Fasting or Feasting?

I really don't know what to say la. It is common for companies to bring their clients for breaking fast, especially in the boom times before the '97 crash but since then I have seen eating places taking advantage of this trend by preparing ever more expensive breaking fast spreads, justifiable supposedly by preparing 70 or more dishes to be savoured. But really, can anybody realy taste that number of dishes in one seating. And the best thing is this no longer applies to corporate junkets, families are jumping into such dining events and for some is a daily affair even. And they say our economy is not doing well. Anyway, this promo below really takes the cake. I do not see any value of it being called a breaking fast event, but rather it should be called a record-breaking feasting event.

Monday September 17, 2007

Breaking
fast on a lake

By GEETHA KRISHNAN Photos by ROHAIZAT MD DARUS
geetha@thestar.com.my

THE novelty of breaking fast against the backdrop of the majestic buildings of Putrajaya is not something everyone can offer. In this sense, Cruise Tasik Putrajaya (CTP) has the edge over others this Ramadan. Muslims intending to buka puasa with a difference can do so by embarking on a leisurely cruise on the Putrajaya Lake. CTP operates three dining boats with varying seating capacities to cater for small- and medium-sized groups, ranging from 20 to 55 people. The trio comprises the Daun, Sebarau and Kelah dining vessels.

Break fast while you cruise: Abdul Kadir holding up a
plate of Ikan Bakar on board the Kelah dining vessel.

The Ramadan Cruise Buffet, a first for CTP, was launched on Thursday. The cruises operate between 7pm and 10pm. A press preview was held earlier to acquaint the media with the buffet menus available, depending on personal preference. Partnering CTP in the new venture are the Putrajaya Shangri-La, Putrajaya Seafood Restaurant and Putrajaya Lake Club. Each has its own Ramadan menu. For traditional Malay fare, the Putrajaya Shangri-La rises to the occasion. Malay chef Abdul Kadir Abdul Razak is set to woo diners with Kerabu Perut, Gulai Ikan Siakap Masak Tempoyak, Sup Tulang, Perchik Burung Puyuh and Sambal Sotong Sumbat.

Soup for the soul: Traditional Oxtail
Soup.(Writer's note : Man this is one overpriced oxtail)

This Ramadan Buffet is priced from RM168 nett to RM228 nett and bookings must be made three days in advance. Seafood rules the menu from the Putrajaya Seafood Restaurant with tempting delights like Baked Tiger Prawn with Butter and Mayonnaise, Stir-fried Sotong Sambal and Preserved Vegetables with Beancurd Seafood Soup. The menu is packaged at RM140 nett. The Putrajaya Lake Club holds its own with a menu fusing local flavours with a Western touch. The array includes Roast Leg of Lamb, Fettucine Carbonara, Tandoori Ikan Tenggiri and Daging Masak Kicap, for RM130 nett.

Seriously, to prepare an event with the premium price of upwards of RM130 per person for presumably the target market of Putrajaya residents that mainly consists of Government Servants brings to mind the question that are these servants so overpaid that they are able to indulge in such extravagance or if they are being wine and dined instead, what type of corporate governance are they being held onto? Never mind the clerics reminders that to overindulge in such circumstances actually demeans your fast that it may not be accepted as adherence to fasting duties as such. Tsk!Tsk!Tsk!