Serena Brasserie, Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur: A Splendid Mexican Affair!

My Deliciosa Mexican Night!

In sequel to my sneak preview of the Mexican fare specially brought in by Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with KLM and the Embassy of Mexico in Malaysia, the event was official kicked off recently starting from April 1 to 15.

If you‘re a Mexican fanatic, do make sure to head there and check out what Chefs Salvador Vasquez and Tania Gonzalez has under their repertoire. Much of the ingredients have been sourced from Mexico to ensure authentic flavors and textures. The Mexican cuisine is as bold in flavors as its kaleidoscope of colors. Our feast as a sight from the moment we step into Serena Brasserie at Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur that evening!

Greeting us were wait staff dressed in traditional Mexican costumes, its sombrero to serape to gorgeous embroidered white dress was certainly a rainbow of happiness!

When one is in Mexico (well, we can pretend, right?), one do need their infamous Sangrias to kick off the party! The wine punch is lightly flavored with cubes of fruits and one is never enough. Else quench your thirst with another popular must-have, a refreshing Margarita is always much welcome in my books!!

The buffet counters are loaded heavily with a nice assortment of its usual cold seafood, some Japanese sushi fare, pasta counters and some local delights among its list of Mexican dishes. With basic staples listed as corn, beans, chilies and cactus, Mexican cuisine is highly tied to its geographical location. As these locations are suitable for such produce, it is only fair that Mexican got creative with the produce and turns them into signature dishes.

Hitting the salad bar, I was pleasantly pleased with the assortment of salads with Scallops with Serrano Peppers and Cilantro, Cactus Salad, Zucchini & Beans Salad with Cilantro and Potato with Fried Chili from the Tree. Flavors are a myriad of sour, sweet and spicy with each one showcasing their own unique notes. Let’s not forget that Mexican cuisine is infamous for dips and chips! Holding their own little corner is Guacamole with golden crispy Tortilla Chips.

Hot warmers held trays of robust dishes like Grilled Flank Steak, Chicken in Poblano Chocolate Chili Ancho Sauce (Mole), Fish Veracruz, Barbequed Lamb in Hildalgo Style, Shrimps in Passila Guava Sauce, Mexican Rice and more. My favorites were the chicken in mole sauce with its complex and rich flavors with hints of chocolate and grilled lamb that was just tender and juicy. The dishes are just perfect with light Mexican rice or fresh warm tortillas.

Chilies are almost a national treasure in Mexico! Thousands of chilies are grown and used in many Mexican dishes. Truth be told, many of the chilies are not readily available here in Malaysia. A quick discussion with the chefs and the kitchen team, special chilies like Poblano, Passila, Ancho, Habenero, Chipolte, Guajillo and more were sourced and imported specially for this promotion. Another fruit not common here is tomatillo, resembling a green tomato but its flavors are mild and sweet, is also brought in for some dishes. I spied a few bowls of salsa sauces and some sautéed chilies and onions on the side that night for extra kicks and boy, these were just heavenly on the spicy sense!

Quesadillas are toasted tortilla filled with various fillings and we savored Quesadillas y Tortilla Caliente with much happiness. Filling changes daily and every quesadilla is freshly prepared on request. I adored the spicy Mexican Beef but admitted that the unique Huitlacoche (corn fungus) takes a fairly strange flavor note. It’s not overpowering but it does have a lightly moldly note similar to our local Tempe I would say. It certainly warrants a try since it’s really rare to see this here!

Mini Mexican Tortas with shredded beef and potato provide little bites of sensation to those who simply must have their burger.

Mexican cuisine also has their fair share of sweets! Ranging from candies to fried fritters, cakes and caramels, sitting on the high court is Churros! Long strips of crisp fried fritters with soft centers, rolled with flavored sugar and mostly commonly dipped in chocolate, we certainly pay tribute to these addictive Churros. Another heavenly dessert I discovered were Berlinesa, little balls of doughnut like filled with custard and coated in sugar was an addiction I happily indulged in. Make sure to try these as I got some of them piping hot and it was just heavenly on my taste bud.

Luscious creamy Crème Caramel, Corn Tart, Sweet Potato Tart, Mexican cookies and candies were also present among other local desserts, ice creams, fruits and chocolate fountain!

 

During the dinner, Chef Salvador gave us a cooking demo on making their national favorite Cactus Salad. The chef was truly jolly and humble, making the night a lovely unforgettable merriment. If you need the recipe, drop me an email!

Priced as RM82++ per person for Mexican Fiesta Lunch and RM98++ per person for Mexican Fiesta Dinner. Mexican Promotion is available from April 1 to 15.

For reservations, please call Serena Brasserie at +603 2782 6228 or email the team at foodandbeverage@intercontinental-kl.com.my.

SERENA BRASSERIE

InterContinental Kuala Lumpur

165 Jalan Ampang.

50450, Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 603 2782 6188

Email: foodandbeverage@intercontinental-kl.com.my

Website: www.intercontinental-kl.com.my

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/intercontinental.kualalumpur

 *Check out my Mexican preview for this promotion here.

**More pictures are available at my Facebook: Chasing Food Dreams