Grill, garden bistro and bar - that's what Muugu
set out to be when it opened in a restored bungalow just a stone's throw from
the glitzy hotel and shopping belt of Bukit Bintang. Tucked discreetly away in
a quiet nook of KL, the restaurant draws the time-pressed office crowd
with its reasonably priced set lunch (RM17 to RM35 depending on the choice of
main course) that includes soup or salad and a glass of soft drink or
coffee/tea.
Incredibly, parking is a breeze here and there's an al-fresco patio that
overlooks a patch of green where one can enjoy a glass of wine and a puff
without causing any consternation. For heat-averse people like us, the cool
air-cond space inside is the perfect refuge especially in the sweltering weather.
I never order fries on the side when I dine out until
I had the golden finger-thick Truffle Fries (RM8) at Muugu. Flecked with fine
shavings of cheese and chopped parsley, the truffle oil-scented
fries are so sinfully delish and incredibly addictive that we forgot to snap a pix. This snapshot was kindly on loan from PureGlutton.com (thanks Chris!)
If carbs are strictly off-limits, then go for
the Pan-seared Scallops with Quail Eggs (RM23). Topped with a pint-sized fried sunny-side
up quail egg on each one, the scallops make sublime mouthfuls that beg you to lick the
plate clean.
For a light boozy kick to whet your appetite,
I'd recommend the Mussels in White Wine Broth (RM19). Prepped with lashings of white wine, the shellfish are toothsomely
tender. Don't forget to soak up the salubrious sauce with slices of crusty
baguette.
Soup lovers will lap up every dollop of the Cream
of Wild Mushroom Soup (RM12). The broth has just the right degree of creaminess,
woody aroma and rustic voluptuousness to it.
Health nuts may prefer to graze on the classic Wild
Rocket and Pear Salad (RM16) which has peppery rocket tossed with sweet pear wedges,
crunchy walnuts, plump raisins and cheese shavings in a mildly tart dressing.
Want something to nibble on with your fave
tipple? The sweet solution is succulent Honey Glazed Chicken Wings (RM15)
bursting with such irresistible flavours that you'd be asking for more.
Air-flown Australian steaks are seared on volcanic rock at Muugu
Muugu takes pride in their Australian steaks and
beef lovers will do well with either Ribeye (RM42) or Tenderloin (RM55) done medium
rare. Grilled to order on volcanic rock, the meat tastes best sans
sauce. Accompaniments of fries, mashed or sautéed potato, greens (ratatouille
or mixed greens) and red wine, black pepper, brown or mushroom sauce are proffered to
complement their steak.
Hearty eaters would be amply satisfied with Braised
Lamb Shank (RM35) as the hefty portion comes with similar sides. The
meat is delectably tender without being mushy; the lamb jus lending depth and
body to the braising gravy.
Other protein options here include Pan-fried
Salmon Fillet (RM29) and an unexpectedly outstanding Roasted Chicken Thigh
(RM23) smothered in a rich, wine-based sauce or check what's the catch of the day.
Happily, the Seafood Risotto (RM27) and Pasta Aglio Olio (RM17) also measured up with both dishes
adroitly acquitted during our visit.
Bring down the curtains on your meal with Chocolate
Fondant Cake with Vanilla Ice-cream (RM13), Cheesecake (RM12), Tiramisu (RM12)
or Strawberry Granita (RM9).
The runaway best-seller is the molten choc cake - possibly because sweet-toothed diners simply melt at the mere sight of all that gooey
goodness! My only grouse is the 'teetotaller' Italian 'pick me
upper' tastes far too sedate but hey, don't let me rain on your
parade if you're a fan of that luscious treat.
For reservations, call 03-2110-3603. Muugu Garden Bistro & Bar is
located at 32 Jalan Jati, Off Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
