May 28, 2015

US POTATO CULINARY FESTIVAL KUALA LUMPUR 2015


The atmosphere at the swanky Villa Danieli was festive with banners and buntings all over the place. The venue was just as classy but the festive air added excitement and thrill in the air as those present, including yours truly waited in anticipation as to what the night held in store for us...



Whoever would have thought this humble little potato here is actually a very healthy vegetable and that there are just so many interesting ways you can make a meal out of it....


It is indeed interesting to see how 14 Malaysian chefs take the world’s favourite comfort food to amazing new heights of taste and glamour in the US Potato Culinary Festival Kuala Lumpur 2015, far beyond the regular french fries and mash potatoes we are so used to...


For the second time, this festival is held in Malaysia, after a highly successful run two years ago, this bi-annual culinary fest offers a month long smorgasbord of dining delights to whet the appetites of both potato aficionados and the spud-curious. 


Organized by the US Potato Board, the US Potato Culinary Festival will run from 1 – 30 June 2015 at a total of 13 top dining venues around the Klang Valley, each of which will feature a mouthwatering assortment of unique and fusion dishes that elevate the versatility, nutritional benefits and superior taste of quality US potatoes.

 

The restaurants participating this year include popular hotels and restaurants such as
  1.    Best Western Hotel, Petaling Jaya
  2.  Big Hug Burger
  3.  Burger Factory
  4. Jibby & Co.
  5.    La Bo Ca Latino
  6.    La Risata
  7.    Maria’s Steakcafe
  8. Naughty Nuri’s
  9.   Rendezvous Steak Garden Restaurant
  10.    Secret Of Louisiana
  11.  Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
  12.  The Daily Grind
  13. The Roulette Bar



The chefs of these respective restaurants have been given the hard task of inventing the most creative and special recipes using quality US potatoes and they will be serving these amazing potato dishes at their outlets around the Klang Valley



The versatility of US potatoes has these chefs creating some truly creative variations of potato frittatas, potato mash-ups and even potato milkshakes/smoothies.

Through this festival, the US Potato Board targets to showcase how US potatoes can be used as a main ingredient in a wide array of recipes from appetizers to desserts. This will increase the public’s interest in enjoying US potatoes in new, exciting and healthier ways.  
  


While most Malaysians (like you and me) probably have become accustomed to enjoying  their potatoes in more savoury forms such as fried, mashed or baked, the humble potato when cooked discerningly is in fact one of the healthiest vegetables one can consume.


Can you believe that one medium-size (5.3 ounce) skin-on US potato is just 110 calories per serving, boasts more potassium (620g) than a banana, provides almost half the daily value of vitamin C (45 percent) and contains no fat, sodium or cholesterol!!???  Amazing right!!!



When it comes to US potatoes, Malaysians do not have to compromise taste for any health reasons. A healthy, balanced meal can be just as yummy. 



Baked, mashed, roasted or fried, US potatoes can truly enhance whatever dish you're serving with the US potatoes in it, enhancing the presentation, while adding value and appetite appeal.  


A growing pool of research confirms that potatoes play a positive role in healthy diet. Research published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition demonstrates that people can eat potatoes and still lose weight.


Malaysians who would like to experience the difference in cooking with quality US potatoes can find these tuber gems in all leading supermarkets and hypermarkets in Malaysia.  Many leading restaurants and QSR chains also serve US potatoes due to their quality and superior taste.    

Speech by Mr Eddie Saw, US Potato Board Country for Malaysia

Ms Indra Balaratnam, dietitian, sharing on " Why US Potatoes is the ideal comfort food"

Mr Chris Rittgers, US Agricultural Trade Attache for Malaysia, US Embassy with one of the chefs from Sheraton Imperial

Mr Chris Rittgers giving a speech..

Some of the 14 chefs participating in this US Potato Culinary Festival, KL 2015..

The very impressive spread from all 14 chefs...

My dinner..... hehehe
Yours truly here had a great time trying all sorts of dishes including the potato smoothie which was kind of a fear factor... but surprisingly it tasted quite palatable and lovely, though it might not be on my list of favorite smoothies to order.

I especially enjoyed most of the menu there which was pretty amazing, including the mont blanc dessert served which was quite amazing!!! Even a potato mousse and canapes... my tongue and stomach never had so many amazing different kinds of potato dishes before this...

Thanks Sidney Kan for the invitation..

For more info on US potatoes, check out www.potatoesusa-malaysia.com

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