Delicious pizza. Hearty pasta. Seasonal items. Set
lunches and a kids’ menu. Everything la famiglia wants and more at Modi &
Rosa, a new Italian restaurant and wine bar at Glo Damansara.
Entrepreneur Cavaliere Modesto Marini, who’s
responsible for spreading the appeal of Italian cuisine in Malaysia some two
decades ago, has set out to promote his Italian culinary heritage – first at
Marini’s on 57 at the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and as of February this year,
at Modi & Rosa.
Touches of moda - the family man – are reinforced in
the culinary offerings and the eatery’s overall look and feel with subtle
inflections of his wife or rosa. “The heart and soul of Modi & Rosa is a
place where my guests could relax, eat well and spend time with family and
friends minus any protocol or dress code. Our recipes follow how Italians have
been doing it for centuries without alternations or changes to the preparation.
It’s fresh and hearty food us Italians are brought up on.”
The contemporary yet rustic setting includes thick
wooden tables flanked by cushy leather armchairs and leather upholstered seats.
Al fresco dining is available at the external seating area. Ladies get to enjoy complimentary Lucy Cocktail – an invigorating
mixture of vodka, watermelon and lemon juice with soda every Thursday from 6pm
onwards.
Some Asian-Euro creations such as Deep-fried Soft
Shell Crab with Wasabi Mayo (RM23) and Deep-fried Vietnamese Spring Rolls
(RM18)are the only concessions made as delectable light bites to complement the
house range of wines and other tipples.
Our curtain raiser of Buffalo Mozzarella (RM26) with
Fresh Tomato, Basil, Oregano and Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a typical Italian
appetiser should you be hosted to a family-style dinner. Delicately creamy with
a lush milky overtone, the semi-soft cheese and fruity tomato wedges are a
match made in heaven.
Those who don’t enjoy vegetables may find a hearty veggie-based soup like Minestrone
(RM16). Celery, carrots, beans, onion, tomatoes with herbs go into this classic
broth, unfailingly warming hearts and tummies with every sip.
You can’t go wrong with the pizzas here. The true
Italian rule of thumb is to keep things simple (forget about freaky toppings
like cornflakes, mayo or crabstick). We find the base of our Pizza Capriciossa
(RM36) has that right amount of crisp sturdiness to borne the weight of
assorted toppings: mushroom, turkey ham and artichoke. The base has a generous
slathering of chunky tomato sauce on it and a restrained amount of melted,
stretchy mozzarella.
Somewhat indulgent but homely, you can imagine
Italian mamas feeding their families with a big, flavourful dish like Ravioli
with Creamed Spinach Sauce (RM36). Almost similar to Chinese wantan, the pasta stuffing
tends to vary according to recipes. Here, the stuffed pasta has mushroom in it;
smothered under thick truffle spinach sauce.
Interestingly, Modi & Rosa uses carnaroli – the king of Italian rice –for
its signature Carnaroli Risotto with Seafood (RM38). These grains are even
starchier than Arborio, bestowing the dish with a velvety unctuousness that
melds the inherent seafood sweetness and earthy tomato nuance together.
Not into carbs? Then plump for the Crispy Duck with Honey Gravy (RM38) and Mash.
This is something to write home about – the sizeable, meaty duck leg is a
well-balanced, wholesome distillation of what Italian food is all about. Simple
and uncomplicated like how mama would cook it.
No surprises lurk in the dessert section but everyone prefers it that way I
think. The ultra-wobbly Panna Cotta with Walnuts & Honey (RM17) deserves
special mention as this is a tricky treat to get right. I love the light,
smooth yet silky rich texture that doesn’t leave you wracked with guilt.
Instead of ‘tipu-misu’, you can expect the real deal when it comes to Tiramisu
(RM20). Nothing perks up the tastebuds quite like sublime layers of
liqueur-infused and espresso-soaked savoiardi (lady finger sponge biscuits) with
mascarpone.
Less strenuous on the budget would be the Lunch Specials
priced at RM38++ in addition to Happy Hours from 3pm to 9pm. Kids’ menu options
available at only RM18++.
For reservations, please Modi & Rosa, tel:
03-7733 1719. Address: Lot 06&07, LG Floor, Glo Damansara, Jalan Damansara,
Kuala Lumpur. Open daily 11am-230pm;
6pm-1030pm.
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