Showing posts with label fish head. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fish head. Show all posts

Thursday, May 05, 2022

SHOW-STOPPERS OF SHHHBUUULEEE


 Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” Leonardo da Vinci


Tofu with Soy-cured Egg Yolk, Tomato Water and Herbs (RM22). Drunken Cockles with Rice Wine, Taucu and Mustard Seeds Oil (RM38). Grouper Head Terrine with Chayote, Szechuan Pepper and Chilli Vinaigrette (RM32).


When you encounter such show-stopping house specialities, it dawns on you Shhhbuuuleee isn’t any run-of-the-mill rooftop bar and restaurant. The defyingly simple yet intensely flavour-packed curtain-raisers are mere harbingers of what to expect from this quaint outpost, ‘hidden’ atop RexKL, an old cinema reincarnated into a hip cultural and creative hub.



Upon arriving at RexKL
, the hunt for the resto’s ultra-discreet staircase entrance in a mini adventure in itself…hint: it’s within Book Xcess. As I climbed the flights of stairs up to the outpost, I felt like Alice heading into ‘wonderland’.



The interior of Shhhbuuuleee features a seamless integration of the old: RexKL’s original flooring and walls; and the new: extended bar seating, minimalist eclectic elements and retro touches are artfully combined to evoke a casual, laidback atmosphere.


Like those art house flicks produced to appeal to a discerning audience, Chef Mui Kai Quan is the culinary director whose creative force comes from past stints gleaned from Osteria Mozza and Esquina in Singapore, Ledbury in London, Maaemo in Oslo and Sprout in Johor Bahru. While his modern Malaysian fare takes centre stage at ChoCha Foodstore, Mui now intends to shine the spotlight on East Asian fare with his inimitable touches at Shhhbuuuleee.


After that stellar cast of curtain-raisers, good conversations flow smoothly along thanks to the recommended tipple: Shuho Awesome Karakuchi (RM35 per glass, RM280 per bottle) is winsome for its clean, refreshing taste. The chilled saké paired superbly well with the specialities mentioned earlier as well as the appetite-whetting Wagyu Tartare with Pickled Radish & Seaweed Crackers (RM52).


Local produce also takes the limelight when possible. The chef is an earnest supporter and advocate of local farmers and food producers like the Langit Collective, and champions more sustainable eating in the local F&B scene.


Ample proof of the chef’s mantra is evident in the Grilled Peppers with Sesame & Peanut Butter (RM26). Locally grown, the colourful assortment of banana and shishito peppers tossed in sesame and peanut butter tastes delicately sweet and deliciously tender.


The other scene-stealer was Red Glutinous Rice with Sakura Shrimp & Salt-Cured Fish Roe (RM24). We relished every bite of the nutty, slightly sticky home-grown red glutinous rice which has absorbed the rich savouriness of both the shrimps and fish roe.


Sweet with a fair amount of smooth, fine flesh, the Tai Head with Bamboo Fungi Broth and Puffed Rice (RM88) easily reeled us in. The accompanying broth – chicken stock and bamboo pith simmered for hours – alone was so chockful of flavours, we lapped up every precious drop.  A chilled shochu, Satsumamura Aka Shochu (RM35 per shot) enhanced our enjoyment of the said dish.


Drawing inspiration from his Chinese roots, Mui uses fu yue (fermented beancurd) to conjure up the homely Braised Tripe & Tendon with Fu Yu Broth, Daikon, Lotus Root & Tang Oh (RM48). For the uninitiated, the savoury Chinese condiment tastes similar to cheese; lending depth and complexity to the various ingredients which soaked up all the wonderful flavours of the braising broth.


After being bedazzled by a slew of palate-pleasing blockbusters, subsequent contenders such as Fried Sole with Shiso and Salted Mustard Green (RM42), as well as Sautéed Kale and Wood Ear Mushroom with Kombu Butter (RM22) had to fight harder to gain attention.


Perked up with a relish of chopped salted mustard green (ham choi) and fresh beefsteak leaves serving as an edible wrap for the panko-crusted fish, the former was akin to fish and chips gone East and ‘fit’.


Healthy eating won’t be topping your agenda when you’re at Shhhbuuleee but the kale and wood ear mushroom combo makes an appearance in the menu for good measure. Although the dish was a tad underwhelming, we dutifully polished off every morsel due to its super-nutritious content.


Mui admits he’s still working on dessert and the menu changes based on the availability of the ingredients and produce. So be prepared for more culinary sequels to savour at Shhhbuuleee.


For reservations at Shhhbuuuleee, call: 012-6120786 or https://letsumai.com/widget/shhhbuuuleee. Address: 3rd Floor, RexKL, 80, Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur.

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

CLASSIC JUADAH RAMADAN AT COSMO KL


Few people can resist breaking fast with classic Malay kampung dishes during the month of Ramadan and the culinary team at Cosmo Hotel Kuala Lumpur is banking on the tried-and-tested to please the crowd. Served at Mint Café from 5 May to 3 June, the Juadah Ramadan buffet dinner will please sticklers of tradition, from appetisers to dessert.


Opening volleys of assorted kerabu (local salad) such as cockles, prawn with young mango, smoky beef strips and local fern shoots with grated coconut alongside herbaceous greens and pickles will tickle the tastebuds.
 
Mildly spiced Sup Ekor Lembu (oxtail soup) and Bubur Lambuk (savoury spiced rice congee with beef) are genteel choices to ease patrons after their day-long fast. The impending festive Hari Raya mood is evident with the inclusion of Lemang and Ketupat Palas (glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves) with Serunding (beef floss). Some Rojak Buah (fruit & vege salad) won’t be remiss either as a healthy option.

Notable main dishes to feast on include punchy hot Talapia Sambal Hijau (fried fish topped with pounded green chilli), creamy and redolent with turmeric and heady spices Daging Panggang Masak Cili Padi (beef slices in bird’s eye chilli and coconut milk gravy), and Siput Sedut Masak Lemak (snails in rich creamy turmeric-flavoured gravy). 
 

Festive specialities run the gamut from Ayam Masak Merah (red-cooked chicken with tomato, chilli and spices), Ikan Bakar (grilled fish), Satay and Roast Lamb to Lala Masak Paprik (Thai-style clams with chilli) and Kari Kepala Ikan Merah (fish head curry).


Dessert to sweeten the senses range from colourful Malay Kuih and deep-fried banana fritters to various ice-creams and cool shaved ice treat of ais kacang.
 
 
Early bird vouchers for the Juadah Ramadan buffet is only RM65 nett per adult for purchases made between 29 April and 4 May. From 5 May to 3 June, the regular price of RM88 per adult will be applicable.
For information, call Cosmo Hotel KL, tel: 03-2030 1888 or email: chkl.ramadan@cosmohotelkl.com Address: 13-15, Leboh Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

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