Gourmet Safari Kuala Lumpur

The sheer number of popular restaurants and bars in Kuala Lumpur is simply overwhelming for any visitor to the capital city of Malaysia.

As an Ipohite, believe me, I am speaking from personal experience. Hence, I found out that participating in a Gourmet Safari easily eliminates the hassle of deciding where to dine, or choose what to dine on.

Kuala Lumpur’s only Gourmet Safari is organised by The Werner’s Group, which owns six F&B establishments within steps from one another in the Changkat Bukit Bintang area.

Founded by Master Chef Werner Kuhn, everyone is assured of an evening of unforgettable and exciting culinary journey should he or she decide to go on the Kuala Lumpur Gourmet Safari.

Each of the establishment has its own concept. Therefore, Gourmet Safari Kuala Lumpur offers an opportunity to experience all six concepts in one outing to enjoy gourmet dining and wine pairing. This is excellent for visitors who are on a short trip to the city.

It is said that shared experiences are more enjoyable. Gathering over not one meal but six, certainly strengthens the camaraderie among guests at the table.

Gourmet Safari kicks off at Opium KL with a cocktail of Consort Yang (gin, lychee, ginger flower, kaffir lime leaves + lemon juice) and ‘Arrival Amuse-bouche’ of Emperor’s Fore Play (Cajun prawn with mango salsa).

This is followed by a stop at Dining In The Dark where an appetiser of Four Sensual Pleasures is served…. in a pitch-black room! Food presentation (or plating) has always been an important part of serving a dish as it enhances its visual appeal.

However, when it is done in total darkness, diners have to bring up a notch their other senses, such as the sense of smell, hearing, taste, and touch.

Yes! I admit that I had to feel my way around the plate to ensure that I did not bring up an empty spoon to my mouth. It was very tricky but since it was so dark, it does not matter how one eats. There’s no one to judge you.

This makes me think that Dining In The Dark provides the perfect setting to those who are on a blind date. The couple can only converse with each other and form an opinion based on voice and intellect. Isn’t that great?

After thirty minutes dining in the dark, where we were served amazingly and competently by the visually impaired Mr. Rabha, we proceeded to The Steakhouse for the main course. I had lamb cutlet on garlic mashed and lamb jus paired with a virgin mojito while some of my friends had a beef dish paired with wine.

And then it was a walk across the street of Changkat Bukit Bintang, to El Cerdo, which has the tagline of “nose to tail eating” of the pig! We were served grilled pork shoulder steak, marinated for 48 hours in paprika, herbs, onions and garlic – with jalapeno and smoked paprika sauce. For those who drink, it was paired with Balduzzi Merlot 2014 (wine).

After so much of meat, it was time for a quickie at Black Forest. This restaurant serves authentic German cuisine – Master Chef Werner Kuhn is German, by the way. We were there only for a quickie, as said, and so, we quickly gulped down our Cherry Schnapps. Mine was a concoction of freshly squeezed lime juice with salted rim.

Finally, it was time for a nightcap at The Whisky Bar. Our Chivas Regal Extra (whisky) was paired with a special dessert by the name of Magic Liquid. A platter of strawberry, cut bananas, marshmallow and camembert cheese were served with a bowl of chocolate dip.

These bon-bons coated with chocoloate were then dipped into liquid nitrogen for not more than 15 seconds. It was definitely a unique experience for me.

As the night was still young, we proceeded to Forbidden City, located above Opium KL, for some live music. Forbidden City is also part of The Werner’s Group. Although not originally included in the Gourmet Safari, Forbidden City can be slotted in upon request. We were entertained by a three-piece band, Jamie Wilson Trio, who really rocked the house down that night.

I thought that Forbidden City is a Jazz Club but I guess members of the band, being versatile musicians, can jazz, rock, and more. All in all, it was an evening to remember.

Gourmet Safari Kuala Lumpur was introduced on 1st December, 2014. This culinary adventure can be customised to guests’ specific dietary requirements, such as pork-free dishes paired with liquor-free beverages.

For further information, ticket availability and price, contact:

Gourmet Safari Kuala Lumpur
Add: 45C, Changkat Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: +6012-2485797 / +603-21452196
Email: events@wernersgroup.com
Web: http://gourmetsafarikl.com/

This #KLFood post was made possible by Tourism Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, with much appreciation.

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