Wine and dine with nature at Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort

By Ruben Sario

MENTION the name Sabah and images of Mount Kinabalu, the diving haven of Pulau Sipadan or the state’s myriad wildlife are likely to come to mind.

And as far as gastronomic terms go, “cheap” seafood is Sabah’s forte and very little else.

But the state is one step closer to becoming a culinary destination with the opening of a uniquely named outlet at the Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort (STAR) near the city.

The name is Caf TATU as in Tanjung Aru Tentalising and Unique that opened its doors on Nov 15.

The unique aspect of the outlet is perhaps due to its “interactive” nature where diners can literally watch their food being prepared at the live-cooking stations.

“The restaurant features luxurious buffet breakfast and dinner featuring an international cuisine mix of Mongolian and tandoori dishes, Asian noodles, dim sum, pasta stations, salad and desserts,” said resort general manager Ulf Bremmer.

An added dimension to Caf TATU is its very own authentic Mongolian oven where grilled Mediterranean cuisine is prepared.

The cafe replaces the resort’s Garden Terrace, its first food and beverage outlet when STAR began receiving its first guests about 25 years ago.

Refurbished at a cost of RM3.5 mil, the restaurant has been extended from its original size to now accommodate up to 362 diners at any one time.

The interior incorporates local Borneo design and along a wall is the graphically striking painting of the “Tree of Life”’, with features resembling ferns locally known as pakis lembeding.

Floor to glass ceiling windows adorn Caf TATU, allowing guests to take in spectacular views of the resort gardens and swimming pools as they enjoy their meals.

Part of the cafe opens into the gardens with an exclusive dining area, which allows guests the chance to relax and dine outdoors.

Diners stepping into the outlet will notice the multitude of warm colours filling each corner of the cafe to create a chic and comfortable environment.

The caf was designed by Hong Kong-based CL3 Designs Ltd, lighting design by Bo Steiber of Singapore while the kitchen design is done by CKP Malaysia.

Caf TATU is open daily from 6.30am to 10.30pm for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Source: The Star