One chef alone can make a dish, but it takes a team (of chefs, in this case) to create an unforgettable dining experience. That is precisely what took place at PARKROYAL Langkawi recently as the five-star hotel hosted a one-of-a-kind wine pairing dinner at its Lancava Restaurant in collaboration with the acclaimed Michelin Selected Sambal Restaurant from Georgetown, Penang and Australian wine producer, Penfolds.
Both modern fusion restaurants, PARKROYAL’s Lancava blends the richness of fresh, locally sourced produce with the vibrant and nuanced flavours of Mediterranean cuisine; whereas Sambal pays homage to the essence of Asian cuisine with a hint of an European flair. The six-course dinner featured creative culinary delights from both Lancava and Sambal under the direction of Chef Kelvin Lee (Lancava) and Chef Ching from Sambal, with each course beautifully complemented by prestigious Penfolds wines.
The evening took off with a welcome drink, with guests being treated to glasses of full-flavoured Penfolds Bin 211 Chardonnay, 2018, which set a welcoming tone for the night. Later, a tantalising selection of four canapés were served alongside the Penfolds Bin 138 Shiraz Grenache Mataro, 2017. These canapés offered an explosion of diverse flavours, comprising the Daun Kaduk with Butternut Pumpkin and Bunga Kantan (Lancava), Melon with Feta Cheese and Mint (Lancava), Nyonya Chicken Tartlets (Sambal), and Ika Crispy Pie Tee (Sambal).
A duo of appetisers that came next, paired with the well-balanced and creamy Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, 2020. The refreshing Cucumber Lychee Ceviche (Lancava) comprised of thinly sliced cucumber ribbons tinged with sweet lychee juice and topped with dried lychee, whereas the Crab with Caviar (Sambal) was a flavour bomb on the taste buds, encompassing a generous portion of shredded crab meat tossed with a clever use of Asian-focused ingredients like bunga kantan for a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dish.
The main course featured the elegant Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz, 2018, paired with a hearty twosome of Beef with Grain Mustard and Gherkin Relish (Lancava), and Coconut Ribbon with Chicken in Rambutan Curry (Sambal). Tender and flavourful yet well-balanced on the palate, the beef pastrami (cured beef brisket) was an absolute delight, particularly when accompanied with the three sauces and gherkin relish on the side. Additionally, the clear coconut ribbons that creatively mimicked the mouthfeel of noodles were a pleasure to slurp up as each ribbon was coated in a rich and savoury rambutan curry that had a tinge of sweetness lingering at the end of each bite.
Highlighting the evening were the Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018, and the Penfolds Grange, 2016, two wines served at once to bring out the complexity of flavours from the Basmati Rice in Ocean Broth with Dry Scallop, a collaborative dish from both Lancava and Sambal. The ocean broth was a true labour of love, with an array of marine fare like crab, clams, prawns, and fish, steamed for hours to gradually release the concentrated seafood juices for a delicate, aromatic, and nourishing broth with a mellow sweetness punching through.
Capping off the wine pairing event was the Penfolds Grandfather Rare Tawny, 20 Years, that demonstrated a magical mix of age, structure, strength, and complexity in every sip, complementing the Swiss Roll (Sambal) and White Chocolate Kaya Ganache (Lancava). The light Swiss roll was sandwiched between two white chocolate coins and served on top of a bed of white chocolate kaya ganache – a decadent treat presenting a harmony of indulgent flavours that wasn’t at all cloying.
Alongside the two chefs who were the stars of the show, the wine pairing dinner was graced by Zoe Gan, the Luxury Sales Manager, Malaysia for Penfolds Sales Growth Markets, who shared her expertise on the curated selection of wines featured for the evening. Her expert commentary on each wine pairing further enriched the evening’s experience, enabling us to have a deeper appreciation for the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of each delectable bottle of wine varietal.
Moving forward, Lancava of PARKROYAL Langkawi Resort will continue to extend exceptional dining experiences through various events.
For updates about these upcoming events, visit PARKROYAL Langkawi Resort’s official website or follow the hotel on Instagram.
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