Carlsberg Malaysia's Own Oktoberfest 2012 Media Launch
"Malaysia's Own Oktoberfest", brought to us by the good folks from Carlsberg, was founded as a yearly event in 2011 with an aim to deliver Malaysians an authentic sample of this great Bavarian tradition, albeit with some uniquely local twists. Tonight, thanks to Benjamin, I had the opportunity to catch the media launch of "Malaysia's Own Oktoberfest 2012" over at Hakka Restaurant KL.
Malaysia's Own Oktoberfest prost to the Bavarian festival with an Asian Flavour |
Malaysia's Own Oktoberfest
Date: 26 September 2012
Time: 7.30pm till late
Venue: Hakka Restaurant KL (Opposite The Butter Factory)
The rather large Oktoberfest mugs to serve Carlsberg, Erdinger, Franziskaner and Lowenbrau |
Reaching the venue just past 8pm due to the KL city jam and all, I was initially surprised to see the venue this round was at a Chinese restaurant, Hakka Restaurant. It was good beer, good food, and good fun as Carlsberg Malaysia celebrated the "Malaysia's Own Oktoberfest 2012" media launch tonight. The media launch was also graced by Ambassador of Germany His Exellency Dr Guenter Gruber, Ambassador of Netherlands His Excellency Mr Paul Bekkers and Ambassador of Denmark His Excellency Nicolai Ruge.
Raising our drinks to Carlsberg's Oktoberfest 2012 Launch with Jude Benjamin from Carlsberg |
"Malaysia's Own Oktoberfest 2012" is presented by Carlsberg Malaysia to enable consumers to experience first-hand the authentic German beer drinking festival locally, which runs from September 26 to October 7, at 18 key market squares throughout the cities in Peninsular Malaysia and for the first time extending to East Malaysia as well.
Ladies in the Oktoberfest outfit posing for the cameras |
Some of the Miss Universe Malaysia finalists were there tonight as well |
As an opening gambit to mark the official launch of "alaysia's Own Oktoberfest 2012", a keg was rolled out for an official "tapping" of beer by the VIPs. This was a traditional practice at the centuries old Bacarian Oktoberfest in Munich.
The official launching, by tapping the beer keg |
On top of the free flow of beers, guests were feted to a specially prepared Oktoberfest cuisine with a Malaysian twist. The dishes were basically chinese cuisine served by Hakka Restaurant with an infusion of "East Meets West" twist to it. I did not manage to capture all of the dishes as I had to leave earlier that night, but the dish below did get my attention.
A rather messy looking but delicious Hakka Special Crispy Fried Pork Knuckle with Home Made Sauce |
Guests were also entertained to the rhythmic sounds of the authentic Umpapa band from Germany and keeping the momentum and spirits high were the Carlsberg ladies and ambassadors decked in dirndls, dancing the traditional chicken dance. Personally, I felt it was really funny, but the tune of the music made it weirdly appropriate for the occasion as everyone found themselves joining in the dance.
Chicken dance in progress |
Distinguished guests together with the MD of Carlsberg Malaysia Soren Ravn having loads of fun |
It was indeed a night of fun, and the neverending drinks did help a lot in keeping everyone's spirit high. A plethora of activity and games like the stein race, barrel race, and arm wrestling were organised to create a carnival like atmosphere. I myself gravitated to this simple iPad game at one of the games corner and tried my hand in winning one of their mini alcohol tester devices.
Hey, I won myself a digital breath alcohol tester from the games booth |
"Malaysia's Own Oktoberfest 2012" has an aim to bring people together to enjoy Malaysia's favourite beer - Carlsberg giving us a chance to savour authentic German cuisine and dance to Bavarian music. It's like bringing the experience of Germany's Oktoberfest to Malaysia.
Familiar faces in the crowd, Vivian, Kate and Benjamin |
Overall, it was a successful launch of Carlsberg's "Malaysia's Own Oktoberfest 2012" in the first of many slotted beer events throughout the month at various other bars. To know more about all the events, do check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/malaysiasownoktoberfest .
Wait.. octoberfest in hakka restaurant? LOL
ReplyDeleteI loooooooooveee Oktoberfest too! Always have fun every year at it, didn't go this year though!
ReplyDeletelenluis, porkie, beeeer! must be a happening night!
ReplyDeleteLotsa pretty girls!
ReplyDeleteany oppa Hakka Style dance? :p
ReplyDeleteIf Germans were that hot :)) Thirsting for a pint of Pilsner now.
ReplyDelete