its inception in 1985, this charitable endeavour has raised over RM5 million, funding corrective heart surgeries and medical interventions for hundreds of critically ill children facing severe health challenges.

Companies and individuals are invited to sponsor an ornament with a minimum donation of RM1,100; the donor’s name or company logo prominently displayed at the Enchanted Wonders Christmas Charity Tree throughout the festive season as a beacon of hope and care for the children in need.

Explore the Enchanted Wonders collection at Shangri-La Boutique via https://boutique.shangrila.com/index.php?region=mykl or call tel: 03-2786 2378 or email: festive.KL@shangri-la.com for further more information.