WINE & SWINE TIME AT MOSTO

Italian swine and wine offerings hog the spotlight at Mosto Wine Bar & Restaurant, KL’s months-old chic and casual dining outpost.

Opened last December, Mosto is nestled in a secluded corner of the upmarket and posh One KL condo block. Set behind banks of manicured hedges and a footpath lined with lush foliage, it is but a stone’s throw away from the iconic KLCC twin towers.

 

Rich wood accents hold sway within; matched by dark marble floor and a sleek marble bar. Sturdy Chengal wood dining tables and high-backed chairs are parked at strategic nooks and in front of a modern floor-to-ceiling wine cellar; providing seating for 50 guests.

The shaded terrace area encircled by stone and greenery set with more Chengal hardwood high round tables and circular broad stools offer seating for up to 40 guests.

Our cocktail o’clock started with Negroni (RM38++) — a potent mixture of gin, Martini Rosso & Campari followed by a slightly mellower but no less alluring Jungle Bird (RM38++) tipple which comprised dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice & syrup.

In line with Mosto’s laidback concept and following true Italian culinary traditions, we commenced with Gran Tagliere (RM99++, ample for 2). We literally pigged out on the warm slices of housemade foccacia and crusty bread splashed with a little extra virgin olive oil. The breads were the perfect canvas to pile on the various Italian cured meats: Parma ham, Mortadella, Pancetta, Speck, Salami di Coppa and Lardo. 

We enjoyed picking different tempting morsels off the platter. Besides the cold cuts, we had olives and three types of cheeses: Valtellina Casera, Parmigiano and Pecorino with honey and blueberry conserve. A fab way to have our appetite suitably whetted.

Lightly tossed with garlic & chilli, we urge you to fork out that extra RM15 for the house roasted pork belly to be included for the Spaghetti Aglio Olio (RM22 for classic sans pork version). Once you savour this, no other pasta will measure up.

Sublime pork ribs, Costolette di Maiale (RM78++) then stole the main course show. Generously glazed with glossy house-made barbecue sauce, the hearty and meaty ribs were thoroughly suffused with the kind of deep, well-rounded flavours that induced you to pick the bones clean. Served with mixed lettuce salad, roasted potatoes & sweet corn, we managed to do just that.

Simpler but no less winsome is Pork Sausage & Polenta. Perfumed with herbs and spices, the sausage chunks were aptly complemented by a creamy serving of polenta. Never a fan of cornmeal, this version actually hit the spot for me.

What little tummy space we had was filled up by two Italian dessert treats: Creme Caramel (RM15++) and Tiramisu (RM20++). Both were competently made and left no room for complaint.

For reservations at MOSTO Wine Bar & Restaurant, call tel: 03 2386 6029. Address: Ground Floor, ONE KL, Jalan Pinang, KL.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY DELIGHTS FROM LE MERIDIEN PUTRAJAYA

‘Tis the season to be feasting and Executive Chef Liou Chong Yaw together with his team at Le Meridien Putrajaya plan to go to town with an expansive spread to celebrate the Yuletide.

Headlining the hotel’s festive menu will be Mom’s Turkey & Sweet Onion Pie - a cherished family recipe Chef Liou obtained from his Eurasian friend in Melaka. The pie’s super-flaky buttery pastry crust had us enthralled at first bite; its savouriness yielding to the delicate caramelised sweetness of onion and melding delightfully with shredded turkey, peas and mushroom. Do keep your eyes peeled for this scrumptious pie at Latest Recipe, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant when you're there.

According to Executive Chef Liou, the Le Meridien team will focus mainly on Christmas specialities from Europe and America but he also challenged them to go beyond traditional boundaries.

That was how they got us hooked on their lush umami-rich Seafood Bisque with Ginger Garlic Bread. Since I've never been big on soupy fare, I shocked myself when I lapped up the substantial serving! Blame on the yummy baton of garlic-imbued gingerbread with a slick of honey that I couldn’t resist dunking into the creamy broth.

We then found ourselves eagerly tucking into hearty portions of Christmas Roast Turkey. Chef Liou regaled us with his countless unsatisfactory turkey-roasting experiences and told us it was his American friends who taught him to brine the big bird for 48 hours with herbs, vinegar, salt, brown sugar and bay leaf prior to roasting. "I finally passed their taste test after heeding their advice." 

Proof of the pudding was definitely in the eating as most of us gobbled the moist, tender meat down with giblet gravy and cranberry sauce. Accompaniments for it included Bread Chestnut Stuffing,  Brussel Sprouts with Beef Toast, Sautéed Pumpkin, Zucchini & Baby Carrot with Parsley. 

You can also expect to sample classics like Chicken & Mushroom Pate Platter, Giant Seabass Fillet Crusted with Lemon and Cheese & Mushroom Risotto -- celebratory eats from the European continent.

These specialities were nicely acquitted too, cementing the culinary prowess of Le Meridien Putrajaya kitchen team. Even Chef Michael Wong of Le Mei Chinese restaurant rose to the occasion with his distinctive prawn and spinach creation.

Wrapping up our preview dinner on a sweet note came luscious Christmas Pudding with Fresh Vanilla Pod Sauce complemented by an Assortment of Christmas Cookie. Our verdict as we staggered home from the simple but splendid preview? Good food made with passion always wins the day and Le Meridien Putrajaya's team has proven they are ready to deliver on-point Christmas and New Year fare for your feasting pleasure.

For more information and reservations on the hotel's festive specialities and promotions this Christmas & New Year celebrations, please call Le Meridien Putrajaya, tel: 03-8689 6888. Address: Lebuh IRC, IOI Resort City, Putrajaya.