GAB Oktoberfest Food & Beer Pairing with Tai Zi Heen @ Prince Hotel & Residence, KL

It’s Oktoberfest again! And in conjunction with this famous festival, Guinness Anchor Berhad (GAB) has lined up a 3-course beer pairing promotion to celebrate "For The Love of Beer" with Prince Hotel and Residence Kuala Lumpur's signature Chinese restaurant, Tai Zi Heen, from October 1 to 31. 

Among the GAB's products (Tiger, Guinness, Heineken, Anchor, Kilkenny, Strongbow, Paulaner, Anglia Shandy and Malta), GAB has picked the best to pair with each dish for the best enjoyment.

#1 APPETIZER

Our gastronomical journey began with the world's No.1 stout GUINNESS to pair with the appetizer.

On individual portion, the premium Wok Seared Five Spice Salt Dusted Foie Gras (中式煎鹅肝) was served sizzling hot from the kitchen accompanied by the Beijing Smoked Duck Wraps Drizzled with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette (烟熏鴨卷). 

I was expecting heavy aftertaste from Guinness, but I was wrong. I was totally surprised that the complex 5 spices on the foie gras were balanced with the sweet bitter Guinness. The light sweetness of the passion fruit added an refreshing twist to the dish. Perfect as a palate opener. 

#2 SOUP

Next, we put away the strong Guinness and it was time for a light blend of bitter-sweet cider and culinary apples. Strongbow is milder in taste, a great option for those who have low tolerance towards alcohol. 

As for the Hot and Sour Seafood Soup with Unagi-Parmesan Stick (四川酸辣汤伴芝士鳗鱼卷), the unique flavours of Strongbow came alive as it went very well with cheese and complemented the sourness. 

Keith Nair, the GAB's Beer Ambassador explained that we should have a sip of Strongbow first, then take a bite of the cheese stick and finally enjoy the soup. The overall aftertaste is so smooth and harmonious that I didn't expect at all!

#3 MAIN COURSE

If you're a fan of German pork knuckle and sausages, then the German wheat beer, Paulaner must be something you're craving for. Cloudy and unfiltered, I quickly had a sip upon serving, before it was warmed by the room temperature as Paulaner is best consumed at 0°C to 4°C.  

With my expectations further lifted up, we had the authentic Chinese Honey Soy Glazed Oysters on Asparagus and Toasted Sesame Seeds (豉油皇生蚝芦笋) to make the beer taste sweeter and fresher. While the sweet savory oysters were bursting in flavours, Paulaner did a great job in balancing the heaviness and sweetness. 

Another chilling glass of Paulaner was brought to us as soon as the Baked Cod Fish with Garlic Crust (蒜油焗鳕鱼) was served. It was my favourite of the evening because of its flavourful crusty skin, followed by a light aftertaste from the beer. The crust layer was cheesy with strong garlicky aroma, without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the cod. 

Don't belittle this fastest growing beer, Tiger, it also goes hand-in-hand with fine Chinese dining. 

Next was a classic dish, Kong Poh Style Chicken with Dried Chillies and Cashew Nuts in Yam Ring (佛钵宫保爆鸡丁), with its roasted and spicy aroma wafting in the air. A helping of Tiger enhanced the sweetness of the whole dish, and what better was I've totally forgotten the slight bitterness from the beer itself. 

#4 DESSERT

To end the meal on the right note, a very beautifully presented dessert was served on the table, followed by a pint of Strongbow. It won the wows from the diners of the evening with its creative presentation. 

Paired with Strongbow, the Purple Sweet Potato Garnish with Mango Ice Cream accompanied with Lotus Paste Chinese Pancake (紫番薯芒果雪糕拼莲蓉锅饼) was suitable even for those who were watching their weights. Sweet and refreshing, it was a perfect cleanser to wash down the heavy meal. 

Special thanks to GAB, Chef Michael Wong and his culinary team for bringing the authentic Cantonese food into the realm of contemporary cuisine with dishes that emphasize original flavours with a modern twist. 

Oktoberfest is incomplete without the limited edition GAB's Oktoberfest 1L Ceramic Mug. 

You may grab yours here or alternatively own it by purchasing a 1L Tiger beer at selected bars and clubs. 

"For The Love of Beer" 3-Course Beer Menu

Venue: Tai Zi Heen, Prince Hotel & Residence

Duration: 1 - 31 October 2012

Price: RM150++ per person 

Each dish will be paired with Tiger, Guinness, Strongbow and Paulaner.

Each diner can take home a special limited edition GAB's Oktoberfest 1L ceramic mug.

Verdict:

1. A modernized Chinese fare made me totally speechless! The beer and Chinese dining complement so well with each other. 

2. This luxurious meal is perfect, you'd love it even if you are not a beer lover.

3. The only downside is, drinking different beers at the same time may make you go tipsy. Watch your consumption and don't drink like a fish! :)

Tai Zi Heen
(Level 2)
Prince Hotel and Residences
(Opposite Pavilion Kuala Lumpur)
4, Jalan Conlay,
50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: 603-2170 8888 ext 8200 / 8201
Fax: 603-2170 8999
Email: restaurants@princehotelkl.com.my
Website: www.princehotelkl.com
Facebook: fb.com/PrinceHotelKL

Business Hours:
Lunch
Monday to Sunday: 12:00noon – 2:30pm
Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays: 11:30am – 2:30pm
Dinner
Monday to Sunday: 6:30pm – 10:30pm