Showing posts with label Valentine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Valentine. Show all posts

Sunday, February 03, 2019

TOSS UP PROSPERITY & SAVOUR ROMANCE AT NOBU KL


The king of shellfish rules at Nobu this Chinese New Year. Priced at RM288++, the HARHARHAR Prosperity Platter for two will leave you laughing with delight. A whole shelled lobster to symbolise happiness is complemented by batonettes of jicama, red and white dragonfruit, beets, carrot, tsuma (shredded radish), thin slices of Asian pear, green apple and rose apple, crispy strips of wanton skin, seaweed salad, pine nuts and sesame seeds.
What sets this salad apart is the distinctive mixture of wafu dressing (this itself is a concoction of mirin, soy sauce, rice vinegar and vegetable oil), honey and sour plum sauce that manages to raise the whole ensemble a toss above the ordinary.

Executive Chef Philip Leong and his team also offer a Salmon & White Fish Prosperity Platter (RM188++) using similar salad ingredients. The results is no less pleasing as the salmon and white fish proffer succulent texture that are quite different.
Getting into the Chinese New Year spirit, the Nobu team thoughtfully conjures up Steamed Plaiced with Iwashi Dashi, Goji Berries & Black Moss (RM158++) since fish is considered a symbol of abundance and surplus among the Chinese.
It is on-point dish that ticks all the right boxes for me. The main ingredient — plaice imported from Iceland takes centrestage; its natural sweetness shines through unhampered atop the pool of umami-rich iwashi dashi (Japanese sardine stock). All the attendant black seamoss, goji berries and edamame included are to lend hints of colour, nuance and texture.
Sweet prosperity comes with a touch of whimsy at Nobu in the form of its God of Wealth dessert (RM48++). The rotund white chocolate mousse figurine with pineapple yuzu curd, pineapple filling and cheese sable cookies tastes surprisingly light and refreshing on the palate despite its deceptively decadent appearance.
Gather family and friends to celebrate with these auspicious dishes at Nobu from until 25 February 2019.

When it comes to romancing the day of love, Executive Chef Philip Leong and his team are guided by Nobu’s Japanese-Peruvian culinary philsophy in creating the indulgent 7-course Valentine Omakase menu priced at RM500++ per person.
Available from 13 to 17 February, love birds can dive in with Cured Salmon with Caviar, Beetroot Gel & Nuts before segueing into Assorted Nobu Style Sushi. Then set your pulse racing with an exquisite dish of Seared Botan Ebi with Glazed Vegetable, Wasabi Salsa & Ponzu Sauce.

After sampling the seductive Fresh Water Prawn with Butterfly Pea Flower Dressing, Coral Crumble & Prawn Oil, we daresay it would be hard to resist its siren’s call. Again, the focus lies in allowing the key ingredient to shine — the inherent sweetness of the prawn meat, its flavourful oil and coral.
Another winsome main set to steal hearts is Grilled Wagyu Beef & Bottarga with Corn Cream, Dry Miso Popcorn & Roasted Romanesco. An artful composition, it’s a colourful palette of interesting textures and nuanced flavours that may prove too distracting to passionate foodies but then again, there’s no love sincerer than the love of food...


The evergreen maxim of ‘less is more’ resonates soundly in the speciality of Truffle Rice with Spinach Chazuke. Personally, I’d like to equate it to a simplified Japanese distillation of lap mei farn or rice cooked with waxed sausages and pork. A comforting dish packed with all the hearty, rich and soul-satisfying accents nobody ever tire of eating.
A litle tart with just a touch decadence, the Strawberry Pavlova with Vanilla Cream & Strawberry Jelly is slightly naughty without overdoing it in the dessert department. Piped into a lovely rose bloom, it gives the Valentine’s menu the pretty panache for the occasion.

Better hurry and nab a table now before it’s too late. Call Nobu KL for reservations, tel: 03-2164 5084 or Whatsapp: 019 389 5085.

Sunday, February 05, 2017

SET FOR ROMANCE AT EM BY TEDBOY



Love is on the menu this Valentine's Day at Em by Tedboy. Named after Mathilda, the cherubic second child of the couple who owns Tedboy Bakery in Bangsar, the cosy Em by Tedboy at Hotel Transit KL aims to lure lovebirds this Valentine's Day with a special celebratory set menu (RM168+10% service charge) for two persons.
Austere décor and neutral tones are prevalent throughout the restaurant confines, evoking a casual yet welcoming atmosphere. Consultant chef Pierre MC (formerly of Croisette Cafe) has been roped in to conceive a Mediterranean inspired menu with Asian influences.

By and large the pared-down industrial vibe is softened by a feature wall depicting a world map. Snapshots of guests from around the world affixed on different continents bear testament to the outlet's increasing popularity among international travellers to our city. Now, the strategy is to boost awareness and attract a more constant and local clientele to its doors. Well, Valentine's Day seems a perfect occasion to ignite their interest.
For the lovely celebration, expect the tables to be prettied up with red tablecloths and white placemats, dried floral petals and a glass receptacle holding a pair of live guppies and ornamental pebbles as the centrepiece.
To fan the flames of romantic fervour, we sipped on a heady Pink Lady cocktail accompanied by a quartet of canapés. The concoction of cranberry and lemon juice mixed with triple sec and vodka sent our pulses racing so go slow if you're unused to boozy tipple.
Handy, dainty servings of savoury pesto-infused rice, black olive tapenade on crusty bruschetta, a mini frothy glass of cream of mushroom and prawn with mango salsa from the tempting canapé platter should pave a deliciously smooth pathway to both you and your beloved's tummies. I was particularly besotted with the springy and mildly smoky prawn coupled with the heartwarming mushroom soup.
Butterfish melded with raw and smoked salmon, and salt-cured cucumber with dill to create the palate-teasing Fresh Salmon Tartare with Mirepoix in Blood Orange Dressing. The resultant flavours were delicate with the natural fresh sweetness of both fishes intact, and textures bordering on the soft almost satiny finish. Instead of the classic French trinity of carrot, onion and celery for mirepoix, the chef added colour to the dish with diced tomato, chopped hardboiled egg and feathery sprigs of dill.
For the masculine diner, a lush Beetroot & Feta Chantilly Mille-Feuilles with Pomegranate Dressing beckons. Although beetroot doesn't top most guys' list of preferred food, the speciality tasted way better than it sounded. My dining partner would vouch for its delectable appeal after sampling the subtly sweet-savoury-briny stack.
Zippy bursts of heat set our tastebuds alight Tomato Vodka Granite. A punchy palate-cleanser that either have you succumbing to the gritty coolness or reeling from the alcoholic suckerpunch.

Main course that should go swimmingly well with fair ladies is Fried Duck Breast with Raspberry Sauce, Potato Gratin & Vegetable Tian. Tender with a thin strip of fat on top, we found the duck's gaminess barely discernible thanks to the faintly tart raspberry sauce. Herb-flecked slices of baked vegetables and potatoes served as supporting cast.
Alas, the dish was no match for the show-stealing Buttefish Fillet with Red Capsicum Coulis. We thought its vibrant saucy red looked more feminine compared to the darker shade of the ducky option. The fish was cooked just nice, rendering it firm yet flaky; contrasting well with the hearty potato gratin and tian of veggies.
Light yet luscious, Em's Signature Pavlova wrapped up the fairer side of the dinner set. The inclusion of fresh kiwifruit, blueberries, strawberries and a gooseberry coupled with raspberry sauce ensured this fanciful treat worth relishing.
Somehow the dessert appeared sweeter on the other side...I personally displayed a greater penchant for the Mille-Feuille with Strawberries. Juicy and slightly tart, the fresh strawberry halves embedded in pastry cream and sandwiched in between crisp mille-feuille were sublime.
 
Pix courtesy of Em by Tedboy
 
Event planners seeking a suitable space for meetings, breakout sessions, birthday parties or product launches are welcome to ask Em by Tedboy about its dedicated event corner upstairs. Hidden by a partition door and up a short flight of stairs, the rectangular open air, garden-like space is outfitted with retractable canopy to protect it from the heat and rain. Furnishings are tactile for flexible configurations desired by event organisers and party hosts.
For reservations, please call EM BY TEDBOY, tel: 03-2022 2056. Address: Ground Floor, Hotel Transit, No.42, Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE AT LA RISATA

I'm in the mood for love...are you? With St Valentine's Day mere days away, now is the time to start panicking if you haven't made any reservations to wine and dine the love of your life! 


After sneaking samplings of the seductive San Valentino set menu at La Risata, I'd suggest you make haste and book a table asap. Priced at RM110++ per person, the lovely multi-course meal is available at both the Ampang and Damansara outlets.
To set your pulse racing and palate aptly primed, a sublime amuse bouche of Chilled Gazpacho with Cumin & Capers will be served. The bright vermillion hue of the tomato conconction captures the red-hot passion of this lovey-dovey celebration perfectly.


It's never too early to fish for compliments on your tasteful celebration venue choice as you tuck into the pretty as a picture appetiser of Smoked Salmon Carpaccio with Avruga Caviar, Rocket Salad, Boiled Quail Egg and Cherry Tomatoes. Light on the palate, the delicately rich quail egg and smoky fish slices dotted with tiny clusters of avruga caviar are balanced by the peppery zestiness of the rocket leaves and herbaceous accent of sliced fennel.
Like your whispers of sweet nothings, the subsequent course of Traditional Bergamo Raviolo stuffed with Lamb, Pears, Biscuits & Cheese in Butter & Sage Sauce Garnished with Mosto Cotto Sauce should leave you waxing lyrical over its exquisite deliciousness. These dainty lil' parcels pack such voluptuous flavours that just one bite will leave you wanting more. The dark mosto cotto sauce is a chocolate reduction so the deep-seated nuance lends extra allure to the dish.
For mains, the chef plans to proffer a choice of Seared Red Tuna Loin with Leek Risotto, Rose Jam & Squid Ink Salted Butter or Milanese Style Braised Osso Bucco with Polenta and Gremolata Sauce.

Both are equally sumptuous so you'd have to follow your heart or palate. The tuna is deftly prepared with a blush-pink centre and an outer seared rim, leaving it buttery tender. A match made in culinary heaven on a bed of creamy, nutty risotto, fragrant rose jam and a squiggle of bewitchingly dark squid ink-tinted butter.
The osso bucco ('bone with a hole' in Italian) is a Northern Italian speciality of cross-cut braised veal shank (revealing the marrow within the bone). Staying true to tradition albeit with a modern take on its presentation, the delectable meat is enlivened with gremolata (chopped herb condiment using parsley or coriander blended with garlic and lemon zest) and polenta (cornmeal).
The sweet treat of Cold Chocolate Sabayon on Strawberry Salad with Hazelnut Crumble & Whipped Cream is bound to set hearts a-flutter. Admittedly the classic trinity of strawberries, chocolate and nuts is a real tease; coyly sinful without segueing into utter decadence.
La Risata is not only for the lovelorn as its relaxed, inviting ambience also attracts a fair share of the professional and family crowd. Timeless classics rule the roost so if you're craving for some good hearty pizzas or comforting pasta dishes, take a seat and eat to your heart's content.
Groups of two or more would do well to start with the house Antipasti Misti (RM42) comprising buttery grilled mushrooms, crisp deep-fried calamari rings, slivers of beef carpaccio with cheese and garlic crostini with chicken liver pâté. We find the last most addictive especially when eaten with the sliced garlic, to counter the dense richness of the velvety pâté.





Pizza fans are spoiled for choice as there's 20 different variants listed! Naturally, the runaway crowd fave is Pizza Fruittì Di Mare (RM31++). Laden with succulent squid, mussels and prawns and accented with garlic, tomato and mozzarella on a thin and crunchy crust, it is possibly one of the better (if not the best) seafood pizzas in town.
Like Giorgio Armani's designs which advocate 'less is more', the Pizza Pera E Gorgonzola (RM30++) may look a tad plain but bite into a slice and you'd discover its true 'beauty'. The sweet-salty-savoury-peppery overtones rendered by the pear shavings, fresh rocket, gorgonzola, mozzarella and walnuts on the pizza are simply 'to die for'.
If you want something more distinctive, try the Pizza D'Anatra (RM36++) which marries smoked duck, rocket leaves and anchovies with caramelised onion and mozzarella. The results are surprisingly agreeable despite having so many strongly flavoured ingredients vying for attention.

Meat & potato fans would enjoy Agnello Alla Griglia (RM56++) - grilled chilled Australian lamb tenderloin with fennel & black pepper crust on a bed of mashed chickpea and vegetable caponata. Again the doneness is perfectly executed, leaving the loin centre with a healthy pink. Finished with a red wine reduction and boosted by the scrumptious 'side kicks', this speciality should leave you happily replete.
Those who prefer fish, we recommend the Pesce Alle Melanzañe Piccante (RM38++) - fried barramundi with sauteed eggplant, anchovy, garlic, pine nuts and chilli flakes, and julienned vegetables. You'd be hard pressed to find fault with the ensemble's delicate appearance and subtle layering of textures and taste. It is commendable that the vegetables are handled with a light hand, to retain their gorgeous colours and textures.

Pasta choices also abound but trust me, once you go black with Capellini Al Nero Con Fruittì Di Mare (RM35++), there's no turning back. The perfectly al dente angel hair pasta dressed in squid ink come adorned with juicy cherry tomatoes, whole springy prawns and squid rings.
I have a penchant for wicked Italian dessert and top of the list is Zucotto (RM18++). Now this pix doesn't do this liquer-spiked dome cake justice. Chocoholics would go weak at the knees at its chocolatey centre surrounded by vanilla cream studded with bits of almond, hazelnuts and more chocolate!

Savouring the Sicilian Bombe (RM38++ ample for two) brought back memories of my first taste of a classic dessert known as bombe Alaska. Both works on the same premise to impress - the outer meringue layer is doused with alcohol (usually brandy) then set alight to scorch the surface. Dig into the liquer-laced sponge and you'd find chilled lemon cream...talk about fire & ice.
Italians are crazy about Cannoli (RM16++) - Sicilian fried pastry shell filled with sweet ricotta cream then dipped in chocolate and pistachio bits. Find out what's the appeal for yourself here...it's an irresistible treat with lots of crunch and naughty temptation.

Personally I've never been a fan of the Christmas panettone as I find it hard and dry. But La Risata's Panettone Bread & Butter Pudding (RM16++) has changed my view drastically as it has never crossed my mind that the bread can be transformed into such a wonderful dessert. Studded with plump raisins and choccy bits, the spongy pudding is enlivened further with butterscotch and vanilla ice cream. Yums.

For reservations at La Risata, please call tel: 03-2095-9572 (Damansara) or

03-4252 6269 (Ampang). Details and more information available from http://www.la-risata.com/
La Risata
128 Jalan Kasah
Medan Damansara
50490 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2095-9572 - See more at: http://pureglutton.com/la-risata-medan-damansara#sthash.BsIaskds.dpuf



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