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.

GOOD EATS WITH HIGH SPIRITS AT D’ATAS BISTRO

Lunch started with a dramatic flair on our maiden visit to the newly opened D’Atas Bistro. Presented in a smoking cloche, the signature D’Atas Whisky Sour (RM40) left us smitten with its tangy, boozy taste with a tinge of smoky peat.

It was a captivating twist to the classic cocktail of John Jameson whiskey, fresh lemon juice, gula melaka syrup and Angostura bitters crowned with frothy egg white and a dried orange slice.

Ladies will adore Fly with Chan (RM38) – an Insta-worthy tipple of shaken gin, raspberry puree, limoncello, lavender syrup, lemon juice and egg white prettied up with edible flowers.

Teetotallers can seek solace in Curry Mama (RM18) – a creamy curry leaf-scented mocktail of coconut milk, coconut puree, and lime juice, with a topping of pineapple juice. Such an inventive and invigorating drink.

D’Atas (literally a contraction of Damansara Uptown in Malay) also serves Toddy (RM12 per glass, RM60 per bottle) – local palm wine sourced and tapped from the restaurant’s own palm trees in Nilai. This rare albeit delightful find tasted mildly sweet and fizzy with faint whiffs of fermented rice.

A refreshing tweak comes in the form of Connor’s Draught Stout & Toddy (RM16). It should go down well with those who prefer to have the palm wine tempering the stout’s inherent bitterness.

 

Made with butter roasted mushroom, the unctuous Cream of Mushroom (RM18) is one of the curtain-raisers here. Overall, I thought it was too peppery but hey, you should be the judge and jury of this popular mainstay.

Smoky and tender Grilled Lamb Skewers (RM20) drizzled with mint-mayo sauce got the thumbs up; the delectably moreish bites, well-spiced and on-point. Hardly surprising then it’s chalked up as one of D’Atas’ crowd-pleasers.

Instead of ho-hum tomato or mushroom bruschetta, D’Atas updates this appetiser with an Asian slant, featuring pan-fried sardines paired with chilli shrimp paste atop crusty slices of French bread.

The Shrimp Paste Sardines Bruschetta (RM11) were rather salty but in a good way; a perfect accompaniment with your favourite ‘poison’ from the bar.

Ikan Masak Lemak & Rice (RM28) stole the show with the boneless seabass fillets immersed in robustly spicy and lemak-rich coconut cream, bird’s eye and green chillies. The zingy-hot gravy together with white rice was a match made in culinary heaven.

Mutton Sub-Monster (RM32) – scrumptious mutton varuval with red onion, tomato, and fresh lettuce slathered with mint-mayo on a slab of crusty French baguette proved another winner in our books.

The thin-crust Kimchi Pizza (RM23) passed muster; the tart and distinctive pickled cabbage kicking the flavour quotient several notches up. A definite appealing option to go with boozy drinks.

Cooked cockles, tofu puffs, long beans, and a hard-boiled egg lend substance to Curry Laksa with Sambal Belacan (RM18). We didn’t fancy the yellow mee but it’s the only noodle option available. The aromatic curry gravy passed muster; a dollop of the sambal helped add greater depth and flavour.

Two grilled housemade beef patties with melted cheese, fried egg, onion rings, sliced tomato and gherkins in-between a sesame bun form the Smoking’ Double Beef Burger (RM33). Unfortunately, our beef patties were overcooked and dry but D'Atas promises this hiccup will be rectified.

Spice and chilli fiends will enjoy Asian Style Chilli Chicken Pasta (RM16) – spaghetti tossed with spicy-hot pan-fried chicken breast with chilli flakes, wild rocket and cherry tomatoes.

Topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce, the Molten Lava Cake (RM18) hit our sweet spot with its airy-light chocolate cake oozing with luscious, melted dark chocolate at its core.

Lighter on the palate is Tri-Crepe Cakes (RM18) – soft, paper-thin crepes filled with a choice of durian, chempedak, blueberry cheese or red velvet sponge and cream. 

In its bid to draw the white collar crowd, D’Atas serves Set Lunch from 12pm – 2.45pm daily. Priced from RM16 upwards, diners can choose from 12 main course options and enjoy free flow of ice lemon tea.

 

Membership is available for regular patrons. Enrolment is easy and benefits await such as 15% discount for food & beverage at D'Atas.

For reservations, call D’Atas Bistro, hp: 010 248 1356. Address: 108G, SS21/39, Damansara Utama 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Business hours: 12 noon – 12 midnight daily