Chef Daniel - the friendly giant helming the kitchen.

One of my favourite ‘Velvet Escape’ experiences here in Kuala Lumpur is dining at the restaurant Sage. Situated on the roof top of The Garden’s Shopping Mall, this is the place to enjoy haute cuisine at its best. One of the great experiences I had included a personalised lunch menu that Chef Daniel, the Head Chef of Sage, put together for us on short notice. Chef Daniel is the friendly giant helming the kitchen. This guy really knows his stuff. Just don’t mess up in his kitchen or you will know about it!

First up, the Smoked Salmon with Assorted vegetable and Akame Herb. Looking at the gorgeous plump salmon it looked somewhat like a Satsuma! Its plump, peachy little body was bursting with fresh juices (not unlike a satsuma) and lightly seared on the side of the skin to offer that crunchy texture that is mind-blowingly addictive. Apparently they smoke their own salmon at Sage. Impressive.

Smoked Salmon with Assorted vegetable, Akame Herb

This was quickly followed by Cheese breads, hot from the oven. Piping hot and covered in molten cheese, these breads made for a nice intermission before our next course.

My favourite dish of the day

Then came my favourite dish of the day, the Capellini Pasta with trio of seafood and Togarashi. The capellini turned out to be long strands of pasta that is very similar to Angel hair pasta, only Capellini is slightly thicker. Often Capellini and Angel hair pasta are referred to as the same pasta. This sort of pasta has an amazing way of ‘catching’ and soaking up the sauces in your dish and goes fantastically well with light sauces. Golly, I could have just stopped right here and been a happy camper! The fresh prawns and scallops were bouncy and firm. The freshness of the seafood is what smacks you in the face and makes you sit up and notice what a great creation this is. I particularly loved the way the oceanic flavours of the prawn and the scallop mesh with the capellini. Superb.

Capellini Pasta with trio of seafood and Togarashi.

The next dish is for the red meat lovers. The Mijoté Wagyu Beef with spinach and Sherry Wine was amazing. Tender, medium grade 9 Wagyu, cooked in a savoury-sweet sherry base that went perfectly well with a glass of New Zealand Pinot Noir.

Finally, the Mulloway Seabass with Enoki Mushroom and wine sauce was the grand and last main course. Apparently the Mulloway can be found in the cold Australian waters and looks like a European Seabass. Mulloway is particularly suited to sashimi frying, roasting and stir-frying in cooked preparations. The preparation of the fish at Sage was fantastic. The Enoki mushroom and the wine sauce complemented the light taste and flaky texture of the fish to perfection. I loved this dish.

Mulloway Seabass with Enoki Mushroom, Wine sauce.

Bing cherries

Bing cherries

For dessert we partook of “Bing cherries “ and ice-cream. Did you know that Mr. Bing was an actual person who walked the face of this earth? Ah-Bing to be precise (he was Chinese). Bing cherries originated in  Milwaukee, Oregon in the U.S. and were created as a crossbred graft from the Republican cherry in the 1875 by Oregon horticulturist Seth Lewelling and his Manchurian Chinese foreman Ah Bing, after whom the cherry is named.  Some sources claim that Ah Bing cared for the trees from which the cherry was developed, while others claim that he had been responsible for cultivating the fruit. How cool is that? Way to go Chinaman! Nowadays, other countries produce Bing cherries too.

All in all, a fantastic meal. I highly recommend Sage to anyone who wants to experience a ‘Velvet Escape’ first hand. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Address:

Sage,
The Gardens Residences,
6th Floor, The Gardens,
Mid Valley City,
Lingkaran Syed Putra,
59200 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel:  603 2268 1188

About this week’s guest writer
Mei is an avid traveller, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who enjoys writing about her travel and gastronomic experiences. In her words: “It all started out a couple of years back as a means to journal our travels and related photos. However, because we enjoy eating so much (as do other Malaysians) this blog soon took on the form of a food blog: Cumi & Ciki is a Malaysian food and travel blog. The name is derived from a popular educational television puppet show for Malaysian children in the 70s and 80s. This is the tale of the two traveling, eating, thrill-seeking monkeys from Kuala Lumpur. Food and culture go hand in hand. We feel that in life, we need to enjoy what we do, have passion; cultivate a sense of curiosity about the world. We hope that this is conveyed through our Cumi dan Ciki blog.”

Follow Mei on Twitter.

Read other Velvet Escape posts on Kuala Lumpur:

• My Velvet Escape Travel Tip: Kuala Lumpur
• Shop till you drop in Kuala Lumpur
• Ten things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Brooklyn – NYC’s Foodie Paradise is a Velvet Escape

New York City is a paradise to many travelers, and business visitors alike. But growing up in NYC can make you a little jaded; after all, with a new restaurant open every week, the best theatre in the US just up the block, and celebrities in your local GAP, it’s easy to feel like you’ve seen it all. But that’s why I send every single traveling friend to Brooklyn.

Growing up in Brooklyn in the ‘80’s was not the Brooklyn hipsters cross the country to see today. The ever-constant pace of this city has changed the borough for the better, and with it, some absolutely amazing choices for food lovers. Here are 3 of my favorites:

Marlow & Sons

81 Broadway
Brooklyn, NY

A deli at heart, this Williamsburg eatery is as known for it’s fresh cuts as it is for it’s rad clientele. No stuck-up suits here. Enjoy people watching over a crowd of Brooklyn’s finest artists through a short-but-sweet menu of plates like Chicken Liver Pate and Swordfish.

Two Boots Park Slope

514 2nd Street
Brooklyn, NY

Kids and Park Slope go hand in hand, which is why this Manhattan based Cajun/Italian pizzeria hybrid adapted quick. If you’ve got little ones, they can spy on chefs or take in the colorful scenery while waiting for Bowtie Pasta or Mac n’ Cheese with Trees. Mom, Dad, and non-family types can swig the finest Hurricane this side of New Orleans and munch authentic Jambalaya, Zydeco Meatloaf, and Blackened Catfish.

Jamie Lynn’s Kitchen

1504 86th Street
Brooklyn, NY

In the sea of Bensonhurst Italian restaurants, this cozy café has made its mark, but so far only with those in-the-know. Come in on a Sunday morning and start off a Brooklyn brunch with biscuits and jam while perusing a menu full of home cooked favorites like Bacon-wrapped Mushrooms & Figs, Handmade Gnocchi, and Grilled Salmon. The Tuscan-Provence-style interior will almost make you forget you’re in a borough.

About this week’s guest writer
Annemarie Dooling is a travel writer based in New York. “I grew up in New York City, finding my way around Union Square before most kids could order their own meals. My family came over on a boat from Italy, and although being raised by a single mother and non-English speaking grandparents was hard, I loved having backyard vegetable gardens, fresh wine, and playing bocce with my grandfather.” Visit Annemarie’s blog: Frill Seeker Diary or follow her on Twitter.

When I was in Kuala Lumpur, I received an invitation to join a group of food bloggers who, in turn, had been invited to review a new menu a certain restaurant was launching. It was an amazing experience: there were about 20 bloggers, cameras were clicking continuously, the wine flowed all night and the food just kept coming (I lost count of how many courses were served)! I later found out that events like these are commonplace in Kuala Lumpur. Pretty awesome!

5 Malaysian Travel & Food Bloggers To Watch

In the past month, I’ve become acquainted with some very talented Malaysian travel and food bloggers whose work has just blown me away. Together, they do a fabulous job of showcasing the best that Malaysia (and Asia in general) have to offer in terms of tourism and food. Please allow me to introduce my favourite 5 to you.

A Lil Fat Monkey

I was totally awestruck the first time I set my eyes on Jon’s blog. He writes his restaurant reviews in a stunning comic-book style. The pictures are amazing and it’s a hilarious read. I can’t begin to imagine the amount of work that goes into producing one of these comic-book posts. A Lil’ Fat Monkey is a fantastic visual foodie experience I can certainly recommend!

Site: A Lil Fat Monkey
Twitter: alilfatmonkey

A Whiff of Lemongrass

A Whiff of Lemon Grass is lovingly crafted by Meena. She writes beautifully and lavishes her blog with gorgeous photos and witty observations. According to Meena, “Food, for me, is a means to an end and not an end in itself. Food, for me, represents the love of family, the fellowship of friends, and the community and communality it brings.” Need I say more?

Site: A Whiff of Lemongrass
Twitter: llemongrass

Cumi & Ciki

Cumi & Ciki takes its name from a Malaysian children’s television programme in the 1980’s about two adventurous monkeys. Mei and her husband enthrall their readers with their culinary and travel adventures in Malaysia and around the world. Their stories are fun and often thought-provoking, whilst the photography is jaw-dropping gorgeous – I can assure you that your jaw will drop further if you find out which camera Mei uses! If you’re looking for some travel inspiration, coupled with culinary indulgence, I recommend a hop over to Cumi & Ciki.

Site: Cumi & Ciki
Twitter: agentcikay

Malaysia Asia

Malaysia Asia was founded by David & Lilian. Their goal is to highlight the ecological wealth and UNESCO Heritage sites in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, and they do it beautifully. They specialise in places that are off-the-beaten-path and which have a natural element of adventure. If you’re planning to visit Southeast Asia, stop by Malaysia Asia for some expert tips.

Site: Malaysia Asia
Twitter: MalaysiaAsia

Rasa Malaysia

Rasa Malaysia (literally translated: “Taste of Malaysia”) is arguably one of the biggest and most well-known of all Malaysian food blogs. It’s been featured in many publications around the world such as the New York Times and Saveur. That’s not surprising as the site is a treasure trove of Malaysian and other Asian recipes. Low’s passion for Asian cooking is apparent from the first minute you arrive at her site. The photography is stunning and her writing makes for a pleasant read. She likes to call her site Asian cooking made simple. She sure knows how to make it look simple!

Site: Rasa Malaysia
Twitter: RasaMalaysia

Read other posts on Malaysia:

• Kinabatangan river safari
• Orangutans of Sabah
• Shop till you drop in Kuala Lumpur
• 10 things to do in Kuala Lumpur
• Getting over my Jaws complex

The view

Georges at the Cove is an excellent restaurant and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience a “velvet escape” in San Diego, California.

This gorgeous little restaurant in La Jolla, San Diego, California has a dining area that looks out upon a spectacular ocean view. There are 3 distinct dining areas at Georges at the Cove in La Jolla Village. The cuisine is known as California modern. This contemporary restaurant and bar, offers a sophisticated but relaxed environment for a quick lunch or a even a long unhurried dinner. Plenty of sunlight and ocean breeze to lull you into a comatic pre-entree mood, and this is all before you even see the menu! With a panoramic view of La Jolla Cove, George’s Bar has balcony seating as well as indoor seating, so whether you choose to dine for lunch or dinner, or just hang out and enjoy a signature cocktail at sunset, you’ll find that conversation flows easy in this little piece of paradise.

The soup

We started with the elegant lady which was infused strawberry vodka, triple sec, Chambord liqueur, lemonade and a float of champagne. I love champagne especially served like this.

This was soon followed by Georges famous signature soup – smoked chicken broccoli and black beans. The soup was delicious and you could taste the freshness in the ingredients used to make the stock. Faultless. I have to say that the menu had a modern and uncomplicated feel with a big emphasis on fresh ingredients. The range of dishes were rather international, reflecting the melting pot that is California!

Next up, was the shrimp and this was grilled to perfection. It tasted of sea-salt and all the natural smells of the ocean. Every mouthful felt like a vacation on the beach.

The shrimp

Georges at the Cove does not stinge on herbs and natural flavourings either and this is what adds color and a vibrant taste to their food. As the food rolled in we continued to be wow-ed. The duck penne served with a dollop of sour cream was delicious. Meaty and full of robust flavours the gamy duck was tempered to perfection with the sour cream.

By the time we were ready to leave, the place was just filling up. You can see how packed it gets during lunch time. A lot of executives and yuppies like to catch a quick lunch at this place, because the ambiance is fantastic, the food phenomenal and the service is quick. What more can one ask for? With that, I end my 2 week long excursion to the great US of A. I had a phenomenal time and if I am ever in town I never give up a chance to eat at Georges at the Cove, and neither should you.

About this week’s guest writer
Mei is an avid traveller, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who enjoys writing about her travel and gastronomic experiences.

In her words: “It all started out a couple of years back as a means to journal our travels and related photos. However, because we enjoy eating so much (as do other Malaysians) this blog soon took on the form of a food blog: Cumi & Ciki is a Malaysian food and travel blog. The name is derived from a popular educational television puppet show for Malaysian children in the 70s and 80s.

This is the tale of the two traveling, eating, thrill-seeking monkeys from Kuala Lumpur. Food and culture go hand in hand. We feel that in life, we need to enjoy what we do, have passion; cultivate a sense of curiosity about the world. We hope that this is conveyed through our Cumi dan Ciki blog.”

Follow  Mei on Twitter.

When someone tells you “Get ready, we are going to dinner at Iggy’s”, what this actually means is , get out your Louboutins, we are going to have the dinner of a lifetime. Iggy’s is ranked No.45 on the S Pellegrino World’s 50 best restaurants List 2009 so I made sure my camera had batteries in it.. and that my hair looked great.

At Iggy’s whilst the deco and ambiance of the place is not something you would call super modern (the main dining room looks cozy rather than clinical), the food itself is really rather cutting edge, beautifully presented and encompasses all the subtleties and style of modern cuisine. Iggy’s plays with textures, colors, and flavours like how a child plays without inhibitions at Kindergarten art class.

There is only one thing on the Dinner Menu. The Gastronomic menu of USD $140++ (without booze) whether you walk in at 9pm or 11pm, that’s what you get. To kick off the night, we were served two amuse bouche, on the house , which was a rather nice touch.

The first amuse bouche was the sashimi-grade sea urchin served on a bed of shiso jelly topped with cauliflower mousse. This sea-urchin was smooth on the palate and really pleasing to the eye. It looked like someone served up spring on a white plate. The second amuse bouche (also on the house) was smoked trout. Cherry wood was employed to produce the white fumes inside that futuristic looking semi-metallic semi-Perspex orb. Smoky, woody, and fishy.. I really loved the caviar (not lump fish either.. but beluga).

Service here is top notch too. Discreet yet attentive, with lightning reflexes – the waiters anticipate your every need to within a nano-second. It’s like an art form!

Looking at the Hamachi, you could say that the Japanese Kaiseki dining style has also been an influence at Iggy’s. Classy, delicate and ‘no rush’ are words that come to mind, eating this young, sweet yellow tail. Be prepared to dine for at least two and a half to three hours here.

At Iggy’s you get to eat rare Japanese mushrooms gathered at their apex of maturity. With this ingenious creation, one is supposed to toss the mushrooms with the foam and eat the end product as it is. Incredibly exquisite. The sanma fish on wild rice , olive and thyme was nothing short of superb.

I was told by the waiter that the Chef himself likes to employ a light touch in cooking his food, and that is how he so successfully brings out the subtle flavours in a dish. Of course, make no mistake, the fact that the produce is super fresh contributes to how fantastic things taste.

Next up, the oats and gizzards with lobster. This  perfect ensemble, was brilliantly executed. Taste wise not too gamy and the lobster was superbly fresh.

After the palette cleanser, the Wagyu beef was served. Grade 9 Wagyu that melted in one’s mouth -  I gave up my flute of champagne for a glass of  Burgundy to complement the aroma and textures in the Beef.

For the dessert, the juicy sweet seed pulp, and slightly gritty flesh of the feijoa was purposely converted into a smooth jelly – a complete contradiction in texture. So molecular.. dining made so incredibly entertaining. I felt like I could start the entire course over!

Enter the Petite Fours, which literally translated to Little Oven. The little cake was rich, and thick with cream nuts and fruit. A gorgeous mini tiramisu.

If you are a big kid at heart, like I am, then you will love the “pop-rocks” tart.. on the house. Hugely amusing, these cute bite size morsels explode and crackle in your mouth. Our waiter’s advice, “kindly consume in one swift mouth full and do not chew, rather suck for maximum satisfaction”. Did I not say that service here was par excellent?

Well, it was a fantastic experience. What can I say, except… for maximum indulgence, just visit Iggy’s!

Address:
Iggy’s, 1 Cuscaden Road, The Regent Singapore, Singapore.

Strongly advised to call 65 6732 2234 for reservations.

About this week’s guest writer
Mei is an avid traveller, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who enjoys writing about her travel and gastronomic experiences. In her words: “It all started out a couple of years back as a means to journal our travels and related photos. However, because we enjoy eating so much (as do other Malaysians) this blog soon took on the form of a food blog: Cumi & Ciki is a Malaysian food and travel blog. The name is derived from a popular educational television puppet show for Malaysian children in the 70s and 80s. This is the tale of the two traveling, eating, thrill-seeking monkeys from Kuala Lumpur. Food and culture go hand in hand. We feel that in life, we need to enjoy what we do, have passion; cultivate a sense of curiosity about the world. We hope that this is conveyed through our Cumi & Ciki blog.”

Follow  Mei on Twitter.

Read other posts by Mei on Velvet Escape:

• My velvet escape travel tip: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Opulent gastronomy in Shanghai

What

Where: Assiette Blanche, Bruges, Belgium.

Note: Bruges is a gorgeous medieval town in the west of Belgium. The town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famed for its historic monuments, charming canals and wonderful medieval atmosphere, but also for its gastronomic delights. Some of the best restaurants in Belgium are located in Bruges (or Brugge in Flemish) and its surroundings. In addition, the town is also world-famous for its intricate lace and divine chocolates.

I celebrated Christmas Eve in Assiette Blanche, a cosy restaurant in the centre of Bruges, and opted for the five-course Christmas dinner with matching wines. To get our taste buds going, we were served a glass of De Faveri Prosecco, one of the best I’ve ever had, accompanied by a shrimp croquette and a light foie gras mousse. My taste buds certainly perked-up!

Shrimp croquette & foie gras mousse

One of the highlights of the meal was the first course, which featured a crispy slice of veal topped with foie gras, and a small chicory and chive salad on the side with a smooth mustard vinaigrette. Absolutely gorgeous!

The second course was another highlight: lightly-fried monk-fish fillets topped with pancetta, on a bed of couscous that was prepared in a strong shrimp bouillon (broth). I’m not a big fan of couscous but it certainly complemented the richly flavoured monk-fish beautifully.

The main courses and dessert were of an equally high quality and we left the restaurant feeling like we’d just had the meal of a lifetime!

Monk fish, pancetta & couscous

If you’re visiting Bruges and feel like indulging yourself with an exquisite meal, I can certainly recommend Assiette Blanche. It has a lovely interior, the food is stunning and the service is top-notch.

Read more Culinary Journey articles:

• Castellar del Riu, Catalonia
• Bali
• Air Asia
• Kuala Lumpur
• Cala Sant Viçenc
• Palma de Mallorca
• Whitsunday islands
• Amsterdam
• Hamburg
• Punta Arenas
• Easter island
• Portland
• Valparaiso

Whampoa Club lobby

My latest Velvet Escape experience was in Shanghai recently, where I had the pleasure of dining at The Whampoa Club. This restaurant  is an opulent setting for Jereme Leung’s modern interpretations of traditional Shanghainese cuisine. Contemporary Chinese or Chinese Fusion are the other names that this type of cuisine, goes by.

The entrance to the Whampoa Club is in the side street off the Bund. You walk past the up-market Armani store then enter a darker smaller road. You will then see the Whampoa Club signage…  take the lift to the fifth floor where you emerge into a startlingly opulent gilded gold and red lobby/holding area. There is a huge, modern crystal chandelier that dominates this room. As you walk through the long corridor, you will notice two extremely pretty ladies playing traditional Chinese music instruments. If this is not ‘Velvet Escape’ paradise, I don’t know what is.

You will have a gorgeous view of the Pudong district, i.e. , the Bund from where you sit and appraise your menu. Tonight, we decided on the degustation menu priced at RMB688 per person – this is before you add on the wine and champagne.

soup of crab claw

We had the trio starter of old fashioned shanghai smoke fish, chilled drunken chicken in shaved ice and trio marinade in glutinous rice wine brine. Exquisite.

Next up was the soup of crab claw, double boiled in duck, chicken and pigeon stock. This totally knocked our socks off.

Then came to dynamic duo of steamed cod fish with ‘Ji’ vegetable and Crispy king prawn flavoured with crispy milk and oat flakes. The sweet king prawn tempered the salty cod fish to perfection.

Wagyu beef with pistachio

Then, as if to remind you not to forget that the Chef is in tune with European trends, enter the Pan-seared Australian Wagyu beef with pistachio nuts. The beef melted in our mouths and the pistachio complemented its gamy taste to perfection. This was my favourite of the night.

The assorted mushroom handmade noodles in X.O. sauce was a real winner too. Perfectly al-dente and luscious to taste. I loved the heavy-handed way in which they added the X.O. wine… superb!

Mushrooms, noodles in X.O. sauce

For the grand finale and dessert, we had the yogurt and strawberries ice-cream with seasonal fruits. A great end to the night.

I have been told that the prices here at Whampoa Club, would make some of China’s finest choke, but where else then can one go for Chinese food with quiet, yet impeccable service, breathtakingly stylish design and food that will have one surreptitiously licking ones plate!  Whampoa Club is a very serious restaurant serving some perfectly cooked food and we would gladly recommend this velvet escape experience to anyone who enjoys exquisitely good food!

About this week’s guest writer

Mei is an avid traveller, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who enjoys writing about her travel and gastronomic experiences. In her words: “It all started out a couple of years back as a means to journal our travels and related photos. However, because we enjoy eating so much (as do other Malaysians) this blog soon took on the form of a food blog: Cumi & Ciki is a Malaysian food and travel blog. The name is derived from a popular educational television puppet show for Malaysian children in the 70s and 80s. This is the tale of the two traveling, eating, thrill-seeking monkeys from Kuala Lumpur. Food and culture go hand in hand. We feel that in life, we need to enjoy what we do, have passion; cultivate a sense of curiosity about the world. We hope that this is conveyed through our Cumi dan Ciki blog.”

Follow Mei on Twitter.

What

Where: Restaurant Els Roures, Castellar del Riu, Catalonia (about 1.5 hours drive north of Barcelona)

Note: Els Roures is a popular restaurant among the Catalans. Located in Castellar del Riu, in the Bergueda mountains just north of Barcelona, this cosy restaurant serves a large variety of local specialities. We visited the restaurant for a lunch stop in the heart of the mushroom season. The first things that will grab your attention as you enter the restaurant are the warm wooden interior and the roaring log fire under a large round copper hood.

Chocolate caliente

We sat next to the fire and had our first culinary highlight: hot chocolate or ‘chocolate caliente’. It’s not your every day hot chocolate; this version comes in an espresso cup and is syrupy, rather like melted dark chocolate. Picture this: it’s freezing outside and you’re sitting next to a warm, cosy fireplace. You pick up the small cup and gently lift a teaspoonful of the hot chocolatey syrup into your mouth. The warm chocolate sensation is simply heavenly, a true velvet escape!

Wild mushroom cannelloni

To kick off the lunch, we were served a delicious jug of rosé sangria filled with wild berries. We then had a variety of local dishes as starters: cannelloni, grated tomato on toast, and cooked chick peas with wild mushrooms. The cannelloni stuffed with wild mushrooms in a creamy sauce was absolutely sublime, a true velvet escape highlight!

Yummy salad!

We were also served a big leafy salad with pomegranate, cheese and nuts and topped with a light vinaigrette and fresh thyme, rosemary and drops of honey.

Mushroom liquor

The main course, stewed chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce was cooked to perfection. Just as we thought that we couldn’t possibly eat another ounce of anything, dessert arrived! Fluffy mascarpone with a delicious berry sauce. As a final treat, we were offered a mushroom liquor. I didn’t know such a thing existed! The strong mushroom aroma was unmistakable. It tasted sweet and err.. very mushroom-y.

If you’re visiting the mountains of Bergueda, I recommend stopping at Els Roures, near the town of Berga, for a delightful culinary experience.

Our visit to the Els Roures restaurant was sponsored by the Department of Tourism of Catalonia with the collaboration of Consorci Turisme de l’Alt Bergueda.

Read more Culinary Journey articles:

• Bali
• Air Asia
• Kuala Lumpur
• Cala Sant Viçenc
• Palma de Mallorca
• Whitsunday islands
• Amsterdam
• Hamburg
• Punta Arenas
• Easter island
• Portland
• Valparaiso

Most of us in life, strive for financial freedom so that we can be one step closer to experiencing the finer things in life, on a regular basis, without feeling much of a pinch – money is a means to an end, and Velvet Escape to me is that end. Velvet Escape to me is not a location, but rather a sensory reaction to an incredibly pleasurable experience. The second your pupils dilate when you first see the Matterhorn, the rush you get at the base of the Matterhorn when you have completed your ski run, the body’s cholinergic response to anticipating that first slither of grade 9 Kobe beef as you embark on a gastronomic escapade – this is Velvet Escape!

Anyway, for me, here in Malaysia, it is impossible to find a gorgeous, snowy mountain from which to ski or snowboard. There are however, great places for fine dining these days. One of them being Senses at the Kuala Lumpur Hilton.

The young, dynamic Chef of Senses KL Hilton, Chef Michael Elfwing, is renowned for his organic cooking. He carefully selects organic certified produce to create exciting, pollutant-free organic dishes, yet cooked in the most exquisite fine-dining style and surroundings.

We got to experience a typical Velvet Escape moment not too long ago at Senses. We opted for the five-course organic menu. First up, the amuse bouche. How visually appealing – some form of shell fish in creamy broth, in a dainty cup. The night was just getting started. Next up was the butternut pumpkin soup, served with seared scallops and slices of summer truffles was a blanket of smooth, silken cream, chased by a heady, musky truffle after-taste. Not unlike a drug, I was soon getting a rush from this soup. Maybe it was just the sugar content, but I felt my mood lift a notch higher after that! We also had an unusual beetroot, seared Hokkaido scallop salad and as I sunk my teeth into the beetroot and scallop I realized that it was not just a pretty dish. It was incredibly satisfying.

butternut pumpkin soup with seared scallops/summer truffles

We waited in anticipation for our steak to arrive. Just a quick word on the organic beef. The Australian, grass fed organic beef actually tasted blander and had a natural toughness about its meat, compared to its non-organic counterpart. It is rather strange that this natural taste actually feels foreign because we have become so accustomed to beef made artificially ’soft’ or ‘tastier’ or ’stronger-tasting’. I liked the unadulterated edge this organic beef had to it.

Australian, grass fed organic beef

After a few flutes of champagne, what followed was the freshly air-flown golden brown Queensland gold band snapper served on a bed of organic vegetables, and to end the night, a hot lava center of chocolate pudding, complete with a berry sorbet and garnished with fresh berries, fruit and edible flowers. Simply divine.

Queensland gold band snapper

chocolate pudding with hot lava center

All in all, a scintillating dining experience and a real eye opener. We learned to appreciate the subtleties of organic cuisine, in the gorgeous atmospheric surroundings of Senses KL Hilton. If you’re visiting Kuala Lumpur, I can certainly recommend Senses for a memorable Velvet Escape!

About this week’s guest writer
Mei is an avid traveller, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who enjoys writing about her travel and gastronomic experiences. In her words: “It all started out a couple of years back as a means to journal our travels and related photos. However, because we enjoy eating so much (as do other Malaysians) this blog soon took on the form of a food blog: Cumi & Ciki is a Malaysian food and travel blog. The name is derived from a popular educational television puppet show for Malaysian children in the 70s and 80s. This is the tale of the two traveling, eating, thrill-seeking monkeys from Kuala Lumpur. Food and culture go hand in hand. We feel that in life, we need to enjoy what we do, have passion; cultivate a sense of curiosity about the world. We hope that this is conveyed through our Cumi dan Ciki blog.”

Follow Mei on Twitter.

Read more ‘My velvet escape travel tips‘:

• Paris, France
• Lanzarote, Spain
• Whitsunday islands, Australia
• Normandy, France
• Lake District, Cumbria, England
• Nova Scotia Atlantic Coast, Canada
• London, England
• Miami, Florida, USA
• Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
• Bali, Indonesia
• Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Tucson, Arizona, USA
• Toronto, Canada

Positano - from the boat to Da Adolfo

“Da Adolfo? Ahhh… bellissimo. Good food!”, the hotel receptionist said with a broad smile as I mentioned that my friend and I were heading there. Da Adolfo is a little beachside restaurant, a short boat ride away from Positano, on the Amalfi Coast. We headed down to the Positano jetty and asked around which boat we should take. We were instructed to wait around, the boat would arrive around 11am, and they told us to look out for the big fish hanging above the boat. A few minutes later, we saw the ‘big fish’ approach. Nope, no way we could’ve missed that one! The cheery boatman helped us into the boat along with a few others. The boat ride to Da Adolfo gave us our first opportunity to see Positano from the sea. The small town, clinging precariously to the steep cliffs, looked absolutely stunning in the morning light.

Da Adolfo boat - the 'big fish'

We arrived at Da Adolfo to find a beach that was nothing more than a narrow stretch of course sand, crammed with deckchairs. The restaurant, with its wooden tables and chairs, overlooked the beach.

Gorgeous!

After a quick swim, we decided to head up to the restaurant. We ordered a bottle of wine and had a look at the menu that was basically a list of scribble on the boards. I peered into the kitchen and saw the cook, an elderly man. He looked at me with inquisitive eyes, then smiled and nodded. At that moment, I knew we were in for a treat. This man looked liked he’s cooked a thousand meals and treasured each and every one. His eyes gave it away. Definitely not jaded, I thought. He loved to cook and enjoyed seeing the delight in people’s faces when they tasted his food.

Friends & family at Da Adolfo

The tables at the restaurant filled up quickly. The crowd was mostly Italian, with a handful of tourists. It became clear to us that a trip to Da Adolfo was not so much a day at the beach, but a celebration of life as it should be: some time at the beach, wonderful food, wine and great company. Friends and family sat at long tables and it soon became a noisy, amusing affair. Jokes were told, serious discussions were held and the kids joined in the banter.

I sat back and allowed these charming scenes to sink in. The cold Tramonti wine tasted heavenly: fresh, fruity, yet well-rounded with slight hints of vanilla. Just the way I like my whites.

Seafood platter

The food soon arrived. My first course was a seafood platter which was absolutely delicious. Then came the second course, my favourite: spaghetti alio olio peperoncino. It was sublime. I asked out loud: “How can something so simple taste so good?” I mean, it’s just pasta with olive oil, heaps of garlic and some red peppers. The answer, we concluded, was just as simple. This is food that’s prepared with the heart; where loving attention is lavished on every step of the preparation. I felt really blessed.

The main course, grilled swordfish, was equally superb. It was grilled to perfection and covered with a sprinkling of sea-salt, black pepper and chopped basil. I took my time savouring each and every bite. In between, I took small sips of the cool wine and admired the view. The sea sparkled in the afternoon sun like a silky blanket covered by thousands of glittering diamonds. Bliss!

Spaghetti alio olio peperoncino

My dreamy state came to an abrupt halt when a kid bumped into my rickety chair. I grabbed the (equally rickety) table to steady myself and by doing so sent the plates flying into the air. Everything came bouncing back down with a deafening clang. We miraculously managed to catch the wine glasses just as they were tipping over. The noisy chatter stopped dead in its tracks and everyone looked our way. Mommy came over and pulled her kid’s arm, while apologising profusely. “Va bene”, I muttered. Pfff…

Da Adolfo info

The people at the surrounding tables laughed and started chatting with us. There was an American couple from San Francisco, and an Italian with his British wife who live in Capri. We were soon joined by another American couple from New York. We gulped down our desserts (a gorgeous home-made tiramisu) and I was soon back in my blissful state.

If you’re heading to Positano, don’t miss the mesmerising experience of a day at Da Adolfo.

Special thanks goes to @Sambayogi who recommended Da Adolfo to me via her lovely article on Positano.

Read other articles on my trip to the Amalfi Coast:

• Plane Views: Mt. Vesuvius
• The Blue Grotto, Capri
• Breathtaking Positano
• The faces of Pompeii

What

Where: Chandi, Seminyak, Bali

Note: OMG! This was probably the most divine tuna steak I’ve had in a very long time. Grilled medium-rare, the texture was slightly crispy on the outside and delicate on the inside. The sweetish taste of honey and soy combined beautifully with a whiff of cardamom. The spicy side salad provided the perfect balance to a truly sublime dish.

I can certainly recommend the Chandi restaurant/lounge, which serves fusion/Indonesian fare. Located along Jalan (Road) Laksamana, a busy stretch of the trendy beach community of Seminyak, the contemporary Balinese interior is striking and inviting. It’s a large establishment that includes a rooftop bar, a garden, espresso and cocktail bars, and fabulous (organic) food. The appetiser I ordered, a mix of organic salad leaves with scallops and drizzled with a light peanut sauce, was the stuff of dreams!

Check out Chandi Bali.

Read more Culinary Journey articles:

• Air Asia
• Kuala Lumpur
• Cala Sant Viçenc
• Palma de Mallorca
• Whitsunday islands
• Amsterdam
• Hamburg
• Punta Arenas
• Easter island
• Portland
• Valparaiso

What

Where: On board most Air Asia flights

Note: Nasi lemak is a traditional Malaysian dish (some call it the national dish). Nasi lemak literally means ‘creamy rice’. The rice is soaked in coconut milk and cooked. Knots of pandan leaves are added for a wonderful flavour and scent. The rice is served with ikan bilis (deep fried anchovies), cucumber slices, roasted peanuts, hard boiled egg, sambal (a spicy sauce) and beef or chicken rendang (beef or chicken stewed in coconut milk and spices). The result is spicy bliss!

Nasi lemak has quickly become Air Asia’s unofficial signature dish and is served on most flights. It costs a few dollars and is served in an aluminium foil tray. The dish may not look pretty but it’s arguably one of the tastiest dishes in the sky!

About Air Asia
Air Asia is one of the largest low-fare airlines in the world and was recently chosen by SkyTrax as the world’s best budget airline. Air Asia has a fleet of brand new Airbus planes and operates an extensive network across Southeast Asia with hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Johor Baru, (in Malaysia); Bangkok (Thailand); Jakarta and Bali (in Indonesia). The route network also includes a variety of cities in China, India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Australia. Air Asia X (the long-haul sister airline) operates services to China, Australia and London. Rumour has it that the USA (San Francisco Bay Area), South Korea and Japan are next on the list.

Read more Culinary Journey articles:

• Kuala Lumpur
• Cala Sant Viçenc
• Palma de Mallorca
• Whitsunday islands
• Amsterdam
• Hamburg
• Punta Arenas
• Easter island
• Portland
• Valparaiso

What

Where: Chawan (Kuala Lumpur)

Note: Curry laksa is a Malaysian classic. It’s basically a thick, spicy coconut-based broth filled with chicken, shrimp, bean sprouts, fried tofu puffs and noodles (I prefer rice vermicelli – meehoon – in my curry laksa). This dish is rapidly gaining popularity around the world (when visiting Australia last year, I saw restaurants in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney that actually specialise in laksa!) and that’s not surprising. Curry laksa is absolutely divine (when it’s done well!). It’s so good that Malaysia and Singapore often bicker about who invented it first!

I can certainly recommend the curry laksa served in Chawan. This restaurant in the swanky Kuala Lumpur suburb of Bangsar is popular with both locals and foreigners. It’s an updated version of a typical Malaysian ‘coffee-shop’ (kopitiam) which serves a variety of classic Malaysian dishes (I can also recommend the nasi lemak). The interior is minimalist trendy (i.e. concrete benches, wooden chairs & a plain cement floor) and the service is friendly and efficient.

Read more Culinary Journey articles:

• Cala Sant Viçenc
• Palma de Mallorca
• Whitsunday islands
• Amsterdam
• Hamburg
• Punta Arenas
• Easter island
• Portland
• Valparaiso

What

Where: Restaurante Modesto, Cala Sant Vicenç, Mallorca.

Note: Cala Sant Vicenç is a small hamlet in the northwest of Mallorca, with a gorgeous crystal-clear, turquoise cove and a small sandy beach. The houses hug the hillsides and offer a magnificent vista of the daunting cliff face of the Formentor peninsula.

Modesto is a lovely restaurant with friendly and enthusiastic staff. The Iberico ham was simply exquisite – the best we had on this trip to Mallorca. We also ordered a delicious bottle of organic red wine from the local Can Majoral estate.

Modesto

Cala Sant Vicenç

What:

Where: Caballito de Mar (Palma de Mallorca, Balearic islands, Spain)

Notes: The tuna was perfectly seared and the combination with the fresh garden leaves, pear, avocado and cucumber was beautiful. The ginger dressing was an excellent touch, giving the tuna a delightfully spicy edge.

Caballito de Mar is a popular restaurant located just off Palma de Mallorca’s harbourfront. The restaurant specialises in seafood and Majorcan wines. The seafood is incredibly fresh – another highlight of my meal here was the magnificent seabass baked in sea salt. Absolutely divine!

Read more Culinary Journey articles:

• Whitsunday islands
• Amsterdam
• Hamburg
• Punta Arenas
• Easter island
• Portland
• Valparaiso

Courtesy of Alex Wild Photography

What: Green tree ant

Where: Whitsunday islands (Queensland, Australia)

Note: I got the unique opportunity to taste a green tree ant during a bushwalk on one of the Whitsunday islands. Our guide took us on a walk around the island to get acquainted with the vegetation and to show us how the Aboriginals utilised the different types of plants and trees. We stopped at a tree and our guide pointed out the hundreds of tree ants on the branches. He gently picked up one of the ants and showed us its lime-green butt. Seems the Aboriginals used the juices from the ant’s butt as a sort of medicine or aphrodisiac. He asked if anyone wanted to taste the juices and I volunteered. I gave the ant’s butt a quick lick and it tasted like a concentrated lime sherbet. I’m serious. That was a first for me: licking a tree ant’s butt! That’s why I love to travel. The experiences are priceless!

Read about Whitehaven beach, a truly enchanting spot.

Read more Culinary Journey articles:

• Amsterdam
• Hamburg
• Punta Arenas
• Easter island
• Portland
• Valparaiso

What:

Where: Odessa (Amsterdam, the Netherlands: my home!)

Notes: Odessa is a beautiful restaurant housed in a boat that is moored along the Veemkade, in the eastern corner of Amsterdam’s harbour. The views across the harbour are gorgeous.

The Vietnamese-like springroll stuffed with duck confit and seaweed was absolutely delicious whilst the soy mayonnaise that accompanied it gave it a subtle Asian flavour. We paired the starters with an equally beautiful, lightly-chilled Pinot Nero from northern Italy’s Süd Tirol region. Read more ‘Culinary Journey‘ articles.

What

Where: Friesen Keller (Hamburg, Germany)

Note: The Friesen Keller is a typical Hamburg restaurant with efficient and friendly service, and hearty portions. The restaurant also has an outdoor terrace which boasts fantastic views of Hamburg’s famous landmark, the Rathaus. Late-spring is asparagus season and the Friesen Keller serves it with a variety of meats (including the ubiquitous schnitzel) and fish.

The asparagus with fresh smoked salmon was delicious. The wine that accompanied it, a German Riesling, was simply beautiful and came in a gorgeous tear-shaped bottle.

What:

Where: Remezón (Punta Arenas, Chile).

Note: Patagonia is not only famous for its stunning nature. I soon discovered that the food is amazing too. Fresh seafood can be found everywhere whilst game is plentiful. Punta Arenas boasts several top-notch restaurants, amongst which, Remezón. It’s a cosy restaurant with friendly service and specialises in Patagonian cuisine. They’re generous with the pisco sour and serve only the freshest seafood and meats. Highly recommended!

Read more on velvet escape’s Culinary Journey or about my trip to Patagonia.

Tuna sashimi

What: tuna sashimi with rice and a carrot/cabbage salad

Where: Taverne du Pescheur (Hanga Roa, Easter Island, Chile)

Note: The Taverne du Pescheur is a quaint restaurant at the small harbour of Hanga Roa, the only town on Easter Island. The owner, a temperamental but entertaining Frenchman (who, seriously, looked like Obelix), remarked that he had the best fish restaurant in town, and since there’s no other town within a radius of several thousand kilometers, his restaurant was the best in an area that’s 55 million square kilometers big (that’s more than twice the size of Russia mind you!). Tuna – there are loads of them in the surrounding waters – dominates every menu in every restaurant in town. Since the owner boasted that the tuna was so fresh, “straight from the boat in the harbour across the road to my kitchen and to your plate”, I decided to order the tuna sashimi. It was awesome – both the size of the dish (I’m sure they could’ve made two tuna steaks from that single serving of sashimi!) and the freshness of the fish. This was serious ‘melt-in-your-mouth’ tuna sashimi!

Read more about Easter Island and other posts on velvet escape’s Culinary Journey.

In the past ten years, however, wines from the ‘new world’ (these include Chile, Argentina, South Africa, the United States, Australia and New Zealand), have grown tremendously in popularity. Over the years, as wine-making techniques improved, these ‘new world’ wine producers have brought a wide array of quality wines to the market. I started ‘researching’ (that’s a good word ) ‘new world’ wines quite a few years ago and since then I’ve become a huge fan of wines from, especially, Australia, Chile and South Africa. When I eventually got the chance to travel through these countries, visits to various wineries naturally became a part of the itinerary. What I encountered were gorgeous wineries in breathtaking surroundings, and wines that were truly sublime. One of my favourite wine memories is of sipping a magnificent, full-bodied Viljoensdrift Pinotage on a shady terrace with a view across the vineyards and the tranquil Breede River in the Robertson Valley (South Africa). Heavenly!

For this article, I’ve picked five wineries in the Southern Hemisphere which I’ve visited in the past two years. These wineries produce a variety of delicious wines in a beautiful setting.

1. Boschendal (South Africa)

This winery is located in the Western Cape, halfway between the historic towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek . The lovely Cape Dutch buildings form a stark contrast with the rugged Groot Drakenstein mountains in the background. The scenery is indeed breathtaking. You can combine a wine-tasting here with a delicious lunch under the shady trees with a view of the mountains. One of the most intriguing wines produced here is a Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend.

2. Montes (Chile)

The wines produced at this estate are arguably some of Chile’s finest. Located in the charming, hilly Colchagua Valley, this winery features a hyper-modern central building designed by a team of Chile’s most renowned architects, and an impressive cellar. The Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc are absolutely divine!

3. Domaine Chandon (Australia)

Situated in the Yarra Valley, just east of Melbourne, the Domaine Chandon estate (of the famous Möet & Chandon name) produces an exclusive selection of beautiful sparkling wines (you can’t call it champagne if it doesn’t originate from the region of Champagne in France). The verdant rolling hills form a gorgeous setting for this estate with its signature Victorian manor.

4. Errazuriz (Chile)

Errazuriz is one of Chile’s most prominent families and they own several high-profile wineries in the Aconcagua Valley. Fed by the molten snow from South America’s highest peak (Mt. Aconcagua), the historic Errazuriz estate boasts a variety of beautiful wines including the Merlot and Shiraz.

5. Bodega Ruca Malen (Argentina)

Ruca Malen is located south of Argentina’s wine capital, Mendoza. The scenery is truly magnificent: row upon row of vines with the awe-inspiring snowy peaks of the Andes mountains as the backdrop. This winery produces a selection of delicious Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec blend is also noteworthy. You can opt to combine a wine-tasting with a gourmet seven-course lunch, whilst enjoying the breathtaking view of the Andes. I highly recommend it!

This is but a small selection of wineries that have made the biggest impression on me. There are so many more. If you’ve been to an amazing winery in any of these ‘new world’ wine countries, please feel free to share your experience here.

What:

Where: Lyn’s home (Blue Mountains, Australia)

Note: Ok, not a restaurant this time. I had this amazing meal at the home of Lyn, a dear friend of mine, up in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. The incredibly tender rack of lamb was marinated with coriander while the sublime Thai green salad consisted of baby lettuce, rocket, basil, bean sprouts, green beans, coriander and mint, and dressed with lime juice, fish sauce and finely chopped red chillies. We had a zesty Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc to accompany the meal. Result: an awesome lunch I will not easily forget! Why isn’t Lyn a chef?!!

Read more on velvet escape’s Culinary Journey.

What:

Where: Jake’s Famous Crawfish (Portland, Oregon, U.S.A.)

Note: I thought the crawfish served in this rather touristy but very popular restaurant were good, though not as good as the stuff you can get in New Orleans! A good friend of mine who lives there had a look at this photo and went “Pfifff, nothin’ beats ‘Naw-lins’ crawfish!”. I later found another place in Portland with great crawfish: My Brother’s Crawfish. I loved Portland! Fantastic scenery, great food, vibrant nightlife and free-pour G&T’s for a dollar! Awesome!

Read more on velvet escape’s Culinary Journey.

What:

Where: Café Turri (Valparaiso, Chile).

Note: The combination of the freshest prawns and scallops with a light whisky sauce and a sprinkling of cumin seeds was absolutely divine! The Montes Alpha (my favourite Chilean vineyard) Sauvignon Blanc that accompanied this starter was sublime! Café Turri is a beautiful restaurant perched somewhat precariously on the edge of one of Valparaiso’s many hills. The restaurant’s terrace offers stunning views of the bay and the brightly coloured homes of this gorgeous city. It’s a bit touristy but the food is amazing and the views are spectacular.

Read more on velvet escape’s Culinary Journey.

Read about the colourful murals of Valparaiso.

What:

Where: Bu Oka (Ubud, Bali, Indonesia)

Note: The roasted pork is served with rice, vegetables and pickles on a bamboo platter. Bu Oka is an institution in Ubud and is wildly popular amongst both locals and tourists. Read more on Bali.

Read more on velvet escape’s Culinary Journey.

Where: The Mussel Bar, Fremantle, Western Australia. Fremantle is an ocean-side town with gorgeous heritage buildings, a 20-minute train ride from Perth.

Note: The oysters were incredibly fresh and, coupled with a light cucumber and mint salsa, were absolutely divine! I could only afford two . The Mussel Bar is situated at Fremantle’s harbour front and offers a wide variety of high-quality seafood in a classy setting.

Read about my trip to Perth in “An Unexpectedly Cool City“.

Read more Culinary Journey articles:

• Castellar del Riu, Catalonia
• Bali
• Air Asia
• Kuala Lumpur
• Cala Sant Viçenc
• Palma de Mallorca
• Whitsunday islands
• Amsterdam
• Hamburg
• Punta Arenas
• Easter island
• Portland
• Valparaiso

This post marks the beginning of a new series: velvet escape’s Culinary Journey. It features a selection of culinary highlights during my travels. It also gives me the opportunity to finally put my heaps of food photos to some use

What: fresh Patagonian lobster with citrus fruits and a light mint vinaigrette.

Where: Remezón (Punta Arenas, Chile).

Note: the lobster was so fresh and tasty, it was just perfect on its own. Remezón is a cosy restaurant with friendly service and specialises in Patagonian cuisine. They’re generous with the pisco sour and serve only the freshest seafood. Highly recommended!

Read more on velvet escape’s Culinary Journey.