Raising the Bar in Hospitality: Smith & Wollensky Shares a Taste of Excellence with Taylor’s Culinary Institute

Taylor’s Culinary Institute had the privilege of welcoming Mr. Mahamad Hafiz Abdullah, Director of Food & Beverage, and Mr. Kamal Yusri, Mixologist, from Smith & Wollensky, the legendary American steakhouse brand set to launch its first Malaysian outlet this September at Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC. Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Boston, Smith & Wollensky is internationally recognised for its United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prime steaks, dry-aged and hand-butchered on-site, award-winning wine programme, and impeccable service. With locations in major United States cities including Miami, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Boston, the brand is a standard-bearer in upscale dining.

The guest experts conducted an immersive workshop for 14 Diploma in Hotel Management (Semester 1) students, delivering a masterclass in mixology and beverage service excellence. The session began with a brand overview and visual showcase of the restaurant’s interior, setting the tone for a hands-on experience. Students were guided through the preparation of the classic Bloody Mary mocktail using the stir method, followed by the Piña Colada using the shake method. A standout moment was the demonstration of milk-washing, an advanced clarification technique that enhances texture and smoothness while removing bitterness, offering students a unique intersection of science, creativity, and taste.

The session concluded with a consultation segment where students presented original mocktail recipes in preparation for upcoming assessments. The professionals provided constructive feedback and expressed keen interest in featuring standout student creations on the Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur menu, an exciting real-world opportunity for aspiring hoteliers. More than a skills-based session, the workshop offered a rare window into the rigour and refinement of world-class hospitality. It also exemplified Taylor’s University’s commitment to aligning academic learning with global industry standards.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. Mahamad Hafiz Abdullah and Mr. Kamal Yusri for their invaluable contributions and look forward to continued collaboration with Smith & Wollensky Malaysia in shaping the future of hospitality.