THIS year’s ‘Wine and Dine’ event at Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort kicked off with guest chef, Michele Guliizi from Park Royal Saigon bringing his culinary skills to the Italian Bistro.
General manager Datuk Hendrik Elsing said Guliizi and the Italian Bistro team would serve diners an exclusive four-course menu accompanied by wines selected specially for each dish by renowned wine-maker, De Bortoli.
The authentic Italian flavours of the evening began with Carpaccio di Capesante Carpaccio di Capesante con Mango, Avocado e Limoncello Vinaigrette.
Lasagna di Funghi Olio, one of the Italian delicacies offered at Italian Bistro, Hyatt Regency Kuantan.The entree consisted of sea scallop Carpaccio, Mango and Avocado salad with Lemoncello Vinaigrette.
The light, sweet and sour piece sets the tone for the evening.
“No Italian meal is complete without a truly Italian dish,” Guliizi said.
The Lasagna di Funghi Olio al Tartufo, Timo, Salsa al Parmiggiano (Mushroom Lasagna, Truffle Oil, Thyme, Parmesan Cheese Sauce) was the Italian signature before the main dish.
The earthly smell of truffle was toned down by the strong Parmesan cheese and mushroom that produced a smooth combination of exact smoothness.
The diners also indulged in the Sorbetto di Anguria e Campari (Watermelon Campari Sherbet).
“Campari was chosen for its distinct bitter aftertaste and colour.
“True Campari lovers attribute this to the crushed chochineal insects which also give its distinctive red colour that goes very well with red watermelon.
“This superb combination of taste and colour quenches one’s thirst and more importantly, opens up more room for the appetite,” he added.
Next on the menu was the main dish and guests were given two options – Filetto di Salmone in Corsota di Frutta Secca in Padella Salsa di Broccoli, Lenticchie (Dried Fruits Crusted Salmon Fillet with Lentils and Broccoli Sauce) or Filetto di Agnello con Pomodori Secchi, Puree di Patate e Porri, e Salsa di Agnello (Lamb Loin with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Light Potato Leek Pure and Lamb Jus).
Diners will surely have a tough decision between the lamb and the salmon.
The lamb was a more subtle preference, notably for its sweet, juicy and tender meat.
Three curled-up lamb loin pieces wrapped with ham were beautifully executed with sun-dried tomatoes on the top, sitting enticingly on a sea of rich potato leek pure.
The lamb jus, extracted from the pan when the lamb was cooked, mixed incredibly well with the meat, pure and tomato to produce a superb and elegant sense of flavour and texture.
Nevertheless, both dishes reigned equal supreme with the diners as the main course of the evening.
Diners then washed down a good sip of De Bortoli Estate Grown, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005.
As for desserts, those with sweet tooth would relish on the Mousse al Cioccolato Bianco con Gelatina di Lamponi e Frutti di Bosco (White Chocolate Mousse with Raspberry Jelly and Mixed Berries).
A luxurious treat indeed for the evening.
According to food and beverage director Michael Van Ommen, the rich flavours of the evening was just a preview of the Italian Bistros new ala carte menu.
Offering a stylish yet casual dining ambience with a commanding view of the South China Sea, the Italian Bistro is open from 7pm to 11pm daily except Sundays.
For more information or to make a reservation, contact Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort at 09-518 1234.
This is the writer’s observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.
