A Chef of Honour

Malaysia International Gourmet Festival Gala Launch

On 30 October, the Malaysia International Gourmet Festival Gala Launch kicked off in fine fashion at the Putrajaya Marriott Hotel, as restaurants and guests showed appreciation for the country’s best gourmet cuisine, at the country’s most spectacular party.

The launch of country's premier fine dining festival was held at the impressive Grand Putrajaya Ballroom and was attended by some 2000 guests including the country's movers and shakers and a who’s who of Malaysian society, artisans and other well-known personalities.

Positioned along the perimeter of the Grand Ballroom were beautifully decorated stations representing 28 of Malaysia's very best restaurants with their superstar Master Chefs, offering bite-sized samples of the exquisite creations from their Festival Menus.

MIGF was officially launched by the Royal Patron of the Festival, DYMM Tuanku Pemangku Yang DiPertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Tunku Naquiyuddin ibni Tuanku Ja’afar together with the Organising Chairman, YBhg Steve Day and Guest of Honour, YB Dato’ Sri Zulhasnan Rafique, the Honourable Minister of Federal Territories.

The VIP party then made their way to the entrance of the Ballroom to the beat of various drums by torque-wearing musicians and following MIGF tradition, cut through 2 massive chef’s hats to enter the ballroom where chefs welcomed them with a guard of honour. Once inside the ballroom, chefs of the 28 participating restaurants greeted them with the clang of pots and pans!

As guests and media streamed in it became evident that the MIGF 2008 Gala Launch would be bigger and better than ever before. The ballroom foyer filled with Festival Sponsors and Partners that included Mercedes-Benz as the Official Car, Canon as the Official Imaging Partner, Carlsberg as the Official Beer and Epicentre – Apple Premium Reseller, for Technical Support along with Festival Event Partner, Eurocopter Malaysia. Festival Media Partners, Astro, LiteFM, Asian Food Channel, Seni Jaya, Vision Four, Vision KL and MFX have also been spreading the Festival word locally and internationally with television and radio commercials, billboards, special magazine supplements and feature articles.

Inside, guests were greeted with a stunning display of 28 elaborate restaurant booths, 28 Master Chefs grooving to the Asian Percussion Unit on centre stage, 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 perching maiden at Tamarind Springs, to the red hot food display of the Red, each restaurant created a world of its own. Tuscany and Summer Palace of the Putrajaya Marriot created a dramatic heavenly ambience with violin playing white angels serenading the gourmands, while Hilton’s classic and contemporary 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. “This is my first time here, but I’m definitely enjoying myself. Lots of people have come to our station and I had the opportunity to make some of my special dishes,” said Chef Kaneez Narjis Raza.

“I’m having a great time. The food is simply superb and it’s been a wonderful experience sampling the chefs’ culinary creations,” beamed HE Eugene Hutchinson, Ambassador of Republic Ireland.

“I am lost for words” said a guest from the media, “this is truly an extraordinary evening, a great spectacular party filled with wonderful people and food!” There’s no doubt that the world-class MIGF Gala Launch 2008 left all guests impressed and excited about the month of fabulous dining that lies ahead.