the life of a psychotic weirdo: MASLIGHT'S BLOG: "Dapur Berapi" (Kitchen on Fire) by Celebrity Chef Ismail at Promenade Cafe, Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Malaysia's very own Celebrity Chef, Dato' Haji Ismail Ahmad (or affectionately known as Chef Ismail) was specially flown by Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu to showcase his mouthwatering Signature Malay cuisines at Promenade Cafe this whole month of Ramadan. Inspired by traditional and authentic Malay delicacies, Chef Ismail is well known for his meticulous preparation with emphasis on traditional recipes and the preservation of culinary heritage for the younger generation to appreciate.

He has been in the food industry for more than 40 years. He also owns a restaurant (Restoran Rebung) in Kuala Lumpur that emphasize on traditional recipes.

The nasi ulam Chef Ismail smells so good

Originated from a small Malay village in Negeri Sembilan, Chef Ismail officiated his presence in Kota Kinabalu by preparing one of his 17 Signature Dishes - "Nasi Ulam Chef Ismail" in a half an hour cooking demo, which was witnessed by the Guest of Honour - Yg. Bhg. Datuk Yeo Boon Hai - Mayor of Kota Kinabalu City Hall at Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu's 24 hour coffeehouse, Promenade Cafe.

Chef Ismail giving tips to Tian Long

Judges

This was followed by Special Cooking Challenge between the Guest of Honour and a local celebrity, Tian Long, which was won by the Guest of Honour, Datuk Yeo by 1 point.

Guess which belongs to who?

Personally this was fun to watch. We have on 1 side, our mayor mixing all the ingredients in his own way in a calm manner (he looked like he's very comfortable cooking, in this case mixing the ingredients) while on the other corner we witness the total opposite. Congratulation Datuk Yeo for winning this battle of nasi ulam hehe.

This event ended with the breaking of fast before all present were treated to Promenade Cafe's Buffet Sungkai spread that has over 200 lavish Ramadan dishes accompanied by Celebrity Chef Ismail's 17 Signature Dishes:-

Gulai Lemak Telur Itik

Assam Pedas Ikan

Ayam Kurma

Ayam Percik Kelantan

Bubur Lambuk

Daging Bakar Air Asam Kerisik

Daging Masak Hitam

Kerabu Mangga Rebung

Kerabu Pucuk Paku & Taugeh

Ketupat Sotong

Laksa Asam

Lawar Jantung Pisang

Lemak Cili Padi Daging Salai

Nasi Minyak

Nasi Ulam Chef Ismail

Sambal Udang

Air Bandung Chef Ismail

All served (on rotation basis) on top of the existing renowned International Buffet Dinner spread, which includes Promenade Cafe's Malay Sous Chef, Mohd. Firdaus Abdullah's signature dishes - Fish Head Curry, Oxtail Assam Pedas ala Promenade, Udang Masak Petai and Coconut Milkshake.