DESPITE having been a chef for nearly three decades, Muhamad Zahid Zainol Rashid is always eager to deliver a new culinary experience.
The chef de cuisine at the Cinnamon Coffee House at One World Hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, is presenting the eatery’s latest promotion – Surf & Turf Lobster Night Buffet Dinner.
“Many hotels have done seafood-themed promotions so I decided to focus on lobsters,” he said.
At the restaurant, diners may choose from four stalls featuring lobster dishes, in addition to a wide selection of other seafood as well as meat.
Stealing the spotlight is the counter offering grilled seafood, such as prawns and oysters served on banana leaves.
The sizzling sounds and the smell of herbs wafting through the air is enough to whet your appetite.
Not to be missed are the Prawn Thermidor and Lobster Thermidor.
One can eat the lobster cooked or raw, sashimi style, with some dipping sauce.
Thyme jus, rosemary sauce, garlic butter sauce and red chimichurri are among dips.
Two sauces, spicy and sweet, typically served with dim sum are also options.
Besides lobster, there are other seafood dishes to savour.
The Marinated Seafood in Shooter Glass is not only visually appealing but also a wonderful appetiser.
Flavourful and tangy, it features seafood served in a small glass which offer freshness and flavour in each mouthful.
Salmon Fish Head Teriyaki presents crispy fish skin and soft flesh that balances well with the sweet and savoury teriyaki sauce.
The Fish Tikka, on the other hand, features tender fish marinated in a spice and yogurt mix.
Bursting with smoky flavours, the fish tikka is complemented by a hint of tanginess from the yogurt.
For something lighter, there’s Pan-fried Seabass marinated Fennel, featuring crispy-skinned seabass.
The aromatic fennel lends an herbaceous contrast to the buttery and fatty fish.
Rich and indulgent, we also had Salted Egg Prawn with the shellfish coated in creamy egg yolk sauce.
A Chinese favourite of Braised Garden Greens with Fish Maw is for diners looking for simpler, yet familiar flavours.
These dishes can be eaten on their own or with the aromatic Ghee Seafood Rice.
Cooked with a medley of seafood, the rice has a buttery richness from the use of clarified butter.
Those who enjoy briyani will want a taste of Lobster Briyani.
The buffet spread includes more than just seafood – there’s plenty of meaty options available, including Wagyu beef, beef rib-eye and lamb shoulder, with a variety of condiments at the grill section.
The main course section also has Rendang Kambing, Chicken Roulade with Mushroom Ragout and Beef Oxtail Soup with Maripua.
A live carving station with Jerked Prime Rib of Beef with thyme jus, mustard, roasted vegetables and Yorkshire pudding is not to be missed.
For greens, there’s Grilled Courgette and Lobster Meat Salad – a light meal featuring tender lobster meat paired with smoky, charred courgettes.
The fresh greens and a zesty dressing bring the whole salad together, creating a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.
Those who crave something simpler can try the sushi, maki rolls and lobster roll.
As for desserts, a good selection of sweets such as Strawberry Frangipane Crumble, Pineapple Puff, Pistachio Angel Cake, Red Velvet Cake and Swiss Roll await.
This dining experience is available every Saturday, from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.
It is priced at RM238nett (adult), RM167nett (senior citizen aged 60 and above) and RM119nett (children between six and 12).
CINNAMON COFFEE HOUSE, Concourse Level, One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya, First Avenue, Bandar Utama City Centre, Petaling Jaya. (Tel: 03-7681 1113, WhatsApp 016-210 9521). Business hours: 6am-1am.
This is the writer’s observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.