THIS upcoming Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the year of the tiger. Coincidentally, Chap Goh Meh, the 15th and final day of the celebration, falls a day apart from Valentine’s Day.
Chap Goh Meh (meaning ‘15th night’ in Hokkien), is the day to pursue love and family togetherness. The day is also referred to as Lantern Festival, Yuanxiaojie or Shangyuanjie, a festival with great significance to the Chinese.
Chap Goh Meh usually falls in the month of February in the Gregorian calendar and, in 2022, it is on February 15, just one day after Valentine’s Day on the 14th.
Caorunn Scottish Gin is collaborating with Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown to run a two-week promotion from February 1 to 15 (2pm-6pm) for a Caorunn Gin Peranakan Affair, offering Caorunn Gin cocktails from Jann KL, with Peranakan inspired bites and nyonya kuih at Lady Yi’s Tea House.
Peranakan Affair afternoon tea set
The Peranakan Affair Afternoon Tea is served on one-of-a-kind Peranakan porcelain, handpicked by Yuin Yi whom the tea house is named after, to honour the deep history of Straits Chinese homeware.
There are both sweet and savoury bites. Among the sweets are upscale takes on Peranakan favourites, such as Onde-Onde, Tau Fu Fah, Pulut Hitam and Kuih Bahulu. There are also cranberry and plain scones, with a variety of spreads such as kaya, clotted cream, and red bean. The Tau Fu Fah was a highlight as it is in a mango gel and comes on a crunchy Feuilletine base.
As for the savoury, there are Chili Prawn Pie Tee, Braised Tamarind Duck in Chinese Pancake, as well as three types of sandwiches: Otak Otak, chicken floss, and braised beef shank (rendang, pretty much). They’re well made and help balance the sweetness of the rest of the tea set.
In addition to the cocktails, there is also Lady Yi’s Signature 11 Treasures Tea.
Caorunn Cocktails
Caorunn Gin brings to the table three types of gin, with three cocktails available as part of the tea set. Established only in 2009, the quadruple distilled, Scottish small batch gin is made via a reengineered 1920s copper berry chamber that was originally designed to extract oils for the perfume industry and gave it a brand-new life making premium gin.
The Caorunn G&T Signature Serve (RM48) is made with Caorunn Small Batch Gin topped with tonic water, garnished with red apple slices. The drink is a refreshing tipple that carries a summery apple scent, complimenting the Scottish handcrafted small-batch gin. You can never go wrong with a gin and tonic, and this take is refreshing.
Caorunn Raspberry & Sonic (RM45) is made with Caorunn Raspberry Gin topped with a mix of tonic and soda water. It’s definitely a unique tasting gin and tonic, and it takes a bit to get used to. The raspberry flavour is a bit strong and leaves an aftertaste.
Tea & Gin (limited until February 15 and priced at RM60), is probably the best cocktail, and it’s not just because the Caorunn Gin Highland Strength comes at a powerful 54% ABV. It takes a bit longer to brew, but that’s because the gin is infused with a selection of quality Roleaf teas (the type used depends on the drinker).
The gin is minty, high in juniper character that is balanced by fragrant and herbal notes with a peppery spice finish. When infused with individual teas, it accentuates the floral or herbal notes of each tea.
The Peranakan Affair Afternoon Tea is RM98+ per set. Add RM90+ (Total RM188+) for an afternoon gin and tonics with three cocktails from Jann KL: Caorunn G&T Signature Serve, Caorunn Raspberry & Sonic, and Tea & Gin with tea of your choice.
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While that looks pricey, the tea set is meant for a romantic date during Chap Goh Meh or Valentine’s Day. The location and ambience are very relaxing, as Lady Yi’s Tea House is decorated with intricate dark wood panels and bold colours of patterned tiles, batik fabric plush, and framed phoenix painting, all accentuated by the natural light streaming in from the floor to ceiling windows.
Even if it’s not for a date, there are plenty of Insta-worthy opportunities with the beautiful plating, as well as the aforementioned decor. You can’t go wrong with the cocktails either. – The Vibes, January 12, 2022
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