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.

SCENTS AND SENSIBILITIES

The backlit signage outside the restaurant makes a stylish statement. Pix courtesy of Melur & Thyme

I have always admired anyone who have a knack at coming up with catchy restaurant names...one of the most recent brand names that I like is Melur & Thyme - a chic eatery in KLCC that's right opposite the posh Harrods Cafe. Thanks to Phoenix Bee who invited us to meet Melur & Thyme's owner cum Executive Director Datin Nazneen Abdullah, we were treated to a most slap-up lunch recently.

View of the patio seating area. Pix courtesy of Melur & Thyme

According to Datin Nazneen, the name Melur & Thyme reflects the menu's East & West selection, a meeting of old and new favourites.

Warm, earth tones coupled with whimsical filigree-like swirls and artistic renderings dominate the interior.

"We're aiming for a memorable mix of East and West by maintaining traditional processes and food experiences in our modern, eclectic ambience," said Datin. "My eldest girl who's a graduate from the London School of Economics wants to reinterpret her favourite recipes from across Europe and some family gems like grandma's Hokkien mee in one eatery. So Melur & Thyme is really a casual sidewalk cafe where friends and family can gather and share fond memories over a selection of tapas or small bites and nostalgic dishes."

Different views of the restaurant interior...pixs courtesy of Melur & Thyme

Even the decor is slightly retro; interior arty iron works are based on whimsical hand-drawn sketches and stylish renderings, white tiled walls are matched with dark wood fittings, circular framed 'fish eye' mirrors and ornate wall lamps. Unsurprisingly, the 85+ seat outlet has drawn a regular crowd of office workers and tourists since opening as well as acclaim from 'floggers' and food mags.

Seeing red? Nah, it's just brilliiant Plancha Sauce...goes perfectly with the Californian seafood salad

Our attention was first drawn to the brilliant orange hue of the sweet red pepper vinaigrette known as 'plancha' in the California Grilled Seafood Salad (RM28). The distinctive sauce, an intermingling smoky-sweet-savoury concoction enveloped the grilled salmon, tiger prawns, squid, and fresh sardines (marinated with herbs) in the huge bowl of green salad. Every mouthful yielded an explosion of flavours and layers of multiple textures: crispness, chewiness, succulence and softness that had us picking at the dish repeatedly.

Stick 'em up...these duck-licious satay drove us quackers!

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Duck Satay (RM11-small, RM19-large) from the now defunct Duck n Such (Datin and her daughter's maiden venture) returns to roost anew here. The skewers of well-marinated duck breast meat are so delectable that they knocked us over on their own. But wait, we discovered they taste equally marvellous with the accompanying peanut sauce.

 

Lace me up and scarf me down...Crisp lettuce leaves and roti jala filled with sliced aromatic duck

The Crispy Aromatic Duck (RM29) which is all the rage in London also appears in the line-up. Interestingly, the dish's a blend of Chinese-Korean-Malaysian influences. The delightfully crisp duck breast slices bear a subtle herbal accent to them are then turned into salubrious parcels once wrapped up in fresh lettuce leaves, roti jala (lacey pancakes) and slivers of raw garlic. We were soon quacking for repeat helpings after dipping them into the trio of sambal, orange plum and hoisin sauces.

Deep Fried Hoisin Chicken Wings (RM15), tender from its sous vide treatment and slicked with a sweetish honey and hoisin mixture, proved fabulously irresistible; a godsend treat to placate a surly teen or hyperactive tot in tow.

Flyaway winner...peckish cravings will be satisfied with these crunchy quail quarters

Small in size but big in flavour best describes my impression of the Lemongrass & Lime Leaf Quail (RM11 - S, RM19 - L). Marinated in a hodge-podge of aromatics: lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, garlic, onion, galangal, ginger, cumin and crushed pepper, the deep-fried quail quarters are not only crunchy to the bite but also thoroughly suffused with the heady scents and bold, punchy overtones of its marinade. We unashamedly picked everything clean off the bones, I tell you!

A sight to melt the heart...tender lamb cutlets redolent with bold flavours

Another dish I'd return for is the Grilled Lamb Cutlets (RM25 - S, RM34 - L). Sumptuous thanks to its red pepper marinade, the cutlets are a wicked treat thanks to its yummilicious melted goat cheese topping.

Get tangled up with scrumptious seafood and spaghetti doused in rich plancha sauce

A grilled crab with some prawns starred in the Plancha Seafood Spaghetti (RM37) creation with the signature house plancha sauce giving the overall dish a rather indulgent unctuousness. I personally find a small serving more than ample but if you're one of those who are partial to rich, creamy pasta sauces then this combo will make your day.

Nice bait...snap up this crisp fish fillet before it slips away

There's nothing bland about the Crusted Baked Hake Fish (RM32) as the fillet is sealed with spices, and topped with herbs and Japanese breadcrumbs before it's baked. We were quite hooked on this invigorating, zesty main that stirs up your sense of taste and smell, complemented by sides of vegetable, mash and cilantro garlic oil.

A bumper burger that's too luxe for words

Fancy sinking your molars into a juicy, superbly scrumptious Beef Burger with Foie Gras (RM39)? This is the real deal - made on premise, the beefy patty is seasoned with myriad spices and herbs before it's grilled to tender perfection. Sandwiched between a multi-grain bun and topped with a slice of seared foie gras for that luxe finishing, it's moreish to the max.

Better than the other Madam? Eat it and judge for yourself

Fried king prawn with crispy wantan noodles drenched in a thick chicken broth and eggy sauce with ginger, garlic and spring onion makes the Sang Har Mein (RM39) a surefire crowd-puller. Pure comfort food that's designed to satisfy.

Chocoholics dream...with durian, pecans and peanut butter stirred in

Our dessert was literally Death by Chocolate as we sampled three chocolatey confections: Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake (RM10), Durian Chocolate Cake (RM10) and Chocolate Pecan Pie (RM15). I'm a sucker for anything peanut buttery so the choc and peanut butter creation naturally got my top vote. Coming in a close second is the pie despite its rather crumbly crust. When it comes to durian and chocolate, my personal maxim is "never the two shall meet" but if that tickles your fancy, don't let me stop you.

Early birds take note. Breakfast is served from 830 am to 11 am daily with local and Western choices available so if you're famished before heading to work or to shop, this is the place to nip in for a quick bite.

MELUR & THYME, G03H-I Level Ground, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03 - 2181 8001