SUNSET DINING VIBES OF PASAR BARU

Channenlling Medan Kampung — a village piazza — Pasar Baru at New World Petaling Jaya Hotel exudes charming sunset dining vibes amidst its lively market-style set-up.

Executive Chef Alexander Chong leads a team of capable chefs, rustling together a lavish buffet of over 100 traditional Malaysian delicacies for the upcoming Ramadan month.

Ornate pattern and dark grey slate tiles, decorative wooden spindles and modern pendant lights set a captivating stage for dining and merry-making. Divided into live cooking kitchens and culinary showcases: Malay, Indian, Chinese, noodle, salad and appetiser, fruit and dessert, Pasar Baru’s buffet is a departure from the same old, same old.

Heaps of poached yabbies, crabs, bamboo clams and prawns on beds of sparkling ice beds excite the senses from the get-go. Stroll further in to discover signature cook-to-order beef and chicken satay, grilled seafood, tandoori meat and freshly made Indian breads.

The noodle station is a notable pitstop especially when the house curry laksa is on the menu. Possible options served will include asam laksa, ‘lok lok’ skewers of fishballs, meat and vegetable and other hawker-style fare.

For the buka puasa period, expect deliciously heartwarming bubur lambuk (savoury and spiced rice porridge) and a most scrumptious whole roast lamb decked out in all its glory. Discerning foodie friends also vouch the chicken rice passed their taste test.

Good finds to keep on your radar include assorted ulam with condiments, deep-fried wontons, prawns cooked in tempoyak (fermented durian), garlic naan and rendang.

Apart from the wide selection of Malay kuih and Continental puddings, diners can help themselves to soft-serve ice-cream tricked up with irresistible toppings: from granola and nuts to unicorn sprinkles and fruit compotes. Freshly made dessert such as crêpes and waffles are available too.

Available from 17 May – 14 June 2018 from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, the “Medan Kampung” buffet at Pasar Baru is priced at RM168 nett per adult. For children aged 12 years and above, and senior citizens aged 60 years upwards, the price is RM84 nett per person.

Enjoy the Early Bird Deal with 20% discount for buka puasa bookings made by 4 May 2018. Call Pasar Baru, tel: 03 7682 0000 or email: marketing.petalingjaya@newworldhotels.com. Pasar Baru is located at New World Petaling Jaya Hotel, Paradigm, 1 Jalan SS7/26A, Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

IMPIANA CHEFS RISE TO THE COOKING CHALLENGE

A group of Executive Chefs from the Impiana Group rose to the occasion and cooked their hearts out in a crossover cooking challenge modelled after Top Chefs and Masterchef recently.

Held on 10 April, Executive Chefs from the various Impiana properties in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia gathered under one roof at Impiana KLCC for the Impiana Group Chefs’ Workshop.

After a hearty breakfast together at Tonka Bean, the participating chefs were given 45 minutes to cook a dish with a mystery star ingredient – golden snapper. Fresh produce like veggies, Emborg dairy products and other essentials were theirs for the picking.

As one of the judging panel, the adrenalin-fuelled energy among the chefs was palpable in the kitchen as they worked through methodically to create their individual dishes. Heading the panel was Jochen Kern (2nd from right), a certified Culinary Educator for the World Association of Chef Societies (WACS) and Director at the School of Culinary Arts, Berjaya University College of Hospitality.

Each of the chefs were scored on taste, texture, presentation, flavour, appearance and even history or rationale of their final creation. I am filled with admiration for the chefs' quick-thinking and skills in rising to the challenge.

Chef Jochen Kern was the consummate judge; always brief and succinct when he imparted advice, constructive criticism and feedback on each chef's performance and dish outcome.