Recipe: Igor Macchia's salmon roll with leek and tomato sauce

Here's another recipe from Chef Igor Macchia's cooking class at Mandarin Oriental KL. I think this is a great dish to make for dinner parties. You can make the salmon roll in advance, then freeze it and pop it in the oven when your guests arrive.

When I took my first bite of this dish, it reminded me a little of salmon en croute, except that this salmon roll is coated with mashed potato rather than puff pastry.




Salmon roll with spinach and potato, served with a leek and tomato sauce
Serves 4

For the salmon roll
320g fresh salmon fillet
100g instant mash potato
100g fresh spinach
50g eggs
20g flour
100g bread crumbs

Leek and tomato sauce
200g fish stock
100g tomato concasse
100g leeks, julienned
5g salt
2g pepper
10g olive oil

For the salmon roll:
1. Cut the salmon fillet into rectangular shape 8 x 3cm. Place cling film on work surface and then arrange boiled spinach (approx 8cm too) on the cling film, then place the salmon on top of the spinach. Roll and wrap the salmon with the spinach and keep it cool.


2. Prepare a thick mash potato to wrap the salmon fillet. Apply a layer of mash potato on the cling film enough to cover the salmon roll (adjust the thi! ckness o f the mash depending on whether you wanna taste more salmon or mash in this dish). With the aid of the cling film, roll the mash potato so that it coats the spinach-salmon fillet.

3. Sprinkle some water on the work surface. This will help you roll it into a "sausage". Make sure it is tight and then freeze for at least 12 hours.

4. Pass the frozen salmon roll in flour, eggs and breadcrumb. Deep fry until golden brown, then finish the cooking process in the 160C oven (this will determine how cooked the salmon will be - my guess would be around 6-7 minutes)




For the leek tomato sauce:
1. Heat olive oil in pan, add leeks and cook until soft. Add tomato concasse, season with salt and pepper. Finish the sauce with a dash of extra virgin olive oil.

Plating:
1. Cut the cooked salmon roll into two (in an angle).
2. Place the tomato leek sauce on the plate (preferably a deep pasta or soup plate).
3. Arrange the salmon on top of the sauce.
4. Finish with olive oil and fresh garden cress or herbs.



Please click here to read more about the cooking class.

Hard Rock Hotel Penang Sand Bar

It is another launching of another drinking hole on the Batu Ferringghi beach front in the recent months. This time it is Penangs very own Hard Rock Hotels turn to fire up the night life at this otherwise not so happening beach front after the sunsets. Batu Ferringghi used to be one of the most happening places on the Penang Island, stretching from the now closed Teluk Bahangs Mutiara Hotel to Tanjong Bungahs Orchid-Copothone, it was filled with discos and lounges.

On the 19th of May 2012, Hard Roock Hotel Penang launched their very own Sand Bar with much funfair with the support from Jagermeiter, Carlsberg and Redbull. The Sand Bar was created with the idea of offering an alternative and very casual place where one can kick off their shoes, feel the sand between the toes, have some cool drinks, listen to some good music and watch sport matches or just chill-out on the beach and let the day go by.

For reservations please contact the follow:

Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100 Penang, Malaysia
Email: fb.penang@hardrockhotels.net
Main Line: +604 8811 711

Sand Bar Business Hours: 11:00am to 11:00pm daily
Happy Hours: 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

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Ground Zero 2

When we finally got into the Memorial site, the place didn't feel as sad and tragic as I had feared it would be. The whole 911 thing is always there, in the air, in the emptiness of the space, but it's been nearly 11 years and the 911 Memorial beautifully remembers those who died in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center and the attack on it again in 2001.

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Two gaping holes in the ground where the twin towers used to stand before they collapsed in the attacks are now the memorial to those who died. The first one, nearer to the entrance, is for the brave fire fighters and policemen. The new buildings are built at the periphery of the site.

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The other pool is a memorial to the civilians who died in the first attack and second attack: those who died in and around the buildings, those who fell or jumped, those who died from falling debris and bodies and those in the hijacked plane.

I don't think anyone can look into the hole in the ground, see the falling beads of water, and not feel the tragedy. Anyone except a certain ex PM of Malaysia who said 911 could be a hoax. I am a Christian but I don't think that the attacks on the Palestinians are hoaxes. It is not religions but the basic humanity inside us that makes us human or inhuman.

Pierre Ledent @ BSC & Kasdi & Allen @ Delicious

Macaron mania has a shot at resurfacing in KL, following this week's launch of Pierre Ledent's booth at Jasons Food Hall in Bangsar Shopping Center.
Main entry on Jasons Food Hall: May 21, 2012.

Flown in from Belgium, these might be KL's priciest macarons, costing RM10.90 apiece (!!!). But they constitute a masterclass in creaminess, distinguishing themselves with assertively flavorful ingredients like Bora Bora vanilla and the best chocolate we've tasted in a long time.

Varieties include rum-infused Mojito, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, yuzu-wasabi, violet-blackberry, pistachio-raspberry, cinnamon, caramel-sesame, banana-apricot, grapefruit and rhubarb-strawberry. Not all are available all the time; when stocks of each one run out, it might take a week to bring new batches into Malaysia.

The macarons are stored in a custom-made sliding counter at ready-to-eat temperatures. Each lasts about three days after purchase and can be purchased in hand-crafted boxes at more than RM200 per package of sixteen pieces.

If happy ever after did exist, we'd still be eating chocolates like these _ Pierre Ledent also offers pralines in beautifully designed jewel boxes of various sizes. A container of three pieces: RM38.

The most lust-worthy ones are laced with liquor, like the sultry-smooth concoction with Champagne-raspberry ganache, or Remy Martin Cognac, Calvados-cinnamon, Irish coffee, Armagnac or cherry-Cointreau.

Hopping from one Bangsar mall to another: following a victorious debut at Dish, Chef Steve Allen worked with The Delicious Group's executive chef Kasdi Dahari to introduce 25 new recipes now available at Delicious' outlets in Bangsar Village, Mid V! alley, M arc Residences, Dua Residency, 1 Utama, Sunway Pyramid and Setia City Mall.
Entry on Steve Allen at Dish: April 11, 2012.

We had these on Tuesday night at Bangsar Village, so we can't vouch for Delicious' other branches. But the red pesto gnocchi with arugula and tomatoes (RM22.90++) could please fans weary of mushroom mascarpone spaghettini (which nevertheless remains on Delicious' menu with other longtime favorites like the Seriously Delicious Cheeseburger).

Pumpkin risotto with char-grilled prawns, squid and toasted almonds. The seafood was fresh and bountiful, partnered with plenty of pumpkin and nuts. But the rice seemed surprisingly too watery. For RM25.90++ though, this is still worth every ringgit.

Sixteen-hour-braised beef short ribs in a mushroom broth with soba (RM32.90++), something that tastes somewhat Oriental. Here's the caveat: whatever we tried was good but not great, falling short of the heights o! f Dish. But prices at Delicious are substantially lower, so fair's fair.

Speaking of cheaper, remember Dish's cream of pumpkin with truffle oil, mushrooms and Parmesan cheese? Delicious now serves that soup too, in a smaller portion at RM13.90++ versus Dish's larger RM22++ one.

As with Pierre Ledent, we wrap up this visit to Delicious with chocolate, served as a warm, thickly melting pudding with ice cream (RM14.90++).

Of the opposite temperature (welove framing fearful symmetry): cold chocolate fondant with caramel and macadamia brittle.

Pierre Ledent @ BSC & Delicious @ Bangsar Village,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.


Hokkaido Ramen @ Gantetsu, Eat Paradise One Utama

Located right next to Menya Musashi is Gantetsu supposedly a Ramen Champion in Sapporo for 3 consecutive years serving Hokkaido Style Ramen. Unlike Tonkotsu Ramen, Hokkaido Ramen's broth is Miso Based and usually includes a knob of butter and sweet corn.


Hokkaido Style Miso Ramen
Hokkaido Style Miso Ramen
Hokkaido Ramen is served with a dollop of Butter and Sweet Corn which gives the soup a richer flavor than the regular Miso Based Ramen


King Cha Shu Ramen
King Cha Shu Miso Ramen
I liked the Cha Shu in Gantetsu which is a little leaner and much bigger. The Soup Base is not as oily as Menya's Tonkotsu and the addition of Ginger help give the soup a richer flavor. However the Noodles are definitely not as springy as Menya's.


Tori Karaage
Chicken Karaage
Tender pieces of Chicken Thigh Meat that is seasoned with imported Japanese Spices. It was actually pretty tasty although not the best Karaage I've had.


Gyoza
Gyoza
Much better than Menya's soggy Gyozas.


After trying both Gantetsu and Menya I must admit I prefer Menya's Ram! en bette r than Gantetsu. Menya's Noodles have a much better texture than Gantetsu's.

Food: 3.8/5
Service: 4.5/5
Ambiance: 4/5
Price: $ (Approximately USD $10 per person)


Contact Information
Address: Level 2, Eat Paradise, Isetan @ 1-Utama
Bandar Utama City Centre, Petaling Jaya
Tel: N/A
Map:

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YouTube to launch food channel in July


DELICIOUS SHOWCASE


Having been a long time fan of Delicious, it is heartening to know that the cafe has picked up steam of late with 25 new dishes developed by Group Executive Chef Kasdi Dahari with some assistance from the E&O's newly appointed Group Creative ChefSteve Allen.

A tasting session recently left me hugely satisfied with the rejuvenated menu, ample proof that Delicious is ready to take it up another level post-Benjamin Yong (the cafe's original founder).

Chef Kasdi says, The core inspiration was to use the freshest ingredients and more vegetables, to creating more healthy food as the trend progresses towards consumption of nutritious food and the use of more sustainable products.

The dishes have a more home-cooked dimension to them albeit with a twist, to suit the Malaysian palate with a combination of Mediterranean, Middle East and European cuisines.

Sieving through more than 70 initial dishes, both chefs then shortlisted 45 for further testing and tasting until the list was whittled down to 25. So what are the new goodies you ask?


I 9;d recommend starting with something crispy. A top fave of ours is the Chickpea & Parmesan Bites (RM10.90) - finger-thick rolls of deep-fried chickpeas and parmesan.


The tantalising dips of the Crispy Tiger Prawns in Coriander Batter with Lime Chilli Dip (RM22.90) and Thai Fried Calamari with Green Peppercorn Ginger Jam (RM22.90) really made the tasty tidbits truly outstanding.


If you prefer something healthier, go for the Middle Eastern inspired Harrisa Parmigiano Baked Eggplant (RM22.90) or the sunny-yellow Cream of Pumpkin Soup with Parmesan & Truffle Oil (RM13.90).


Prefer a walk on the indulgent side? The Crab & Avocado Salad wi! th Gazpa cho & Cos Lettuce (RM26.50) is alluringly refreshing thanks to the unexpected inclusion of chilled gazpacho as a light tangy dressing.


The two dishes that left us completely smitted are the ultra-creamy but to-die-for Italian Pumpkin Risotto with chargrilled prawn, squid and toasted almonds (RM22.90) and the imaginative Lemon & Black pepper Parpadelle (RM22.90).

It's also interesting how the Red Pesto Gnocchi with Tomato & Arugula (RM22.90) acquires a different textural dimension after the chewy pasta parcels underwent a brief grilling.I wasn't big on pesto either but this version goes down well as it's less oily than those I had tried in the past.
No visit to Delicious is complete without savouring its divine dessert and sweet-toothed fans would have plenty to cheer about. Priced at RM14.90 each, I'd plump for the Lemon, Lime & Ginger Cake with Citrus Frosting anytime!

Made using Steve Allen's granny's t! reasured recipe, this is what I would call a REAL cake minus the frills. The texture is feathery soft yet rich, with a deep-seated citrusy aroma and invigorating flavours that perk up your tastebuds, leaving you wanting more.


The Chilled Pineapple Cheesecake comes in a close second. Who could resist that crumbly oaty base, lightly rich creaminess and best of all, the hidden gem of a yummy raspberry mousse centre?


You may find it hard to stop once you taste the heavenly Raspberry & Mango Tart with White Chocolate Shavings and Warm Chocolicious Pudding that simply melts your heart with its runny chocolatey filling. Oh, there's also the Cold Chocolate Fondant with its beguiling caramel centre!

Definitely a Delicious showcase we won't forget in a hurry. For more information, check out www.thedeliciousgroup.com





Tastes like chicken? Get used to it


Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali YTL Hotels Summer Holiday Special

After my recent Tanjong Jara break, I shared about the Resident Package that was a steal going for RM799 nett per night per room, and it includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner with complimentary coffee, tea and mineral water served during meals for every night of stay.

If you have missed out on that, not to worry as the next one is theall-inclusive Summer Holiday Specialwhich is valid fromnow until May 31, 2012.Similarly, this package covers accommodation with breakfasts, 3 course lunches and dinners with a selection of complimentary activities.

This experience is available from a minimum of two nights stay at the YTL Hotels awardwinningspa resort, Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali.

Yes, this time is for Bali, Indonesia!

Escape With YTL Hotels' Full Board Summer Holiday Special

If you havent been to Bali, this is a reasonable deal to consider, especially for a resort like Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali.In addition to the accommodation and meals, the package includes a 50-minute massage per person, per night of stay.

Complimentary activities such as Starlight Gazing, Wood Carving, Canang Making, Lontar Drawing, Yoga Swing and many more are available and guests are also able to enhance their experience with chargeable spa and activity upgrades.

I have never been to Indonesia, much less Bali. So perhaps this is a good start; somewhere quiet away! from th e usual busy crowd of Kuta Beach. Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali is a secluded haven thats nestled along northeast Balis exotic coast of black sand, inthe beautiful village of Tembok, a cluster of traditional homes on the pristine northern part of the island, which exemplifies the Balinese way of life.

Its definitely recommended for those seeking tranquility and serenity rather than heavy beach partying! :)

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*The Summer Holiday Specials are only bookable online via www.ytlhotels.com.my/summer_holiday_special.html. Travel period is between now and 30 September 2012.
Terms and conditions apply and room nights can be extended at an additional cost.

Note:Private car transfers to and from Ngurah Rai Airport to Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali can be arranged.


These Things Ive Learned in Thirty Years

31

I have lived a full thirty years. Thirty years full of fumbles and mistakes. Thirty years of accidents and apologies. Thirty years of learning.

These are the trivial bits of thirty years of learning. Some of these lessons it took me three minutes to learn, others about 29 years and 347 days.

If the word you ever appears in this list of learning, please rest assured that I am referring to myself. Im still learning you, surely, are good as gold.

These Thirty-ish Things:

Go to college. Just go. Its where youll learn how to be, how not to be, and how to set booby traps in the shower so your roommate stops using your expensive shampoo.

Learn how to apologize sincerely.

Eye contact is major. Get into it.

Talking crap about people sometimes feels good (just admit it), but tastes bad. Its the opposite of eating McDonalds.

If it hurts, dont wear it. At some point the pain will show.

Learn how to wear lipstick and werk.

The day you look dumb in the grocery store at 7:19 in the morning is also the day you run into that duuude you dont want to run into, and his stupid-hot-at-7:19-in-the-morning girlfriend. Dont worry. Youre buying kale and olive oil. At least you can cook.

Overdress, always. Unless its heels in a park that doesnt work.

(thank you for the picture above, michael.)

31

In every situation, consider the likelihood of skinny-dipping. Act accordingly.

Check out your hair from behind yea youve got a whole situation going on back the! re.

< p>Exfoliate: your kitchen, your shower, your carpets, and your body.

Find out what color dress/shirt/lipstick makes your eyes pop. Buy a lot of it.

31

Never ever ever ever EVER ever ever take your shoes off in the club.

If you feel a deep need to take your shoes off in the club, walk your butt outside, get in a cab, and go home. Game over.

No one keeps secrets. Remember this when youre telling youre people all your business.

Life is not fair. That fact is profoundly frustrating.

Dont wait for some dumb boy to give you closure. You give yourself closure. Thats real. Tie that mess right on up. But ice cream if necessary.

31

Sometimes its not fate, or a sign but just a coincidence.

You are not inherently patient. Its an exercise.

Learn how to do something exceptionally well. Never apologize for that. Step up.

Watch Inception as many times times as you need to. Joseph Gordon-Levitt floats and Juno flips walls Its just a whole thing.

31

Learn how to make cookies.

Frozen peas, unfrozen, can be a meal.

Kittens grow up to be cats. Thats when things get a little scary.

Dont bethatgirl, in any and all situations. Unlessthatgirl is the awesome girl passing the boards then you should totally bethatgirl. Im talking to you Andrea.

If a girls says she just doe! snt real ly get along with other girls that means that shes probably not that nice to other girls Im just sayin.

Ladies should be kinder to one another. Teamwork, ladies!

31

Never be early for a party unless you plan on helping. By helping I mean, pouring tequila shots.

Being fourteen sucks and theres absolutely no way around it.

Being thirty one does not suck unless you think it sucks for some reason.

Sometimes you go to restaurants and you just dont get what you want. Its cool, just get ice cream on the way home.

Over-tip.

Just admit that youre watching My Big American Gypsy Wedding because youre completely obsessed and you really need to talk about it with someone.

God is good even when you doubt that God is god.

Happy Birthday to me. Happy Living to you. I love you dearly, I really do.