OAKWOOD'S BUKA PUASA FEAST WITH THE UNDERPRIVILEGED

Forty-five underprivileged children and 10 single mums from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Al-Firdausi in Cheras were treated to buka puasa by the Oakwood Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur team recently. Held at trEat Restaurant & Bar, General Manager Bennet Chang who played host said, “the CSR event was part of Oakwood Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur’s tradition to invite different worthy organisations in the community to share the festive joy with us.”

Besides having their fill of delicious Malay dishes from the buffet spread, the children played several games with cheery gaiety before Mr Chang handed out duit raya to every child.

Diners who wish to buka puasa at Oakwood Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur can look forward to savouring a good variety of local specialities. Themed “Citarasa Desa”, the selection highlights Head Chef Syaiful Alwi’s expertise in local cuisine.

 

A basket of fresh Ulam serves as the ideal, healthy opener before proceeding to sample local salad offerings of Kerabu Sotong and Kerabu Daging. Both the dishes’ tangy and spice-laden piquancy will prime the tastebuds for stronger flavoured mains.

 

The warm spice accents of star anise, cinnamon and cloves are noticeable when you relish the mildly hot, santan-rich Gulai Daging. Another familiar fave is Daging Masak Hitam, sliced beef in full-bodied dark soya sauce and mixed spice gravy.

 

 

It is tricky to minimise on the amount of rice when the spread features delectable specialities with irresistible gravy in different hues and flavours. Who can resist loading up on the subtly gristly Ekor Lembu Asam Pedas or dousing the pungent, saucy Gulai Tempoyak Ikan Patin over plates of fluffy rice?

 

There’s also highly popular Siput Masak Lemak to savour alongside robust Gulai Kari Kepala Ikan with lots of tender okra and eggplant chunks, and sublime Opor Ayam.

Six food stalls serving Noodles, Roast Lamb, Satay and Fruit Rojak add to the bountiful feast. Ice cream, local kuih and freshly cut tropical fruits ensure you walk away from the dining experience with a sweet smile.

Priced at RM98 nett per adult and RM50 nett per child below 12 years old and senior citizens, the Citarasa Desa will be available till 10 June.

For reservations or enquiries, please call trEat Restaurant, tel: 03-2720 3827. Oakwood Hotel & Residence is located at Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

DESTINASI RASA AT LE MÉRIDIEN PUTRAJAYA

Chilli Crabs from Le Méridien Singapore is among the hundred specialities curated for the Destinasi Rasa buka puasa promotion at Le Méridien Putrajaya this year. Hubby the crab fanatic vouches for its deliciousness -- I like the bright, lush sauce that packs a wallop.

With about a week to go before the holy month of Ramadan ends and the joyous Hari Raya celebration begins, there’s still time to visit Latest Recipe for buka puasa. You’d have a chance to savour the explosion of flavours from different states in Malaysia, while sampling the signature dishes from Le Méridien hotels from around the globe until 14^th June.

Taking pride of place is Roast Lamb with Kebuli Rice, a perennial house special by the Le Méridien Putrajaya team. We also recommend the chef’s familial recipe of delicious Dendeng Daging alongside Ayam Percik a la Kelantan, Ayam Goreng Berempah and Udang Masak Lemak Cili Padi Belimbing Buluh.

From Le Méridien Bangkok comes the tantalising salad of Som Tam (young papaya salad) and Bakso from Le Méridien Jakarta. The latter should please soup lovers as the mildly spiced beef broth is soul-satisfying with textural bite coming from the assorted chunks of tendon, innards and beef balls.

Amping up the spice quotient is Keema Bati – minced lamb curry from Le Méridien Jaipur and succulent Chicken Tandoori from Le Méridien Gurgaon. Both offerings are piquant on the palate and goes well with rice or some oven-fresh Indian breads.

Crisp at the edges yet fluffy towards the centre, the appetising Oyster Omelette from Le Méridien Taipei is on-point. My personal faves expand to cover Shawarma Chicken with Pita Bread, Roti Durian and Kambing Masak Hijau.

 

We were told the buka puasa menus are rotated throughout the week with daily specials served from five ‘live’ kitchens. Crowd-pullers range from assorted Sushi rolls, fresh and smoked salmon and tuna, grilled meat and roasts with signature sauces, and huge woks of gulai kawah.

Save ample tummy space for irresistible dessert before you leave. Choice treats include Cheese Banana Fritters (cekodok), Tapai Pulut, Malay Kuih, Ais Kacang and Chocolate Fountain with Marshmallows and Fresh Fruit.

 

 

The ‘Destinasi Rasa’ buffet is priced at RM168 nett (adult) and RM84 nett nett (per child aged 5-12). Preferred discounts available to holders of CIMB, Maybank, Citibank and HSBC debit or credit cards (terms & conditions apply).

For information or reservation, please call Latest Recipe, Le Méridien Putrajaya, tel: 03-8689 888/6847/6868 or visit www.lemeridien.com