{Editor’s Note]

The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur Guest Star Chef Dinner with Chef Thomas Buhner

The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur continues its star-studded Guest Star Chef Series – the cities’ most sought after culinary calendar – with a sensorial avant-garde dinner by renowned three-starred Michelin Chef, Thomas Buhner from Germany, this 15 to 18 August 2018 at The Brasserie.

Continuing to spearhead the Malaysian dining scene, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur’s Guest Star Chef Series is in celebration of St. Regis’ Exquisite Experiences, an exquisite collection of unforgettable occasions hosted by renowned tastemakers and artisans designed especially our guests. The Guest Star Chef Series, promises to excite and enthrall guests with a line-up of star-studded Chefs from Europe to Asia each with a story inspired by St. Regis’ passion for art, polo, jazz and more.

The Guest Star Chef Series at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur features award-winning chefs from around the world, with the objective of elevating the Malaysian dining scene, whilst introducing guests to unique and innovative dining experiences. Some of the notable chefs who have been a part of the series at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur include; Chef Hideyuki Kikuchi (Ginza Tenkuni, Japan), Chef Takashi Saito (Sushi Saito, Japan which has 3-Michelin Stars), Chef Alfredo Russo (Dolce Stil Novo, Italy which has 1-Michelin Star), Chef Ryan Clift (Tippling Club, Singapore), Chef Ian Kittichai (Issaya Siamese Club, Thailand), Chef Diana Chan (Winner of Master Chef Australia), Chef Pere Planaguma (Le Clos de Olot, Girona, Spain which has 2-Michelin Stars), and Chef ThiTid (Ton) Tassanakajohn (Le Du, Bangkok, Thailand).

For his exclusive appearance at The Brasserie, Bühner will be serving up a 6-course dinner inspired by one of St. Regis’ brand passion, jazz. Pairing some his signature dishes like Wagyu Tenderloin and Wild Cod Consommé, Red Mullet in Spiced Oil with Sea Urchin Cream and Duck Magret in exotic flavours with jazz tracks from the likes of Herbie Hancock and Ella Fitzgerald and ending with Etta James’ timeless classic, ‘At Last’, it will be a culinary symphonic journey through time.

When it comes to describing his cuisine, Chef Bühner says, ‘There is neither more an authentic nor intense a flavour, than the original, pure flavour of an ingredient,’ which also explains his penchant for low-temperature cooking. His three-dimensional aromatic cuisine has also been known to be more than a series of meals, but a symphony. He explains, ‘the first dimension constitutes each individual product’s natural flavour, the second dimension describes how each dish is prepared and the third dimension represents the extensive range of my cuisine.’

The lifelong association between this quintessentially American music genre and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts began when The St. Regis New York played host to some of history’s most beloved jazz greats, like Count Basic, Duke Ellington and Buddy Rich. Still as appealing to today’s global luxury travellers as it was to New York’s high society, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur serves up an exquisite Sunday Jazz Brunch at The Brasserie and is home to three Terry O’Neill’s in Astor Bar featuring the original rat pack, American actor and singer Dean Martin preparing to go on stage at a Las Vegas night club in 1971, Sammy Davis Jr. during rehearsals at the Pigalle nightclub in London in 1961 and Frank Sinatra at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1967. Terry O’Neill is one of the world’s most collected photographers whose works hang in national art galleries and private collections worldwide.

The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur Guest Star Chef dinner with Chef Thomas Buhner is available on 15 to 18 August 2018, priced at RM498.00 per person.

For more info, telephone +603-27276666 or email thebrasserie@stregiskl.com

The Brasserie is located at:

St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

No. 6, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2,

Kuala Lumpur Sentral,

50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Malaysia International Gastronomy Festival 2018

The Malaysia International Gastronomy Festival (MIGF) is back and will take place from 1st to 30th September 2018. Throughout the Festival month, some of Malaysia’s notable dining venues will serve special Festival Menus at special Festival prices. Adding to this will also be a host of Festival Offers that elevate each dining experience.

MIGF is really something that I look forward to as a foodie, and I’ve had the honour of being hosted by some of the top restaurants in Kuala Lumpur in the past like Maison Francaise, Savini Ristorante Italiano, Senja at The Club Saujana, Soleil, and many more which you can read here – https://timchew.net/?s=migf

MIGF is an opportunity for Malaysian foodies to try some gourmet and gastronomical journeys at some of the top restaurants in town, at special festival prices which makes it more affordable, yet showcases the best of what the chef has to offer. Additionally, Taste MIGF – the event which kicks off the month long MIGF, is another great opportunity as you get to sample the various offerings by all the festival restaurants at one place. Think of it as a very posh and premium food fair, and speaking of which, you can also shop at the Gourmet Village and get some really good prices on some hard to come by specialty foods!

The theme for this year’s festival is ‘Muhibah Chefs – Good Food Brings Us Together’ and features cuisines from around the world including Malaysian, French, Sri Lankan, Korean, Cantonese, Italian, South Asian, Western, Asian Fusion and many more.

Taste MIGF Is Back!

The preview event of MIGF will be returning to Berjaya Times Square Hotel & Convention Centre for one gastronomic weekend on the 1st and 2nd September. Taste MIGF will gather Malaysia’s best restaurants in a special dining area – the Theatre of Cuisines – where bitesized portions of food are on offer from their specially created Festival Menus.

Taste MIGF promises exciting gastronomical activities for the whole family in a carnival-like atmosphere. Aside from the delicious food being served in the Theatre of Cuisines, visitors to Taste MIGF can also shop at the Epicure International Gourmet Village, attend Master Chefs’ cooking classes, enjoy wine appreciation talks and a host of other informative lifestyle workshops.

Super Gourmet Safari at the Theatre Of Cuisines

The Theatre of Cuisines will be open from 11am-10pm on both days of Taste MIGF. Visitors can embark on a Super Gourmet Safari to sample culinary creations by some of the country’s best chefs as they serve up tasting portions from their Festival Menus. Taste portions are designed to be big enough to satisfy but small enough to allow space for as many dishes as possible.

Pre-Purchase Gastro Dollars first and enjoy a discount!

To go on a Super Gourmet Safari, all visitors need do is purchase Gastro Dollars or go cashless with the Boost E-Wallet. Gastro Dollars will be available on the day of the event itself but can also be pre-ordered online at a 5% discount and then collected at the venue during Taste MIGF.

Epicure International Gourmet Village

Visitors to Taste MIGF can shop at the Epicure International Gourmet Village where gourmet food and beverage vendors will be selling everything from fine wines to exquisite cheeses, as well as a wealth of mouth-watering delicacies from around the world. The Epicure International Gourmet Village will be open to the public from 11.00am to 10.00pm on both days of the weekend.

Master Chefs Cooking Classes

Held in the kitchen classrooms of the Berjaya University College, Taste MIGF Cooking Classes will be hosted by Festival Master Chefs and guest chefs from 5-star hotels so you’ll be learning from the best. Watch out for appearances by Celebrity Chef and Michelin-starred chefs, who will also be conducting cooking demonstrations centre stage in the Theatre of Cuisines.

Epicure Lifestyle Workshops

At the Epicure Lifestyle Workshops, appreciation workshops and cooking classes are conducted back to back, from noon until evening, on 1st and 2nd September. The cooking classes are carried out by Festival Master Chefs and guest chefs from 5-star hotels while appreciation classes are facilitated by top notch experts in their respective fields.

LuxuryPlus Showcase

Taste MIGF 2018 will also feature the LuxuryPlus Showcase – from tableware to boutique scents, exotic getaways and premium properties, the showcase highlights the finest luxurious lifestyle options. Among this year’s exhibitors are the Macao Government Tourism Office, Nulnu Lifestyle and Sunsuria Berhad.

Taste Of Malaysia

Making its debut at Taste MIGF 2018. Taste of Malaysia will feature food from around the nation. Visitors will be able to taste Malaysian delicacies from each state, including indigenous creations from tribal communities. Here you’ll find out exactly why the love of good food is truly a unifying theme in Malaysia and why the phrase “have you eaten” is a form of greeting in a food-obsessed nation.

[Updated 25 August 2018]

MALAYSIA INTERNATIONAL GASTRONOMY FESTIVAL

1st to 30th September 2018

Taste MIGF acts as the kick-off for the Malaysia International Gastronomy Festival which runs from the 1 to 30 September 2018. This month-long celebration showcases some of the country’s finest restaurants who have crafted special Festival Menus available at special prices – all designed to make it more affordable to experience the tasty fare for which these venues have earned their reputations.

With the theme ‘Muhibah Chefs! Good Food Brings Us Together’, this year’s festival aims to show how food connects us and acts as a medium that brings us together as Malaysians and global citizens no matter our ethnicity, religion or creed.

This year sees the involvement of Volvo Car Malaysia which joins the Festival as Official Car for MIGF 2018. Speaking on the partnership, Managing Director Lennart Stegland mentioned: “At Volvo we aim to provide customers with a feast for the senses, a vision shared by the Festival which has in no small part helped to elevate the dining scene over the last two decades. It’s a great platform for the local and international audience to get a comprehensive snapshot of the dining options available in Malaysia today and we look forward to our first year collaborating with this renowned Festival.”

Joining Volvo is Standard Chartered Bank (M) Berhad, joining this year as Official Bank.

A very diverse line-up makes up the MIGF collective this year, including new and returning establishments. The winner of the Golden Cauldron, DC Restaurant (in TTDI), returns this year with exquisite contemporary French fare from Le Cordon Bleu Paris alumnus Chef Darren Chin.

There’s also French fare with a Mediterranean twist at 2OX, while the Mandarin Oriental’s Cantonese restaurant Lai Po Heen returns into the Festival fold after five years. The Marriott Putrajaya also makes a comeback to the Festival with Chinese restaurant Summer Palace.

Renowned restaurateur Modesto Marini entered three (3) of his restaurants this year; Marble 8, Marini’s on 57 and M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza. SukaSucré Bistro also makes a return to the festival. Nulnu at 3 Damansara (formerly known as Tropicana City Mall) debuts this year with health-focused foods combining Western and Chinese delights.

Jibby East and Serai @ Pavilion make their way to MIGF for the first time, providing modern Pan Asian and Northern Malaysian-Thai flavours respectively. Drop Exchange is also a fresh face in MIGF 2018, offering a mix of Indian and Parsi cuisine.

Over at DC Mall in Damansara Heights, Nero Nero (Italian cuisine) and Kikubari (Japanese cuisine) join the festival for the first time, while Nadodi is set to take diners on a voyage traversing South Asian cuisines. Festival veteran Samplings on the Fourteenth (I’ve already visited them for a review of their 2018 MIGF menu so look out for it on this site very soon or read about my experience trying the MIGF 2016 menu – https://timchew.net/2016/10/03/malaysia-international-gastronomy-festival-migf-2016-samplings-on-the-fourteenth/) is on board once again to deliver fine Western Classical fare.

Mamanda presents its take on classic Malay cuisine with Group Executive Chef Dato’ Fazley Yaakob, while Aliyaa Island Restaurant & Bar returns with a colourful spread of Sri Lankan cuisine. The FACE Suites joins the Festival for the first time this year with its European restaurant Tangerine (MHB visited them recently), as does Champignons over at Ara Damansara, which is helmed by Chef Gary Chang.

Pampas Steakhouse, Old Malaya makes a return (read about my experience there during MIGF 2016 – https://timchew.net/2016/09/29/malaysia-international-gastronomy-festival-2016-pampas-at-old-malaya/) and if their quality is the same as 2016 then you’re in for a treat, while Spice Garden is a new entrant with their mix of Northern Indian and Middle Eastern fare.

From Malaysia’s Pearl of the Orient comes the swanky Gen 根, with a progressive menu showcasing that Penangites can serve up more than just hawker fare.

Resorts World Genting comes in with a trio of restaurants led by The Olive restaurant (I had the honour of attending a Chivas Regal Mizunara there recently which you can read about here – https://timchew.net/2018/06/25/chivas-regal-mizunara-dinner-at-the-olive-genting-grand-hotel/) and the one-of-a-kind e18hteen Inspired Cuisine with Artisanal Chinese cuisine on the menu, as well as the soon-to-be-opened High Line, featuring an assortment of themed eateries and bars.

Also in Genting, Hugo’s In The Sky at the Grand Ion Delemen Hotel has a breathtaking view of the Titiwangsa mountain range – which provides a vert romantic setting while you enjoy the Mediterranean fare on the menu. I’ve also visited them recently and tried the main course from the MIGF 2018 menu and you can read about it soon.

For a full list of MIGF restaurants, head over to www.migf.com.

MIGF2018 Participating Restaurants

No	Restaurant Name	Type of Cuisine	Business Location
1	2OX French Bistro	French-Mediterranean (Pork Free)	Jalan Doraisamy, Kuala Lumpur
2	Aliyaa Island Restaurant & Bar	Sri Lankan (Pork Free)	Plaza Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
3	Champignons	Modern European (Non Halal)	Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya

4	DC Restaurant	Contemporary French (Pork Free)	Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
5	e18hteen Inspired Cuisine	Inspired Cuisine (Non Halal)	Crockfords Maxims, Pahang
6	Gēn 根	Progressive Cuisine (Non Halal)	George Town, Penang
7	High Line	Fusion (Pork Free)	SkyAvenue, Pahang
8	Hugo’s In The Sky	Western (Pork Free)	Grand Ion Delemen Hotel, Pahang
9	Jibby East	Modern Pan Asian	KL East Gallery, KL East, Kuala Lumpur
10	Kikubari	Progressive Japanese (Pork Free)	Damansara City Mall, Kuala Lumpur
11	Lai Po Heen	Cantonese (Pork Free)	Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur
12	M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza	Italian/Caffe (Pork Free)	ONE KL, Kuala Lumpur
13	Mamanda Kuala Lumpur	Authentic Malaysian (Pork Free)	TPC Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur
14	Marble 8	Steakhouse (Pork Free)	Petronas Tower 3, Kuala Lumpur
15	Marini’s on 57	Italian (Pork Free)	Petronas Tower 3, Kuala Lumpur
16	Nadodi	South Asian (Pork Free)	Lot 183, Jalan Mayang, Kuala Lumpur
17	Nero Nero	Italian (Pork Free)	Damansara City Mall, Kuala Lumpur
18	Nulnu	Western-Chinese Fusion (Pork Free)	3 Damansara, Petaling Jaya
19	Pampas Steakhouse, Old Malaya	Argentinian Steakhouse (Pork Free)	66-68, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur
20	Samplings on the Fourteenth Restaurant	Western Classic (Pork Free)	Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
21	Serai @ Pavilion	Northern Malaysian-Thai (Pork Free)	Pavilion KL, Kuala Lumpur
22	Spice Garden	Northern Indian (Pork Free)	No 2, Jalan Delima, Kuala Lumpur
23	SukaSucré Bistro	Asian Fusion (Pork Free)	Wisma RYU, Kuala Lumpur
24	Summer Palace	Cantonese (Pork Free)	Putrajaya Marriott Hotel, Selangor
25	Tangerine	Modern Western (Pork Free)	The FACE Suites, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
26	The Olive	Western Continental (Pork Free)	Genting Grand, Pahang
27	Drop Exchange	Indian and Persian (Pork Free)	Solaris Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur

Important Dates

The Malaysia International Gastronomy Festival: 1st to 30th September 2018

Taste MIGF – www.tastemigf.com

Date: Saturday & Sunday, 1st & 2nd September 2018

Time: 11am-10pm

Venue: Berjaya Times Square Hotel

a. Theatre of Cuisines – Super Gourmet Safari

Saturday & Sunday, 1st & 2nd September 2018 – 11.00 am to 10.00 pm ii. Payment Method: Boost E-Wallet or Gastro Dollars. Pre-buy Gastro Dollars at www.tastemigf.com

b. Epicure International Gourmet Village

Saturday & Sunday, 1st & 2nd September 2018 – 11.00 am to 10.00 pm ii. Payment Method: Boost E-Wallet, Cash and Credit Cards

c. LuxuryPlus Showcase

Saturday & Sunday, 1st & 2nd September 2018 – 11.00 am to 10.00 pm ii. Payment Method: Boost E-Wallet, Cash and Credit Cards
Taste of Malaysia
Saturday & Sunday, 1st & 2nd September 2018 – 11.00 am to 10.00 pm

e. Epicure Lifestyle Workshops