A WONDERFUL time like Christmas calls for an equally wonderful indulgence.
At Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang, there are lavish buffets and exquisite meals sure to enliven your merrymaking.
Those with heartier appetites might gravitate towards its Spice Market Cafe for Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner where bountiful seafood, sushi, sashimi and cold cuts serve as prelude to the main act.
That showstopper can be found at the carvery station, with Roast Prime Ribs with Beef Jus and Roast Whole Lamb with Mint Jus served with Yorkshire pudding and roasted veggies.
The fall-off-the-bone tender ribs are basted with barbecue sauce for a smoky nuance while the succulent lamb gets the rosemary treatment for more robust flavours.
Hot dishes are a mix of Western and Eastern offerings, with Mexican Chili Beef Stew, Herb-Crusted Lamb Cutlets and tandoori items among the possibilities.
Decadent desserts such as Lemon Wreath Cake and Christmas Fruitcake complete the joyful feast.
For Christmas Day, the cafe offers buffet brunch and dinner with similarly lavish spreads.
Menus vary, but the Roast Beef with Mushroom Sauce is primed to make an appearance.
Gourmands can also head to Feringgi Grill for five-course Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Set Dinners.
The amuse-bouche promises to be a surprise as the caviar adds a taste of luxury.
Mains are a choice between juicy Duck Breast or melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu Tenderloin.
Next, make your selection from the Cheese Connoisseur’s Cart, before ending on a sweet high with dessert and chocolate pralines.
If alfresco dining is your thing, Pinang Restaurant and Bar’s beachside BBQ Buffet Dinners for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are good alternatives.
Enjoy flame-grilled slipper lobsters, garlic-marinated king prawns and Cajun-spiced minute steaks alongside scenic sunset views, weather permitting.
Spice Market Cafe’s festive buffets are priced at RM308nett for adults and RM154nett for children (aged six to 11), inclusive of free flow of house wines, beers and juices.
Feringgi Grill’s set dinners are priced at RM488nett per person and includes a glass of champagne or mocktail.
Pinang Restaurant’s buffets are RM208nett for adults and RM104nett for children, inclusive of a cocktail or mocktail.
All dinner promotions are from 6pm to 10pm, while brunch is from noon to 3pm.
Planning a festive gathering at home? The resort’s Rasa Deli offers takeaways until Dec 31.
The special Baked Beef Wellington au Jus (RM458) as well as Baked Salmon Coulibiac and Roasted Lamb Leg (RM438) are available with 48 hours’ advanced order.
Otherwise, stop by between 11am and 6pm to grab jars of Christmas cookies (RM58) or whole cakes (RM138).
SHANGRI-LA RASA SAYANG, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Penang. (Tel: 04-888 8788)
This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.