This post was written by Sarah Rees

NO ONE WANTS to get the pans out and cook on a lazy Sunday lunchtime, and now the InterContinental has provided the perfect excuse for treating the whole family to a brunch that will keep their palates tickled all afternoon.

The Sparkalite Sunday Brunch at the hotel’s bu† et outlet, Serena Brasserie, started on 3 September and is a great opportunity for the hotel’s new Executive Chef to bring some tastes from his home land to the capital. Chef Darrell J. O’Neill may have been trotting the world for more than a decade, but he never forgets his Aussie roots, and his Sunday spread will appeal to anyone who hankers for the comfort food and lazy lifestyle of Australia.

Bruce’s Australian Barbeque stall is a sensory treat, and piles of meat – from chicken to slabs of fresh fish – await the nod of a customer before being thrown onto the grill to sizzle and spit. While lobster and huge prawns can be grilled to order, seafood lovers will surely be tempted towards the vast array of fresh oysters, mussels, lobster, crab, and prawns that glisten on ice nearby.

The comfort food theme continues to the “Build Your Own Burger” station, where diners load beef or chicken satay sliders with tangy toppings, and brunch would not be complete without the humble egg; kids (or big kids) will enjoy creating their own “egg buddy” from a spread of soft rolls and toppings. My heart was lost to the roast lamb that glistened under the carving knife, and the succulent meat, joined on my plate by roast potatoes, a fluffy Yorkshire pudding and some soft, roasted vegetables, was divine.

“Buffets are good fun to create,” Chef Darrell said jovially, as he joined us at the table. “I spend time making sure the choices go well together and that the range suits everyone.” A variety of tasty salads perfectly complement the succulent grilled meats, while those needing some Asian tang will be pleased with the “Uncle Laksa” stall.

Space must be saved for dessert, especially the Australian staple Lamingtons and the sinfully delicious Rocky Road bars. Children will be in sugar heaven, as the Kiddie Corner comes complete with a candy station and a messy makeyour-own Lamingtons stall. Adults – rejoice; the kids are supervised, leaving you free to sip on your free-flow bubbly and relax.

For drinks, choose between three Australian sparkling wines as well as the usual red and white wines and beers, and the bubbles and chat make it easy to let lunchtime slide into a lazy afternoon. So say hello to the chef, fill your plate, and raise your glass to no more cooking on a Sunday!

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Fact File :
Serena Brasserie
InterContinental Kuala Lumpur
165 Jalan Ampang
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03.2782 6321
Web: www.intercontinental-kl.com.my

Price:
Adult(food only): RM120++
Adult(including free flow sparkling wine,
house wines, beer): RM198++
Child (6-12 years): RM60++

Business Hours:
Sunday Brunch served: 12pm-3pm
Weekday opening hours: 6am-10.30am,
12.30pm-2.30pm, 7pm-10.30pm
Saturday High Tea:12pm-4pm

For more restaurant reviews visit:
www.DineMalaysia.com

Source: The Expat September 2012
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