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Luuma, glasshouse in the sky

Luuma, glasshouse in the sky

This is one instance where you can’t judge the resto by the building. A nondescript, almost drab office building in Brickfields, hides a lovely glasshouse on its rooftop. Spacious and bright, in the day it lets in a brilliant play of sunlight and in the 

Authentic Peruvian fare at Feliz

Authentic Peruvian fare at Feliz

It’s been years since I’ve stepped into Avenue K in Kuala Lumpur and I had no idea the top floor was such an attractive haunt for exotic food. Feliz, probably the only Peruvian restaurant around town, is headed by chef Franco Aldana who’s bent on 

Kyomo Kohi – the essence of a Japanese cafe

Kyomo Kohi – the essence of a Japanese cafe

Tiramisu anyone? By that, I mean latte – something in between a cake and a drink. Even looks like a tiramisu in a glass, except that you dive through layers of mascapone to get to the coffee. Nice, but too sweet for me. I preferred the Cantaloupe Yuzu which was light and refreshing.

This and a bunch of other snazzy drinks, light pastries and trendy breakfast choices await at Kyomo Kohi at New Ocean World Fine Food City, Petaling Jaya. I confess I was expecting another run-of-the-mill cafe food which usually don’t rate high on taste. Was pleasantly surprised at the good quality of food and the very decent prices here. 

While waiting for the main dishes, we munched on battered sweet potato that was a nice light starter. A bit on the sweet side but I guess you could tell them to hold back on the honey drizzle so that you can control that yourself.

For mains, we tried the Gyukatsu Don that had a fairly large piece of coated wagyu that came in a set with potato salad, greens, miso soup and tonkatsu and curry sauces. The beef was still nicely tender and juicy which went well with the sauces, and together with the sides, it was a hefty meal for one.

Salmon Ochazuke Yuzu Spice had soup in a teapot to be poured over rice. Comfort food that resonates with many, I sometimes cook this at home too when I am bereft of ideas and it always wins.

Personally, I quite detest Japanese Curry but for once, the one at Kyomo was really quite nice, and NOT SWEET. Something I would order again. 

The fluffy pancakes came in a set of 4 with cream and jam for just RM20 while the Brioche Blossom with Salmon was a good balance of toast, greens and protein. We also tried the triangular scone though I am not a fan as I found it a bit dry. The others enjoyed this.

Not your typical Japanese resto, the decor provides a zen-like calmness – miminalist with neutral shades. Turns out Kyomo is quite a nice place to hang out for a cuppa too as coffee quality is good and the ambience inviting enough for friends to chat the afternoon away. Can be a bit dangerous on the pocket, as the longer you stay, the more tempted you are to order more!

Add: L1 – 01, Level 1, New Ocean World Fine Food City, 15, Jalan 19/1, Seksyen 19, Petaling Jaya. Call: 012-9882534

Learning about Riedel wine glass

Learning about Riedel wine glass

Does your wine taste cheap? The fault may lie with your stemware rather than your wine. Over the last two years, Artisan Blue which offers exclusive private RIEDEL glass wine tasting experiences in Malaysia, has been educating wine connoisseurs on how the design of a 

Kobe Beef ups the steaks at Maria’s

Kobe Beef ups the steaks at Maria’s

Get a load of the fat and rich marbling seen in a raw slab of meat! That’s Kobe for you! Did you know that only 10,000 heads of cattle are produced as Kobe Beef by Japan each year, and only 10 are imported into Malaysia? 

Dining at Verbena, a Spanish private kitchen

Dining at Verbena, a Spanish private kitchen

Nestled in a cozy residence in Kuala Lumpur is a private dining experience that brings you to Spain. Chef Gabriel Bonnin who is the head chef at Artisan’s Playground by Cookhouse, also runs Verbena, a private dining enclave in Damansara Heights. Dinner usually involves a ‘cooking class’ where guests get front row seats in the kitchen and watch the preparation firsthand. 

For our interview, Chef prepared a few dishes to give us a taste of what a full 4 course meal would be like. We started with homemade brioche with foie gras and caviar. Loved the rich creaminess of the foie gras enhanced by caviar, tempered with the fragrant brioche.

We moved on to scallop ceviche which had a subtle smokiness of cherry wood.

And the sou vided octopus – an amazing party in the mouth, fusing the earthy olive taste from the tapenade with miso mayo, alleviating the tender octopus.

The perfectly done lamb came on an unusual bed of red lentils salad with curry.

Flavours were all on point, and opened our eyes to a different facet of Spanish food beyond paella. A meal at Verbena costs RM390, But more than that, it’s a curated affair that promises to be quite special. Verbena also caters to private events where you can have a Spanish buffet for around RM200. For reservations, drop a message to IG @verbena.kl on its FB page.

Hidden gem Sarastro on Tribeca Suite’s 8th floor

Hidden gem Sarastro on Tribeca Suite’s 8th floor

Normally I’ll go straight into the food, but I can’t help gushing about the gorgeous decor at Sarastro KL by Milennihm at Tribeca serviced hotel! Hidden behind a set of bookshelves at the Millenium Lounge, Sarastro opens up to an almost vintage looking dining room 

Exquisite mooncakes from Oversea Restaurant

Exquisite mooncakes from Oversea Restaurant

For Mid-Autumn Celebration 2024, Oversea Restaurant features two new exclusive limited editions. The two new flavours – Snowy Tangy Yuzu and Snowy Hazelnut Chocolate Ganache mooncakes – are limited to 1,000 pieces each only. Each mooncake flavour showcases a delightful fusion of flavours, expertly handmade 

Lunar Treasures from Four Points by Sheraton, Chinatown KL

Lunar Treasures from Four Points by Sheraton, Chinatown KL

This year, Lady Yi’s Tea House at Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown is presenting its Lunar Treasures Mooncake Collection, an ode to childhood memories and time-honoured traditions. This year’s celebration features two new additions to their crowd-favourite mooncakes and a festive gift box inspired by the artwork of local artist, Alice Chang in Lady Yi’s Tea House.

An elegant depiction of phoenixes that symbolises rebirth and new beginnings and lanterns that pay homage to childhood memories, the artwork exemplifies Lady Yi’s cherished moments spent celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with her grandmother is showcased on the box. Four Points Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown features Baked Chocolate and Baked Musang King mooncakes in their current lineup along with Lady Yi’s Signature 11 Treasures Tea mooncake, White Lotus With Single Egg Yolk, Red Bean, and Green Tea mooncakes. 

The Lunar Treasures Mooncake Collection is priced at RM138+ for a selection of four mooncakes or at RM35+ per mooncake. Guests can also visit Lady Yi’s Tea House to experience a curated pairing of premium Chinese teas chosen to bring out tasting notes in the different mooncakes. All the mooncakes in the Lunar Treasures Collection are hand-crafted in a halal kitchen and certified pork-free.

Contact Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown at +603-2035 7333 or +60 12-507 3327 or email dining@fourpoints.com directly to order. They are also available for purchase at the Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown official gifting site.

Oriental Group celebrates 25th anniversary with special menu

Oriental Group celebrates 25th anniversary with special menu

Once a year, the Oriental Group of Restaurants come up with a special chef’s menu, and this year is extra special as it is their 25th anniversary. Curated by their Master Chefs team, the unique dishes require special ingredients, arduous preparations and delicate skill. The