SAKURA SPRING FLAVOURS AT IKETERU

To herald the spring arrival in Japan, Iketeru is serving seasonal specialities prepared by Japanese Executive Chef Ricky Kamiishi and his team. Catch the spirit of cherry blossom viewing fervour with resident chef Johnny Au Yong's pick of regional delights, integrated into an a la carte selection and the Hanami Bento (RM260++).

Served in a multi-compartment lacquer box, the dainty morsels are conceived for easy eating. This is common in Japan as bentos are portable and outdoor picnic-friendly during cherry blossom viewing time.

A mosaic of colours, textures and flavours, the opening salvo comprises Hotaruika Udo Sumiso – tiny firefly squids with vinegar miso and udo (mountain asparagus). Pleasantly chewy, the miniature squids coupled with the crunchy green bore outstanding testament to the timeless practice of consuming seasonal food at their prime best.

Likewise, the simplistic Nanohana Karashi Ae – boiled rape blossom tinged with mustard sauce struck a similarly rustic chord against the silken Ikura Chawanmushi – steamed egg custard laden with shiny pearls of salmon roe on top.

 

Seasonal veges sourced from mountainous regions such as crunchy wild bamboo shoots complemented by wakame refreshed our palate for the subsequent tuna and sea bream sashimi. No complaints here as the freshness is uncomprising for a five-star hotel restaurant.

The flavour scale creeps up with octopus tentacles slicked with sweetish soy sauce. A whole gamut of cooked delicacies packed the last compartment: broad beans tempura, inari sushi (sweet beancurd pouch stuffed with vinegared rice and toppings of edamame, marinated saba and surimi crabstick), a salmon ikura sushi ball, boiled tiger shrimp, tamago, trout teriyaki and flavoured rice ball with burdock strips. We found the tamago somewhat bland and the fish overdone whilst the rest pass muster.

A bowl of wakame, icefish and bamboo shoot broth washes the bento offerings down. To conclude the meal, a delicate disc of flat mochi skin with red bean mash wrapped in cherry blossom leaf and fresh fruit wedges complete the array.

Earlier, our group was reacquainted with some of Iketeru’s signature specialities, starting with the House Made Sesame Tofu with Ponzu Sauce. A minimalist, deceptively simple dish that wowed us with impossibly soft and smooth texture, and clean nutty-beany nuance.

Another on-point speciality to rock the palate is the Soft Shell Crab Spider Roll - rolled sushi speckled with toasty sesame seeds and crispy fried soft shell crab in the centre, and dribbles of savoury sticky sauce on top.

The classic Tempura Moriawase – assorted deep-fried prawns, fish, vegetables and mushroom sheathed in gossamer light batter proves when it comes to the crunch, Iketeru tends to deliver.

You can enjoy a special a la carte selection or opt for the Hanami Bento until 30 April 2018.

For reservations, call Iketeru, tel: 03-2264 2264 or visit life@hilton.com

READ, PLAY, ACT AND INFINITE POSSIBILITIES AT THE STORY BOOK

Everyone loves a good story. In our world where ‘smart’ gadgets and digital connectivity dominate modern life, The Story Book — Malaysia’s first ever story book themed event space — aims to stimulate fresh interest, keep the art of story telling alive and sow a greater love for reading and good story books among the general populace.

A bold venture founded by Jeanisha Wan, director of The Story World Sdn Bhd, The Story Book opened its doors at Plaza Arkadia, Desa ParkCity recently. I admire her guts, courage and fearlessness, going into an unexplored territory where eagles fear to tread. Like the humble but brave Frodo in The Lord of The Rings, Jeanisha is unafraid of reaching for the stars while her feet remains firmly on the ground.

After working tireless around the clock, The Story Book team should be applauded for successfully pulling off the short but sweet and interesting opening day programme. Perdana Parkcity Sdn Bhd, township management general manager Sukhdev Singh lauded Jeanisha for her innovative enterprise which has started to garner mutual collaboration between fellow tenants in Plaza Arkadia.

True to The Story Book's tagline "Where Stories Live", invited guests were greeted by story book characters: Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, one of The Musketeers, Gandalf from JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series and a dinosaur mascot on the opening day. The simple launch gambit saw the founder 'stepping out' from a 'story book cover' followed by the various characters.

While guests were feted to a delicious tea spread by The Hermitage All Day Dining, some of us browsed through the books on display sourced from Bookalicious and whimsical knick-knacks such as bookmarks, puzzles, games and writing paraphernalia from Kadeiloscope – lifestyle store.

The Story Book already got off to a flying start with a series of well-attended children’s reading and activities workshops. Coming in April and the months ahead will be adult-centric workshops and programmes, ranging from author readings to hands-on writing workshops.

You can also be a member of The Story Book and enjoy first dibs for discounts, event reservations and various other perks. Annual membership fee is only RM30 per person.  

For more information, call The Story Book, tel: 018-229 4361 or visit: https://www.facebook.com/thestorybooklives/