I’ve been to Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel many times and most of the time the dining experiences have been satisfactory due to the great quality of food offers in their outlets such as Celestial Court, Essence and Villa Danieli. But nothing ever prepared us for the eye opening experience at their special pop-up restaurant.

“Find your Lucky Star” is conceptualised by multi award-winning global interior designer, Emma Maxwell. Drawing inspiration from European flavours, the celebratory menus are curated by two talented chefs; Chef Francois Mermilliod of famed French dining restaurant in Singapore, Bar-A-Thym as well as Chef Gaetano Di Stefano of Villa Danieli, the signature Italian restaurant at Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur. The mesmerizing dining experience runs for limited time only from 12 to 29 December 2017 for lunch and dinner and each session accommodates only 12 guests.

“In our endeavour to constantly satiate Kuala Lumpur’s appetite for new and exciting dining experiences, we are thrilled to have Emma Maxwell and Chef Francois Mermilliod to collaborate on this unique experience,” commented Frank Beck, Managing Director of Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel. “Kuala Lumpur is such a diverse gastronomic city, we aim to continuously present culinary innovation for our guests and creating unforgettable memories especially this holiday season,” he added.

Sparked from a simple question on “How do we make our dreams come true?”, designer Emma Maxwell in her signature layered, worldly and eclectic style came up with “Find your Lucky Star” pop-up restaurant concept based on the foundation of seeing things a little differently.

Creative mastermind, Emma describes the journey, “As guests walk through the threshold of the external austere and rigid structure, they are swept from the chaotic and bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur and submerged into a seductive and evocative “other” world. A scene that is the exact opposite of what they perceived from the rigidity of the exterior of the structure.”

Walking into the Pavilion, we were immediately greeted by a medium sized black box, which doesn’t tell us much exteriorly. Walking in, we were greeted by a beautifully decorated long table, pretty light fixture, and even starry night projected on the walls. It’s truly gorgeous and romantic.

When everyone’s settled in, we were quickly served our first drink and first starter. Our menu is curated by Chef Gaetano Di Stefano, who’s their resident Italian Chef. He has definitely exercised plenty of creative muslces to put this feast together.

Lobster Carpaccio with Young Mango Salad and Grape Fruits Foam
Wine pairing: SAN FELETTO Extra Dry Prosecco DOCG

Gorgeous dish, with very simple flavours from the ingredients, rather tropical and refreshing. Feeling extra fancy from the Grape Fruit Foam.

Roasted Beetroot Soup, Seared Scallop and Truffle Essence
Paired with 2016 MAZZEI Belgvardo Vermentino di Toscana

The soup pouring was the theatrical element, a sea of red supporting the lone scallop. In a way, this dish is combining the surf and turf element, the earthy beetroot surprisingly worked really well with the perfectly cooked scallop. With that lovely micro herbs and sprouts for extra herbaceous note. And of course, with the extra decadence from the truffle too. I think this was Kevin’s favourite dish of the night.

Braised Beef Cheek, Modica Saffron Risotto, Crisp Parmesan
2013 MAZZEI Fonterutoli Chianti Classico DOCG

A whiff of Saffron hit the nose as this reached the table. On top of the orange hue risotto sat a good chunk of beef cheek and then top with beautifully crisp parmesan. I got one extra piece because Kevin doesn’t eat cheese, well lucky me! This dish was perfectly executed, with al dente rice grains, superbly tender beef and that crisp cheese for a great marriage of textures.

Baked Italian Turbot with Braised Mediterranean Vegetable, Sea Urchin Foam 
2013 MAZZEI Fonterutoli Chianti Classico DOCG4

Without the strong LED light, the dishes all look something like this:

Sparkle sparkle, pretty right?

Another very clean tasting dish, with the fish lovely and flaky, and the finely diced vegetables retaining a touch of crunch. I couldn’t really detect the sea urchin but the sauce is at least not overpowering. Delicious. But perhaps a little mismatch with the Chianti as this dish is lighter than the wine. Not a huge problem, though.

Austalian Lamb Loin, Crushed Pistachio, Sweet Potato Mash, Asparagus and Madeira Reduction
2011 MAZZEI Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Privata Riserva

I think the Lamb loin is the biggest surprise (pleasant one) for me. Super tender meat, full of flavours perfect pairing with the sweet potato. And I do appreciate a nice fatty asparagus. Winner dish for sure!

Ok, I normally abstains from all things chocolate and so does Kevin. Me for the protection of my throat, him… just doesn’t like the taste. But after he took one bite of that truffle, he insisted it was worth me breaking my rule for. And my my was he so right… I ate both the truffle and the chocolate star. Plain amazing, no words.

So much so I totally forgot wee had a dessert coming.

The Green Apple Tarte Tatin was served with vanilla gelato and berry coulis. The tarte was more biscuit-y than flaky, though the flavours still spot on. A good light dessert to end the feast. This has got to be the more memorable meal we had in 2017, thank you for hosting us.

The Pop-Up definitely had a successful run, with most of the dates fully booked til 29th December, in fact the night we dined, they had to add 2 extra seats in order to accommodate everyone. The “Find your Lucky Star” experience is available at RM 238 nett for a 4-course lunch with wine pairing or RM 188 nett with mocktail, and RM 438 nett for a 6-course dinner with wine pairing or RM 388 nett with mocktail. I heard that they might be extending this until Chinese New Year, so do check their website out for more updates!

For further inquiries or reservations, telephone +603-27179027, e-mail LuckyStar@sheraton.com or visit http://www.pavilionslounge.com/, http://www.sheratonimperialkualalumpur.com/