MIGF kicks off with the party of the year!
 The Malaysia International Gourmet Festival Gala Launch on 1 November was an event to behold, as restaurants and guests showed appreciation for the country’s best gourmet cuisine, at the country’s most spectacular party.
The buzz in the air was electric as the MIGF 2007 Gala Launch neared—would it surpass last year’s mega event? The invitation only society event that is marked on the calendars of Malaysia’s ‘who’s who’ has become one of the most anticipated parties of the year.
This year’s launch was held in the impressive
Imperial Ballroom of the newly opened One World Hotel, where
2,000 guests convened to be entertained, wined and dined
by 30 of the country’s best restaurants.
As guests and media streamed in it became evident that the MIGF 2007 Gala Launch would be bigger and better than ever before. “It looks terrific!” said guest Dato’ Farah Khan as she scanned the ballroom foyer filled with Festival Sponsors and Partners including Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Kitchen, Philips, 101 East, Vision Four, Vision KL, American Express and The Star. Magicians charmed the crowd, while Malaysia Kitchen’s Teh Tarik maestro wowed with his pouring skills. Guests mingled over cocktails and cigars while they awaited the arrival of the Festival’s Royal Patron YAM Tunku Naquiyuddin ibni Tuanku Ja'afar, the Guest of Honour Datuk Dr Victor Wee, Secretary General of Tourism Malaysia, and Organising Chairman Dato’ Steve Day.
A team of kompang players announced the arrival of the VIP party and after weaving his way through the packed foyer, Dato’ Steve Day jumped onto a chair in front of Malaysia Kitchen’s authentic Malaysian display to deliver his welcome speech. The VIP party then made their way to the entrance of the Imperial Ballroom and following MIGF tradition, cut through a massive chef’s hat to enter the ballroom where chefs welcomed them with a guard of honour.
Inside, guests were greeted with a stunning display of 30 elaborate restaurant booths, 30 Master Chefs grooving to the Asian Percussion Unit on centre stage, 2 new model Mercedes-Benz cars, coutessy of the official car sponsor, dancers, clowns, and a ballroom awash in glowing candlelight.
Restaurants went to great lengths to set up one-of-a kind booths from which to serve their culinary fare. From the spectacular indoor jungle and peacock dancing girls at Tamarind Springs, to the lyrical Indian accents at Sagar, each restaurant created a world of its own. The Olive’s subdued green and white lights created a dramatic ambience, while Ming Ren’s draping crystal display made an impression on all present.
Guests enjoyed sampling Festival Restaurants’ gourmet offerings and most eventually ended up on the dance floor to enjoy the band’s seductive beats. “It’s really amazing, really incredible,” said Le Francais’ Master Chef, Jerome Deconinck, “even though I knew it was going to be something special I didn’t know it was going to be like this. This is something magical”.
“I don’t feel like I’m in Malaysia at all” said a guest from the media, “this event is in a league of its own”. There’s no doubt that the world-class MIGF Gala Launch 2007 left all guests impressed and excited about the month of fabulous dining that lies ahead.
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