2013 Christmas Menu @ Shook!, Starhill Gallery, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

Just realized that another New Year is soon to embrace us in just the twinkling of an eye upon receiving this invitation. In conjunction with this festive mood that is ought to be celebrated high-spiritedly in order to round up the Year of 2013 fruitfully, Shook! has come up with some decadent sets catering for Christmas Eve as well as for New Year’s Eve Dinner too. The mastermind behind these voluptuous epicurean creations comes from the inspiration of its Executive Chef Rafizan alongside his aide, Sous Chef Danial, who work hand in hand in pampering the tastebud of yours.

      Sous Chef Danial

                                                                

Shook! is one exuberant choice for gourmand to savour sumptuous cross-over of European and Asean fusion sensuously . It is the pioneer here to first introduced the ‘Open-Kitchen’ concept 10 years ago and is currently housing 4 main cuisines of Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Western. 

                                                                        Japanese

                                                                     Chinese 

Italian

Western

Set against an extravagant and grandeur theme, guests are treated cozily at its comfy Kasbah couch amidst the elegant ambiance that this place exudes with some elements of ancient Roman architecture. Private room with ornament from Armani/ Casa, is also available upon request should you have any VIPs guests to entertain.

Am indeed lucky to have Mr Kamarozamna, a wine sommelier at Shook!, to walk me around and sharing some of his insights acquired along the way, since am the early bird of that night’s gourmet gustation. Thanks to him, I have now come to know of the recherché Ice Wine and it has since sparked some interest in my foodie encyclopedia indefinitely.

Some melodious tunes are also belted out by the live Jazz Band whose performance could be seen on every night. While waiting for the entrée to be served, you may first help yourself with some hearty wholemeal bread that is best eaten with the dipping of vinegar in olive oil. Interesting!

Once everyone has arrived, the night kicks off artily with Duo of Gratinated Oyster with Champagne Sabayon and Salmon and Tuna Tartar. Meals from both festive sets are served intermittently.

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The former is served on a silken texture piece of cured smoked Salmon garnished with Crab Meat and Wasabi Aioli while the latter is being tranquilly perched with diced Japanese cucumber with a Lemongrass and Mint flavored Gazpacho which are simply amazing!

These hors d'oeuvre come with the freshness from crab meat that is well paired with the wasabi mayonnaise and the spanking good French dressing of Champagne Sabayon, which I find it pretty unique on its own, as your palate gets tickled by its subtle sweetness. As for the cold Spanish soup (Yeah, you heard it right, cold soup!), it is very refreshing indeed and pleasantly minty without overdoing it whilst you could still enjoy some light creaminess of the tuna tartar.


Delighting our amazed taste buds next is the array of amuse-bouche that features their inhouse soup recipe, namely the Traditional Beef Consomme and New England Clam Chowder. 

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Each bowl is accompanied by a delicate match, in this case you can find the beef bouillon with Panna Cotta layered with Edamame Bean Puree alongside a crispy homemade chips – which I nearly mistaken the dessert-like texture as cheesecake, and the chowder unconventionally paired with Truffle flavored Ginger Muffin. The beef soup is refined indeed where you get to enjoy the essence from the broth and still get to be entertained by the mini bites of carrots and some greens which I find quite addictive. As for the clam chowder, the level of creaminess is done just nice and would be great if the seafood aroma is more apparent in it. Similarly, bites of carrots and finely chopped greens are added to it as well.

Subsequently, the dessert intermezzo makes its appearance just right after we savoured the soup. They are the combo of Passion Fruit Sorbet of the Christmas Eve set and also the LimeSorbet from the New Year’s Eve set. Both are equally delectable and appealing to the folks of sweet tooth foodophile. I personally find the Passion Fruit sorbet more appealing to me where I get to taste the refreshing citrusy of the fruit, even though it is served humbly by itself without much topping. Guess it’s just naturally ‘passionate’ in its alluring way. Not forgetting its peer of lime variant that comes with a strong hint of limy tang alongside with Grape, Ginger and Preserved Plum to tantalize you.

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Soon the first main course joins our table; Traditional Roast Turkey Roulade with Chestnut Stuffing, before ensued by Pan Seared Australian Barramundi to warm us up during this Yule time. The fish themed plate comes with al dente Squid Ink Tagliolini in a Rich Lobster Bouillon whilst the Roast Turkey, which is a must-have during Christmas, is accompanied by Cinnamon Apple Chutney, Roasted Pumpkin, Glazed Baby Carrots, Brussel Sprouts and Turkey Jus. The stuffing is good and smooth, almost resembling an evenly whipped up mashed potatoes and the fresh catch is utterly fresh and lovesome.

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The gastronomical night reach its climax when these dishes are being showcased; Oven Baked Australian Beef Tenderloin and Grilled Loin of Lamb. The delicious tenderloin is garnished with Glazed Baby Vegetables and Porcini Jus whereas the toothsome lamb loin has the accompaniment of asparagus Tips, Morel Dumplings, Saffron Potato, Gorgonzola Tortellini with Truffle Reduction. Undeniably, both festive culinary inspirations are lusciously gratifying, as you are treated to a tender well-done lamb loin as well as the succulent beef tenderloin that boasts the extremely immaculate skills of the chef. 

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Before calling it day, coffee and tea are the best selection to round up the feast gleefully. 

Below are the summary for the respective festive sets for your ease of reference. 
Available from 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. 

Shook! Christmas Eve Dinner (MYR 268 ++)
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Duo of Gratinated Oyster with Champagne Sabayon on Cured Smoked Salmon Garnished with Crab Meat and Wasabi Aioli 
***** 
New England Clam Chowder Garnished with a Truffle Flavored Ginger Muffin 
***** 
Passion Fruit Sorbet 
***** 
Traditional Roast Turkey Roulade with a Chestnut Stuffing Accompanied by Cinnamon Apple Chutney, Roasted Pumpkin, Glazed Baby Carrots, Brussel Sprouts and Turkey Jus 
***** 
Oven Baked Australian Beef Tenderloin with Glazed Baby Vegetables and Porcini Jus 
***** 
A Selection of Artisan Pastries from Our Festive Dessert Buffet 


Shook! New Year’s Eve Dinner (MYR 368 ++)
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Salmon and Tuna Tartar Garnished with Diced Japanese Cucumber with a Lemongrass and Mint Flavored Gazpacho 
***** 
Traditional Beef Consomme Garnished with Braised Oxtail Panna Cotta Layered with Edamame Bean Puree 
***** 
Lime Sorbet With Grape, Ginger and Preserved Plum 
***** 
Pan Seared Australian Barramundi With Squid Ink Tagliolini in a Rich Lobster Bouillon 
***** 
Grilled Loin of Lamb Garnished with Asparagus Tips, Morel Dumplings, Saffron Potato, Gorgonzola Tortellini with Truffle Reduction 

And if you are the birthday baby during your visit, you would be treated with a complimentary cake of the day and accompanied by a tuneful rendition from the saxophone. Sounds cool and memorable one? 

For online reservation via TABLEAPP please click here.


Location :
LG 01, Feast Village, Starhill Gallery, 181, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.