We at The Grid Asia had the absolute pleasure of experiencing the Fun & Flames Weekend BBQ with the talented Chef Izmin last week. The venue? None other than the stunning POOLHOUSE at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. And let us tell you, the entire experience truly lived up to its name. We certainly had a delightful, fun time, indulging in some incredibly delicious, flame-kissed barbecue fare. It was, without a doubt, a culinary journey that we won’t soon forget.
First on our gastronomic adventure were the appetisers, a delightful array of small bites that promised good things to come. We savoured the Smokey Eggplant Baba Ganoush, the refreshing Mint Labneh, crisp Seasonal Vegetable Crudite, meaty Beef Brisket Bitterballen, zesty Seabass Ceviche, and the vibrant POOLHOUSE green leaf salad. Each appetiser was lovely in its own right, artfully preparing our palates for the main event. We particularly enjoyed the savoury depth of the Beef Brisket Bitterballen, the clean and fresh flavours of the salad, and the wonderfully nutty baba ganoush.
Before we delved into the mains, we were presented with a signature side tray and a selection of tempting sauces. The sides included fragrant garlic fried rice, a unique stir-fried barley and buckwheat, sweet grilled cherry tomatoes, and gochujang spicy baby potatoes. The sauces on offer were a classic Korean BBQ, a creamy sriracha aioli, and a vibrant salsa verde. On their own, these sides and sauces tasted fantastic, of course – a yummy little accompaniment. But paired with the mains? They were simply phenomenal, elevating the entire dining experience.
Now, for the star of the show: the mains, where the “flames” in the name truly came to life. The grilled delicacies were a sight to behold, and even more of a treat to eat. The selection was impressive, ranging from seafood goodness like succulent shell-on prawns, perfectly grilled salmon steak, and plump black mussels; to a meat lover’s paradise featuring tender beef sirloin, a slow-cooked whole lamb leg, and flavourful Korean grilled chicken. There was even a thoughtful plant-based option in the form of tofu. These flaming barbecue dishes were undeniably mouth-watering, the kind that would certainly have you reaching for seconds (and perhaps thirds. We know we did!). We particularly enjoyed the wonderfully savoury salmon steak and the beef sirloin, which simply melted in our mouths. And those sauces we mentioned earlier? Pairing them with the grilled dishes took the taste to a whole new level!
Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, it was time for dessert. By this point, our stomachs already felt so full that it might burst – but as any true foodie knows, there’s always room for something sweet. The buffet’s dessert highlights included a delicate strawberry basil mousse, a tangy yuzu cheesecake, a rich matcha coffee opera, a decadent raspberry chocolate cake, and a comforting granny smith apple crumble. The raspberry chocolate cake was particularly noteworthy – indulgent and decadent without being overly sweet, striking that perfect balance of sweet and slightly tart. The granny smith apple crumble was also a winner in our books. The apples retained a lovely bit of texture, which we absolutely appreciated.
And let’s not forget the drinks! We opted for a refreshing lychee iced tea and a naturally sweet fresh Thai coconut, both of which perfectly complemented the rich flavours of the barbecue.
Our experience at the Fun & Flames Weekend BBQ with Chef Izmin at the POOLHOUSE was truly a delight. The combination of a beautiful setting, delicious and expertly prepared food, and a relaxed atmosphere made for a memorable evening. If you’re looking for a fantastic weekend dining experience in Kuala Lumpur, we wholeheartedly recommend checking it out. You’re sure to have some fun, and definitely some flames!
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