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Malaysia Chapitre

Bailliage of Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, October 10, 2020

Truly an evening of fine dining
" The memorable night was rounded off with a vote of sincere thanks to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre "

The National Bailliage’s Gala at the KL Convention Centre was a spectacular soiree with a difference this year - a “Standard Operating Procedure” (SOP) twist!

For many of the Chaîne members and guests, the wonderful balmy Saturday evening brought back memories of old school days, being separated according to strict government legislated regulations of chairs being spaced at one metre distance! The enforcement of precautions was as strict as in any examination lecture hall!

This was, of course, simply due to the extraordinary viral times we are living in, at home, nationally and globally. Who knew that this year we would encounter lockdown and the “new normal” - masks, alcohol not to drink but to rub, “Zoom” meetings, isolation hotels, hospitality industry shutdowns, curfews, police roadblocks and “Movement Control Orders” throughout Malaysia, from March 17th till this present day! Whatever next for 2021!?

Unfortunately International Vice-President Marie Jones, our designated Inducting Officer, was locked down in Europe. We were proud to welcome our very own auspicious stand in, Bailli Délégué Datuk Dr JS Sambhi of Kuala Lumpur!

A gallant 17 Chaine members were inducted and promoted at a unique ceremony - on stage, new Chaîne candidates bore large grins behind bemasked visages. They refrained from physically shaking hands, instead nodding to National Council members, uttering a muffled happy ‘Terima Kasih (Thank you)’ at each induction!

There was the traditional annual Chaîne group photo, before proceedings moved on to pre-dinner drinks .. with a difference! SOP fizz served to bemused guests seated at the exquisitely decorated tables according to the rule of law!

Chaîne diners were grateful to attend such an illustrious black-tie function after being “incarcerated” at home for so long, starved of fine dining and fellowship. They fully co-operated with the efficient, patient KL Convention Centre staff protocols, donning masks, using hand sanitisers, and socialising at distance in the opulently decorated ballroom.

Before dinner, there transpired ‘bitter-sweet’. Firstly a special presentation of her 10-year Silver Commandeur to Julie Tan See Peck. This was followed by a solemn eulogy to the late Dato Mac Saw Eng Lock, a valued, longtime honoured member in Malaysia, delivered by Datuk Dr Sambhi, accompanied by a symphonically classical tribute.

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“Canapés”
Asian flavour quail rillettes with grape seaweed
Applewood smoked salmon
Cono Sur ‘Tocornal’ Sauvignon Blanc - Chile

“Trio of foie gras”
Cherries aspic marble terrine | Truffle foie gras egg custard
Duck Pithivier
Placido Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie - Italy

Roasted butternut bisque
smoked cheddar and beef bacon rösti
cardamom flavour crème fraiche
Placido Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie - Italy

“Sole to Soul”
Sole fillet and scallop
wilted sissoo, seafood coral nantua espuma
Sacred Hill Whitecliff Marlborough Pinot Noir
Hawkes Bay New Zealand

Copra lemongrass and lime sherbet

Butter aged fillet of beef
porcini perfume, glazed charcuterie
gateau de pommes de terre, fragrant jus
Evans & Tate Shiraz - Margaret River Australia
OR
Cod fillet with beurre fondue
Swiss chard beignet, crustacean rouille
royale of potato and fennel, fumet “jus gras” style
Sacred Hill Whitecliff Marlborough Pinot Noir
Hawkes Bay New Zealand

Spiced marinated lychee
rosewater namelaka, pistachio raspberry marble
Dr Loosen Dry Riesling - Mosel Valley, Germany

Freshly brewed coffee or tea
Petit four
Cognac and Scotch Whisky

The memorable night was rounded off with a vote of sincere thanks to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, and accolades to the masterful orchestrator that is the Bailli Délégué Dr JS Sambhi. All before the merry Chaîne members of Malaysia returned home in time for lockdown, movement control order and other constricting restrictions!

Truly an evening of fine dining etched in our corona reminiscences!

Dr Robin Sambhi
Chargé de Presse

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