MODERN INDIAN APPEAL AT GOA BY HUBBA

Right off the bat, the cracker of an opener, Papadum with Peanuts & Moong Dhal Salsa (RM10) hints at what lies in store at GOA by Hubba. Heaped with the Goan-style salsa of diced tomatoes and onion, peanuts and lentils, the round, blistery discs of Indian crackers deliver a sampling of celebrity chef Sapna Anand's modern Indian delicacies.

After tasting success with her Modern Indian Kitchen cookbook, Sapna has gone on to helm her own cooking show on the Asian Food Channel. Serendipity soon led the celeb chef and cookbook author to collab with the Soul Society Group, resulting in GOA by Hubba, a restobar nestled within Tujo at the Ascott Kuala Lumpur. The rustic haven boasts bright floral arrangements and tables set with copper crockery, creating a convivial stage for Sapna’s curated menu to shine.

 

Even the cocktail list features inventive spice-infused concoctions, a bid to evoke the ebullient spirit of Goa, Sapna’s home turf. I’m thoroughly smitten by the tastebud-tickling Rasam Shooter (tray of 6, RM38) — raveworthy shots of tequila, rasam mix, lime juice, mint syrup, tabasco, honey, pop rocks and salt.

 

Mama Manca (RM38) — a rockin’ blend of lemon juice, ginger syrup, turmeric syrup & a dash of cayenne pepper is a riotous slew of warm, robust flavours. Other bona fide faves include flavoured martinis and mojito variants.

 

Mumbai’s famous Chowpatty Beach with its profusion of beachside snacks is the inspiration behind the faintly smoky-sweet Chowpatty Fire Roasted Corn (RM16). Daubs of herbed cheese dip spiked with chilli lime salt amp up the appeal of those slightly charred corn cob.

 

Pillow-soft Chinese steamed buns form a sensuous alliance with shredded, slow-cooked spiced mutton, fried shallot & coriander to create the distinctive Mutton Floss Mantou (RM26). The Vegetarian Mantou (RM20) isn’t shabby either as the tasty spiced cauliflower, pepper, caramelised onion and coriander in similar buns grab its fair share of gustatory interest.

 

Hot on the heels come toothsome Goan Stuffed Squid (RM28) in which whole grilled squid, stuffed with minced prawn in housemade Goan spice paste, jostle for equal attention.

 

 

Presented at the tableside with blazing fanfare, the Grilled Cauliflower with Smoked Sauce (RM28) is a literal conversation-stopper. Once the server singes the mound of cauliflower, a tide of lush savouriness and fresh green sweetness floods our palate thanks to the mildly smoked fennel tomato sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan on top.

 

The sensorial overload continues when we sample the Kashmiri Lamb Chops (RM95).

Redolent with the deep-seated accents of Goa’s housemade spice blend, the meaty cutlets are delectable when smeared with mint chutney.

When the Garlic Butter Prawns (RM58) reach our table, the offering seems a tad underwhelming although we can’t fault the freshwater prawns in creamy garlic butter sauce. Surprisingly, the Stir-fried Bhindi (RM20) holds its own possibly because the jumble of crispy okra, chickpeas, onion, dried chilli and spices proffer more distinct textural variations.

The complexities of Indian spice blends can never be underestimated, requiring years of practice and in-depth knowledge to master. All we know is the Goan favourite of Beef Vindhalho (RM28) requires yet another multitude of traditional Vindhalho spices to spark off the dish’s cachet of big, stimulating flavours.

Likewise, an aromatic and punchy tandoori spice marinade left a deeply nuanced imprint in the Tandoori Chicken Chop (RM33). Served with mint chutney, every mouthful of the tender chook sets our tongues a-tingling with subtle hotness and zingy spiciness.

Our meal epilogue centres on Homemade Ice Cream (RM16) which runs the gamut from mango or rose to candied peanut & caramel. Top of the picks goes to the sweetly scented Rose Ice Cream. The Candied Peanut & Caramel is decent too although its allure pales slightly in comparison once you savour the floral flavour.

For reservations, call GOA by Hubba, tel: 017-786 7611. Address: 9, Ascott Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur. Open daily from 6pm to 1am.

OAKWOOD: AN OASIS IN THE CITY

Sometimes a brief breather is all one needs to recharge and rejuvenate from the daily drudgery of work and life. We found a low-key yet peaceful oasis right in the heart of KL recently – Oakwood Hotel & Residence – for a quiet weekend staycation.

Opened in October last year, Oakwood has 251 units onsite: 71 Deluxe Rooms, 155 One-bedroom Deluxe Apartments, 25 One-bedroom Premier Apartments and 1 Two-Bedroom Apartment.

Tucked slightly back from the main thoroughfare of Jalan Ampang, we like the calm, unhurried feel of its spacious and airy lobby. Its sparse furnishing didn’t bother us as the existing seats were there for practical purpose.

 

We took an instant liking to the bright and cheery ambience of our Deluxe Apartment. Accentuated with dark wood trimming and pops of colour from a pair of contemporary dining chairs and wall-mounted artworks, the clean lines and dominant neutral shades give the space organised structure. Soft furnishings of underfoot carpet in the living area and bedroom coupled with the fabric-upholstered settee lent the place an inviting homely finish.

 

The kitchenette is surprisingly well-equipped too with a microwave oven, a rice cooker, a toaster and electric kettle forming the coterie of facilities available. In addition, there’s a mini fridge as well as crockery and cutlery. Our gang jokingly remarked a mini feast could easily be whipped up with the stuff provided.

Another plus point is the proper executive desk and chair which makes work a breeze. Besides complimentary WiFi, we like the luxury of having a flatscreen telly in the living room and another in the bedroom. The bed itself was comfy enough to ensure we slept soundly.

Personally, I give Oakwood extra points for devoting ample space to the toilet, long bath and shower area. Instead of run-of-the-mill toiletries, Oakwood commissioned Australian designer and entrepreneur Peter Morrissey to curate the whole set of bath care products using organic plant extracts and essential oils.

For those who seek to hideaway from the outside world, Oakwood has all the basics covered. The freeform swimming pool is big enough for laps and next to it is a children’s wading pool. Huge beanbags at the spacious deck let guests lounge around in the shade whilst fitness buffs may make full use of the modest Fitness Centre.

TrEat Restaurant & Bar is the only F&B outlet at Oakwood but it’s adequate enough to cater to famished guests. Breakfast proved to be a bustling affair during high occupancy especially when hordes of guests descend on the morning spread simultaneously. 

 

We found the usual range of brekkie fare proffered decent enough as the selection covered everything from local noodles and cereals to eggs, sausages and toast. Throughout the day, an a la carte variety of comfort food is served. 

You won’t go hungry for sure as surrounding Oakwood is several F&B hot spots, offering everything from Irish pub grub to Middle Eastern fare. A short drive away is Ampang, famed for its yong tau foo or head to one of the major malls like Suria KLCC and The Intermark for more abundant choices.

Other facilities and services for guest convenience include a Laundry Room, 24-hour concierge and front desk services, business services and four meeting spaces to accommodate 24 – 100 persons.

Oakwood Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur is the 30^th Oakwood-branded property across 20 cities in Asia-Pacific. Address: 222, Jalan Ampang, KL. For more information, check: facebook.com/OakwoodKualaLumpur