Starhill Culinary Studio, Starhill Gallery, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published on
Polly Szantor shares words and images from the official
opening of Starhill Culinary Studio.
Master Chef Wai (centre) and the other chefs at Starhill Culinary Studio
The launch of Starhill Culinary Studio was as cultured and refined as one would expect from the YTL Corporation. The event began at Shook! in the beautiful central courtyard of Starhill Gallery. Mr Jeremiah Tan, the Director of the new Culinary Studio, introduced a bevy of chefs, headed by the charismatic Master Chef Wai. Together, these wizards of the kitchen will create unique recipes for the culinary classes, dishes which may appear later in one of Starhill’s many restaurants. Mr. Tan pointed out that Starhill Gallery is already recognised as one of the world’s premier shopping destinations, so adding a first class culinary arts studio will only enhance its prestige.
Chef Wai in action
From the Feast floor we were whisked up to Muse floor
to experience the studio for ourselves.
With 12,000 sq. ft. dedicated to the Culinary Studio, everything in this
spacious venue feels bright and airy. There are several state-of-the-art kitchens, including areas
for dining, pastry and baking and everything is beautifully designed to provide
the optimal learning experience.
Check here for extra-special cooking instruction
My very own prawn!
Wonderfully fresh sashimi
Who could resist?
In Wai’s Kitchen, a special area with seating, I
donned a chef’s hat and apron and after watching Chef Wai demonstrate how it
should be done, I was ready to try my hand at battering and deep-frying a
butterflied prawn. It worked
beautifully, though it’s lucky that I was able to handle the extra-long
chopsticks without making a fool of myself. I’m sure tongs would have been provided if necessary. Beside me, another chef was
demonstrating the precision needed for cutting sashimi and how to form
sushi. I was offered a turn, but I
was eager to move on and discover more of the studio’s secrets.
State of the art kitchen facilities
Dim Sum choices
Making prawn and chicken dumplings
The Dining Studio is impressive with alternating rows
of stainless steel workspaces and cooking areas, including a line of hot woks
for stir-frying. In addition to
Chinese fast-cooking techniques, you can learn how to make Dim Sum, Japanese Meals
and Bento Boxes, Local Hawker Food, Malay and Nonya Cuisine and Western/Fusion
dishes. Various chefs were demonstrating and inviting members of the media to
have a go, and everyone was busy assembling delectable finger food.
Would you like to learn to make these?
Rendang and Sticky Rice – yum!
Yes I can!
Yes, I REALLY can!
These are also an option
The Baking and Pastry Studio was equally
beguiling. Once again there were
several chefs on hand, creating tempting, sweet bites and encouraging
participation. I was happy to sip
my Chardonnay, nibble and observe.
I didn’t visit the Wine Studio, but here they hope to banish popular
wine myths and share information, using wine from the cellars of Shook!, which
holds the largest collection of vintage wines in Malaysia. (Yes, I’m putting my name on the waiting list!)
Chef Danny, a fun fella!
One of my favourites… lemon meringue pies, just the right size!
Chef Ivy’s cream puffs were to die for. Don’t know which fillings I prefer, coffee or blackcurrant. One thing for sure, I love chocolate on the top!
Serious young chef and many more to come at Starhill Culinary Studio!
Classes are offered daily, and will take place even
if there’s only one participant.
There’s a complete listing at www.starhillculinarystudio.com In addition to private classes, there
are options for Junior Chefs (i.e. kid’s classes), Corporate Team-Building and
Events and Parties. Classes are
priced at RM188 nett per person, and must be booked at least 3 days in advance
with a 50% deposit required. In
addition to instruction and a hands-on cooking session, lunch or afternoon tea
will be served, and participants will receive a special goodie bag with an
apron and notebook, etc.
Reason to Visit:
For the opportunity to develop your gourmet culinary skills in a 5-star
kitchen with personable, inspiring chefs – and to have fun too!
Chef are like artist and celebrities !
Gosh!!! That must have been an awesome experience – rubbing shoulders with the best of the best!
Like people say, you learn from the best. =D
I have to admit I could not resist.
Greetings,
Filip
I love such hands on experience:D