Have Your Cake and Eat It Too: Thai Food

Friday, May 10, 2019

Buka Puasa Buffet At the Chakri Palace, Skyview, Dorsett Hotel Hartamas

In the blink of an eye , Chakri Palace is 20 Years old, its main outlet at the iconic KLCC, opening back in 1999. It is one of two remaining F&B outlets in level 4 of Suria KLCC, an achievement indeed.

I have to say that I really admire the owners for their boldness in conquering new frontiers, and this latest venue, Chakri Palace Sky View at the rooftop of the new Dorsett Hotel Hartmas really does afford stunning vistas and views that add to the dining ambience.

For the month of Ramadhan, the theme for the buffet is TANTALIZING TASTES OF THAILAND, and will be available here, Chakri Palaces KLCC & Pavilion, starting from 13th May 2019.

The buffets are priced at RM128++ (Doresett), RM108.80++ (KLCC), RM98.80++ (Pavilion), with discounts for children between 6-10 years and senior citizens above 60.

I was particularly impressed with the Thai Salads. Mango Papaya salad with catfish featured above was crunchy and refreshing and really epitomises Thai cuisine.

My favourite Mieng Keam, fortunately when the media hordes descended like vultures after the welcome address, this dish was largely untouched at the time, giving me the opportunity to savour this lovely do it yourself salad.

Caleen, the lady behind all this, giving her welcome address.....

The comprehensive buffet comprises a mix of Thai and Malay dishes, with the Thai Laksa standing out to me personally. The rest of the stuff, honestly, are quite standard fare, which I didn't really get to try, but certainly a good variety for a buka puasa buffet.

Special mention for this absolutely delectable dessert, which I hope will be featured in the buffet, but if not, is probably on their ala carte menu. Years ago, when I was a student in Australia, this Thai chap bunked with us for the summer holidays, and made the most sublime version of this dessert. Ever since then I have been looking for this, like a long lost love, and was absolutely delighted that it was served here, and I had the good sense to head straight for that dish although it was a dessert. Luxurious custardy melt in the mouth, with soft steamed pumpkin.

Rooftop Views

Opening hours are daily from 10am – 10pm. The restaurant has an extensive exterior space and a VIP room which is perfect for group parties and events. Reservations can be made at
03- 26021031 (Dorsett Hartamas) /
03-23827788(KLCC) /
03-21431141 (Pavilion).

Wednesday, March 02, 2016

Arran Single Malts ...From The Scottish Isle of Arran to the Exotic Pairing With Thai Food At Ekkamai

When an invitation drops in your lap that involves a hitherto unheard of Single Malt, (through no fault of the brand, I might add, it's just that little old me is not so exposed to the myriad range that are out there) combined with one of the latest retaurants to be opened in that hip Batai Village area, of course, it's almost like an invitation to the Academy Awards. Okay, maybe not quite, but still, rather exciting nonetheless.

We were greeted by Euan Mitchell, Director of Arran Single Malt Distillery....Arran is a small island, which is virtually uninhabited, boasting a population of 5000, if I remember correctly, which is probably the population of Bangsar and Damansara Heights put together.

In an enjoyable intimate setting, dinner conversation was indeed sterling, just like the whiskies we were tasting.

We started with the 10 year old, the flagship single malt, which is easy to drink, perfect pre dinner chit chat tipple, that has sweet oak and honey on the nose. The finish is crisp, and mellow. Sure can't tell it's a "humble 10 year old".

Next up was the 14 Year, which was so popular that in that short time we were there, other patrons in the restaurant had bought up almost the entire stock that was there. An elegant drink by any standard, with notes of dried fruits and vanilla. The finish is a lingering creamy sweetness, and paired with the luxurious platter of Thai starter,

............ a medley of flavours assailing the palate.

By the way, the word WHISKY is of Gaellic origin, according to Evan, from the word USQUEBEAH...

The Bothy Quarter Cask, bottled at Cask strength, is highly unique in that it is initially matured in first fill ex Bourbon Barrels before transfer secondary maturation in smaller American oak casks. It is a limited edition Arran Malt which pays homage to the use of small casks, which is reminiscent of the way it was back in the 18th & 19th Century, when clearly none of us were born yet.

A old gold color, with sandalwood spice on the nose, and pineapple and apple on the palate, culminating in a floral finish.

Meanwhile, complementing the Stars of the Show was a very able back up team by way of the excellent food at Ekkamai...this Weeping Tiger Wagyu Rib Eye, melts in the mouth and is the perfect companion with the subsequent 18 year and Machrie Moor.

I'm not sure what Mr Scotsman was up to, probably demonstrating some Kilt movements....

The Machrie Moor is the peaty version of the Arran, and in 2010 they released a limited edition under this name. Machrie is the name of the Peat moor on the west coast of Arran. Bottled at 46% without chill filtration, its most distinct feature, and I'm sure it's by design, is the lingering peaty finish, which obviously is not everyone's glass of whisky, but I love it!!

The sequel to that is the Machrie Moor Cask strength, which well, basically is a stronger version of the "normal" one.