KAWAII & OISHI Part 1

An eye-catching Hello Kitty snack kiosk inside Universal Studios Japan

Fancy some piping Hello Kitty buns anyone? 
 

In Japan kawaii or cuteness sells like well...hot cakes! Of course it helps that the food is oishi (delicious) too. Coupled with the Japanese masterful art of packaging, how can anyone resist from lugging home packs and packs of confectionery, cakes, pickles, tea, pastries, seaweed and even fish cake?

Onigiri - Japanese rice balls are quick, tasty and convenient to eat when you're pressed for time

While waiting to get into Universal Studios, we decided to breakfast on some Onigiri - Japanese rice balls that feature different fillings from a little kiosk adjacent to the theme park entrance. Mine was packed with Takoyaki - Osaka's favourite snack of piping hot batter balls filled with chopped octopus! Laced with mayo, a sweetish tangy sauce and lots of bonito flakes, they hit the spot in the chilly weather.

Hungry like Snoopy? Stop for a bite at this Peanuts-themed cafe at Universal Studios

Whimsical snacks featuring Snoopy and the Peanuts gang to keep hunger pangs at bay

Pop corn tubs adorned with Elmo on the lid and a flashing Christmas tree within

Once inside, we discovered how irresistible the kawaii factor is. Whether it's a burger and fries from the cafe or a tub of pop corn from the many kiosks that dot the place, you'd happily fork out money to indulge the child in you.

Fresh waffle are made and sold on the spot at this rustic Elmo-themed shop

Lovely to see and eat...miniature Hello Kitty & Daniel cakes

Make no mistake about it...Hello Kitty is HUGE in Japan. The top cat icon touts everything from phone dangles and jewellery to candies and rice cakes. We spotted these adorable kai tan koh (eggy sponge cakes) filled with red bean paste in Universal Studios and later we'd find many more food items with this cute kitty image on the packaging everywhere we go.

Have a ball in Osaka with different variations of Takoyaki

Great balls of ... Takoyaki 

In Osaka, Takoyaki reigns supreme. There's even a little Osaka Takoyaki Museum next to Universal Studios!

These batter balls similar in size to golf balls are cooked in moulded pans with bits of chopped tako (octopus) in them. Toppings vary from stall to stall and can range from seaweed strips, katsuoboshi (shaved bonito flakes) and mayonnaise to spring onion, crispy tempura batter bits and ponzu (tangy citrus-based BBQ sauce).

A map depicting takoyaki hot pots in Osaka

Entrance to the Osaka Takoyaki Museum

Trust me these taste waaayyyy better than they look ^^

Cute bear cakes and luscious cakes in a patisserie in Osaka

We also noticed that the Japanese have a penchant for French-inspired pastries and cakes. Throughout our trip we came across scores of boulangeries and patisseries that proffer the most divine cakes, rustic breads and meticulously crafted sweet confections that are a sight to behold and a dream to savour.

In keeping with the Yuletide spirit, sweets in Santa and snowmen shapes

This cream puff is from Beard Papa's! The real deal in Japan...yummylicious!!!

Little cakes moulded in the form of popular Japanese cartoons are always hot

More photos and notes on our Japanese culinary expeditions coming soon! In the meantime, Merry Christmas to all my followers and blog readers! *hugs*

SEASON'S FEASTING

'Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry! You'd be spoilt for choice at Dorsett Regency as Executive Chef KK Yau and his team will be offering three celebratory options: an exquisite Christmas Eve set dinner at Cellini's, a lavish buffet at Checker's Cafe or relish a takeaway Tandoori Turkey from the comfort of your own home.

Weighing about 4kg each, the spiced marinated turkey proves to be a nice change from the Continental version; its meat well-imbued by a heady mix of aromatic spices. Stuffed with briyani rice, vegetable and pickles, the delectable offering also comes with chestnut and onion stuffing, cranberry jelly and giblet gravy. Each bird costs RM208++ and orders can be collected from Checker's Cafe.

The entrance of Cellini's...a small but cosy haven for Italian delights

The delicious Pasta La Verdura is worth tangling with

If you prefer a more intimate celebration, Cellini's the place to revel in a sumptuous set menu that blend imported winter ingredients and Euro-Mediterranean culinary accents.

The appetiser of Pasta La Verdura comprises al dente spaghettini with thread-like strands of Vegetable Pasta accompanied by Thyme and Dill Jelly and topped with pepper-crusted Tuna Tartare with pieces of sweet, poached Lobster.

Christmas Fennel & Fish Soup is served with some dramatic flair

Admittedly, I'm no a big fan of fennel but this herb is put to good use for the Christmas Fennel and Fish Soup. Definitely a heartwarming broth for the soul, we lapped up every drop of the wonderful concoction that had fennel, tomato, onion, potato and slivers of sole and snapper in it. The succulent Poached Cod fillet on top is adorned with Spinach Veloute (a gelatine-based reduction of spinach, stock and flour with parsley, garlic and extra virgin olive oil).

To cleanse and prime the palate for the main course, you'd enjoy a Mango Sorbet, a refreshing scoop of frozen mango juice with bits of the actual fruit in it.

The main course proffers Confit of Norwegian Salmon and Moist Confit of Salmon with Spinach Veloute; both cooked the sous vide way - a slow cooking process at precisely controlled temperatures. The piece of salmon sprinkled with edible floral petals in the foreground of the pix is cooked at 40 degrees Celsius, ensuring the fish remains tender and succulent with a lightly flaky core.

For the latter, it's cooked at 80 degrees Celsius; wrapped in a layer of sliced gratinated potato that renders it paler but no less richer on the palate. If fish is not your cup of tea, the alternative main course is Roast Turkey with all its customary trimmings.

All of us also had a slice or two of the irresistible Tandoori Turkey once it was carved at our table. Bringing curtains down for the evening is traditional Christmas Plum Pudding with Vanilla Sauce followed by some pralines and coffee/tea.

Lusciously indulgent...just a small piece of the Plum Pudding is enough to satisfy

Death by chocolate...pralines to wrap up our dinner on a sweet note

The Cellini's Christmas Eve Set Dinner is priced RM198++ per person inclusive of a free flow of sparkling wine, beer, soft drinks and juices.

Hearty eaters who prefer to go the whole hog may want to head for Checker's Cafe festive spread on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Chef Yau's team very kindly trotted out a selection of dishes from the buffet to give us an idea of what's in store for diners.

From roast turkey to tantalising appetisers of fish and seafood, you'd be spoilt for choice as there will be over 40 scrumptious specialities in the tempting line-up.

 

Feast to your hearts' content at the Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Buffet Dinner at RM98++ per person. Also available is a Christmas Day Brunch priced at RM70++ per person.

For reservations, please call Cellini's or Checker's Cafe, tel: 03-2716 1000 x 188. Dorsett Regency Hotel is located a stone's throw away from the main Bukit Bintang shopping belt.

WAN-DERFUL MILESTONES

 

Chef Wan's latest tome, The Best of Chef Wan (the Bahasa Malaysia version is Selera Chef Wan) marks two major milestones in the renowned chef's life: his 25th year in the culinary field and his mother's 80th birthday.

Held at Kitchen Culture, Bangsaria, the book launch was a cosy affair with his family and friends showing up in full force in addition to the local media to support him.

Ever obliging, outspoken and talking nineteen to the dozen, Chef Wan was a laugh a minute; his candour remarks and rapid-fire chatter kept everyone in stitches with an occasional gasp and mock horror thrown into the mix.

The affable chef paid special tribute to his sprightly mother, labelling the real 'chef one' while he himself is chef number two. Recalling the days when he helped out by selling kuihs, Chef Wan affirms that his mentor and inspiration would always be his dearest mother.

"Cooking is about sharing, respecting nature and connecting with people," says Malaysia's food ambassador. "These past 25 years have a struggle but I still enjoy cooking; it's a great way to entertain people and impart our history, culture and food knowledge to others."

Chef Wan with his daughter-in-law and son, Riz

Star support ... fellow celeb chefs Azrah and Florence Tan at the book launch

After a quarter century in the business, the busy bee still has bigger fish to fry. Besides working on his food encyclopedia project to document and preserve the country's Malay food heritage, plans are afoot to make Chef Wan Asian Culinary Academy a reality.

"The school will be devoted to teach not only Malaysian but also Asian cuisine such as Thai, Indonesian, etc. It's a shame that we don't have enough chefs who are skilled in our regional cuisine. My culinary academy aims to plug this gap and concentrate on offering Malay/Asian cooking courses. I want to place everything under one roof; initiate a diploma for South-east Asian culinary studies and hold interactive classes where people can learn how to cook basic or special dishes, keep young people occupied and maintain our culinary heritage. I also plan to help underprivileged kids who dream of becoming chefs via the Chef Wan Foundation."

 

The food ambassador believes that we need to maintain and protect our food culture and heritage.

"Food's the only thing that binds people together.We have to be proud of our food as it gives us a sense of belonging. If there's something that I can change, I'd form a Ministry of Food," said Chef Wan. "We need to get our food right, a body to educate our people to cook quality food. It's sad we're letting foreign workers butcher our food and have tourists eating badly cooked local food at filthy eateries that use cheap ingredients. We must get back on the right track.

"That's why some feel offended when I speak out. They can't take my criticisms but I'm just doing my job by telling the truth. When you're honest, you have nothing to fear."

Although he has appeared briefly in the AFC-E&O's Next Celebrity Chef show, Chef Wan is no fan of reality TV.

"People get so excited about reality TV shows but my advice is don't expect too much out of them. Most are overly dramatic and it can be demeaning to those participating. You can be harsh but not rude.I don't believe in putting people down and breaking their spirit. One must be hard, tough and strong in the kitchen so cut out all the crying and drama. There's no place in the kitchen for egoistic chefs."

He firmly believes that it takes more than good cooking skills to be a TV celebrity chef. "Experience counts as well as one's self-confidence, knowledge and effective communication skill - the ability to teach and explain things.

Having travelled the world and tasted countless dishes, Chef Wan declares that the best dish in the world is still his mother's nasi goreng with ikan bilis, sambal belacan and egg.

For youngsters who are starting out in life, Chef Wan reminds them that life is a challenge and filled with choices.

"Young people must have spirit - love yourself, your country, culture, etc. Never be afraid of making mistakes. That's why I told my son that he should apologise for padding up him resume. Take responsibility for it and move on."

The veteran chef who turned 54 in January this year said in parting: "In life, one must be compassionate. Have self-respect and love for humanity. People will remember the good things you do."

(NOT QUITE) THE TWELVE EATS OF CHRISTMAS

Try singing this to The Twelve Days of Christmas ;D

On the first day of Christmas, my true friend treated me to Roast Turkey at Swez Brasserie.

On the second day of Christmas, my true friend treated me to Beetroot & Feta Canape, 
Smoked Salmon Rosette and Waldorf Salad with diced apple & celery. 

On the third day of Christmas, my true friend treated me to
Smooth and creamy, soft and sticky Pumpkin Risotto with Saffron   
And Roast Turkey at Swez Brasserie

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true friend treated me to golden and rich Pumpkin Soup
with deliciously crispy Quail Wontons 
Together with fluffy buttered bread rolls
And Roast Turkey at Swez Brasserie. 

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true friend treated me to a fillet of sauteed Salmon topped with some Apple Sauce and chopped Walnuts
Too sumptuous to comprehend after the superb soup 
And Roast Turkey at Swez Brasserie. 

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true friend treated me to
Basil and Pine Nut Stuffed Turkey Breast
Baked Almond Cranberry Squash
Full of enticing aromas and tender, juicy textures
Redolent with true festive spirits, cheery company
And Roast Turkey at Swez Brasserie. 

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true friend treated me to Cranberry Cheese Yule Log
So decadently luscious
A fine spongey roll
For calling on friends with true festive spirits, cheery company
And Roast Turkey at Swez Brasserie. 

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true friend treated me to the sight of Chef Jean Marc Veron carving the Roast Honey Glazed Turkey with Cranberry Sauce and Gravy 
Filled with fine stuffing with glazed Chestnuts so temptingly moist that 
The taste scores high and oh so yummy; comparable to that partridge in a pear tree. 

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true friend treated me to
Nice festive cookies
Eats that meant hours of loving baking 
Special cocktails with straws a-spinning
Slick choices awaiting
A fine buffet spread
For lil darling guests
There's gingerbread, sweets and chocolates
And Roast Turkey at Swez Brasserie. 

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true friend treated me 
To a festive dinner that left us leaping
Nice festive cookies 
Eats that meant hours of loving baking
Special cocktails with straws a-spinning 
Slick choices awaiting, A fine buffet spread
For lil darling guests
There's gingerbread, sweets and chocolates 
And Roast Turkey at Swez Brasserie. 

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true friend treated me
To an evening of festive feasting that left us all a-leaping
Nice festive cookies 
Eats that meant hours of loving baking
Special cocktails with straws a-spinning 
Slick choices awaiting, A fine buffet spread
For lil darling guests
There's gingerbread, sweets and chocolates 
And Roast Turkey at Swez Brasserie. 

 

On the twelfth day of Christmas
even if my true love doesn't sent to me 
Twelve drummers drumming
Eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtle doves

There's always Roast Turkey at Swez Brasserie!

For reservations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Swez Brasserie, please call 03 - 7665 1111. Eastin Hotel Petaling Jaya,13 Jalan 16/11, Pusat Dagang Seksyen 16, Petaling Jaya Selangor

MAKE IT BIG!

You have a choice of two side dishes to complete your order of roast chicken...I opted for roast potatoes and grilled vegetables

From Plan B and Ben's to Ricetaurant and Canoodling, there seems to be no stopping the BIG group. Its surfeit of good food and drinks is now extended to the area of food retailing via Ben's Independent Grocer at Solaris Dutamas.

Imagine you can pluck fresh lettuce off their hydroponic shelves and shop for a wide selection of imported food that includes Jamie Oliver's range of condiments and pasta sauces, Koko Black's fine chocolates and Suga's candies, and premium Wagyu steaks all in one place.

If you feel peckish, make a beeline for Ben's General Food Store where you can relish in deli-style pastas and pies, scrumptious roast chicken hot off the rotisserie, hearty salads, oven-fresh pizzas and luscious dessert.

On my last visit, I literally drooled when I spied a couple seated at an adjoining table hungrily wolfed down a whole roast chicken by themselves. So this time it was my turn to zoom straight in to the juicy poultry which tasted as stunning as they look.

Yummy roast chicken available in whole or half portion...simply satisfying!

My friend's portion of Moroccan Lamb Pie was delish but the scant filling encased within the rather thick puff pastry really didn't do it justice. It came with a choice of one side dish so my pal plumped for the surprisingly delectable Orecchiette Pasta Salad with grated cheese.

Love the buttery and flaky pie crust despite its scant but flavourful filling. The tiny ear-shaped pasta with peas, rocket and grated cheese went down quite a treat with us.

We love the indulgent Mushroom Lasagna with Corn Salad as do my daughter who devoured her portion of Macaroni and Cheese within minutes!

The layers of lasagna packed with earthy mushrooms came with a generous serving of pesto sauce

I adore the golden, tender corn niblets in this scrumptious salad that accompany the lasagna

Cheesey but nice...you can't go wrong with this Mac & Cheese