Dec 5, 2013

Samplings on the Fourteenth @ Berjaya Time Square Hotel KL


The festive mood is alive and the merriest time of the year is approaching. Christmas! Are you excited? I am!

Samplings on the Fourteenth

On the eve of Christmas this year, Samplings on the Fourteenth will showcase a simple 4 course Christmas menu, creatively crafted for the occasion, by the restaurant's Chef de Cuisine, Chef Val.

At Rm158++ per person, the dinner feast comes with 3 appetizers, a main course of either Roast turkey, Lamb shank or Pan seared cod, followed by desserts, petit four and the standard coffee or tea.


Located on the 14th floor of Berjaya Times Square, Samplings on the Fourteenth exudes an elegant yet comfortable; modern and sleek setting. I was exceptionally enthralled by the sight of our tastefully decorated, Christmasy table that I will be dining on that lovely Friday night.


Drinks


Smoked Salmon and Prawn Salad

 

There was a medley of exquisite goodies happening on the plate, I really couldn't decide which I like most!

Thick helpings of delicately sliced smoked salmon, fragile-looking tomato tart with prawns made succulent and a splatter of caviar and fish roe at the side.

What a great way to start dinner!

Cream of Pumpkin Soup


One of the creamiest and richest pumpkin soup I've had! Knowing that there will be a full feast after this, I was careful not to overindulge. 

Minted Watermelon Sorbet 


Why is sorbet served mid-meal you'd ask?

Meant to be an intermezzo or an entrĂ©e to cleanse the palate between meals, this minted watermelon sorbet was a simple yet refreshing treat to my pumpkin infused taste buds at that time.

 Christmas Roast Turkey


What is Christmas without turkey right?

The roasted turkey was served with bacon-wrapped sage and onion stuffing, roasted potatoes, buttered Brussels sprouts and garnished with sticks of baby carrots and a choice of cranberry and apple sauce at the side.

Oddly, the highlight of the dish for me was the bacon wrapped sage with onion stuffing, that came with sweet and lightly toasted chestnuts on the top. Every mouthful was wicked - great textures and flavours. The roast turkey was a little too firm and a tad dry for my liking. It could've do with a little more brown sauce.

Slow Roasted Lamb Shank with Rosemary Jus 


 

I was thrilled at the sight of that massive lamb shank, glistening with rosemary jus and looking utterly tempting like that. I couldn't wait to dig in. 

The lamb was marvellous - juicy and tender. The savoury parmesan polenta - something which I haven't had in the longest time, did not disappoint also. For those unfamiliar with polenta, it's texture resembles that of a finer version of couscous - if that rings a bell. 

My favourite pick amongst the three mains.

Pan Seared Cod


The pan seared cod was a darling - fresh, moist and nicely seasoned. Topped with potato and leek mash made fine, and served with a jumbo of wild mushrooms, cured cherry tomato and olive tart with saffron nage, then drizzled with a light cream sauce.

Chestnut Mille Feuille


An assortment of seductive desserts - chestnut mille feuille, cinnamon ice cream served with a caramelized sugar spike, orange flavoured Christmas fruitcake and a strawberry. I was moving from one dessert to another, on every other spoonful! 

I had a great time nibbling on the cinnamon ice cream - pleasantly sweet with just a hint of cinnamon. The fancy mille feuille could've been a little more crisp-light - a little soggy by the time I got to it and I didn't exactly fancy the Christmas fruitcake either, personal preference no less.

Christmas Petit Four

 

Earlier during the night, while I took photographs of the opened-kitchen, I watched Chef Val and his team plate-up dishes, looking extremely engrossed and serious like that. I thought - this must be one cranky chap.

Later did I know, when Chef Val made an appearance at our table towards the end of our meal, it turned out that he was exactly the opposite. Charming and hilarious!

 

Overall: 7/10 for the tantalizing Christmas feast and also my first taste of turkey this year!

Also available on Christmas eve, Big Apple Restaurant will be running an X'mas all-day buffet line up at Rm108++ (adult) and Rm58++ (child). You may also pre-order your takeaway turkey at Rm298++ (3-4kg), 2 days in advance notice please. On Christmas day itself, a festive spread of brunch goodies will be made available, priced at Rm75++ (adult) and Rm38++ (child).

Come New Year's eve, Big Apple Restaurant will once again feature a buffet of international cuisine, including a series of food stalls serving your all time favourites, at Rm108++ (adult) and Rm58++ (child). There will also be a New Year's eve countdown party at the Broadway Lounge. To make way for the late night party-goers, the New Year's day brunch will run through to 4.00pm at the Big Apple Restaurant.

To book a reservation online, via TABLEAPP, click Here.

For phone reservations:
Samplings on the Fourteenth: +603 2117 8000
Big Apple Restaurant: +603 2117 8133
Broadway Lounge: +603 2117 8127

Samplings on the Fourteenth is located at:
Level 14, Berjaya Times Square, 1 Jalan Imbi, 55100 KL Malaysia.

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