A GALORE OF GOODIES FROM FOODIES GOURMET MARKET & CAFE

Not many restaurants come with a delicatessen and food retail section but Foodies Gourmet Market & Café (GMC) embraces this concept. It fulfills a niche where discerning gourmets can shop for quality Halal beef and lamb, imported German sausages, and premium seafood products, while home cooks searching for ready-to-cook burger patties, truffle and extra virgin olive oils, Kikkoman sauces, imported spices, cooking ingredients, condiments, and kitchen knives can buy them here.

The austere interior is practical and casual; its laidback vibes put patrons at ease and eager to discover Foodies GMC’s range of ready-to-eat fare. Once satiated, perhaps they’d be inspired to buy the ready-to-cook range home.

Foodies GMC serves wallet-friendly steaks: notably tender Australian Grilled Ribeye Steak (RM53, approximately 200g) with a choice of black pepper or mushroom sauce, and a juicy grilled Pure Grass-Fed Aussie Striploin Steak (RM42, approx. 200g) with rich mushroom sauce. Mixed salad and potato wedges are the standard accompaniments.

Raising the several notches above the fast-food bar is the Awesome Wagyu Burger (RM32). The winning formula lies in Foodies’ choice of using brioche as the base and a Wagyu beef patty as its core ingredient. For palate-pleasing allure, sautéed mushroom, tomato, lettuce, caramelised onion, katsu mayo, and cheese are piled on.

 

Another comforting house speciality to try is Boss’s Favourite Beef Goulash (RM21), a Hungarian-style stew with tender cubes of Australian beef. The Chef Signature Smoked Duck Quiche (RM20) is memorable for its deliciously custardy filling studded with pieces of smoked duck in it.

Hallyu fans will take an instant liking to the Spicy Korean Style Lamb Chops (RM36). Marinated in gochujang sauce, the grilled hot and mildly sweet lamb shoulder chops are guaranteed to tantalise the tastebuds.

If you prefer tamer but equally pleasing flavours, the slices of roasted Smoked Duck with Caramelised Apple Chutney (RM30) should hit the spot. The intermingling of savoury-sweet accents are stimulating and nicely balanced by the mixed salad with citrusy sweet dressing.

Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing fare such as Grilled Lamb Sausage (RM30) – this spiral, herbed sausage comes with toasted tortilla pieces, mixed salad and Siracha mayo dip, or grilled German Chicken Sausages (RM31) on mixed vegetable bed with ketchup mayo and mustard dip will find favour with both young and old alike.

Instead of dory, New Zealand perch coated in crispy batter is featured in FG Style Fish & Chips (RM29). Served with Chef’s signature tartare sauce and potato wedges, it’s a hearty serving enough to leave a light eater replete.

 

Looking for Japan-inspired specialities? Possible choices include Japs Chicken Chop (RM19) glazed with garlic teriyaki sauce, and Japanese crispy fried Chicken Fillet with Katsu Sauce Sandwich (RM21) pass muster.

A failsafe option like Meatballs Pasta (RM20) with house-made chicken meatballs in creamy tomato sauce is available too so Foodies GMC has all the bases covered when it comes to family dining.

Dessert is simple but delightful. Tempting choices range from soft XL Berry St Doughnuts (RM10) with caramelised apple dices, chocolate sauce and cream to crispy fried Banana Foster (RM10) drizzled with sweet soy and buttery sauce.

For more information about Foodies Gourmet Market & Café, call tel: 012-213 5277. Address: No. 29, Jalan BK5A/3A, Bandar Kinrara, Puchong, Selangor.

 

NEW CONG CAPHE AT ONE UTAMA

An eye-catching showcase filled with rows of colourful thread spools serves as an interesting focal point inspiration at the threshold of the new Cong Caphe (pronounced curb cafe) at 1 Utama.

Opened in late December 2020, local Cong Caphe franchise holder Peter Tan reveals the second outlet ID is based on a textile factory from Vietnam’s bao cap or subsidy period. Hence the decorative elements feature multiple tiers of vintage sewing machines and glass-topped tables strewn with oversized thread spools.

Certain trademark touches such as military green uniforms of the frontline team, retro collectibles and household memorabilia, mismatched rustic and upcycled furniture, sepia snapshots and enamelware complete the charming vintage setting.

The current beverage & food menu is more expansive too. Right from the get-go, young green rice flakes imported from Vietnam make Cong’s Signature Ice Blended Coconut Green Rice Smoothie (RM17.90 tall) a hit with us. 

Flat and almost translucent, we were told those pearly-green rice ‘flakes’ had to be steamed before it’s blended with coconut milk to create the signature smoothie. Subtly sweet and creamy, the distinct drink has tiny chewy bits that are almost reminiscent of glutinous rice.

Two other non-coffee drinks worth slurping up include Fresh Lime Smoothie (RM13.90) and Passionfruit Smoothie (RM15.90). The former is zesty-fresh with the clean sourness and sharper lime zest discernible on the palate while the latter flaunts a fruitier finish.

For coffee lovers, we highly recommend Bac-Xiu, coffee with coconut milk (RM12.90 hot) and Hanoian Coffee (RM10.90 hot). Otherwise, there are neat juices such as tart and green Ambarella Juice (RM13.90) or refreshing Watermelon (RM10.90).

Simple, quick meals are available should you feel peckish. The Beef Ham Rice Noodle (RM16.90) and Chicken Ham Rice Noodle (RM14.90) are fuss-free, ‘meal in a bowl’ options. Think of it as Vietnam's answer to a pared-down poke bowl. 

A jumble of julienne carrot, cucumber, lettuce and pickles, sprigs of fresh coriander, crushed peanut alongside rice noodles and slices of beef ‘ham’ or peppery chicken ham accompanied by Vietnamese fish sauce dressing make this offering a major crowd-pleaser once everything is tossed up and thoroughly mixed. The flavours are vivid and pleasing with enough textural interest to stimulate the appetite. Personally I don't fancy the beefy version but to each his/her own.

An unexpectedly good choice turns out to be Instant Noodle with Tofu and Egg (RM9.90). The smoked beancurd cubes add extra appeal to the chewy Vietnamese Hao Hao instant noodles, with the eggy richness lending hearty substance to leave you replete.

To whet the appetite, consider the house Spring Rolls (RM8.90, 2 pcs). The pair can be a meal for light eaters or a precursor to subsequent choices if you’re dining in a group.

Sandwich enthusiasts may prefer to sample Chicken Ham Banh Mi (RM13.90)  ̶  crusty Vietnamese baguette stuffed with peppery chicken ham slices, chicken pate, fresh coriander, julienne carrot and radish pickles. Alternative versions available include Beef Ham Banh Mi (RM15.90) and Tofu Banh Mi (RM11.90).

Assuage your sweet spot with Cong’s mainstay of Croissant with Condensed Milk (RM6.90) or an assortment of pastries. Notable finds we readily vouch for: flaky Almond Bar (RM8.90) and Orange Poppy Seed Cake (RM8.90). 

Close contenders range from Earl Grey Cake (RM8.90) to Chocolate Cake and Chocolate Muffin, all old-school buttery cakes that aren’t overly rich or cloyingly sweet.

Cong Caphe is offering 50% off drinks from 11am to 2pm with any speciality food purchased for dining in (except on Sat, Sun & PH) from now until 31st March 2021. Enjoy RM5 off Takeaway and Delivery Orders amounting to RM20 - refer to the official website for more information: www.congcaphe.com.my/webstore

Cong Caphe is located at G130A, Ground Floor, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7732 9280. Opening hours (non-MCO) 10am-10pm; Fri & Sat 10am-1030pm.