Cameron Highlands fruit at heart of hotel’s savoury, sweet treat
THERE is something about strawberries that suit afternoon tea.
Their colour brightens up the table while their sweet-tart edge cuts through cream, pastry and sponge effortlessly.
This is the idea that shapes “Di Tanah Tinggi” afternoon tea built around the fruit sourced from Cameron Highlands, Pahang, and served at The Living Room in The Westin Kuala Lumpur.
Created by junior sous pastry chef Nabilah Husna Sahrum (better known as Chef Bella), pastry chef Gilbert Low and chef de cuisine Joe Lee, strawberries not only appear in obvious places such as pastries and jam, but also in the tea.
The savoury selection consists of just three items but provides enough contrast to the sweeter offerings.
There is strawberry-cured salmon with ikura on toast, lime-scented compressed watermelon cone stuffed with guacamole and baked spinach quiche.
The salmon toast brings a saltier note to the table, while the compressed watermelon refreshes the palate.
Most of the attention, however, is on the sweet selection.
Here, the strawberry theme is presented in different forms with distinct textures.
The strawberry white chocolate trifle with vanilla sponge and white chocolate mousse is densely packed in a glass and will please those with a sweet tooth.
Meanwhile, the strawberry and raspberry roulade is fluffy and slightly tart.
The pistachio strawberry gateaux is well balanced with sweetness coming from a layer of strawberry jelly and mousse, and nuttiness from the pistachio tart base.
The set also comes with strawberry rose profiteroles and a berry medley tart.
No tea set would be complete without scones, and on the plate are both classic butter scones and dried strawberry scones served with homemade strawberry jam and light whipped cream.
The tea pairing is Janat Paris strawberry tea, which keeps the fruit theme running.
The afternoon tea set, priced at RM128nett for two, is served Sundays to Thursdays, from 1pm to 6pm, and Fridays and Saturdays, 1pm to 5pm.
Marriott Bonvoy and Club Marriott members are eligible for a 20% discount while selected bank cardholders can enjoy a 10% discount.
THE LIVING ROOM, The Westin Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Bukit Bintang. (Tel: 03-2773 8015, WhatsApp: 012-305 1715, e-mail: westindining@westin.com) Business hours: 6am to 10pm daily.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
