GRAZE, SIP AND SING AT SARASTRO KL BY MILLENNIUM

 

Much as I'd like to refrain from using the term ‘hidden gem’, Sarastro KL at Millennium Lounge is exactly that. Ensconced inside a loft-like space atop Tribeca KL, the initial impression we had of Sarastro KL was it’s one of those speakeasy bars people enjoy discovering.

Exuding the vibes of a gentleman’s club meets posh library, the sedate feel is alleviated by some whimsical Harry Potter-ish touches: owl figurines perched from book-filled shelves, clusters of decorative candles, and vintage bric-a-bracs. The cloak and dagger element is a hidden door leading into the inner sanctum, camouflaged as a sturdy bookshelf.

Inside a raised stage for live performances – currently a solo guitarist entertains Thurs-Sat 8pm-11pm – take pride of place. Overhead is the outlet’s name picked out in Hollywood-style lights.

The banquette seating beside a bank of glass picture windows accords a nice view of the city skyline dominated by the Merdeka 118 Tower. Orderly clusters of dark wood tables and upholstered chairs in neutral tone can easily fit small and large dining groups.

In addition, there are two other private rooms: one can accommodate 10 persons whilst the other can fit up to 20. Karaoke systems are available in-room so songbirds can warble to their hearts’ content.

As a prelude to dinner, the resident mixologist rustled up cocktails for us, complete with billowing misty effects using dry ice. He shook, rattled and poured the concoctions into glasses and voila, two cocktails were created. It was a toss between Cherry Blue comprising Bombay Sapphire gin, Bacardi, Cointreau, blackcurrant syrup and blue curaçao garnished with lime wheel; and Purple Rain mixed from vodka, blue curaçao, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, and lime juice.

Both drinks were a tad sweet IMO but they were more agreeable when paired with nibbles. Right off the bat, we raved over the Whitebait (RM36). Deep-fried until crisp in feather-light batter then tossed with togarashi (Japanese spice condiment) and nori strips, the delicate sweetness of those little fishes dipped in an invigorating herbaceous aji verde (Peruvian cilantro sauce) were excellent.

The meaty Portobello Fries (RM34) also scored highly. Drizzled with balsamic glaze and served atop wholegrain mustard aioli, we love chomping on the battered chunks amidst sips of cocktails.

Zingy, punchy flavours from the spicy hot sauce coating of Sriracha Chicken Boxing (RM32) left us ooh-ing and aah-ing over the dish. Spiked with dried chilli, curry leaves and a drizzle of honey, we polished off the lot instantly.

With smoked paprika, lemon juice and Italian chilli flakes accentuating the scrumptious Garlic Prawns (RM46), we barely had time to talk and were more intent on wiping the plate clean.

Lightly torched and served with edamame and mushroom mix, the tender Smoked Duck Breast (RM36) proved on-point. The Soft Shell Crabs (RM58), deep-fried and tossed with in-house seasoning, were equally good accompanied by some Vietnamese dip.

House-made Spanish Meatballs (RM34) with herbed tomato sauce and goat cheese were tasty albeit a tad dry, whilst the sautéed Baby Octopus (RM36) with chilli flakes, bonito and nori strips passed muster.

We found the Seafood Croquette (RM28) underwhelming. The deep-fried seafood patties accompanied by mojo picante (Spanish-style spicy-garlicky red pepper sauce) were too pasty for our liking. We reckon actual bits of seafood for better mouthfeel could dial up its appeal.

Possibly the simplest dish of the evening, the Okra Thai Salad (RM38) emerged as a show-stealer. Topped with tobiko, the tender okra, sautéed white pearl corn, long beans and beef bacon, the cohesive ensemble of varied textures and delicate nuances was irresistible when tossed with Thai dressing.

Stuffed with sun-dried tomato pesto and mozzarella, the golden deep-fried Chicken Piedmontese (RM56) with angel hair pasta was on-point. This crowd-pleasing dish should be a hit with cheese and pasta-loving youngsters.

Sour and spicy, the Soft Shell Crab Sambal Pasta (RM59) was unexpectedly agreeable. The slippery strands of linguine slathered with sambal oelek piqued our interest; matching nicely with the crunchier texture of fried soft shell crab.

Another noteworthy option was seared Lamb Rack (RM99). Deftly prepared at medium rare doneness and served with truffle mash potato and creamy dijon aioli, we picked the bones clean.

A voluptuous parmesan pepper sauce enhanced the tender Beef Wagyu Flank (RM139) along with crispy fries. The juicy beef was sumptuous when relished with the rich savoury sauce.

Decadent Brownies (RM36) with strawberries and salt flakes along with delightful Sago Mango Panna Cotta (RM28) layered with Thai mango and sago pearls heralded a sweetly satisfying ending for us.

For reservations or more information, call Sarastro KL by Millennium, tel: 014-327-3889. Address: 8th Floor, Tribeca Serviced Hotel, Jalan Imbi, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. Business hours: Wednesday-Monday, 5pm-1am.

NEW MENU ITEMS YOU'D LOVE AT AN VIET

 

Bánh Khọt (RM14.90), scrumptious Vietnamese mini savoury coconut pancakes laden with minced pork, chopped shrimps, mung beans and sautéed spring onions transported us to Vietnam briefly.

The serving of moreish pancakes was one of the new items launched by An Viet recently. Slightly crisp on the outer edges segueing into spongier texture towards the centre, we savoured them wrapped in fresh lettuce and herbs. Nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce) with pickled radish and carrot strips boosted the overall taste.

We also sampled several other new dishes at the latest outlet at Pavilion Bukit Jalil recently. The show-stealer was Crispy Rice Noodle Pillows with Sautéed Pork/Beef (a la carte: RM22.90 pork/RM23.90 beef; set RM27.90 pork/RM28.90 beef).

According to restaurateur Caren Poon, the dish is a tricky one to prepare. “The flat rice noodles needs to be of a certain thickness so that they can be layered, cut into squares then deep-fried to puff them up. If the noodles are too thick, the resultant ‘pillows’ will be hard. It cannot be too thin either as they may break during the frying process.”

Taste-wise, the noodle ‘pillows’ combined with the stir-fried greens and sliced beef/pork bore some similarities with Cantonese fried noodles. We like the cohesive textures and enticing smoky aroma emanating from the dish.

Besides the prawn version, An Viet now features Gỏi Cuốn (RM10.90), fresh spring rolls with grilled pork belly in addition to fillings of rice vermicelli, fresh lettuce, radish and carrot julienne and basil.

Dunked into sweet-savoury-tangy nuoc cham, the gamut of harmonious flavours and disparate yet complementary textures scored well with us.  
 

Evoking the comforting warmth of hearth and home, we couldn’t resist sampling the soulful Stewed Chestnut Pork Belly (RM24.90 with rice; RM29.90 set). Think tau ew bak (braised pork in soy sauce) Vietnamese-style, albeit shades lighter due to a mixture of coconut water, soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar used to braise the pork.

Succulent black mushrooms and powdery-soft chestnuts dialled up the speciality’s appeal. We slurped up the rich, flavourful gravy to the last drop.

For our quota of greens, we opted for Gong Cai Crunchy “Sound Vegetable” Salad with Tiger Prawns (RM18.90). Black sesame seed-flecked crackers and toasted peanuts played key supporting roles, tastefully backing up a trio of sautéed sliced celtuce, carrot julienne and poached tiger prawns.

The entire delicious medley not only proved on-song but also rendered delightful ‘sound bites’ to the ears.

No visit to An Viet is complete without pho. The newly included Sautéed Beef Noodle Soup (a la carte RM24.90, set RM29.90) was the satisfying solution; a splendid pairing of silky smooth noodles with gently sautéed beef slices.

Chè Ba Màu (RM8.90), Vietnamese 3 Colour Dessert capped off our culinary sojourn. Similar to ice kacang, this refreshing shaved ice treat atop soft red and mung beans, pandan-green jelly strips, and lightly sweetened coconut milk was the perfect ending to our marvellous Vietnamese dining experience.

 
For more information and reservations at An Viet, visit: https://www.facebook.com/anviet.my