Christmas & New Year’s at Sheraton Imperial KL

 

Writer Polly Szantor and photographer Sam Gibbs share a dégustation of special holiday dishes at the Sheraton Imperial.

It’s going to be a gastronomic treasure-trove this Christmas and New Year at the Sheraton Imperial, and you’re sure to want to join in the fun.  Villa Danieli, Celestial Court and Essence are offering delectable delights for the festive season, and there’s something for everyone.

Essence Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, Christmas Eve Buffet, free flow wines and beer

 

Christmas Eve Dinner at Essence promises to be an outstanding experience.  In addition to all the regulars like Oyster Shooters, Sushi, my personal favourite Hot smoked Salmon and a galaxy of hot and cold dishes, there are new creations including Butternut Squash Risotto and Pan-seared Salmon with Apple Butter Sauce.

Essence Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, Christmas Eve Buffet, free flow wines and beerEssence Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, Christmas Eve Buffet, free flow wines and beer

 

 

As a Christmas treat, Chef Ken, from the award-winning Celestial Court, is pulling out all the stops to share his finest dim sum at the buffet. Don’t forget to leave room for yummy desserts too.

 

If you prefer a more Oriental Christmas Eve, Celestial Court will certainly suit your palate.  Some of the surprises in store are Wok Fried Grouper, tasty Soft Shell Crab, tangy Deep-fried Cheese Balls and Lamb and Leek Dumplings (chewy on the outside and tender on the inside, exactly the way I like them).  In addition to the live station buffet, diners can also choose from the special a la carte menu.

 

Celestial Court Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, Christmas Eve Dinner, free flow wines and beer
Celestial Court Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, Christmas Eve Dinner, free flow wines and beerCelestial Court Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, Christmas Eve Dinner, free flow wines and beer

Christmas Eve at Villa Danieli will thrill your taste buds.  Two of the delicious choices created for the four-course set-dinner menu are Marinated Cod Medallion with White Asparagus, Sautéed Spinach and Saffron Vanilla Hollandaise and King Prawns with Tomato, Raspberry and Cardamom Coulis.

Villa Danieli Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, Christmas Eve Dinner, free flow wines and beer
Villa Danieli Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, Christmas Eve Dinner, free flow wines and beer

I tasted one of the heavenly desserts from this meal, an inspired combination of Cinnamon and Apple Tarte Tatin with Goat Cheese and White Pepper Mouse served with Toffee Sauce.  This elegant dinner is heartily recommended.

 

Villa Danieli Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, Christmas Eve Dinner, free flow wines and beer

 

Christmas Day Brunch at Essence will be a splendid affair.Essence Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, Christmas Day Brunch, free flow wines and beer

Essence Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, Christmas Day Brunch, free flow wines and beer

Along with all the Essence favourites, there are several unique dishes, including Pepper-crusted Duck and Rack of Lamb with Lentils.  Sam enjoyed the contrapuntal qualities of crispy endive and soft potato in the Endive Salad with Potato and Beef Brisket and I found the Fresh Sea Bass with Orange, Avocado and Green Onions absolutely phenomenal.

 

Essence Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, Christmas Day Brunch, free flow wines and beer

 

Essence Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, Christmas Day Brunch, free flow wines and beer

Out of the many delicious desserts, I recommend the Chocolate Truffle Mousse Tart.  It’s dark and sensuous and is perfectly paired with a zingy, fresh raspberry.

 

Essence Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, Christmas Day Brunch, free flow wines and beer

Villa Danieli  is having a Christmas Day BBQ by the Pool, with reduced prices when booked through the link below.  The Herb Roasted Lamb Chops were smoky and rich, while the Sea Bass and Salmon Tartare were lightly seasoned to preserve their delicate flavours.

Villa Danieli Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, Christmas Day BBQ Brunch, free flow wines and beer

There are more treats in store for New Year’s Eve at Essence, including Braised Cola BBQ Beef Ribs with Mango and Baked Salmon rolled with Asparagus.

 

Essence Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, New Year's Eve Buffet, free flow wines and beer

 

Essence Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, New Year's Eve Buffet, free flow wines and beer

I especially enjoyed the Spanish and Ricotta Tortellini with Tomato Habanero Salsa and Gorgonzola Sauce. The spicy salsa chased the sauce and complimented rather than overpowered the tortellini.  Sam thought this combination was a real star too!

Essence Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, New Year's Eve Buffet, free flow wines and beer

We tasted two absolutely superb creations that will be served at Villa Danieli on New Year’s Eve.   I have five stars in my notes next to the Chervil and Almond Risotto with Seared Japanese Scallop Deglazed in Brandy, but I must say that the Thyme and Szechuan Pepper Gratin Cod with White Asparagus and Pistachio Squash Custard was equally fantastic.

Villa Danieli Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, New Year's Eve Dinner, free flow wines and beer

One dessert must-try is the Peach Tarte Tatin with Greek Yogurt, Goat Cheese Mousse and Mango Purée.

Villa Danieli Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, New Year's Eve Dinner, free flow wines and beer

 

Last, but certainly not least, New Year’s Eve at Celestial Court will continue to delight diners.  The Minced Fish, Asparagus and Mushroom braised in Hot and Sour Broth was brilliant and the Marinated Sea Perch with Assam Curry Sauce was bursting with enthusiasm; and remember, this is only a small sample of their unique and creative menu.

Celestial Court Restaurant, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, fine dining, New Year's Eve Set Dinner, free flow wines and beer

 




Reason to Visit:  For the ambience in all the restaurants, the exquisite care taken over the preparation and presentation of dishes, the originality of the menus but primarily for the delicious food.

The Sheraton Imperial Hotel
Jalan Sultan Ismail
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

8 Comments

  1. This food looks good

  2. A splendid Christmas dinner indeed & it's been ages since I had risotto~

    • I think the chefs from the three restaurants pulled out all the stops to create a fiesta of flavours. Were they trying to outdo one another, I wonder?

  3. That night was the night where I had my second food coma… Hahahah! 32 dishes (or more) in just one night…. *gasp* I'll never want to torture my stomach again..
    Food taste superb though!!!! ;D Would recommend their cod fish…

  4. I was very impressed with the Italian dishes and having lived in the country for some time I appreciated the style, flavour and presentation. My compliments go to all the chefs and staff who I am sure worked very hard to make this such an amazing experience. I know diners will not be disappointed.
    Lets not forget Polly…awesome job with the write up I know it was a considerable undertaking.

    • I agree that the Italian dishes were phenomenal, but I'm still hard-pressed to choose between the three restaurants. I took friends to Essence the other night, and they were most impressed. You're right, Sam, this was difficult to write…3 venues and 8 menus all rolled into one!

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