Food Explorer & Home Chef
Chalet, located in Equatorial Hotel Kuala Lumpur, was one of the only establishments where European cuisine was served and food prepared tableside in the 1970s. The experience was often the first venture into fine-dining for many guests, with Chalet having a reputation for its impeccable …
My latest obsession – a hidden gem in Plaza Damas KL called Beszz Cafe. This is probably the only authentic Mexican resto in KL, if not Malaysia. Mexican chef Ivan Chavarria Hernandez has made it his mission to share his Mexican heritage food and educate …
If someone breaks a plate, I’m startled at the crash. At El Cerdo, it’s done puposely when someone orders the house specialty, but every time a plate breaks, I still jump a bit.
El Cerdo is known for its piggy dishes, so it was interesting exploring their other dishes for a change.
Here to try their menu for the first time at their TTDI outlet, we had:
Gambas al aljillo – prawn in garlic, chilli and olive oil. While prawns were fresh and firm, the chilli wasn’t apparent. Mild taste and I’ve had better.
Spanish Iberico Meatballs, in homemade tomato sauce and spices. Heavy on the palate in terms of flavour, but otherwise just another meatball dish. A bit of a waste of Iberico as it doesn’t stand out here.
Grilled Spanish octopus was very well-executed. If octopus can be called al dente, this was it. Just right bite, grilled to perfection, toasty fragrance. Excellent dish, though at RM78 per serving, a bit steep.
Organic duck paella had a slight char at the bottom, a good sign. Well-balanced flavours and textures, generous duck pieces, the shortgrain Bomba rice still in tact and not overcooked, with lovely bits of bacon that elevated the taste further.
Seafood laden aglio olio, and one of the better ones I’ve had. Malaysian pasta will never be al dente enough for true Italians, but any firmer and the locals complain. So this was about right.
Hickory smoked Iberico soft ribs. Not a fan of hickory but the others enjoyed this. The meat didn’t live up to its name as it wasn’t all that tender.
We washed down the meal with Rose Raspberry sangria and White wine pear sangria, nicely done versions of the popular Spanish cocktail.
Good to know that there are other options to fall back on if one is not keen on the usual roasted pork.
Add: G-1, Menara Ken, 37, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. hp: 012-322 0654
It was instant reconnection with chef Julia Ung as we shared food stories and nyonya history at her latest abode DS Wine. Together with chef Onion, they make up Jung & Co, taking care of the food aspect at wine bar DS Wine. We had …
Teppan Maru-Take is located deep, deep inside Seibu department store in TRX KL. In fact, I had no idea there were so many Japanese eateries inside, including a small omakase dining corner. It makes sense that Teppan Maru-Take, an offshoot of Okonomi in Pavilion KL, …
It was one of those days when we were circling Damansara Uptown for a nice place for lunch on Mother’s Day and stumbled on the newish The Charcoal Grill. This is a branch of the first one that opened in Kota Damansara. A quick sweep of menu ended up with us ordering Malaysian Rempah Chicken Chop, Signature Marinated Pork Chop and Pork and Beef Bolognaise.
This was the first time I’ve seen pasta plated this way. Looked deceivingly little but we couldn’t finish the portion despite having 3 guys at the table. Pasta had good texture (al dente Msian std) and flavours were on point. As were the rempah chicken – fragrant, without being overpowering, enough heat to spice things up. The Pork was tender and juicy, came with brown sauce.
What I really liked about this place is that most meat orders came with 2 side dishes that are chosen separately from a choice of 8 different things. The portions for the sides are generous and of good quality. For example, the Caesars salad was an actual salad with parmesan cheese and abundant leafy green. I’ve gone to places which give 2 pieces of lettuce and they call that a salad.
The corn came in a bowl which was a welcome surprise as then we didn’t have to dirty our hands handling the cob. I liked the potato options and super loved the grilled vegetables which has become a personal must-order. Makes me so happy to dine at a place which don’t stinge or screw up the side dishes.
On another occasion we had the Pork burger which came in a charcoal bun. Generous juicy patty topped with an egg. Also the cish and fhips – you read right – that was butterfish – definitely a better fish than cheap tasteless dory. Also tried their onion soup – good stock base and generous melted cheese – only thing is they should give croutons rather than a full slice of bread.
There’s also Balinese ribs and steak and tacos. For me, at this very reasonable price point, it’s one of the better Western joints which I see myself returning to. Only thing is the parking can be challenging, but you can always park in the mall and walk over.
Add: 62G, Jalan SS 21/58, Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya. hp: 011-2631 3135
It’s been years since I’ve been to Marco Creative Cuisine. Back then, it was known as MM French Cafe (which stood for Miam Miam in French, meaning yummy). Lots have changed since but the famous souffle which made a sensation when it first came out, …