Spotlight on Norwegian seafood

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IT WAS a feast for the eyes and stomachs of guests at the Norwegian Seafood Gala Dinner 2009 hosted by the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

The annual event, aptly called A Taste of Norway, showcased some of the famed Norwegian seafood and produce, and entertainment.

Norwegian Ambassador Arild Braastad entertained guests with his welcoming speech as he attempted to introduce what the Norwegian “soul” was about.

Acknowledgment of performance: Sagan (second from right) presenting Dennelind (left) the Malaysia Norway Business Council.

Renowned Norwegian chef and Snorre Food CEO Frank Naesheim collaborated with a team of chefs from Norway and Asia to prepare a lavish buffet of seafood flown in from Norway.

The banquet was presented in Western, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Malay styles of cooking.

The spread included Norwegian salmon and all its different forms, mackerel, Atlantic halibut, caviar, scallop, herring, crayfish, cod, prawns and king crab.

Among the dishes were Oven Roasted Cod with Poached Mussels, Black Olive Crusted Halibut, Norwegian King Crab Beurre Blanc, Herb Gratinated Norwegian Lobster Tails Butterfly, King Crab Shisho Salsa, Grilled Langoustine and Salsify, Circus Halibut 72C, Norwegian Shrimps with Orange and Basil Vinaigrette, and Salad of Crayfish in Dill and Wasabi Mayonnaise.

There were also Norwegian desserts like Princess Cake, Smultringe, Vafler, Sandcake and Cloudberry Tarts.

Chinese style: Wok-Charred Salmon with Soya Butter Sauce.

Guest of honour Deputy International Trade and Industries Minister Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan later presented the Malaysia Norway Business Council (MNBC) Innovation Award to DiGi, which was represented by CEO Johan Dennelind.

The award is given to an outstanding council member to acknowledge its excellent performance, and recognise companies that have contributed to increasing business and cross-cultural understanding between Norway and Malaysia.

Finalists are judged based on criteria like: a sustainable operation in Malaysia, ability to capture a significant market share, commitment to technology transfer, social responsibility, and environmental awareness and action.

In his acceptance speech, Dennelind noted his appreciation for the award, which he attributed to the efforts and contributions of the DiGi team and customers.

“We are now transitioning towards becoming a more customer-oriented company and reaching out to our consumers,” he said.

Norwegian singer, composer and actress Karoline Kruger enthralled guests with her lilting performance. She was accompanied by Atle Halstensen on the piano.