Twenty-five of us gathered for a “Hawaiian Night” dinner on the 41st floor of The Shore where Pampas Sky Dining - the newest, tallest, trendiest lifestyle restaurant ‘Chillout, Soulout & Freakout’ is located.

Beautifully hand-threaded garlands of fresh orchids greeted us at the reception.  Delicious sparkling Torres Pazo Das Bruxas quenched our thirst. Our taste buds were excited by canapés of BBQ pineapple meatballs, onion jam on goat’s cheese tarts, fried fish cakes with curried mayo, lamb kofta with eggplant relish.

The L-shape of the glass hanging bridge, the sun setting and the romantically-lit bird cages draped with lovely green plants created a spectacular setting. We mingled sipping sparkling wine, nibbling canapés served by the Pampas crew dressed in brilliantly-coloured Hawaiian attire.

The beautifully-decorated, candlelit dining room definitely was inviting! The first course of Lomi-Lomi fresh salmon, coconut breaded king prawns with a hint of mango kaffir drippings and pineapple mint compote was delicious. Followed by chicken long rice broth paired with Torres Gran Viña Sol 2014 - glass noodles made the broth heart-warming and unusual.

Banana sorbet with a tint of lemon juice was an interesting palate change experience before we progressed to the three main courses:

- Skin on halibut fillet, pineapple on a bed of citrus salsa accompanied by cilantro sauce and salsa verde was paired with Torres Mas Borras 2011

- Waygu beef sirloin – succulent, grilled to perfection with gratin Dauphinoise and wilted spinach was a dish to die for accompanied by Torres Salmos 2012

- Chicken roulade with risotto was so delicious, cooked al dente making the taste linger to the last mouthful especially when paired with the Torres Mas Borras 2011.

Pineapple cake was the killer of the menu! It was a first-time experiment by the Executive Chef. The carefully-decorated moist cake tasted heavenly aided by every sip of Torres Floralis-Moscatel Oro.

The evening ended with very happy members and guests. We adjourned to the Sky Bar enjoying the panoramic view of Melaka city!!!

Julie Tan
Bailli