Showing posts with label drink. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drink. Show all posts

Saturday, April 06, 2019

GIN’S THE TONIC AT MARIGIN


The cosmopolitan spirit of gin with a local touch and some creative twists levels up MariGin beyond its stature as a traditional gin parlour in Kuala Lumpur. MariGin Gin Bar is the latest feather in The Marini’s Group hat a leading F&B player known for Marini’s on 57, Marble 8 and M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza establishments in the city.
According to Cavaliere Modesto Marini, owner and founder of The Marini’s Group, “Gin is usually a staple in any bar but at MariGin, it is the star. It’s a versatile and refreshing spirit that can be drunk straight up, in a simple mix, or added to other flavours in a cocktail. Gin’s diversity and variety ensure it appeals to different palates and provides new experiences. At MariGin, we aim to create a gin drink for every occasion.” 
MariGin is located just a stone's throw away from the iconic Twin Towers. Patrons can sit back and wet their whistle within MariGin’s relaxed atmosphere; a cushy haven of dark marble flooring, low sofa lounges and coffee tables and a rustic bar counter that’s central to the overall hubbub. 
 
The shaded terrace boasts pool and gin pong tables in addition to timber topped tables paired with high bar stools to seat 35 persons. Indoors, MariGin can comfortably accommodate 56 persons but greater privacy can be sought inside two private rooms, which seat 6-8 persons.
 
The dedicated gin menu features 57 varieties of gin: from gin infusions, gin and tonic mixes to bespoke cocktails for every occasion. MariGin’s drinks are priced from RM27++ onwards.
 
We sampled Ginius (RM40++), a Gin concoction of infused kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, lime and galangal with Fever Tree Aromatic Tonic. Subtle floral notes were discernible in Ginny In The Bottle (RM40++), a Gin cocktail infused with chrysanthemum, wolfberries, lemon, chrysanthemum flower and Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic.
 
 
 
More in-gin-ius tipples to pique your interest include Anti Agin (RM45++), a mythical fountain of youth rustled up with The Botanist, basil, chamomile, ginger cordial, lime juice, soda and an edible flower; Ginasium comprising Citadelle Original, Malibu, grapefruit juice, coconut water, spiced syrup and lime juice; and Chi Si Gin (RM45++) — Tanqueray NO.10 with lychee liquor, lychee, lemongrass, lime juice and kaffir lime leaves.
 
Among the array of gin & tonic mixers to uplift Happy Hours are Concubine Gin (RM56++), a captivating concoction of Martin Miller’s, grapefruit, basil and East Imperial Tonic; The Duke of Gin (RM52++) rustled up with Monkey 47, blueberries, grapefruit and Fever Mediterranean Tonic and Padrino (RM56++) Nikka Coffey Gin with coffee beans and East Imperial Tonic.
For more information and enquiries, call MariGin Gin Bar, tel: 03-2386 6030 or email reservations@marinisgroup.com. Address: One KL, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur. Business hours: 5pm to 1am Monday to Saturday, Happy Hours 5pm to 9pm.

Sunday, May 13, 2018

GRUB UP FOR GRABS AT DONKEY & CROW IRISH PUB


Irish eyes are bound to smile when they spy a comforting dish of Dublin Coddle (RM33). Rich and hearty, this salubrious stew of potatoes, root vegetables and Irish sausage is a signature speciality at Donkey & Crow Irish Pub in KL. Served with rustic bread slices, the offering may look unassuming but taste-wise, it’s heartwarming succour that satisfies the soul.

We enjoy the simple dish at Donkey & Crow, a laidback Irish pub which has two outlets: TREC KL and Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC). Established in 2015, we learn the choice of name combining Donkey to denote perseverance and strength and the Crow to symbolise fearlessness and courage. These characteristics are firmly held by the Donkey & Crow team in their quest to be the Best Irish Pub in the region.

Historically, pubs (a contraction of public house in the old days) is a welcoming, go-to folksy outpost for a casual bite, a couple of pints and some jolly good time. Likewise, Donkey & Crow strikes a similar path for today’s white collar professionals, expatriates and urban families.


 

Newer than the TREC KL outpost, the BSC outlet exudes an old-world charm interior-wise. A colourful, mosaic-laid mural serves as the focal point at the heart of the pub while the shaded patio with high stools and tables is a hot hanging out space at dusk. 


There's even a hideaway private room in addition to a pool table right at the entrance. Besides beer, liquor and spirits, the beverage menu proffers an interesting selection of beer-fused concoctions like Beejito (RM38 nett), cocktails and mocktails.



While I had eaten Scotch eggs as a child, I didn’t know it was a popular picnic staple and convenient snack in the UK. Basically, it’s a whole hardboiled egg swaddled with mince or sausage meat with an outer, deep-fried breadcrumb coating. Interestingly, Wikipedia mentioned Belgium and the Netherlands have them too. In Malaysia, Scotch egg falls into the same milieu of colonial fare as chicken chop and mulligatawny.

We were a little perturbed by the frontliner's raised eyebrow when we ordered 2 servings of Scotch Egg (RM23 nett) and we soon discovered why. The Donkey & Crow’s version is huge and a meal in itself! Personally, I find it too salty for my liking but for the Caucasian pub regulars here, the offering accompanied with mustard sauce heralds a taste of home.
 
Pale and plain, the Blue Cheese Mushroom (RM23) looks deceptively nondescript until its lush flavour hits your palate. We thoroughly enjoy every mouthful of the tender button mushrooms in creamy blue cheese sauce with toast. Cooked down to velvety richness, the savoury white sauce has a subtle, well-rounded ‘bite’ to it.




The Snacks Platter (RM68) may be a viable curtain-raiser for small groups as the selection of Pigs in Blanket, Smoked Duck Breast, Nachos Bacon, Onion Rings and Chips is ample enough for 2-3 persons to share. Most of the options hit the spot although our bowl of nachos was somewhat dry and underwhelming. 

For main course, we readily vouch for Grilled Pork Ribs with Whiskey Sauce (RM49). Although a stronger boozy overtone is desirable for the whiskey sauce, the ribs with corn, roast potatoes and salad prove noteworthy.
Sweet-toothed diners will find the ho-hum Brownies with Ice Cream isn’t something to write home about. You’re better off with another pint or cocktail before hitting the road.

For reservations, call Donkey & Crow Irish Pub, tel: 03-2011 1868 (BSC) or 03-2110 5349 (TREC KL). Address: 1) G130, Ground Floor, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285, Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, Kuala Lumpur; 2) E-G-05, Electric Boulevard, TREC, Lot 434, Seksyen 90, Jalan Tun Razak, KL.

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