WINE & SWINE TIME AT MOSTO

Italian swine and wine offerings hog the spotlight at Mosto Wine Bar & Restaurant, KL’s months-old chic and casual dining outpost.

Opened last December, Mosto is nestled in a secluded corner of the upmarket and posh One KL condo block. Set behind banks of manicured hedges and a footpath lined with lush foliage, it is but a stone’s throw away from the iconic KLCC twin towers.

 

Rich wood accents hold sway within; matched by dark marble floor and a sleek marble bar. Sturdy Chengal wood dining tables and high-backed chairs are parked at strategic nooks and in front of a modern floor-to-ceiling wine cellar; providing seating for 50 guests.

The shaded terrace area encircled by stone and greenery set with more Chengal hardwood high round tables and circular broad stools offer seating for up to 40 guests.

Our cocktail o’clock started with Negroni (RM38++) — a potent mixture of gin, Martini Rosso & Campari followed by a slightly mellower but no less alluring Jungle Bird (RM38++) tipple which comprised dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice & syrup.

In line with Mosto’s laidback concept and following true Italian culinary traditions, we commenced with Gran Tagliere (RM99++, ample for 2). We literally pigged out on the warm slices of housemade foccacia and crusty bread splashed with a little extra virgin olive oil. The breads were the perfect canvas to pile on the various Italian cured meats: Parma ham, Mortadella, Pancetta, Speck, Salami di Coppa and Lardo. 

We enjoyed picking different tempting morsels off the platter. Besides the cold cuts, we had olives and three types of cheeses: Valtellina Casera, Parmigiano and Pecorino with honey and blueberry conserve. A fab way to have our appetite suitably whetted.

Lightly tossed with garlic & chilli, we urge you to fork out that extra RM15 for the house roasted pork belly to be included for the Spaghetti Aglio Olio (RM22 for classic sans pork version). Once you savour this, no other pasta will measure up.

Sublime pork ribs, Costolette di Maiale (RM78++) then stole the main course show. Generously glazed with glossy house-made barbecue sauce, the hearty and meaty ribs were thoroughly suffused with the kind of deep, well-rounded flavours that induced you to pick the bones clean. Served with mixed lettuce salad, roasted potatoes & sweet corn, we managed to do just that.

Simpler but no less winsome is Pork Sausage & Polenta. Perfumed with herbs and spices, the sausage chunks were aptly complemented by a creamy serving of polenta. Never a fan of cornmeal, this version actually hit the spot for me.

What little tummy space we had was filled up by two Italian dessert treats: Creme Caramel (RM15++) and Tiramisu (RM20++). Both were competently made and left no room for complaint.

For reservations at MOSTO Wine Bar & Restaurant, call tel: 03 2386 6029. Address: Ground Floor, ONE KL, Jalan Pinang, KL.