Thursday, October 31, 2019

IN A GLASS OF ITS OWN


Tartines stole the spotlight at Glass Tartines & Tipples on our maiden visit. The French open-faced sandwiches rustled up by owner Sharon Lam and her team left such indelible impressions, we were left wondering how this outpost remained below our radar for so long.
Although we made great work out of the sharing platter of Glass’ Friday BBQ – a stellar cast of six freshly grilled items (more on that later) – we were smitten by the signature Fresh Pear with Gorgonzola Tartine (RM25). Dribbles of truffle honey emulsion along with fresh watercress and crushed walnuts amped up the deliciousness pairing of melted cheese and slightly scorched pear. Be forewarned the cheesy accent may be a tad strong if you're aversed to dairy.
Homies may find greater affinity with the Char Siew Chicken Tartine (RM28) – an ambrosial boneless chicken thigh fillet marinated in Chinese char siew (sweet barbecue) sauce then grilled to tender perfection. Served with a punchy house-made chilli sauce and decked with long ribbons of fresh cucumber, pickled daikon and carrot, the scrumptious serving left no cause for complaints.
Having cut her teeth as a professional fine art photographer at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne, Australia, Sharon enjoys putting her own creative spin on food and drinks at Glass. She runs a tight ship too; spurring her team to make whatever possible e.g. stock, sauces and dips from scratch while keeping everything on an even keel at the frontline.
The casual, convivial vibes are accentuated by Glass' minimalist, spartan decor with gradient shades of gray. Our poison of choice for that evening comprised Red Sangria and Lemongrass Cooler but Glass is known for its eclectic range of craft beers and true to its name, tipples.
 
 
Our appetite was suitably whetted by the opener of crusty Turkish Bread with Trio of Dips: Babaganoush, Hummus and Olive Tapenade. They hit the spot in sync with the live music and BBQ Friday promotion from 6pm onwards.
On the grill, the choices include Orange & Basil Glazed Chicken Wings (RM15+), Beef Rendang Skewers (RM18+), Chicken Satay with House Made Peanut Sauce (RM15+), Sliced Beef with Chimichurri Sauce, Grilled Prawn Skewers with Lime Cilantro Glaze & Salsa (RM15+) and Grilled Squid stuffed with Cous Cous. For groups of four and more, the Glass team will be happy to rustle up sharing platters.
 
On-point faves: the smoky medium rare beef slices, the beef rendang skewers and the tender stuffed squid. Everything came up to mark – a commendable feat. The only thing more distracting than the food is the talented musical duo’s performance on Friday evenings. Their soothing repertoire is a fab precursor to welcome the weekend along with Sunset Sips and BBQ Nights.
A refreshing counterpoint to the protein quotient is the summery Fresh Watermelon Salad with Feta Cubes & Aged Balsamic Vinegar. Its vibrant sweet juiciness melding cohesively with the subtle green bite of raw watercress and the clean astringency of sliced baby radish, bound by the natural oil in the almond flakes.
 
Luscious and silky smooth Panna Cotta with Mango Puree & Pomegranate Jewels was the befitting icing on the proverbial cake, marking our maiden visit to Glass on a sweet finish.

For reservations, call GLASS TARTINES & TIPPLES, tel: 03-2302 1118. Address: A-0-6 Ground Floor, St Mary’s Place, No 1 Jalan Tengah, Off Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. Business hours: Mon-Fri 7.30am-11pm; Sat 3pm-11pm; Sun 8.30am-5pm.  
FB: https://www.facebook.com/GlassKualaLumpur/
Instagram @glasskl

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

A SERENE STAYCATION AT E&O RESIDENCES


Far from the madding crowd. Tucked away behind the Weld on the site of the former St Mary’s school, the E&O Residences is a serene haven where 200 units of luxurious one and two-bedroom suites beckon for a nice staycation in the city.

Wake up to an unobstructed view of the KL Tower. Or revel in the overhead view of an outdoor swimming pool surrouded by verdant landscape and lush foliage. That’s the advantage of staying at the E&O Residences Kuala Lumpur, managed by Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O). Across the courtyard is the St Mary Residences.
After a warm welcome at the plush Reception, we explored every inch of our 1,442 ft² two-bedroom apartment. Tastefully furnished, the spacious living area consists of a well-equipped kitchen and a compact dining area. Our balcony looks out to the KL Tower and nearby skyscrapers.
It’s easy to feel at home here as both bedrooms are comfortably furnished with quality linen. Our master bedroom boasts built-in wardrobe with a safe box, an ensuite bathroom with a standalone bath tub, a vanity area, separate shower and toilet, and luxe amenities.
The second bedroom is similarly furnished except there’s no tub in the bathroom. At 1,131 ft², the one bedroom suite is just as nice and comfy. Catching forty winks during the two nights' escapade were a breeze as the cushy beds ensured we slept fitfully like babies.
 
 
Depending on your needs, both types of suites can be home away from home for corproate relocations, business and leisure travellers, long-stay medical tourists thanks to the secured privacy and comprehensive range of creature comforts provided. 
We managed to work productively in the dining area thanks to the broadband WiFi access while my girl completed her assignments in the study room furnished with an executive desk. Later, we kicked back, lounging around the sleek sectional sofa and channel-surfed, making full use of the home entertainment system. Music streaming is made possible with the iPod docking station provided.
 
Feeling a little peckish, we then rustled up some light refreshments in the kitchen which comes equipped with a microwave oven, a toaster, cutlery and crockery. Besides a kettle for making hot drinks, there’s a fridge as well. We were told rice cooker and blender are available upon request. Longer staying guests will find the washing machine and dryer a boon. An iron, ironing board, and hairdryer are also provided in each suite.
 
Peace of mind is ensured once we headed to the serene oasis where the outdoor infinity pool is located. Flanked on all sides by rows of ornamental palm trees and manicured hedges in a landscaped garden courtyard, the pool offers a beguiling view of imposing buildings too.
 
 
Steps away are several private gazebos where the jacuzzi pool is, with sauna and steam rooms nearby. Fitness buffs will find the fully furnished gym with aerobics and yoga room adequate for their needs. Families with children in tow can make a beeline for the kids’ playground and play room, to allow their young ones free reign to unleash pent-up energy.  
 
Checking in to the E&O Residences is a seamless affair based on our first-hand experience. There’s welcome drinks laid out and steps away is a business centre where guests can acess the internet or do some document printing should the need arises. In addition, a multi-purpose function room can be rented for small-scale, customised meetings and events.
 
Security is provided around the clock. Also entry and exits to the residential suites are strictly through access cards provided. Ditto for car-park access, ensuring a seamless stay experience throughout.
 
Within walking distance from the E&O Residences are convenient stores, shopping malls, commercial offices, banks, selected tourist attractions and the city’s integrated monorail and LRT lines.
 
Guests who have breakfast included in their stay package can make their way to  Delicious, an independent restaurant. Served at from 7 am to 10 am daily, the buffet spread is ample enough. From nasi lemak and fried noodles to eggs cooked on request and baked items, the selection should leave you spoiled for choice. (Full review on Delicious coming soon)
Other restaurants in the same block include Glass Tartines & Tipples, Black Market pub and Sushi Hinata. A spa and beauty salon upstairs provide essential services for those who desire some self-pampering. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For more information and reservations, call E&O Residences Kuala Lumpur, tel: 03 2023 2188. Address: No. 1 Jalan Tengah, off Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. Website: www.eoresidences.com

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