[Special Featue]
List of restaurants to visit for dine-in from October to December 2021. List will be updated as more information becomes available.
Kuala Lumpur
- Chynna @ Hilton Kuala Lumpur (Sentral)
- Yun House @ Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur
- Blonde @ Republik Damansara Heights
Petaling Jaya
- Gooddam
This feature is presented by The Macallan
The Macallan has released Double Cask 15 Years Old and Double Cask 18 Years Old to expand their highly successful range, which demonstrates The Macallan’s enduring desire to go beyond the ordinary to create peerless single malts.
First introduced in 2016 with The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old, the collection is formed from a harmonious union of American and European oak sherry seasoned casks. Together they combine to create a wonderfully balanced single malt Scotch whisky with a distinctive warm character that is punctuated with a contemporary soft sweetness.
Double Cask tells the story of a journey which brings together two different worlds. The voyage begins in the vast green forests of northern Spain and the French Pyrenees, where The Macallan sources its European oak. New oak from the lush forests of Ohio, Missouri and Kentucky in America is also transported thousands of miles to Spain, where both types of oak are hand crafted into casks that are filled with sherry.
Once seasoned, the casks are shipped to The Macallan Estate on Speyside where they are filled with new-make spirit. Following years of aging, The Macallan’s Whisky Mastery Team use their skill and expertise to select the best balance of spirit from both the American and European oak sherry seasoned casks to create Double Cask.
The result is a truly lovely partnership, with the sherry seasoned American oak imparting delicate flavours of vanilla, while the European oak delivers the subtle and unmistakable spice and classic style of The Macallan.
The incredible wood journey which underpins Double Cask was recently showcased by a collaboration with iconic Magnum photographer Steve McCurry, who travelled across continents to witness The Macallan’s decisive story unfold. His exclusive photographic journal documents the people, places, skills and processes involved in the production of The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks.
The new expressions add to the existing Double Cask range, which lies at the heart of The Macallan’s portfolio of single malts. Displaying a golden butterscotch hue, The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old imparts aromas of dried fruit, toffee and vanilla, and delivers a warming finish with a creamy mouthfeel.
The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old has a rich amber honey tone, and imparts notes of dried fruits, ginger and toffee. A warm oak spice finish is balanced by citrus flavours of sweet orange.
Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker, The Macallan, said: “Bringing together American and European oak sherry seasoned casks to achieve the perfect balance of flavours is incredibly exciting for the Whisky Mastery Team, and we are proud to offer two new expressions to this distinctive range for The Macallan Double Cask fans to explore.
“With Double Cask 15 Years Old, the delicate and indulgent flavours of American oak including honey, citrus and chocolate balance The Macallan’s more traditional characteristics of rich fruits, sherry and wood spice. The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old offers slightly more complexity, with rich raisin and sultana subtly balanced by warming oak spice.
The Macallan Double Cask range will be available in The Macallan E-Boutique, premium bars and retailers from October 2020.
For further information, head over to https://www.themacallan.com/en-my
Chynna @ Hilton Kuala Lumpur
Chynna (Chinese restaurant) at Hilton Kuala Lumpur (Sentral) welcomes back diners for their new dining concept which brings together a well-curated decadent dining experience and selection of delectable dishes. Aptly named “Ultimate Signature Feast”, the 5-course spread which includes seafood, poultry, and vegetable specials along with Chinese desserts is now available for a limited time for dine-in meals at Chynna.
Chynna features a warm ambience, decor with classic oriental details and a traditional Chinese herbal apothecary, as well as private rooms for intimate gatherings. The open dim sum kitchen and ancient regal dining area exude the charm of modern Cantonese and Shanghainese culture, as reflected in the cuisine and culinary creations.
As part of the Ultimate Signature Feast set menu, you will get the Four Combination Signature Platter, consisting of Chynna’s most famous signature dishes. Indulge in the creamy succulent Buttermilk Prawns, coated in crispy batter, topped with rich, buttery sauce, and garnished with egg flakes and scented curry leaves. For poultry, the Honey Glazed Chicken with Crispy Ginger and Black Pepper Chicken are an elevated take on the humble white meat, each finished with a flavourful sauce to add depth and character. The Asparagus with Scallop in XO Sauce sees a juicy and plump scallop topped with a Hong Kong-style spicy seafood sauce. (Ed – Add on a bowl of white rice if you’re a big eater, but I must mention that I was full without additional white rice).
Next up is the Assorted Seafood Soup with Blended Mint that’s both heart-warming and refreshing. The Simmered Vegetables with Egg White and Watermelon gives a light contrast to the deeper, richer flavours of other dishes, while the hearty and flavourful Wok-Seared Fresh Water Prawns with Homemade Egg Drop, Chili Sauce and Egg Fried Rice is a really impressive main, exploding with flavour!
End on a sweet note with the Coral Weed Jelly with Wolfberry and Musang King Durian Mochi.
Available exclusively for dine-in, the Ultimate Signature Feast is available from now until 31 October 2021 and reservations are required. Each set is priced at RM388 nett per person with a minimum order for two (2) persons.
You can enjoy a 40% Welcome Back discount for pre-bookings made 48 hours in advance for dinner service.
For reservations or more information, call +603 2264 2264, email KULHI_FB@hilton.com or head over to eatdrinkhilton.com
Yun House at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur is delighted to introduce Yun House with a reinvented look-and-feel that’s hip, fresh and designed for Instagram reels, different from the staid atmosphere of high-end Chinese restaurants, especially those that are housed in luxury hotels.
“We wanted to offer our guests a refreshing alternative, an exciting spot to meet and celebrate with family and friends,” explains Executive Chinese Chef Jimmy Wong, who has spent the last few months with his team devising novel ways to present much-loved specialties. “We’ve updated an array of traditional Cantonese recipes with tons of fun and flair. Look out for the little surprises and whimsical touches!”
A peppy, playful aesthetic complements the dining experience at Yun House, where signature dishes like the popular Peking Duck, the authentic Bean Curd Roll or the luxe Lobster + Truffle, dishes are plated in a chic and quirky fashion.
Also on the menu are #FSKLFlavourBomb dishes – delectable treats packed with tongue-tickling flavours and ingredients like the Charcoal Lava Bun, Chicken on Ice, and Cereal Eggplant.
“We were inspired by carpe diem, a Latin phrase meaning ‘seize the day,’” says Restaurant Manager Pauline Chan with a smile. “Sharing a meal offers a precious opportunity to make new memories with your favourite people. At Yun House, we’re all about creating special moments filled with delight and wonder.”
Expect warm and friendly service as skilful servers unveil signature dishes with panache and put finishing touches right at the table, framed by beautiful backdrops of KLCC Park and the restaurant’s vibrant floral wall.
Bartender Kah Hong Choo – known as Jerry – mixes up modern cocktails and mocktails, from light summer coolers, a Canton-inspired concoction or simply a classic cocktail. Jerry delivers it in his inimitable style – with a touch of drama, and a splash of colour.
Gatherings at Yun House promise to be more delicious, lively and photogenic than ever before. “We can’t wait to welcome our guests back!” says Chef Jimmy, eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “There’s so much that’s new to discover, share and celebrate.”
For more info or to make a reservation, head over to https://www.fourseasons.com/kualalumpur/
Blonde @ Republik Damansara Heights
Blonde is a Halal progressive Australian cuisine restaurant located in the gastronomic hub of Republik Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur. Blonde is part of the Serai Group of restaurants – a family-run group that started in 1990 which has over 10 restaurants up-to-date within Klang Valley.
The menu at Blonde was curated by Serai Group’s Chef Najib who took the best of modern, Australian-style cuisine and combined it with an Asian and Malaysian twist – drawing inspiration from his time in Melbourne while staying true to his local roots.
The menu features fusion dishes consisting of breakfast staples, while the lunch and dinner menus include a variety of appetisers, pastas, pizzas, steak, mains and of course desserts. The menu is halal and the restaurant does not serve alcohol which makes it suitable for Muslim diners. They do have some interesting mocktails though that goes well with the food, and the establishment also prides itself on serving quality coffee. (If you’re looking for alcohol, there are a variety of outlets at Republik Damansara that you can visit after/ before your meal at Blonde.)
It is a younger millennial/ Gen Z female’s dream restaurant. The minimalist interior is chic and contemporary (and very tasteful), decked out in pastel colours of pink, green and gold. Large windows let in the natural light during the daytime which is wonderful for selfies and photos.
Reason to visit: Highly Instagrammable restaurant that serves halal food, located in upmarket Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur
Blonde is located at G.03A, Republik, Jalan Medan Setia, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Website: https://seraigroup.com.my/blonde/
Gooddam
Gooddam is a modern, Italian-inspired, and local-driven restaurant located at The Hub in SS2, Petaling Jaya. The cuisine at Gooddam takes inspiration particularly from the Piedmont region of Italy, although you’ll find that famous dishes from other regions of Italy occasionally do make an appearance on their menu which changes according to season.
The kitchen is helmed by Chef Daniel Yap, who studied culinary at the ALMA International School of Italian Cuisine in Parma after which he worked as a chef in restaurants in Piedmont, Italy, while the front of house is run by partner Miki Lie who also has many years of experience in the restaurant industry.
The restaurant strives to use every single part of the ingredients, keeping sustainability of the environment in mind. For example, the duck carcasses are roasted to make a consommé for the Cappelletti.
Locally sourced high-quality ingredients are also used, like tomatoes from Cameron Highlands, Sarawak black pepper, local honey called “Kelulut” sourced from the wild farms in Borneo Sabah, and more.
Gooddam is not your typical Italian restaurant. You won’t find pizzas or normal pastas here. The dishes are lovingly created from specially curated ingredients, and are designed to satisfy the palate, and evoke discussion among diners. No one-dimensional dishes here, only well-presented and pretty dishes that good conversation pieces, and also serve as attractive content for Instagram posts.
Watch the chefs in action in the open kitchen, while you have a few pre-dinner drinks. You can pair your meal with the wines, although I think that ordering a bottle (or 2!) is also a good option especially since the wines start from RM150 per bottle.
Reason to visit: Gem of a premium dining restaurant in Petaling Jaya with reasonable pricing and a cosy interior that’s ideal for dates or intimate gatherings.
Gooddam is located at B-G-07 The HUB SS2, Jalan Harapan, Seksyen 19, Petaling Jaya 46300, Selangor, Malaysia
Website: https://www.gooddam.com/
BONUS
Chez Gaston by Rendez-Vous
Chez Gaston by Rendez-Vous is a traditional French restaurant and bar located just a few minutes from the bustling Telawi streets and one (1) minute from the Bangsar LRT station.
The bistro’s concept is to provide authentic and affordable French cuisine while offering a laid-back atmosphere in which to truly relax and enjoy great food and drinks with family and friends. The bistro is helmed by Chef Florian Nigen whose family ran a well-known restaurant in Bretagne in France for 30 years. He puts all his knowledge, experience, and passion into preparing the wide selection of typical French meaty and seafood dishes along with delicious French desserts.
On the menu are popular French beverages, spirits, alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, an extensive wine list, cold cut platters, hearty French dishes, and decadent desserts!
Reason to visit: “Hidden” French bistro in Bangsar that’s very popular with the expatriate community as they provide authentic French fare at affordable prices. If you’ve always wanted to try French cuisine but have not because of the pricing, Chez Gaston is a good place for you to begin your adventure. Ask Chef Florian to recommend some dishes if you’re unsure what to order.
Chez Gaston KL by Rendez-Vous is located at:
12, Jalan Bangsar Utama 9, 59000 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chezgastonkl/
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