Daily: MIGF (Malaysian International Gourmet Festival 2015) Media Launch @ Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur

One of the most anticipated event of the year is back! The 2015 Malaysia International Gourmet Festival has successfully catapulted into the stratosphere following last week's media launch at Berjaya Times Square. Themed Galactic Chefs 2015: A Food Odyssey, it was similar to a scene out of the famous movie, Star Wars. 

The launch began with an exploratory spaceship travelling from Planet Earth to a land far, far away: Planet Epicure. After a safe landing, none other than Dato’ Steve Day, MIGF Organising Chairman, himself emerged from the spaceship-cum-stage unscathed. Surrounded by potentially hostile alien lifeforms, he waved a white Taste MIGF flag and declared, “We’re here in peace.”

Then emerged his peace troopers, or this year’s Festival Master Chefs, who were ready and armed to take Planet Epicure by storm. All 25 chefs took to the stage as a stylish video compilation played overhead, introducing each and every one of them to applause and cheers from the audience.

“Every year, MIGF is powered by the sheer camaraderie, fun and fellowship of these amazing and talented chefs,” said Dato’ Steve, who also thanked festival partners and committee members in his welcome address. Dato Steve and the Master Chefs were joined on stage by Festival Sponsors including Fifty Six Degrees Managing Director, Kristine Goh and Assistant Director, Tourism Services Division for the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Danendran Sugumar for a quick photo session.

Then the Master Chefs took to their respective stations for the customary tour of Festival dishes. VIPs and Guest of Honour, Tunku Dara Tunku Tan Sri Naquiah Tuanku Ja'afarsurveyed the fare on display with salivating delight, while the chefs happily chatted with them and answered questions for the media.

On the floor, members of the public excitedly took photos with space creatures and galactic showgirls while onlookers from four floors up couldn’t help but peer down onto the commotion at the concourse. The excitement was palpable, especially for two first time festival partners.

“I’m always up for a new experience!” said Kristine Goh, FiftySix Degrees Managing Director. “Malaysian culture is communal and by bringing together different talented chefs and enthusiastic foodies together, MIGF pays tribute to this cornerstone of our culture.”

“MIGF acts as the best platform for premier restaurants and their staff to showcase their calibre,” said Rowena Ngumbang, UOA Hospitality Sdn Bhd Marketing & Communication Manager. “I’m most looking forward to Taste MIGF!”

Some of the amazingly prepared food which I can't wait to try at MIGF!

A shot of my mum and I with the Dato' Steve Day who is all dressed up :)

Taste MIGF – The Preview Event for the Malaysia International Gourmet Festival

Taste MIGF will allow tourists and locals alike to sample food from all the festival restaurants as they gather together under one roof in a specially designed Theatre of Cuisines.  This year, the two-day food tasting extravaganza that serves as a prelude to the festival will be held for the first time at Berjaya Times Square Hotel Kuala Lumpur from 11am to 10pm on Saturday the 5th and Sunday 6th September 2015.  It is open to the public and all you need to participate are Gourmet Dollars – the official currency at Taste MIGF – to go on a Super Gourmet Safari and taste sampling portions of the most exquisite cooking Malaysia’s finest have to offer. Additionally, the general public will also be able to get a preview of things to come at Taste MIGF which will take place at Berjaya Times Square. 

But that’s not all. At Taste MIGF, you can also expect to experience cooking classes from the Festival Master Chefs, wine appreciation courses and Epicure Lifestyle Workshops on a variety of topics. Meanwhile, the Epicure Gourmet Village offers a showcase of premium products and gourmet delicacies, from artisan chocolates to state-of-the-art kitchen machines. So what are you waiting for! Join us in this year’s food odyssey and start purchasing your Gourmet Dollars at www.tastemigf.com

Enjoy a Super Gourmet Safari!

At the Theatre of Cuisines, where the Festival restaurants are showcased, visitors can enjoy a Super Gourmet Safari using Gourmet dollars that can be purchased in advance online or bought at the venue on the day of the day itself. Tasting samples are big enough to satisfy, yet small enough to leave room to try as many restaurants as possible.

The Super Gourmet Safari is a value-for-money feature that allows visitors to taste dishes from all the Festival menus and get a better idea of what is being served up at the 25 participating restaurants. This way they will be able to decide on which restaurants they would want to visit during the Festival month of October.

Get your Gourmet Dollars first

To go on your Super Gourmet Safari, you will need Gourmet Dollars that have been created for the convenience of the visitor. Gourmet Dollars help minimise queues and delays as people then wouldn’t have to wait for their change.

Gourmet Dollars will be available on the day of the event itself but can also be purchased online at a 5% discount. Visitors can visit www.tastemigf.com to purchase.

Epicure Gourmet Village

Visitors can shop at the Epicure International Gourmet Village where gourmet food and beverage vendors sell everything from fine wines to exquisite cheeses, as well as a wealth of mouthwatering delicacies from around the world.

Epicure Lifestyle Workshops

At the Epicure Lifestyle Workshops, some 40 appreciation workshops and cooking classes are conducted back to back, from noon till evening, on 5th and 6th September.

The cooking classes are conducted by Festival Master Chefs and guest chefs from 5-star hotels while appreciation classes are facilitated by top notch experts in their respective fields, sharing their knowledge with visitors at Taste MIGF.

Headlining the workshops is the charismatic Chef Wan, who will charm visitors not only with the exquisite Malaysian fare he prepares but also with his delightful personality.

LuxuryPlus Showcase

Taste MIGF 2015 will also include the LuxuryPlus Showcase. From high end art pieces to tableware to jewelry, the showcase highlights the finest luxurious lifestyle options. The diverse list of exhibitors includes the Tourism Board, art studios, and manufacturers of jewelry, fine silver flatware and home accessories.