Miss Manners once said, “There are three possible parts to a date, of which at least two must be offered: entertainment, food, and affection. It is customary to begin a series of dates with a great deal of entertainment, a moderate amount of food, and the merest suggestion of affection. As the amount of affection increases, the entertainment can be reduced proportionately. When the affection IS the entertainment, we no longer call it dating. Under no circumstances can the food be omitted.”
The Yum List can’t guarantee the affection part of the equation, but we can set the scene by giving you ideas for fun entertainment and fabulous food. Here’s the second in a series of suggested itineraries for taking your loved one, or someone you’re hoping will soon become your special person, on a Date in Kuala Lumpur:
An Elegant Date
At The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Words: Kirsten Durward Photos: Monica Tindall
This story is based on actual experiences but written with a little whimsical embellishment to enhance the date night concept…
The Bar at Colonial Cafe – a perfect perch for pre-dinner cocktails and prime position to enjoy the soothing sounds of the live jazz band, the Solianos. |
Tonight our romantic couple enjoys an elegant date at the iconic Hotel Majestic, one of Kuala Lumpur’s more genteel venues. They pause in admiration of the vibrant colours in the Orchid Room. Signature to the Majestic, this oriental foliage pervades the hotel, from dramatic centerpieces, to discreet nosegays on the dining tables.
Bartenders Shaking Some Cocktails |
Heads bend over the discreet cocktail menu and smiles soften faces at the charmingly detailed descriptions and artistic renderings within.
She selects Tanqueray Blue, a house creation using Malaysian blue ginger infused gin. The natural tartness of cranberry and citrus juices is tempered by a sweet dash of simple syrup and crushed ice. It’s sweeter than expected, but the clear clean taste slips down slightly too easily.
Tanqueray Blue |
His attention is captured by ‘Code 55 and 2 Bulat,’ the Majestic’s original cocktail. There is a story attached to this drink, but no secrets are revealed here, you’ll have to visit and read it for yourselves…
Code 55 and 2 Bulat |
A test tube each of whisky with curacao and gin with grenadine lie ominously in a glass of shandy. He remarks that it’s definitely an icebreaker of a drink if you want to raise a smile with a new friend. Chin Chin!
As night draws in, the Soliano’s strike up their smooch jazz tones. An eyebrow raised and a suggestive smile means a new round is soon on the way. She takes a second gin drink, musing that this goes well with the colonial setting. Tom Collins is the sweeter sibling to a Gin Fizz; the original recipe calling for a wine glass of liquor. The Majestic’s modern measures are more moderate and the second delight disappears much like the first.
Tom Collins |
His historical interest is tickled by the pedigree of the Brandy Crusta. Born in the 19th Century, the drink is older than the building they sit in and claims to be a progenitor of the modern Margarita. The brandy, Cointreau and Angostura concoction gets the taste buds tingling, signaling that it’s time to move to dinner in the Colonial Café.
Brandy Crusta |
The soft toned jazz music floats with them from bar to restaurant as they sink into basket chairs at their white linened table. He chooses the meatiness of Oxtail soup, while she enjoys the sensuality of Baked Seafood Crab. Each tastes the other’s dish with eager anticipation. They sigh with delight as the knife slices through seared brown Chateaubriand revealing soft pink flesh and decadent béarnaise pours over both plates. The delight culminates with a shared dark date dessert, spoons clinking in rich toffee sauce.
Colonial Cafe |
A Meal Made for Sharing |
A Sweet Ending to Dinner – Sticky Toffee Pudding
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Dinner over, tastes savoured and secrets shared, our romantic duo strolls through the garden for a postprandial drink in the genteel atmosphere of the Smokehouse. This former gentleman’s club now warmly welcomes ladies to enjoy the warm ambience and wealth of top shelf whiskies. Or anything else they should care to sample.
Bartender Johnnie Preparing a Smoking Old Fashioned |
The friendly bar man charms them with stories of smoking drinks, and on being begged for a demonstration, gladly complies. A hint of the outdoor enters with hickory-smoked whisky, and they chuckle, thinking of campfires in winter, memories far, far from KL.
Smoking Old Fashioned |
He settles down with a Japanese Whisky. 25 year old Yamasaki is smoky and peaty; just what is needed to round out the evening. She warms her senses with the almond honey tastes of Amaretto. Both smile sweetly into their drinks.
Digestif – Yamazaki 25 and Amaretto |
Our doting couple now heads downstairs for a private* viewing in the charming screening room which rolls classic black and white films. The spacious leather armchairs lend themselves to relaxation and he remarks that he hopes the only swooning taking place will be on screen. She smiles gently with the secure knowledge that all classic romances end with a kiss…
Black and White Cinema |
Enjoy a romantic afternoon or evening for Valentines Day 2014 at the Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur where to make you feel extra special each couple also receives a personal gift of mignardines and a complimentary spa voucher.
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
5 Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin
50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+6 03 2785 8000
+6 03 2785 8080
[email protected]
http://www.majestickl.com
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The Majestic is always the best for me, excellent service!
Wow! The bell boy sure looks majestic in his uniform. Love the additional of a cinema! Would certainly like to stay there some day……