A Christmas Eve gourmet at The Samplings on the Fourteenth.
written by Myocho Kan
photos by Sidney Kan
As 2013 closes in and comes to an end, the festive holiday mood comes alive with Christmas on the calender before the New Year’s party plans come into action. In conjuction with this joyful time of the year, Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur is hosting various attractive offerings this holidays in the spirit of giving and I was there to taste their Christmas Eve spread at The Samplings on the Fourteenth.
On this coming eve of Christmas, Sampling on the Fourteen Restaurant willbe featuring a festive set menu specially designed for the occasion by the restaurant’s Chef de Cuisine, affectionately known as Chef Val. The four-course meal starts with Smoked Salmon and Prawn Salad and follows with Cream of Pumpkin Soup. Minted Wintermelon Sorbet, an option of tantatalizing Roast Christmas Turkey, Slow Roasted Lamb Shank or Pan Seared Cod for mains. Close the evening with Chestnut Mille Feuille – served with orange-flavoured Christmas pudding and cinnamon ice cream. The four-course private and exquisite fine dining meal overlooks the evening view of Kuala Lumpur and is priced at RM158++ per adult.
Mocktail – Rudolf Goes Green
As for Festive Cocktail and Mocktail drinks, we were served with delicious lingering mocktail “Rudofl Goes Green” with a taste of lychee (RM15++) while the striking “Grinch” the festive cocktail (RM21++) kept me lusting for more.
Cocktail – Grinch
To start the mood, Bilyara Chardonnay was poured to grace the evening. Here an offer worthy of a toast, their wine promotion is something not to be missed. With two glass of red and two glass of white wine it only cost RM48++/per person. I was intrigued.
Bilyara Chardonnay
Tucked cosily at a corner, Sampling on the Fourteen at Berjaya Times Square is a place you will want to be this Christmas. With the city skyline as the backdrop and the twinkling candles spread all over the table, the dinner will definitely be a memorable indulgence.
Smoked Salmon with Prawn Salad with Tomato Tart & Lemon Chive Vinaigrettevery
The appetizer smoked salmon with prawn salad will sure tantalised your taste buds. Tastes as fresh as you could get, the prawn salad is just wonderful for a starter with a refreshing bite of garden salad. I loved the way how chef expressed his creativity by mille feuille-ing the prawn salad. Looked amazing. I handled it with extreme gentle and extra care. The smoked salmon was sure refreshing and palatted me well.
Cream of Pumpkin Soup – a rich soup of fresh pumpkin with a dallop of sour cream
Keeping it going, the cream of pumpkin soup was done in a rich manner as if you were sinking your teeth into a fresh pumpkin. A dose of sour cream will definitely make you begging for more.
Minted Watermelon Sorbet
Just before the main course, the minted watermelon sorbet was so refreshingly cool. While having to leave with a mild watermelon after-taste, we were now ready for the main course.
Bilayara Cabernet Sauvignon
Chef Val Preparing our Main Courses
Christmas Roast Turkey served with beef bacon wrapped sage and onion stuffing, roasted potatoes, buttered brussels sprouts and carrot with cranberry and apple
Pan Seared Cod served with potato and leek mash, wild mushrooms, cured cherry tomato and olive tart with saffron sage
Slow Roasted Lamb Shank with Rosemary Jus with parmesan plenta and grilled baby vegetables
With three main course to choose from – Christmas Roast Turkey, Slow Roasted Lamb Shank with Rosemary Jus or Pan Seared Cod. The lamb shank was my picked and it was a taste to behold, so slowly roasted that its flavour trapped and enhanced by a pepper sauce serving. Its meat was so tender that it melts away in my mouth. I was truly satisfied.
Chestnut Mille Feuille served with orange-flavoured Christmas pudding and cinnamon ice cream
Just before end the night, your visit will not be complete without a Chestnut Mille Feuille. It left that sweet memory both in my lips and my mind. Served either with a freshly brewed coffee or tea, the course completes with a Christmas Petite Four chocolate.
The Samplings on the Fourteenth Restaurant is located at:
14th Floor, East, Berjaya Times Square,
1, Jalan Imbi,
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 03-2117 8000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Samplings-On-The-Fourteenth
Note that the all day Big Apple Restaurant will be running an X’mas all-day buffet line up at Rm108++ (adult) and Rm58++ (child) this Christmas eve . Also, pre-order your takeaway turkey at Rm298++ (3-4kg), with minimum 2 days notice in advance.
And on Christmas day itself, a festive spread of brunch goodies will be made available, priced at Rm75++ (adult) and Rm38++ (child).
And on the 31st of December, there’ll be a buffet of international cuisine with a series of food stalls with lots of varieties at Rm108++ (adult) and Rm58++ (child). There will also be a New Year’s Eve countdown party at the Broadway Lounge with lots of goodies and fun.
