When it comes to gratifying food, Malaysia fortunately never runs scarce. But beyond this culinary exuberance, certainly not many can brag about having had offbeat or peculiar once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences that extend past the confines of traditional sit-down settings.
And if you are convinced that a mere dinner with a picturesque sunset view is just about as out of the box as it gets, be prepared to have your mind and palate blown as the phrase ‘dining with a view’ takes on a whole new meaning at Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur for a limited time only.
“How do we make dreams come true?,” was the question that sparked this whole idea, and creative mastermind cum award-winning global interior designer Emma Maxwell incontestably delivered with her intergalactic awesomeness through this one-of-a-kind pop-up restaurant, Find your Lucky Star.
Let us first put it out there that we walked up to the Pavilion’s Lounge at Sheraton Imperial KL with zero expectations, only to come across an elephant in the room – a black rectangular box splattered with gold constellations. Little did we know that what lay inside was about to be embedded in our minds forever.
Conceptualised in under three weeks, within the box contained a 12-seater mirrored table with accompanying chairs and adorning the space were eclectically shaped candlelit bubble glass light fixtures hanging from the ceiling. While all that is expected, what completed the magical setting were the ethereal light projections and equally evocative music.
This otherworldly experience involves silhouettes of clouds and tree tops casted onto the table, floor and four walls, and while you dine, the dark void transforms into an interstellar journey across space, ornamented with a shimmering night sky and shooting stars, as if we were transported into a galaxy far, far away a la Star Wars.
The mesmerising affair obviously doesn’t end there as its celebratory menus are no less spectacular, brought to you by two talented chefs, Chef Francois Mermilliod of Singaporean French dining restaurant Bar-A-Thym (from 12 to 16 December) as well as Chef Gaetano Di Stefano of Villa Danieli at Sheraton Imperial KL (from 17 to 29 December).
Drawing inspiration from European flavours, the 4-course lunch and 6-course dinner menu with wine pairing or non-alcoholic mocktails showcases the two chefs’ signature dishes and finesse, allowing diners to gratifyingly savour these exquisite offerings at their own accord within the bounds of the fantastical box.
Fortunate enough to have sampled Find your Lucky Star within the first few days of its launch, we were left delighted by Chef Mermilliod’s finely crafted menu featuring French dishes embellished with an Asian twist. Think Japanese and Thai touches on French cuisine that convey well-balanced and refreshing yet rich flavours executed flawlessly.
With an elaborate 6-course dinner menu such as this, it’s pretty much standard to anticipate hiccups but we were left pleasantly impressed from one course to another throughout. Though the fusion of various ingredients utilised by Chef Mermilliod seems complex, the textures and tastes remain clean and distinctly refined.
Take the first course for instance. Albeit naturally pungent in taste and aroma, the flavours of the Ceviche of Yellow-Fin Tuna are refreshingly counterbalanced with the clever use of fruit, namely a fresh and tangy Yuzu Ponzu Dressing and an Apple Fennel Salad. The result is a greatly appetising treat that leaves you hankering for more once wiped clean.
If we had to pick a favourite from the menu, the clear winner would have to be the Seared Scampi, Angel Hair, Hokkaido Sea-Urchin and Sakura Ebi. The divine explosion of umami flavours was hard to pay no heed to, and the lightly seared scampi, which, mind you, is so easily susceptible to overcooking, had its freshness and moistness beautifully retained.
Don’t fret if you’ve missed out on Chef Mermilliod’s menu as we’re sure Villa Danieli’s Chef Gaetano would, too, do Find your Lucky Star justice with his Italian cuisine. Promising an authentic Italian taste, the highlight includes the baked turbot with braised Mediterranean vegetables, sea urchin foam and tomato vanilla sauce.
Admittedly, we completely lost regard for time and, truthfully, responsibilities, during our Find your Lucky Star dining experience. The accompanying playlist which was thoughtfully handpicked to complement the mystical energy within the box didn’t do much help either. It truly was a breathtaking dining experience unlike any other.
Limited to 12 seats per session for a limited time only from 12 to 29 December 2017, the mystical Find Your Lucky Star dining experience is priced as follows – RM238 nett for a 4-course lunch with wine pairing or RM188 nett with mocktail; and RM438 nett for a 6-course dinner with wine pairing or RM388 nett with mocktail.
Available for only two sessions per day with a minimum booking of two persons, do contact +603-27179027 or luckystar@sheraton.com for reservations early to avoid disappointments. All SPG, Marriott Rewards and Club Marriott members alongside group bookings of 12 persons are entitled to a 15% discount.
Access www.pavilionslounge.com or www.sheratonimperialkualalumpur.com for additional details. Alternatively, check out the Find your Lucky Star playlist on Spotify for a little teaser to the experience that awaits you.
