Colourful start to gourmet fest

By CHIN MUI YOON

FINE food brings together fine company as seen at the recent launch of the KL International Gourmet Festival 2005. 

Guests attending the gala launch at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur were dressed to impress, stirring the senses as much as the presentation of food from 23 restaurants did. 

Royal patron Tuanku Naquiyuddin ibni Tuanku Jaafar was his usual dapper self and festival chairman Steve Day jokingly said his fondness for good food had hardly altered his slim figure. 

Models Bianca Bloomfield and Madalina Ionescu turned heads in their sexy dresses, while the familiar faces of celebrities like Fear Factor Malaysias host Samser Sidhu, who was accompanied by Jasmine Kamal, could be seen. 

(From left) Raja Diana, Raja Bahrin and Ismail were among the guests present.

“What a fine event the gourmet festival is, as it unites all those who love fine food and is also a place to appreciate exotic food, fine wines, coffee and cigars,” said Ismail. 

“We are taking this opportunity to introduce to food connoisseurs the pairing of beers and fine food,” said Guinness Anchor Marketing Sdn Bhd assistant brand manager Colin Chung. 

The festival also coincides with the introduction of the 1.5liter bottle of Heineken in Malaysia. 

“We hope more people who enjoy good food will better appreciate how beer can go well with just about any type of food,” added Chung. 

Heineken is the official beer for the gourmet festival and will be served at all 23 restaurants participating in the event.