An European Cheese Afternoon @ The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Just last week or so, I was at the Orchid room of the Majestic Hotel for a cheesy affair. It was an European Cheese Afternoon, where we were treated to an array of cheese, in a very beautiful flowery setting. The Cheese Platter is a simple yet classic way to present and enjoy different types of European cheese. The Cheese Platter experience was made all the more exciting with Chef Jean-Michel Fraisse who introduced a variety of delicious European cheese with a unique twist – pairing the cheese with different types of teas. 

An European Cheese Afternoon @ The Orchid Conservatory, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
An European Cheese Afternoon @ The Orchid Conservatory, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur



The best cheese in the world undoubtedly comes from Europe where artisans and big producers endeavour to create the finest dairy products. Cheese producing countries that come to mind are traditionally EU member states with France leading the way in both local consumption and international exposure. 

We got a taste of the cheese in a beautiful afternoon tea setting
We got a taste of the cheese in a beautiful afternoon tea setting
Beautiful flowers and orchids at The Orchid Conservatory, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Beautiful flowers and orchids at The Orchid Conservatory, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

The choice of types of European cheese is staggering with every taste catered for from rich and creamy soft cheese served simply with good bread to tart hard cheese grated over your favourite pasta dish. 


A classic cheese platter with condiments
A classic cheese platter with condiments 

The dairy industry in the European Union is the most productive and successful; and is highly regulated to guarantee the best products are available to the consumer. In France, for example, the CNIEL (Centre National Interprofessionel de l’Economie Laitière, France) is a privately run organisation whose main objective is to promote dairy products and to facilitate relationships between dairy producers and processors. There are similar organisations in other European Union member states, which ensure that the quality of European cheese produced is always of the highest quality. 

Saint Marcellin cheese
Saint Marcellin cheese
Brie – one of France’s most well-known cheese and a popular choice for a cheese platter
Brie – one of France’s most well-known cheese and a popular choice for a cheese platter

Cheese making is an ancient artisanal process and legend has it that it was made by accident by an Arabian merchant who put milk into a sheep’s stomach pouch and went across the desert. That night he discovered that the milk had separated into curd (solid) and whey (liquid) caused by the rennet (enzymes found in the stomachs of milk-fed animals) in the sheep’s stomach and the heat of the day. 

Comté – a hard cheese with a complex fruity and nutty taste
Comté – a hard cheese with a complex fruity and nutty taste
Fourme d’Ambert – a mild blue cheese with a creamy, fruity flavour
Fourme d’Ambert – a mild blue cheese with a creamy, fruity flavour

We were educated on the different types of cheese available, which is basically divided into four types as listed below:


  • Soft: Ripened from the outside in with a white rind, often runny at room temperature. 
  • Examples: Brie, Camembert, Reblochon, Mont d’Or
  • Semi-soft: Smooth or creamy interior with little or no rind. Flavour ranges from mild to pungent 
  • Examples: Raclette, Abondance, Morbier, Port Salut
  • Hard: Firm texture with tastes ranging from mild to pungent; easy to grate
  • Examples: Emmental, Beaufort, Mimolette, Tomme de Savoie
  • Blue: Green or blue veining caused by the addition of the mould penicillium roqueforti during production
  • Examples: Saint Agur, Bleu de Auvergne, Bleu de Gex


Cheese and tea pairing (L-R) Bethmale with Golden Pu’Erh, Fourme d’Ambert with Darjeeling, Brie with black tea, Comté with Oolong, Saint-Marcellin with Rose Blend, Reblochon with White Peony
Cheese and tea pairing (L-R) Bethmale with Golden Pu’Erh, Fourme d’Ambert with Darjeeling, Brie with black tea, Comté with Oolong, Saint-Marcellin with Rose Blend, Reblochon with White Peony

Europe may now be the centre of the cheesemaking industry but it is thought that travellers from Asia introduced the process. The mighty Roman Empire was also responsible for the spread of cheesemaking throughout its territories; and during the Middle Ages European monasteries experimented and began producing different types of cheese. There are records of Gorgonzola being made in Northern Italy in 879AD and Roquefort in France in 1070AD. 

With this illustrious past, Europe is still the epicentre of the cheese industry with their local populations consuming the majority of their products; although it is interesting to note that emerging markets like Malaysia’s consumption is increasing steadily as consumers become more knowledgeable and adventurous with their palate. 


Fellow bloggers, Carolyn and Tammy
Fellow pretty bloggers, Carolyn and Tammy


“European cheese is usually paired with certain condiments and wines, but to show how inspired and distinctive cheese can be as an ingredient, we have decided to use tea to enliven the tasting experience,’ said Chef Jean-Michel. This prestigious event was part of the Open Your Taste with European Cheese campaign organised and presented by the European Union and the CNIEL. . 

The Majestic culinary team also offered a special cheese-based menu to showcase the versatility of cheese as an ingredient. 

This was an epicurean experience for all the senses with blind taste tests, the chance to see how a unique cheese platter was created and most importantly to eat well! European cheeses are readily available from premium grocers and supermarkets. 








Comments

  1. Ooooo...Majestic! Don't play-play! Hmmmm...pretty bloggers, must take photo lah!

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  2. The cheese is too goood! Dont forget to call me next time for some cheesy feast haah

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  3. It takes a true food taster to really know how to describe the quality of the cheese. I is craving for cheese now thanks to you T.T

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  4. Cheese!! I am such a cheese lover!! The place looks really pretty too

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  5. My favorite flower is orchid !!!! The orchid so nice!!! And i like cheese~~~~

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  6. alamak besar besarnya keju dia ! sedap kot.

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  7. swallowing my saliva...cheese lovers' must-go!!

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  8. Wow, all those orchids look truly amazing. I love cheese, so I think I would have really enjoyed an event as such. I must compliment you on you photography skills.

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  9. Love the orchid wall, I am not so much a fan of cheese though.

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  10. What a pretty atmosphere to dine in. The orchids are gorgeous. What more, having cheeses for tea is so fine haha.

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  11. I see cheese!! It draws so much of my attention in this single blog post about cheese. I'm actually drooling now by looking at those pictures

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  12. wow so many cheeses in the photo. Haven't try taste any that much before. You sure know to eat cheese.

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  13. Not everyone knows how to appreciate cheese, including yours truly. However, an event like this will definitely open up one's mind for it.

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  14. wow. looks like a beautiful event. interesting how cheese can be paired with tea. first time hearing this pairing.

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  15. Very pretty venue to feast in... and oooh... blue cheese?? No thanks... I like my cheese light .. I won't mind Edam, Cheddar or Brie, but that is about it...hahahah

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  16. So atas. So expensive also. :( can't afford.

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  17. I love to eat cheese. Hope more quality cheese coming to Malaysia soon.

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  18. I love cheese and usually have it with wine but this time its quite special to pair it with tea instead. A good experience and I miss the blue cheese.

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  19. Keep read many review with this beautiful place <3 But never went here before le!!!T__T

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  20. I been there before for afternoon tea, what a great ambiance there!

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  21. Just look at the environment! Wow! I want to be there too!

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  22. I dunno hw to taste cheese. As I only prefer mozarella

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  23. Nice venue for the cheese event, yummy :)

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  24. wow so much cheese! love them cheese, and those two are really some pretty bloggers.

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  25. Wa so atas! Great event for cheese lover

    http://www.ranechin.com/

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  26. great event. remind me my a month trip to Europe ...there had supply lots different type of cheese, which cant get in local.

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  27. Lovely set up! Haha did you have overdose of cheese?

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  28. wow! I love cheese very much too :) next time can pls invite ahh? I have been to Majestic for tea, but not yet in this pretty orchid room :) cheers, siennylovesdrawing

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  29. Wow...so cheesy. Hahaha. No pun intended. Love the selection of it. Sure if I'm there I makan until high.

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  30. For a moment your first photo looked like there was actually 2 people standing beside each other padahal it's actually a poster haha!

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