Looking for a new gastronomic experience in Kuala Lumpur but already visited every new restaurant and bar there is in town? Here’s an event that might pique your interest if you’re open to exploring an unexpected but edifying journey to change the way you perceive flavour and taste. Psst… it makes a great date night too!
WORLD OF BUZZ was recently invited to check out The Wonderarium, an event that centres around interactive sensorial experimentation and while the first series will officially kick off on the 14th and 15th of June at Japas fun dining restaurant, Babe by Jeff Ramsey, we got a sneak peek at the media preview a couple of nights ago and trust us, here’s everything that you would NOT want to miss:
1. Try the mind-blowing foie gras ice cream
I internally cried tears of happiness when I saw the waiter serve up a tray of these babies. After all, A) ice cream is love, and b) duck liver is life. If foie gras is your favourite F word when it comes to food, this foie gras ice cream sandwich will blow. Your. Mind.
2. Sip on three experiential cocktails
You’ll get to sip on three Martell VSOP Aged in Red Barrels cocktails and what makes it extra special is that these drinks – complemented and contrasted by an array of Japanese-styled tapas – are served in a timed sequence to prep you for the main star of the night that will be staged at the bespoke Martell Trunk led by Chef Jeff Ramsey. More on this later.
3. Whet your appetite with 9 courses of ‘japas’ (Japanese tapas)
The entire menu on that night is curated to highlight Umami and Smoke flavours, and while your taste buds will thank you for everything that you put in your mouth, these are my personal top picks that deserve a lip-smacking shout-out:
- The Sashimi Spring Rolls that were super generous with its fillings. Don’t make the same mistake as I did by taking only one of these. #regret
- The Ikura Tartlette, which is smoked salmon roe on a bed of fresh cheese, framed by crispy tart shell.
- The melt-in-your-mouth Kurozato Braised Short Ribs that sit in a purple pool of sweet potato mash.
Bonus: stay till the end for some liquid nitrogen fun with the dragon’s breath – just don’t freeze your tongue!
4. Take a peek into your future at the tarot card reading station
One way to stay entertained halfway through those tapas and tipples? Enter the tarot card reading station, where you can take a peek into your future. How it works: think of one question while you shuffle those giant cards, then pass them to British-born Anthony, and he’ll give you a glimpse into what your career/love life/wealth may look like in the next couple of years.
Whether you’re a believer or a sceptic, there’s no harm having a little fun listening to these predictions!
5. Enjoy both hot and cold teh tarik in one cup
Can’t decide if you prefer hot or cold teh tarik? Say no more fam, because you can enjoy the contrasting sensations of both in one cup at this event. Just like those warm desserts topped with icy-cold ice cream!
Pro tip: make sure you hold the cup at an angle where you’ll get a good ratio of the two.
6. Open your mind as Michelin-star chef Jeff Ramsey lets you in on a sensorial gastronomy experiment
Remember the Martell Trunk we mentioned earlier? Here’s where all the magic happens as you’ll be seeing, smelling, and tasting familiar flavours that might suddenly seem new again. See those colourful test tubes for example? You’ll be doing a sniff test and guessing what they are, among other things! Chef Jeff Ramsey will lead a small group by turns and make sure you leave with a wealth of gastronomical eureka moments. Our advice? Expect the unexpected.
If you like what you’ve read and want to experience The Wonderarium hosted by Babe, here’s all the important deets you need to know:
Date: 14 & 15 June 2019
Venue: Babe by Jeff Ramsey, 11th Floor, Work@Clearwater, Changkat Semantan, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Ticket: RM280++ per person
Reservations are now open and you can book a spot by calling Babe at +603 2095 8599 or by visiting their website. Remember, it’s only happening on those two dates so book your slots before they’re gone! If you miss this round, fret not as the next installment is happening on 6 & 7 September. 😉
Also read: There’s a Boba Ice Cream Bar Being Sold Online & Netizens Actually Quite Like It