By Shalina R.
Mayor's Nasi Ulam wins cook-off
KOTA KINABALU: Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai became the champion in Chef Datuk Ismail Ahmad's Dapur Berapi Special Nasi Ulam Cooking Challenge here yesterday.
The mayor whipped up what he described as his bright version of Nasi Ulam with bigger splashes of green beans plus other veggies to beat celebrity MY FM DJ Tian Long's 'kaw' (intensely flavoured) Nasi Ulam in the cook off, held in conjunction with the launch of the chef's signature dishes at Promenade Kota Kinabalu (KK).
According to Chef Ismail, the original Nasi Ulam consists of 44 types of ulam (local salad greens), and is differentiated from state to state according to the local vegetation.
He was specially flown in by Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu to showcase his mouthwatering signature Malay cuisines at Promenade Cafe during this month of Ramadan.
Originating from a small Malay village in Negeri Sembilan, Chef Ismail officiated his presence in Kota Kinabalu by preparing one of his *17 signature dishes – ‘Nasi Ulam Chef Ismail' during a halfhour cooking demo, which was officially witnessed by Yeo at Promenade Hotel KK's 24-hour coffeehouse – Promenade Cafe.
The event ended with the breaking of fast before guests were treated to Promenade Cafe's Buffet Sungkai spreads that has over 200 lavish Ramadan dishes including Celebrity Chef Ismail's *17 signature dishes, namely, Gulai Lemak Telur Itik, Asam Pedas Ikan, Ayam Kurma, Ayam Percik Kelantan, Bubur Lambuk, Daging Bakar Air Asam Kerisik, Daging Masak Hitam, Kerabu Mangga Rebung, Kerabu Pucuk Paku & Taugeh, Ketupat Sotong, Laksa Asam , Lawar Jantung Pisang, Lemak Cili Padi Daging Salai, Nasi Minyak, Nasi Ulam Chef Ismail, Sambal Udang and Air Bandung Chef Ismail - all served (on rotation basis) on top of the existing renowned International Buffet Dinner spread, which includes Promenade Cafe's Malay Sous Chef Mohd Firdaus Abdullah's signature dishes – Fish Head Curry, Oxtail Asam Pedas ala Promenade, Udang Masak Petai and Coconut Milkshake. All these for only RM138 per adult and RM69 per child (6 – 12 years old) throughout the month of Ramadan.
According to Hafizan Wong, Promenade Hotel KK general manager, besides the month of Ramadan, the hotel has also planned a choice of buffet feasts to celebrate the arrival of the new moon on the first and second day of Hari Raya in June.
Be sure to make your advance reservations at Promenade Cafe in Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu by calling Tel: (60) (88) 252 396.
Wong added visitors planning Iftar Ramadan, Sahur or Hari Raya gatherings can let Promenade KK handle the catering while patrons entertain their families and friends at the hotel, office or in the comfort of their own home.
For details, call Catering Hotline at Tel: 088-251 415 or email: sales@promenade.com. my.