MIGF Awards 31 Of Malaysia's Finest Restaurants
"'The Restaurant" at Saujana Resort Kuala Lumpur bagged the Golden Cauldron Award for the best all round restaurant 2013 at the 13th Malaysia International Gourmet Festival (MIGF), here, Friday., Nov 8, 2013
The award is in recognition for their standard of cuisine, the enthusiasm and creativity of the chef, kitchen, service and entire restaurant team for their overall service.
The restaurant's executive chef Alexander Waschl who is a Michelin Star Chef was ecstatic when his restaurant was named the winner and thanked his team for their hard work, dedication and commitment to constantly improve themselves on a daily basis.
He said the secret to their win was customer satisfaction that was on top of his team's priority list.
The MIGF awarded 31 of the country's best restaurants that participated in the month long event.
The festival is the first part of Tourism Malaysia's "Fabulous Food 1Malaysia" initiative that promotes global cuisines in Malaysia.
SPECIAL FESTIVAL AWARDS
Golden Cauldron Award for the Best All-Round Restaurant 2013
The Golden Cauldron Award is given to the restaurant that, in the opinion of the judges, is the best all-round restaurant of the Festival. Marks are given for the standard of cuisine, the enthusiasm and creativity of the chef, kitchen, service and entire restaurant team and the overall service.
The Golden Cauldron Award is given to the restaurant that, in the opinion of the judges, is the best all-round restaurant of the Festival. Marks are given for the standard of cuisine, the enthusiasm and creativity of the chef, kitchen, service and entire restaurant team and the overall service.
THE FINALISTS:
Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie
Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie
Lafite
Marini’s on 57
Mandarin Grill
Tanzini
TEN Japanese Fine Dining
The Restaurant
THE WINNER:
The Restaurant
The Restaurant
SPECIAL FESTIVAL AWARD
Outstanding Festival Achievement Award
Recognising the organisation or individual who has been outstanding in contributing extensively to the success of this year's Festival.
Outstanding Festival Achievement Award
Recognising the organisation or individual who has been outstanding in contributing extensively to the success of this year's Festival.
(Mr Benjamin Zahn, Hotel Manager of The Westin KL, accepting the Award on behalf of Mr Martin Jones)
OVERALL WINNER:
Mr. Martin Jones – Starwood Group
Mr. Martin Jones – Starwood Group
SPECIAL FESTIVAL AWARDChef Congeniality
This award is presented to the most amiable and admired chef of the Festival, as voted by his or her fellow chefs.
This award is presented to the most amiable and admired chef of the Festival, as voted by his or her fellow chefs.
OVERALL WINNER:
Chef Alexander Waschl, The Restaurant
Chef Alexander Waschl, The Restaurant
JUDGES’ CHOICE
Best Festival Offers
Best Festival Offers
This award is given to the restaurant that had the best Festival offers, ranging from discounts to overnight stays and spa offers.
THE WINNERS:
Chakri Palace
Five Sen5es
Kiraku Japanese Restaurant
Lai Po Heen & Mandarin Grill, Mandarin Oriental KL
Qba Latin Bar & Grill
TEN Japanese Fine Dining
JUDGES’ CHOICE
Best Value Menu Of The Festival
Best Value Menu Of The Festival
Marks were awarded for choice and variety of food in relation to the Festival Menu price.
THE WINNERS:
Bunga Emas
Kelantan Delights
Kiraku Japanese Restaurant
Seasonal Tastes
Tanzini
TEN Japanese Fine Dining
JUDGES’ CHOICE
Most Creative Menu
Most Creative Menu
Marks are awarded for originality, creativity, composition and wine-pairing.
THE WINNERS:
Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie
Grill 582
Lafite
Marini’s On 57
TEN Japanese Fine Dining
The Olive
JUDGES’ CHOICE
Best Marketed Restaurant
Best Marketed Restaurant
Recognising the restaurant that made the best effort to publicise it participation in the Festival and the Festival in general.
THE WINNERS:
Putrajaya Marriott Hotel & Spa
Resorts World Genting
Tarbush
The Restaurant
The Royale Chulan KL
The Westin Kuala Lumpur
JUDGES’ CHOICE
Most Outstanding Dining Experience
Most Outstanding Dining Experience
The judge's choice for the most memorable dining experience.
THE WINNERS:
Imperial Rama & LTITUDE Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
Lai Po Heen & Mandarin Grill, Mandarin Oriental KL
Marini’s On 57
Midori & Tuscany, Putrajaya Marriott Hotel & Spa
Seasonal Tastes
The Restaurant
JUDGES’ CHOICE AWARDS (At The Gala Launch) -
Six Gold Awards in each category
JUDGES’ CHOICE
Most Creative Restaurant Station at the Gala Launch
Most Creative Restaurant Station at the Gala Launch
The restaurant that, in the view of the judges, showed the most creative flair and originality in its restaurant display at the Gala Launch.
THE WINNERS:
Five Sen5es
Kelantan Delights
Lafite
Lai Po Heen & Mandarin Grill, Mandarin Oriental KL
Midori & Tuscany, Putrajaya Marriott Hotel & Spa
TEN Japanese Fine Dining
JUDGES’ CHOICE
Most Creative Food Presentation at the Gala Launch
Most Creative Food Presentation at the Gala Launch
Rewarding the restaurant that presented the most creative cuisine.
THE WINNERS:
Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie
Five Sen5es
Kelantan Delights
Marini’s On 57
Minori Japanese Restaurant
TEN Japanese Fine Dining
JUDGES’ CHOICE
Most Innovative Cuisine at the Gala Launch
Most Innovative Cuisine at the Gala Launch
Noting the brave restaurant serving cuisine that inspired the palate.
THE WINNERS:
Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie
Kelantan Delights
Lafite
Minori Japanese Restaurant
Nook
TEN Japanese Fine Dining
JUDGES’ CHOICE
Most Outstanding Cuisine at the Gala Launch
Most Outstanding Cuisine at the Gala Launch
For the most outstanding cuisine at the Gala Launch, marks are awarded for taste, food, presentation, quality and creativity.
THE WINNERS:
Bunga Emas
Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie
Lafite
Mandarin Grill
TEN Japanese Fine Dining
The Restaurant
DINERS’ CHOICE AWARDS - Six Gold Awards in each category
DINER'S CHOICE
Most Outstanding Service Team
Most Outstanding Service Team
Diners rate and recognise the Restaurant Managers and their teams.
THE WINNERS:
Lafite
Mandarin Grill
Midori & Tuscany, Putrajaya Marriott Hotel & Spa
Seasonal Tastes
The Olive
The Restaurant
DINER'S CHOICE
Most Outstanding Cuisine
Most Outstanding Cuisine
Marks awarded for taste, presentation, quality and creativity.
THE WINNERS:
Lafite
Mandarin Grill
Marini’s On 57
TEN Japanese Fine Dining
Tanzini
The Restaurant
DINER'S CHOICE
Most Outstanding Dining Experience
Most Outstanding Dining Experience
The award is given to the restaurant that impressed Festival Diners the most with its overall dining experience.
THE WINNERS:
Imperial Rama / LTITUDE Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
Marini’s on 57
Midori & Tuscany, Putrajaya Marriott Hotel & Spa
Seasonal Tastes
TEN Japanese Fine Dining
The Restaurant
DINERS’ CHOICE AWARDS -
Six and Eight* Gold Awards in each category
DINER'S CHOICE
Most Outstanding Canapes
Most Outstanding Canapes
Recognising a memorable pre-dinner experience.
THE WINNERS:
Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie
LTITUDE Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
Seasonal Tastes
The Olive
The Restaurant
Tuscany & Midori, Putrajaya Marriot Hotel & Spa
DINER'S CHOICE
Most Outstanding Soup
Most Outstanding Soup
Noting the soup that teased the taste buds.
THE WINNERS:
Blu Med – Creamy Foie Gras Soup with Sweet Corn Espuma
Chakri Palace – Gaeng Leang: Wid Spicy Soup with Thai River Fish
Dynasty – Lobster Bisque, Ocean Treasure, Bird’s Nest and Truffle
Imperial Rama – Stewed Fish Maw with Yellow Fungus Soup
Lai Po Heen – Double-boiled “Mingmu” Fish Essence: Ginseng, Black Chicken, Fish Maw, Baby Cabbage
The Olive – Truffle Cappucino: Chicken Essence and Candied Almond
DINER'S CHOICE
Most Outstanding Appetiser
Most Outstanding Appetiser
This appetiser just whetted diners’ appetites for more.
THE WINNERS:
Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie – Green Pea Jelly, Grilled French Brittany Blue Lobster, Hokkaido Scallop Toast, Vegetables and Light Hollandaise Sauce
Imperial Rama – Mantis Prawn with Passion Fruit Salad
Seasonal Tastes – Velvety Foie Gras Terrine, with Fig Marmalade and Port Wine Sauce on Toasted Brioche
Tanzini – Hokaido Scallop with Crispy White Bait
The Restaurant – Salmon Carpaccio
TEN Japanese Fine Dining – Teppan Grilled Seafood marinated in Sake Malt and wrapped in Pate Filo
DINER'S CHOICE
Most Outstanding Starter
Most Outstanding Starter
The most excellent start to a meal.
THE WINNERS:
Grill 582 – Foie Gras Mousse, “Avruga Caviar”, Smoked Olive Oil
Kiraku Japanese Restaurant – Duck Liver Kira Kira
Lafite – Seabass and Oyster Tartare with Caviar, Tomato Vinaigrette and Beetroot Coulis
Marini’s On 57 - Aragosta e Burrata: Normandy Blue Lobster, Burrata Cheese and Lobster Emulsion
Tanzini – Cold Smoked Muscovy Duck Breast, Cold Tossed Cappelini in Truffle Essence and Avruga Caviar, Braised Lotus Roots
The Restaurant РFoie Gras Cr̬me: Foie Gras, Duck Roll, Granny Smith Apple
DINER'S CHOICE
Most Outstanding Entrée
Most Outstanding Entrée
Celebrating that delightful dish between courses.
THE WINNERS:
Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie – Oven Roasted Tasmanian Rump of Lamb, Piquillos Domes, Provencal Short Jus
Imperial Rama – Braised Abalone with Morels in Superior Brown Sauce
L’TITUDE Restaurant, Bar & Lounge – Josper Grilled Wagyu Beef with Herb Jelly, Quinoa Risotto and Cream
Lafite – Dover Sole Filet Grenobloise, Fresh Spinach and Seaweed Butter
Marini’s On 57 – M57 Carbonara: Uovo di Parisi, Pasta Monteverde Carbonara & 32 Month Aged Parmiggiano
Minori – Sanma Sushi, King Crab Geratan, Salmon Saikyo Yaki, Tsubugai Umani, Foie Gras Ponzu, Grilled Nuts, Ginkgo Nut, Sweet Potato, Pumpkin, Japanese Yam & Persimmon
DINER'S CHOICE
Most Outstanding Main Course*
Most Outstanding Main Course*
The piece de resistance - we celebrate the best!
THE WINNERS:
Lafite – Wagyu Beef Tournados Rossini with Truffle Reduction
Lai Po Heen – Australian Deep Sea Abalone Braised in Superior Oyster Sauce, Quail Egg, Stir Fried Cauliflower
Mandarin Grill – Char Grilled Australian Wagyu Sirloin MS 10+ & Guinness Braised Beef Cheek Angelotti
Marini’s On 57 – Gnudi Toscani: Ricotta Cheese & Spinach Gnudi, Fresh Butter Sage & Black Truffle
Prego – Cod Fish with Green Pea Sauce, Potato Mushroom and Shellfish Reduction
Tanzini – Seared Tajima Wagyu Tenderloin, Pineapple-Potato Terrine, Spinach, Wasabi-Foie Gras Marmalade
TEN Japanese Fine Dining – Marble Score 10+ Wagyu Beef Cheek and Grilled French Foie Gras marinated in White Miso with Red Wine Sauce and a hint of Red Miso
The Restaurant – Smoked Rack of Lamb & Confit Lamb Shoulder
DINER'S CHOICE
Most Outstanding Dessert*
Most Outstanding Dessert*
This is the best of the sweet delights.
THE WINNERS:
Arthur’s Bar and Grill – Coconut Macadamia Nut Tart, Butterscotch Ice Cream and Thick Chocolate Sauce
Blu Med – Fondant Chocolate Blu Med Style
Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie – Lady Gla Gla: Violet, Hazelnut, Chocolate
L’TITUDE Restaurant, Bar & Lounge – Chocolate Sphere with Mascarpone Mousse, Bailey’s Coffee Ice Cream and Warm Chocolate Sauce
Mandarin Grill – Grand Cru Varlhona Tasting: Jivara Poached Chocolate Pudding, Guanaja Sorbet, Ivory Chocolate-Raspberry Mille Feuille
Marini’s On 57 – Sicily Tradition: Almond Milk. Orange Sorbet and Lemon Tart
Prego – Tiramisu in Tuille: Tiramisu Mousse served in Tulip Cup
The Restaurant – Ultimate Chocolate Brownie, Ice Milk Mousse, Nougat Ice Cream, Berries
DINER'S CHOICE
Most Outstanding Wine Pairing
Most Outstanding Wine Pairing
The wine that went best with the cuisine.
THE WINNERS:
LTITUDE Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
Lafite
Prego
Qba Latin Bar & Grill
Samplings On The Fourteenth Restaurant
Tanzini
Diners’ Choice Awards -
Six Gold Awards in each category
DINER'S CHOICE
Best Value Menu
Best Value Menu
Marks were awarded for choice and variety of food in relation to the Festival Menu price.
THE WINNERS:
Arthur’s Bar & Grill
Five Sen5es
Kelantan Delights
Lai Po Heen
Nerovivo
The Olive
DINER'S CHOICE
Best Restaurant Ambience
Best Restaurant Ambience
The restaurant that most impressed diners with its setting.
THE WINNERS:
LTITUDE Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
Mandarin Grill
Marini’s on 57
Qba Latin Bar & Grill
The Olive
The Restaurant
DINER'S CHOICE
Best Use Of The Festival Theme
Best Use Of The Festival Theme
This award is given to the participant that created the most memorable ambience at its restaurant in conjunction with the theme “Cool Chefs!"
THE WINNERS:
LTITUDE Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
Marini’s on 57
Midori & Tuscany, Putrajaya Marriott Hotel & Spa
Seasonal Tastes
Tanzini
The Restaurant
People’s Choice (At The Gala Launch) –
Six Gold Awards in each category:
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
Most Creative Restaurant Station at the Gala Launch
This award is given to the restaurant that, as voted by the Gala Launch attendees, showed the most creative flair and originality in its restaurant display at the Gala Launch.
Most Creative Restaurant Station at the Gala Launch
This award is given to the restaurant that, as voted by the Gala Launch attendees, showed the most creative flair and originality in its restaurant display at the Gala Launch.
THE WINNERS:
Arthur’s Bar & Grill
Kelantan Delights
Kiraku Japanese Restaurant
Lai Po Heen
Minori Japanese Restaurant
TEN Japanese Fine Dining
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
Most Creative Food Presentation at the Gala Launch
This award goes to the restaurant with the most unforgettable presentation.
Most Creative Food Presentation at the Gala Launch
This award goes to the restaurant with the most unforgettable presentation.
THE WINNERS:
Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie
Kelantan Delights
Nook
Tanzini
TEN Japanese Fine Dining
The Restaurant
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
Most Innovative Cuisine at the Gala Launch
The winner is the restaurant that is fearless in its cuisine, creating delicacies that inspire the palate.
Most Innovative Cuisine at the Gala Launch
The winner is the restaurant that is fearless in its cuisine, creating delicacies that inspire the palate.
THE WINNERS:
Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie
Marini’s on 57
Nook
Tanzini
TEN Japanese Fine Dining
The Restaurant
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
Most Outstanding Cuisine at the Gala Launch
Recognising the restaurant with the most outstanding cuisine - in terms of taste, food, presentation, quality and creativity.
Most Outstanding Cuisine at the Gala Launch
Recognising the restaurant with the most outstanding cuisine - in terms of taste, food, presentation, quality and creativity.
THE WINNERS:
Marini’s on 57
Minori Japanese Restaurant
Nook
Qba Latin Bar & Grill
TEN Japanese Fine Dining
The Restaurant
Taste MIGF
Taste MIGF
Most Popular Restaurant at Taste MIGF
Most Popular Restaurant at Taste MIGF
Awarded to the restaurant that sold the most Taste Tokens during Taste MIGF 2013.
THE WINNERS:
Lai Po Heen
Mandarin Grill
Minori Japanese Restaurant
Tanzini
Tarbush
TEN Japanese Fine Dining
Introduction
Now into its 13th successive year, the Malaysia International Gourmet Festival made its debut in September 2001 with an intrepid band of 13 restaurants from Kuala Lumpur taking part in the inaugural KL International Gourmet Festival (KLIGF).
From the onset it was obvious that fine dining restaurants could not flourish on tourist receipts alone. What was needed before anything else was a strong base of local diners. However, a decade ago most Malaysians perceived fine dining restaurants as being poor value, high priced and stifling. While they enjoyed eating out, their overriding preference was for the traditional no frills restaurants and hawker stalls.
It became clear that to popularise fine dining, it had to appeal to a lot more people. It needed to provide better value and be better marketed with an emphasis that paying the extra for a pleasant fine dining ambience, high quality cuisine and first class service was well worth it. And to attract new diners the whole experience had to be far less intimidating, more relaxed and a lot more pleasurable. These observations were what shaped the Organiser’s approach to the Festival.
That maiden Festival in 2001 was initiated in response to the industry's need for zest and a rejuvenation of the then very obscure fine dining scene. Though Malaysians have always enjoyed dining out, their overriding preference was for traditional restaurants and hawker food. Only a few fine dining restaurants existed for the simple reason there was not a large enough base of local diners to draw upon.
Each year from then on, during the Festival, restaurants put aside their competitive differences, share contacts and come together in a collective marketing effort. Rather than bringing in chefs from abroad for a one-off food promotion, the Festival’s unwavering focus is on the skills of the world-class chefs already residing in Malaysia and the all-year-round quality of our cuisine and restaurants.
