Amidst the swirling mist of Genting Highlands, The Olive makes for a romantic, intimate setting for a lovely dinner with family and friends. For David Teh and Jeremy Diamond of the International Wine and Food Society Kuala Lumpur (IWFS)—also part of the MIGF Special Advisory Committee—this was just one of the reasons why they chose to bid for this restaurant. They won the MIGF Chefs’ Charity Auction for an exclusive dinner with their guests, prepared by Chef Oliver Lopez of The Olive, Genting Hotel.

“Jeremy and I are no strangers to contributing to charity, and we are pleased to do so through the MIGF,” said cohost David Teh. “We bid for The Olive because Chef Oliver has impressed us, and also because we can make an outing out of it: travelling up to Genting for a real night out, to have a fantastic dinner—this makes dining at The Olive really special.”

Chef Oliver’s delicious eight-course menu included mains such as Marinated Lobster Medallion with Grilled Baby Courgette and Mustard Butter Melted Enoki Mushroom; and the Best End Of Lamb with Baby Artichoke, Aubergines served with Oregano Jus. The meal was brought to a sweet close with Croustillant of Hazelnuts, Chocolate Chantilly and Dolce De Leche Ice Cream. Each course was accompanied by an array of fine French Burgundy and Bourdeaux wines and champagne, brought along by the hosts.

David’s and Jeremy’s guests—all members of the IWFS—had praises abound for their dining experience that evening. “The staff are very attentive, pampering us and making us feel very welcome here at The Olive. It’s like a home-away-from-home! Service is very important, and The Olive excels in it. And the food is excellent, as always,” said Kalsom Diamond.

“Tonight, David, myself and our guests enjoyed immensely a wonderful dinner with formidable wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux,” said Jeremy Diamond. “We have been blessed to have our friends enjoy the dinner with us. We will definitely be participating again in the Chef Charity Auction for the forthcoming MIGF’s Grand Finale.”

Dining With a View
Gourmet for the Greater Good

The sensation of dining on fine cuisine while “floating” over Kuala Lumpur city is one not many restaurants can offer. And that is why Thai restaurant, Soi Twenty Three at Pacific Regency Hotels & Apartments, was Nick Lough’s choice when he bid for it and won at the MIGF Chefs’ Charity Auction.

He received an exclusive night of fine dining for a party of 10—courtesy of Soi Twenty Three—while the proceeds of the auction, held during the Grand Finale of MIGF 2006, went to MERCY Malaysia.

Choosing to redeem his bid for his birthday celebration, Lough and his party of family and friends were ushered by Soi Twenty Three’s gracious staff to their table, which was shielded from the rest of the restaurant by organza curtains and other design elements, which added cosiness and privacy.

They enjoyed the restaurant’s exquisite MIGF menu designed by Chef Sujinda Anekthanasan. Some of the culinary highlights of the evening included the luxurious appetizers, Pan-Touched Foie Gras on a Bed of Banana Flower Salad and Yin-Yang Scallop Cake Coated with Roasted Sesame Seed. Deliciously unusual was the Soft Shell Crab with Roe in Spicy and Creamy Soup.

The fantastic mains included Grilled Australian Lobster Coated with Ginger Salad and Sauteed Ostrich with Black Pepper Sauce in Yam Crown. Each course was accompanied by fine wines from South Africa, Italy, California and Australia.

“Tonight’s dinner was absolutely fabulous,” Lough commented, “The ambiance was great; cosy yet modern. And the service was outstanding.”