Dining Around: Capers Sets the Stage Capers restaurant in Melaka sets the standard in a preview for the MIGF Dine Arounds In a exclusive Festival preview for the Malaysia Gourmet Festival Dine Arounds, just one of the events that are a part of the Festival, Capers, located in the heart of historical Melaka town, played host to a small bevy of MIGF diners on 7 October. Chef Ooi In Jin and his team prepared the restaurant's continental fare in the open kitchen, while the dining space was decked in rich wood, with red and earthy accents. It was in this setting that the guests of the MIGF Dine Around dinner enjoyed an evening of pleasant surprises and culinary gems. The evening began with wine and hors d'oeuvres in a private dining room before adjourning to the dining hall for dinner. Sitting down around a creative centrepiece that brought to mind seafaring in bygone eras— including an antique diving mask and miniature wooden cargo junks—the diners were treated to an unusual and delicious fusion menu with strong Peranakan influences and ingredients. Chef Ooi and his team went all out to create a culinary smorgasbord for their guests, going as far as personally gathering various fresh young shoots or ulam for this special menu, including some rare ones from the riverside, braving possible hazards such as snakes. Renaissance Melaka had one more surprise for their guests after the dinner: a sightseeing jaunt to Jonker Street via trishaw to purchase souvenirs as part of their ‘Escape! Package – Gallivanting on Pedals.’ It was truly a night to remember! Country Manager of Visa International (Asia Pacific), Jeffrey Perera, expressed his appreciation of the evening. “The restaurant has done a great job with the décor, creating an atmosphere that encourages conversation. As for the food, it was a very interesting mix of put forward—a great blend of Peranakan with western flavours. My kudos to the chef for a unique blend of flavours and full appreciation to the hotel and restaurant!” His wife, Sooria Perera, was no less impressed. “An excellent infusion of local spices and herbs with western ingredients, the Peranakan Plate Sampler’s Lamb Rack ‘Ponteh’ was delicious!” “My wife and I are very grateful for the hospitality of Renaissance hotel and beautiful Melaka town,” said His Excellency the Ambassador of Italy, Anacleto Felicani. Mrs Felicani was very pleased with her choice of the Grilled Fillet of Beef and Foie Gras. “The meat was of excellent quality, and the Chianti was also very good.” Jamie Loh of JL Network said, “The salmon was really good and fresh, and what really stood out for me was the prawn in spicy sauce!” Daimler Chrysler’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Konstantinos Tsiknas, had nothing but praise for his evening. “The warm ambience and lovely décor showcases the heritage of Melaka. The menu was a very interesting fusion of local tastes and the service was very attentive. It was overall an unforgettable experience.” K.C. Yeoh Norashikin Zainal Abidin and Abdul Latib bin Omar Jeffrey Perera, Maris Ines Felicani, Sooria Perera and HE Anacleto Felicani Colourful trishaws awaiting passengers at the Renaissance Melaka Hotel driveway Konstantinos Tsiknas, George Varughese and Chef Ooi In Jin