Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - 6th January 2014: To conclude an exciting year for YTL Hotels, A Perennial Feast, the Malaysian hospitality group's culinary coffee table book, emerged triumphant as a country winner in three award categories at the annual Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2013. A Perennial Feast won Best Entertainment Cookbook, Best Corporate Cookbook and Best Cookbook Photography in Malaysia. The book showcases the culinary excellence that is best exemplified by YTL's hotels, resorts and restaurants worldwide.

Launched 18 years ago, the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards allows submission by anyone: authors, publishers or even readers. After submission, the Jury reviews and selects the various categories for the book, winners of each which will move on to compete with submissions from other participating countries for The Best in the World. The results will be announced at the annual Awards event, taking place from 19th to 21st May 2014 at the first Beijing Cookbook Fair. 187 countries will be participating this year.

A Perennial Feast was a natural progression from the spa and nature-inspired books YTL Hotels had previously published. Authored by Ms Kim Inglis, this book takes the reader on a gastronomic journey from Malaysia to Japan and China, and all the way to Europe. Beginning in Malaysia, the heart and home of the YTL Group, it showcases island resorts, city heritage hotels and restaurants, all the while providing an overview of Malay cuisine. Traditional Malay fare such as Beef Rendang is highlighted alongside East-meets-West fusion dishes like Haw Mok Talay (Thai-style seafood terrine) and innovative seafood recipes including the delicious Seared Red Snapper with Gnocchi, Black Olives and Sun-dried Tomatoes.

Published by Talisman Publishing, the book then branches further afield into the snowy landscape of Hokkaido and the cityscape of modern Shanghai whilst exploring both recipes and cuisines from Japan and China. Sections on Indonesia, Thailand, England and France follow, showcasing not just the cuisine but also the iconic properties in full-colour photography by Danish photographer, Jacob Termansen, further enhancing the reading experience.

More than just a collection of restaurant reviews or recipes, The Perennial Feast will appeal to gourmands and food enthusiasts who will devour the pages filled with gastronomy recommendations with sustainable ingredients and preparation styles, which range from simple to complex. At-home chefs will find the carefully researched signature dishes, as selected by the Group's celebrated chefs de cuisine for authenticity, taste and visual appeal, easy to recreate in their own kitchens.

"It is a privilege for us to be bestowed such a distinguished recognition by the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. Our vision of fulfilling a series of uniquely crafted coffee table books has come true and we aspire to publish more books for avid readers and travellers in the future", explains Dato' Mark Yeoh, Executive Director, YTL Hotels.  

Author Ms Inglis says, "The awards are very prestigious and a testament to YTL's commitment to producing a quality product, whether it is in their hotels and restaurants or in their books. I am very proud to have been part of the team."

A Perennial Feast is available at the following bookstores in Malaysia: Kinokuniya, Borders, MPH Bookstores, Times the Bookshop, WH Smith, and major bookstores in Southeast Asia and the United Kingdom. The book is priced at MYR125 per copy.

About the Author

British author Ms Kim Inglis is a writer and editor based in Singapore. She has edited many books, including the bestseller Tropical Asian Style which she co-wrote, and has authored on topics as far ranging as cuisine, spa, lifestyle, architecture and design. www.kiminglis.com

About the Photographer

Mr Jacob Termansen's photography has appeared in magazines and books throughout the world. He covers lifestyle topics, ranging from hotels and home interiors to food, architecture and travel. www.termansen.com

About YTL Hotels

YTL Hotels owns and manages a prestigious collection of award-winning resorts, hotels, boutique experiences and Spa Villages in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, France and the UK, including Pangkor Laut Resort, voted the world's best resort in 2003.

In July 2012, the company added Gaya Island Resort, a luxurious resort on the exotic tropical island of Borneo to the fold, while December 2012 saw the unveiling of The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the second heritage jewel in the group's Classic Hotel collection.

With each new experience that it unveils, the company strives to embrace and highlight the natural essence of culture, character and tradition of its surroundings. YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad.

Visit www.ytlhotels.com for more information. For high-resolution images, please visit www.ytlhotels.com/mediagallery. For reservations and enquiries, please contact the YTL Travel Centre directly in Malaysia, call +60 3 2783 1000 or email travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:

Ms Aja Ng
Director of Public Relations                

Email: aja@ytlhotels.com.my
Tel: +6018 799 9007

Ms Mariana Escamilla
Public Relations Manager
Email: mariana_escamilla@ytlhotels.com.my
Tel: +6018 799 9007

Ms Felicia Lee
Assistant Public Relations Manager
Email: felicia_lee@ytlhotels.com.my
Tel: +6018 799 9007