Christmas & New Year At Sheraton Imperial

In the blink of an eye, another year has zoomed by. It's almost bittersweet when one contemplates the year that was, and that haunting melody from Fiddler on the Roof always plays like an earworm during this period:

Sunrise, sunset (x2),
Swiftly fly the years,
One season following another,
Laden with happiness and tears.

December onwards is also a time of dietary disaster, for from now until Chinese New Year, the eating will be continuous.  Obviously, it's also a time when F&B establishments hop on to the binge wagon, with their yuletide offerings.  The first of such was at Villa Danielli in Sheraton Imperial.  Actually, I thought the invitation was for us to check out the transformation of Villa Danielli into a Christmas wonderland, and I wasn't expecting a full fledged, bursting to the brim type dinner.

To start with, canapes.  I just love the word canape, (pronounce ken-a-pay..or probably keen a pi if you're Australian), these dainty finger food thingies that deludes you into thinking you're very ladidah, especially with a glass of bubbly in hand, flitting around from table to table.

Canapes
Duck Foie Gras Lollipop with Crunchy Pistachio and Pineapple Sauce
Tandoori Fish Bruschetta with Mint
Seafood Pasta Aglio Olio
Pasta Arabiata

Wild Mushroom with Lamb, Grilled Leek and Yellow Tomato (Promotion: Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner at Essence).  We were served elegant tasting portions, which made it possible for us to sample the entire spread.  But that still didn't ensure we were not stuffed like chinese rice dumplings by the end of the meal.

Bread rolls, which sadly, no one touched, because there was soooooo much food on the table. Black colored buns seem to be the in thing these days.

Octopus Pickles, Soft Bean Curd and Wakame with Ponzu Dressing (Promotion: New Year Day Brunch at Essence)

Dill and Peppered Ahi Tuna with Capellini Pasta Salad and Grilled Baby Fennel (Promotion: Christmas Brunch at Essence) The Ahi was seared perfectly, maintaining it's gorgeous pink rawness in the centre.

Rolled Eggplant Cannelloni filled with Vegetable Caponata (Promotion: New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner at Essence)

Gorgonzola and Pistachio Parfait with Apple, Celeriac and Raspberry salad, Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette and Warm Ricotta Cheese Croquette (Promotion: Christmas Eve 5-course set menu at Villa Danieli)

An impressive array of soups and more starters that went straight from the lip to the hip.  I swear I must have put on 2kgs from this meal alone.

From Top Left, Clockwise
Cream of Spinach with Salmon Flake (Promotion: Christmas Brunch at Essence)
Roma Tomato Soup with Pesto (Promotion: New Year Day Brunch at Essence)
Potato and Fontina Cheese Ravioli with Sautéed Spinach and Parmesan Cream (Promotion: Christmas Eve 5-course set menu at Villa Danieli)
Creamed Cod Squid Ink Ravioli with Thyme, Tomato Fillet and Prawns in Tomato Coulisse Sauce (Promotion: New Year’s Eve 5-course set menu at Villa Danieli)

Not in Photo:

Watercress and Soya Milk Soup with Sundried Tomato Nougat (Promotion: Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner at Essence)
Prawn Bisque (Promotion: New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner at Essence)

With long time bloggers and friends, KgBoy&Citygal, and Ivy Aiwei.  Such youthful vigour they possess...while the old man drools on his shirt...(as is evidenced by that patch of moisture)

Pan Seared Snow Fish Medallion, Leeks Puree and White Asparagus, Sprouts and Ash Sauce (Promotion: New Year’s Eve 5-course set menu at Villa Danieli)

Seared Duck Breast with Grilled Pineapple and Berries Balsamic Sauce (Promotion: New Year Day Brunch at Essence)

Crusted White Pepper Beef Tenderloin with Buche de Chevre Gratin, Pear Compote and Celeriac Mille Foille (Promotion: Christmas Eve 5-course set menu at Villa Danieli)

Pan Seared Cod with Crusted Coconut Chili and Citrus Cinnamon Reduction (Promotion: Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner at Essence)

Also available in the menu are Skewered Salmon Medallion with Apricot-Olive Couscous and Sautéed Baby Greens (Promotion: Christmas Brunch at Essence) & 

Harissa Marinated Chicken Roulade with Mushroom Stew (Promotion: New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner at Essence

White Chocolate Parfait and White Chocolate Mousse, Pistachio and Raspberry, Orange Gelatin Sheet (Promotion: Christmas Eve 5-course set menu at Villa Danieli)

Litchi and Raspberry Mousse Yule Log (Promotion: Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner at Essence)

Caramel Fudge Chantilly with Apple Crepes (Promotion: Christmas Brunch at Essence)

Berries Millie Feuillie with Gingerbread Patisier (Promotion: New Year Day Brunch at Essence)

Raspberry Panna Cotta with Crispy Almonds and Lemon Mousse (Promotion: New Year’s Eve 5-course set menu at Villa Danieli)

Also available: Poached Cinnamon Pear William Sabayon with White Cranberry Shaving (Promotion: New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner at Essence)

The Christmas brunch is priced at RM188++ per person (food only) and RM368++ per person for those who would like to enjoy bottomless sparkling wine, draughts beers, white wine and red wine. (that would be me) Enjoy this at Pavilions Lounge from 11am to 12pm and Essence from 12pm to 3pm on 25 December 2013. Alternatively, usher in the New Year’s Day  on 1 January 2014 with the same offer.

New Year’s Eve dinner buffet at Essence will be served from 6.30pm to 10.30pm and is priced at RM118++ per person (food only) and RM158++ per person (inclusive of free flow of house wines or 3 bottles of beer).

Villa Danieli , 5-course set dinner is only available on 31 December 2013 and is priced at RM220++ per person.Wine pairing for an additional of RM120++ per person.

For further enquiries or table reservations, please contact Villa Danieli at 03-2717 9900 or email restaurants.imperial@sheraton.com or visit www.sheratonimperialkualalumpur.com to find out more.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas, may your heart be light, and your stomach heavy.