The Oriental Journey of Silk Road

I really love the depth of Chinese roots that can be trace thousands and thousands years back which the eventful history that we are studying in modern days. It fascinates me so much when oriental culture met with Western's and something new were created back then, be it education, cultural shock or even marriage that forms new bloodline. 

It was my pleasure to be invited to the new journey of Silk Road Malaysia that has just begun and it got all of us hyped up to see what kind of exotic journey will Silk Road Malaysia lead us to.

Invitation came in exquisite form with a little sneak peak of what I wore on event night.

Such a fine day

This kinda reminds me of gates and passes of oriental city with these ribbons decorations
I'm starting to feel the silk road vibe here.

Since Chinese New Year is just around the corner, this event by Silk Road arrived just in time to let us all warm up in our traditional outfit as well as auspicious greetings when we see each other. The whole atmosphere were in warm colours with white clothes hanging from roof to the floor, aesthetically resembles the movie scenes from Hero, directed by Zhang YiMou. Gives me goosebumps as in I was send back to the land of Oriental thousand years ago.

The origin and definition of Silk Road, well explained. 

I'm like the walking mascot of Silk Road.
Thanks Melson Kuala Lumpur for the awesome outfit.

Choosing Jade Green and gold embroidery, I immediately became the focus of attention right after I got out from my car. Like aforementioned, I looked like the walking mascot of Silk Road with the colour green and gold on me, but it's totally fine for me as I felt I'm deeply in touch with my roots, the roots of oriental cultural experience with a touch of modernity as an urban female. The cultural impact that happens inside me that night is kinda complicated but I really like it as it is very inspiring. 

Not only we were greeted well with the oriental decorations, sight and sound, there are also activities for us to take part in. The first one will be the Chinese Rainbow Calligraphy. I've saw videos of how China people uses this technique as street art and made money, finally have to chance to witness its magic with my own eyes. You know it is difficult to write in Chinese calligraphy, each strokes have to be measure accurately, I can't wait for my name to be painted in both calligraphy and rainbow!

Thank you so much Ancient Chinese Rainbow Calligraphy Malaysian Chinese calligrapher - Jacky Chow
He's been very hardworking the whole night, writing names nonstop till the end of the event!

Another interesting activity will be the Tea Ceremony:

The deep knowledge of Tea Ceremony can't be explain in just a few words or few days
It has to be learn for such a long duration in order to appreciate the tea ceremony

While getting in touch with these activities, I feel so proud that I'm actually descent of these cultured hobby/activity that's been flowing among the people of China and now Malaysia for so many years. These broad and profound culture has been connecting us in some way that lead us back to the roots of who we really are. 

We were given ample amount of time to discover the activities while sipping our cocktails, little did we know that our dinner is being prepare behind the door. All of us were lead to another room with long tables, crystal clear chairs, elegant table decoration and we're in awed by the sincerity of Silk Road organizing this event to let us enjoy the night. 

Menu of the night - 4 course meal

Taste is not the sole part of deciding the food whether it is delicious or not, the ambience, sight and sound also play important part to one who is savouring his/her food. Collaborating both organizer and our chef of the night - Mr. James Won from Enfin, our senses were lead to that mysterious Silk Road located  far far away from home. We were entertained by Jazz songstress Ms. Diana Liu, as well as Chinese Quartet orchestra band, not forgetting that we were surrounded by Chinese calligraphy drawing images while we were savouring each course.

Partially how it looked like that night
Seriously my photos doesn't do the whole atmosphere and experience justice!

3 different ambience in theme of Blue, Green and Yellow were arranged accordingly together with the dishes has set us into a gastronomical experience. First and foremost, our first entrée of the night is: 

Scallop, Calamari, Citrus, Mints and Petals

In fact, to make this entrée more exquisite, the calamari has been replaced by freshly flown in Hokkaido Scallop and garnished by crispy artisan bread that the Chef took pride in. Alongside with refreshing citrus, mints and greens, one serving of this isn't enough! 

2nd Entrée of the night is my favourite!
Green Tea Salmon 40°, Smoked Cucumber, Texture of Potato and Green Beurre Blanc

This piece of Salmon gotta be the best Salmon I've had in recent as it is cooked ala sous vide at 40° and it's crispy on its skin with right amount of green tea seasoning on it, soft and juicy on the inside you can taste its freshness at the tip of your tongue. Various texture of potato added another layer of texture to the salmon and of course, the green beurre blanc finishes each spoonful smooth, creamy and velvety.

Main Course of the night - Cordyceps Chicken on Chlorophyll Carpet with Porcini Mushrooms and Pâtes de Riz

Cordyceps fed free range chicken soak in cordyceps broth while consuming is just pure genius! The tender chicken breast meat, nutritious broth, 3 types greens that made the Chlorophyll carpet, nutty flavour porcini mushroom and risotto rice, this dish represents perfectly the depiction of both Oriental and Western culture blend of Silk Road, which what the night is all about.



Last but not least:

Dessert - Plum, Cheese, Chocolate (White and Dark) with Basil Reduction

Meals can't end without dessert and we were served premium dark chocolate and white chocolate parfait stuffed with cheese, along with sweet and sourish stewed plum with a dash of basil reduction, perfect balance of a good dessert. I love especially the dark chocolates, so yummy!

How can we not take a group photo?
This is such an epic one lol!

Chef James Won has dazzled us with him and his team's culinery skill by preparing these wonderful dishes for all of us that night, leaving us craving for more. Each dish are well designed alongside with colour theme and taste, the whole atmosphere were unite into one as we all are enjoying the night with good food, good company, great atmosphere. Such an enjoyable and unforgettable night, definitely a great boost to kick start the new year!

Thank you so much Silk Road and Manoah for having us that night, letting our contemporary perspective soaked with both Eastern and Western culture that somehow still making me missing that fine night. Looking forward to a great year ahead, and definitely, more fine events such as this one.