Pantai Cenang, Langkawi

La Luna, Casa del Mar, Romance in Langkawi

Could there be a more suitable start to an island getaway than a wine paired degustation menu on the beach? Arriving from KL on the Friday afternoon flight we reach Pantai Cenang, Langkawi just in time for sunset, which is a flawless interval to begin our night at La Luna – a signature dining experience designed exclusively for two by Casa del Mar. Foregoing a visit to our room, we head directly to the sand where white linens and red rose petals dress a place for two. Feet in sand, the sun paints the heavens an assortment of fiery oranges, reds and golds, and as the descending star bids its farewell to the day the sound of popping Champagne sets the mood for the evening’s merry making.

Casa Del Mar, Langkawi, Pantai Cenang
Sunset

The gratifying pop hails from a half bottle of Moet Chandon: a sound we never seem to tire from. It’s the opening to our premium wine paired degustation menu, which promises six very well lubricated courses with all the fine dining trimmings.

bubbly on the beach
Moet Chandon

Not usually without words, the Seared Scallop with Wilted Spinach, Feta and Pomegranate Reduction, our entrant, leaves me speechless for a good few moments. The elegant coalescence of gentle ocean breeze caressing my skin, a mild buzz from the bubbly, birds cooing, sea lapping the shore, and the wonderfully flavourful acquisition of my mouth by tender flawlessly cooked scallops, is an immensely pleasurable emotion. Hubby’s moans of β€œmmm mmm” validate my case.

Casa Del Mar, Langkawi, Pantai Cenang
Scallops

A petite teacup holds the Pumpkin Soup with Coriander Pistou, rendering it a beaut portion for a few sips of its richness (the secret is the addition of sweet potato to the blend), allowing us to discern its finesse without overfilling our tummies too early on in the meal. A crisp garlic crouton topped with herbs and cheese is served separately in a shot glass, adding crunch to the liquid but totally unnecessary for flavour as the soup packs a delicious punch all on its own.

Casa Del Mar, Langkawi, Pantai Cenang
Pumpkin Soup

A switch of wines signals the next course. Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling, with its green apple bouquet and mild mineral whispers, is the consummate playmate for our Grilled King Prawns on Salsa Verde with Chili Prawn Jus. A trio of lightly charred crustaceans crown a rich mΓ©lange of vegetables, with the freshness of the seafood being clearly evident in their crisp texture and clean mouthfeel. The fruity youth of the wine harmonizes with the subtle saltiness of the sea.

Casa Del Mar, Langkawi, Pantai Cenang
Prawns
Casa Del Mar, Langkawi, Pantai Cenang
Riesling

The Watermelon and Mint Sorbet goes beyond what is usually offered in a palate cleanser with its pleasing presentation and layers of complexity. A mini popsicle of frozen watermelon goodness is held by a bowl made of fresh ripe melon. Salt and wasabi fringe the plate, and a nip of the ice in both award immense satisfaction.

Casa Del Mar, Langkawi, Pantai Cenang
Palate Cleanser

Herb Marinated Cod Fish on Celeriac Mash with a Blood Orange Glaze is a dazzling combo with mango and white dragonfruit contributing tropical flare. The chef is clearly a master with seafood as each dish up to this point has been impeccably cooked with exteriors softly seared, caramelizing the edges and leaving the core moist and terrific. An equal commendation goes to the sommelier, who has provided noteworthy couplets throughout – the Spanish Castillo Rodafuerte from this twosome a laudable example. The taste of spring tickles both the nose and palate with young white peach on the nose and a juicier, more mature fruit on the palate.

Casa Del Mar, Langkawi, Pantai Cenang
Cod
Casa Del Mar, Langkawi, Pantai Cenang
Chardonnay

Tender hunks of Australian Beef (for hubby) and Lamb (for me) sit aside a flavourful round of sautΓ©ed new potatoes. Pink in the middle and charred on the exterior, hubby gives his carnivorous nod of approval to the medium cooked flesh. Cilantro and lime grilled asparagus and foyot sauce elevate the overall profile. We don’t really need much more wine at this point, but the Jacobs Creek Cabernet Shiraz comes in a half bottle, so we don’t refuse – that would be bad manners right? This South Australian drop complements its compatriot and reminds us of winter with its muted smoky fireplace aromas. Dark berries, subtle spice, and a touch of wood in its goΓ»t de terroir augment the bucolic impressions of the meat.

Casa Del Mar, Langkawi, Pantai Cenang
Australian Lamb
La Luna, premium wine paired dinner, dining on the beach
Australian Beef

First impressions of the Chocolate Souffle are, well, overwhelmingly chocolaty. Upon closer contemplation however we detect a murmur of cinnamon and creamy caramel in the sauce. We’re appreciative of the 2010 Peter Lehmann Botrytis Semillon, a lovely dessert wine that couples the finale. Dessert wine is oft forgotten in Malaysia, but for us an essential part of a wine paired dinner. The level of sweetness of both dessert and wine parallel each other rounding off the meal with stellar appeal.

Casa Del Mar, Langkawi, Pantai Cenang
Chocolate Souffle

Coffee or tea, with chocolate pralines concludes the magic.

Bookings at La Luna are limited to one couple per night, so advance reservations are highly recommended. The package is priced at RM1200 net per couple including a degustation menu and selected premium wines throughout the evening.

Reasons to visit: beautiful setting; fine wine; excellent food; superb service; a fantastic way to kick off a weekend getaway with pizzaz; ideal location for romance, proposals or any number of special occasions.

La Luna
Casa del Mar
Jalan Pantai Cenang Mukim Kedawang
07000 Langkawi
Kedah Darul Aman,Β Malaysia
+60 4 955 2388 +60 4 955 2228
[email protected]
www.casadelmar-langkawi.com

11 Comments

  1. I would love the Australian lamb!!! What a lovely place, and the dishes look divine!

    • Lamb was great… but being by the sea… the seafood had something extra special. πŸ˜‰

  2. I hope it’s not too warm to dine out there πŸ˜›

  3. Yes, sharing Ken’s sentiments. I wonder what they do about the heat, huge fans like those at Bintang Walk? And here, I worry about the mosquitoes too. Would be so lovely at some temperate country, really romantic.

    • I always smile at the difference between Malaysians and western foreigners especially in regard to weather. Where will you find the expats? – outside for sure! How about Malaysians? – chilling inside in the air con. πŸ˜‰
      Really though, it was a very pleasant temperature with light drafts off the sea taking the kick off the temperature.

  4. Food displayed is looking beautiful.
    I wouldn’t really know what to choose because I like all of it.
    Australian beef, and lamb – wow.
    Lovely yo have dinner on the beach…we did that in Broome, in WA.

  5. Great post! I like everything about this post. So romantic to dine at the beach with the sea breeze blowing and the sea waves lapping. And all the food and wine look so delicious and mouth watering. Yums! Have a good weekend!

  6. a pretty amazing seaside dinner, a memorable change from the usual restaurant meals, even for langkawi … really exclusive too, with only couple allowed per evening πŸ˜‰

  7. Hello, what a beautiful and romantic dinner. The meals and wine all look delicious. Thank you for sharing, have a happy weekend!

  8. I’m not your typical Malaysian, I’ll do outdoor dining anytime… so long as the time is after 6 PM… (you guys would seriously sit outdoors in Malaysia for lunch?)

    Or if it is for a romantic getaway like this one… πŸ˜‰

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.