Eat Drink & More

Last night I was privileged enough to be invited to Starwood Hotels’ launch of their one-stop online portal for their branded food and beverage and spa concepts aptly named Eat Drink & More. "A portal where guests can find fun, fresh and unique lifestyle concepts including food and beverage, spa, weddings, events and more at a touch of their fingertip". We were introduced to a sampler of culinary diversity from both Le Meridien and Westin. It was a night of showcasing the finest both hotels have to offer and I must say, even for jaded ol' me, I was slightly impressed at the attention to detail.

We started at the lower lobby with a brief introduction by General Manager of Westin Malaysia, Kim Powley. He announces that the newly launched portal will be the first time you're able to make a “live” reservation online. I went to check it out. www.eatdrinkandmore.com. The page is easy to navigate and the search options are thorough. I punched in Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur under hotel and Favola, Prime and Latest Recipe turned up immediately. Reservations are limited to two to six diners. You would still have to call the restaurant directly for single diners and bigger groups. You are told immediately if there are vacancies available and you will be prompted to continue with the reservation. I also like the box for additional information which is useful if you have any requests such as a non-smoking table. I am surprised there isn't that option actually. Apart from the dizzying array of eats, there are also spas to browse to make sure you get a complete sensory experience.

The event began at Favola. Loved the Vibetini cocktail! A delicious concoction of vodka, lychee, midori, and cherry. It was cleverly kept cool with an iced disc which was both pretty and functional. We sampled gorgeous anti-pasti from Favola’s crudo bar. Followed by some jaw-droppingly delicious array of goodies from Latest Recipe. I think I am not alone when I say that the wagyu with polenta and cocoa was the best dish of the night. I love the presentation and attention to detail which I guess only the best of the best hotels can offer. It kind of makes me want to have my wedding all over again. Then it was off to Eest where sipped Jing tea and calmed our stomachs before eating more goodies like skewered kobe and foie gras in a sweet and sour sauce, prawn and black truffle har gow and miniature yam basket filled with prawn and mango. Next was the lively and family-oriented Prego where we had mini lobster pizzas, foie gras terrine on toast and spaghetti aglio olio served in paper boxes. Finally, it was Qba where a spread of alcohol-fuelled desserts were waiting. They have churros with hot chocolate! Brings back fond memories. What a night!

Thank you Cheryl for the invitation and thank you to the Westin & Le Meridien for hosting such a well-organised event. Below, a brief overview of the restaurants we visited extracted from the press kit.

Favola

Made to share. Favola has a distinct, cosy and reustic feeling of home in Italy. The restaurant menu reveals simple yet classic Italian fare.

Pretty in pink martini; baby mozarella balls in pesto sauce; assortment of goodies await at Favola's crudo bar

Latest Recipe

An all-day contemporary restaurant featuring new and old recipes of the Eastern and Western gastronomic delights that change daily.

Tender melt-in-the-mouth wagyu with polenta and dusted with cocoa; beautifully presentation throughout, attention to detail; smoked salmon with soba noodles beautifully presented in a ketupat shell.

EEST

A fun-filled restaurant serving up pure Asian culture, focusing flavours and recipes. In its five, varied open Asian kitchens. With Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and Malay cuisines presented with a modern twist, the fine dining experience at EEST is a reflection of a modern day culinary adventure.

Har gow with a twist; delicious crackers bejewelled with salmon roe and herbs; wagyu rendang in a crispy wafer cone.

Prego

A casual and comfortable restaurant to bring the whole family, featuring straightforward yet extensive authentic Italian fare. The relaxed yet vibrant setting is perfect for enjoying a meal with a healthy dash of fun at unbelievable affordable prices.

Silky smooth and decadent foie gras terrine on lightly toasted bread; pumpkin tortellini dressed simply in aged balsamic; cod risotto with parmesan foam.

Qba

A sizzling steak restaurant with Latin American flavours and vibrant hotspot. From the magnificent interior to the live Latin band performances, authentic Latin American cuisines and premium steaks, the biggest Cuban rum collection to the cigar selection – Qba Latin Bar & Grill lets you have a taste of what is a multi-level Latin American experience.

White chocolate-coated egg nog popsicles; a tray of tacos for those that were still peckish; Chef of Qba posing with assortment of alcohol-fuelled popsicles.

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