The last dance.. at Chalet, Equatorial Hotel Kuala Lumpur

We only part to meet again. ~John Gay

I was amazed, shocked.. a little sad even, when I found out that this, would be the last Valentine’s Dinner celebration at Chalet, Equatorial that I would have the pleasure of attending.

You see, hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur will be torn down under an extreme makeover, very soon. This move is a trend reflecting rising competition among hotels as Malaysia’s tourism industry grows. True though it might be, that the hotel is 38 years old (opened in 1973), and is in desperate need of a ‘face-lift’ and that this renovation will only improve things for the hotel, but still, it leaves a wistful feeling inside me that one of the oldest, iconic hotels in KL will be uprooted soon. Very soon in fact.

Hotel Equatorial will close from the 1st of April, 2012. The new and improved building is estimated to stand in its place in 3 years time. That’s 2015. Wow.. for some, 3 years is an eternity.

The legendary Chalet..

It will be sad, to say goodbye to the veterans.. familiar faces we have come to call, our friends..

It was with this heavy heart, that me and Cumi sat down to enjoy our last Valentine’s Dinner at Chalet, with the kind folks of Equatorial Hotel Kuala Lumpur. The food itself was amazing though, and really lifted our spirits! Food like oysters, scallops, caviar and truffle were on the menu, and I knew we were in for a real treat.

The executive chef at Chalet, Chef Hafizzul Hashim of Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur made an appearance to introduce his six-course Valentine menu this February the 14th and explained to us that all his ingredients for the menu were carefully chosen and flown in from all over the world, and they included oysters from Belon France, beef and yabbies from Australia, Tasmanian mussels and the Norwegian halibut. Apparently, it is meant to be a classic menu with classic ingredients made with a whole lot of passion and love.

chef de cuisine Hafizzul Hashim of Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur

Fresh Belon Oysters Ossetra Caviar

First up was the Fresh Belon Oysters Ossetra Caviar and Chives which was a nice teaser and a prelude to a romantic dinner. It was fresh, juicy.. silky and sexy. I always think that Oysters belong on a Valentine’s menu, just like diamonds belong on an engagement ring. Nothing more perfect I say. Yes, terrific oysters, but I could have easily put away a platter of 6 or more;)

Asparagus and Truffle Parfait drenched in moral madiera juice

This next dish was unusual to say the least, but in a good way. The Asparagus and Truffle parfait had the texture of bread pudding but was savoury, and the moral and madiera juices complemented the rich parfait well. I loved this rather strange looking dish. It tasted better than it looked really.

Cerviche of Norwegian divers scallop, Australian yabby with fennel salad prepared in Chardonnay jelly

This was then followed by the cerviche of Norwegian divers scallop, Australian yabby prepared with Chardonnay jelly.This lovely seafood course was served in huge clamshell, and whilst it looked beautiful the taste was a little odd to me. Maybe the sauces or the Cardonnay jelly clashed a little with the yabbies.

We then had a delightful intermission and palate cleanser, called the Rose Champagne granite.

Steak tenderloin with a juicy slice of foie gras on top

The steak was brilliant. Medium rare, succulent and bursting with flavour. If you have never been to Chalet for their steaks in the past, then you’ve really missed out (not too late to try though, as these represent their final 2 months!) Steaks are their signature treat here at Chalet and this one did not disappoint either.

Olive oil poached Atlantic halibut fillet served with safforn risotto, Tasmanian mussels and curried sea urchin veloute

The Olive Oil Poached Atlantic Halibut Fillet was one tasty, flaky fish. The sweetness of the fish and the heady aroma of the Saffron Risotto, coupled with Tasmanian Mussels and Curried Sea Urchin Veloute was to die for. No complaints here.

Opera Cake

A simple, classical Opera Cake made with coffee liqueur and served with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries was a surprise that came at the end of the night. How can such a simple cake be so effectively delicious at the conclusion of a great meal? Well it can!

The six-course menu is priced at RM298 per person, with a lovely complementary rose for the lady. You could also stand to win a RM500 meal voucher by partaking in the Expression of Love contest. To participate, you just simply need to write a heart warming Valentine’s Day message. The hotel is also having a special Romance room package at RM299 per night for a Deluxe room which includes buffet breakfast for two persons, chocolate pralines and flowers, complimentary late check-out at 3pm and 20% off for spa package at Vila Manja.

Dear Chalet, Equatorial hotel and all our friends who have worked here, we toast you and say, “Good Luck, and till we meet again, Adieu!”

“Don’t be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or a lifetime, is certain for those who are friends.” ~Richard Bach

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