Visitors enjoying the food and music at Guinness Flavour By Fire Festival. — Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
THE combination of music, food and Guinness are ingredients that make for a good party.
Echoes of sizzling flames and fantastic music from the Guinness Flavour By Fire Festival remain vivid recollections for guests, with everything built around the Irish stout known for its bold and malty taste.
Held at Sentul Depot Kuala Lumpur from Aug 18 to 20, the event was a showcase of Guinness-infused flamed-cooked food to indulge in.
The festival proved to be a popular destination for young and old with a line-up of 11 dynamic culinary partners, over 20 open-flame grills and Guinness Draught flowing from 27 taps.
Maestros of the grill showcased a diverse menu and impressed guests with their skill at the grill.
Take chef Sherson Lian from Kitchen Mafia, for example, whose grilled lamb with Guinness glaze reduction proved to be a hit.
“Guinness is known for its rich and earthy flavour, something that we cannot find in other ingredients.
Lian adding a special touch to smoked salmon over the grill.
“When cooked with high heat, it might not necessarily taste like Guinness but the bittersweet caramelisation adds depth to the flavour of meat,” he said.
Kitchen Mafia also laid out its Guinness-infused clotted cream and flourless chocolate cake.
Known for its barbecue specialities, Big Boyz Barbeque founder Navin Karu recommended Guinness-infused sausages – Bumba Beef Dawgs and Roman Chicken Dawg.
“We also have Guinness onion compote that pairs well with sausages as well as Guinness sticky chicken thigh,” he said.
A total of 12,500 Guinness fans and foodies turned up to taste all things Guinness at the festival.
To add to the merriment, festival-goers were entertained by a line-up of singers such as Lost Spaces, Resort, Talitha, Samantha Diana, Masia One and K-town Clan featuring Jerryca Misty and DJ Yauzzy.
Navin torching a dish which is part of his menu that included Guinness-infused sausages.
The Guinness STOUTie machine was a hot attraction for visitors to get their selfies printed onto the creamy head of their Guinness.
A signature challenge was The Guinness Long Bar where participants could win a variety of prizes by sliding a bottle of Guinness down the bar.
Heineken Malaysia Bhd Wheat Beer, Stout and Diage brands marketing manager Shaun Lim said Guinness stout had a rich, distinctive flavour that was a favourite among chefs and drinkers alike.
“When combined with the transformative power of fire, it creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
“Guinness is always looking for new and exciting ways to bring our brand values of power, goodness and communion to life in an engaging and immersive way.
“Our festival is the perfect occasion for people to come together for an authentic Guinness experience,” he said.
Guinness lovers in Penang will be able to taste these tantalising treats as the Guinness Flavour by Fire Festival hits Fort Cornwallis from Sept 2 to 3.
Culinary partners KAO and Kitchen Mafia from Kuala Lumpur will join other chefs at the Penang event.
