Malaysia International Gastronomy Festival 2016 – Pampas at Old Malaya

[MIGF Special Feature]

I really enjoy a good steak however the number of good steakhouses in the Klang Valley are pretty limited. Most places will just overcook my steak even though I tell them MEDIUM RARE. And there’s no way to undo an overcooked steak therefore sometimes if it comes medium or medium well I would just bite the bullet and eat it.

During the recent Taste MIGF at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, I did manage to check out the Pampas at Old Malaya booth however as I was busy judging various categories, I didn’t have time to try the food and by the time I finished with my judging there were too many people in the ballroom so I retreated to the Epicurean Market next door to sample the many different beers and spirits on sale by Luen Heng F&B.

Fortunately, the nice folks over at Pampas at Old Malaya invited me over to try out their MIGF festival menu so off I went one fine evening with the sexy socialite Corinna Tan.

Some years back when MHB first started, we used to have some really amazing bikini pool parties at Luna Bar which is on the rooftop of the Pacific Regency Suites (the white building second from right):

https://timchew.net/2010/10/10/luna-bar-splash-party-october-2010/

https://timchew.net/2010/08/07/luna-bar-splash-party-august-2010/

There was one occasion when there was a BASE jumping event at the nearby KL Tower and if the wind direction was just right, some jumpers would try to land in the Luna Bar swimming pool.

Entering the door, the first thing you will reach is the bar section

Which can be slightly warm during the daytime thanks to the glass roof which incidentally offers a nice view of KL Tower

This photo was shot with the Leica D-Lux (typ 109)

Apic with Chef Salman before starting the meal — A pic with Chef Salman before starting the meal

Now on to the MIGF festival menu.

Appetiser

Grilled King Prawn

Grilled Jumbo Prawn stuffed with Diced Potato and Spring Onions

The choice of the black plate was inspired as it made the colours pop out! I must say that I’ve never had prawn with potato before but the combination was pleasant. We paired it with the Sauvignon Blanc (below) which made this a refreshing starter.

Main Course

Grilled Black Angus Beef Tenderloin

Served with Horseradish Mash Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus and Dijon Mustard

Cooked beautifully between rare and medium rare which is how steaks should be! No wonder Pampas is known for their steaks as they really know how to execute it well! Went great with the Spanish red wine.

Tandoori Flavoured Halibut Fish Fillet

Pan Fried Tandoori Flavoured Halibut Fish Fillet served with Mint Yoghurt Cucumber Raita

An Indian cuisine inspired dish which was also well executed. The fish was cooked just right and had lots of spice to it! Have this with a white wine though.

Dessert

Chocolate Lava

Served with Berry Compote and Vanilla Ice Cream

A nice bittersweet and decadent ending to the meal and one that the fairer sex will definitely appreciate! This was a very balanced dish in terms of flavours and textures.