The return of the Desaru Coast signature dining programme, Gourmet Series – A Malaysian Journey, was met with much excitement as guests embarked on a culinary journey amidst breathtaking views of the South China Sea.
Chef Johnson Wong, founder of gēn Penang, a Select Restaurant in this year’s guide, and Communal Table by gēn, helmed the first of the three-part series, presenting two intimate dinner seatings on 26 and 27 May, as well as a brunch offering on 28 May, themed Straits Food Redefined.Chef Wong served up degustation menu featuring playful and inventive elevations of Peranakan classics for the dinners and collaborated with Fahdrul Abd Malek, the executive chef of Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas for an indulgent 20 course meal prepared in a four-hand style, for the seaside brunch.
Guests were treated to a delightful array of dishes and enjoyed some distinctive tastes including succulent oysters with cucumber broth, herb oil and floral vinegar, and the familiar spice of nyonya acar with the added twist of whipped tofu and house bread. Also on the menu were Char-grilled prawns with a coconut butter sauce infused with gula melaka, tender racks of lamb and rendang tok braised lamb cutlets, nasi ulam with salted duck egg and so much more.
As an integral part of the dinner, guests also enjoyed wine pairings by Moët & Chandon, with selections from Whispering Angel and Terrazas de los Andes, handpicked by our sommelier.
Series II of the 2023 Gourmet Series takes place in September at One&Only Desaru Coast, and features Chef Su Kim Hock partnering with Chef Johnson Wong to create an exceptional six-hands dining experience. Series III, which happens in November will be helmed by Chef Raymond Tham at the Big Easy Bar & Grill, The Els Club Desaru Coast.
For information on the event, and to find out more about the destination and its unique offerings, please visit Desaru Coast’s website. For bookings, please contact Desaru Coast Concierge at +6016 771 7442 or +6016 913 0813.