London chef works with MAS

LONDON: FIRST-CLASS and business-class Malaysian Airlines (MAS) passengers flying on the A380 from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur will be treated to eight signature dishes by one of United Kingdom and Ireland's esteemed chefs and restaurateurs, Richard Corrigan, of Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill.

This limited edition inflight menu was unveiled last Tuesday at Corrigan's flagship restaurant at Picadilly Circus.

"I'm delighted to unveil my exclusive new menu for Malaysia Airlines. It's been an exciting process seeing my dishes making the transition from ideas to being served in the sky by the Malaysia Airlines' crew."

"The airline certainly shares my values of quality, hospitality and five-star service and I hope passengers enjoy our creations," said Corrigan during the event.

Collaborating with MAS' head chef Zahiddin Dris and LSG Sky Chefs, Corrigan has developed a selection of eight signature dishes comprising appetisers, main courses and dessert, which will be rolled out over a one-year period.

Appetisers will include a version of the chef's acclaimed creamy lobster bisque garnished with creme fraiche and lobster, mango and avocado salad, marinated in fresh lime and chilli.

Bentley's main courses will be smoked fish platter, combining smoked mackerel in beetroot and apple relish, smoked eel in a celeriac remoulade and smoked haddock scotch egg with smoked salmon cucumber pickle; salmon Vietnamese and mackerel satay served with cucumber and papaya salad and cardamom rice pilaf.

Meat lovers will be treated to a ballotine of chicken poached in coconut milk, lentils and caramelised baby carrots, lamb loin with mixed summer salad and individual beef Wellington with mushroom duxelle and herb pancake.

Dessert is a fusion of traditional British and Asian influences; spice cake served with lemon curd, medjool dates, pomegranate and clementine.

These dishes will be served alongside the traditional Malaysian menu and be rolled out on a seasonal changing basis, with the lobster salad available to passengers now.

The chef proprietor of Corrigan in Mayfair, who was also a broadcaster, an author and a journalist, has attained a Michelin star, while his restaurants have won countless awards.

He has cooked for the Queen and is recognised as a pioneer of the slow food movement and champion of using seasonal, local produce in the UK.

Malaysia Airlines' UK and Europe senior regional vice-president Huib Gorter said:"It has been an honour for the Malaysia Airlines' team to work so closely with chef Richard Corrigan to create this wonderful menu.

"His passion for creating quality, flavoursome authentic dishes for our discerning passengers has been infectious and we look forward to an exciting partnership ahead."

The partnership is part of a global Malaysia Airlines' culinary campaign, which will see the airline team up with influential chefs in key markets to create signature in-flight menus.