JAPANESE CLASSICS TAKE CENTRESTAGE AT KAZUMA

Traditional Japanese cuisine in serene surroundings. That’s the dining concept behind Kazuma – Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s freshly minted Japanese culinary outpost.

Kazuma, meaning harmony, peace and serenity in Japanese, is currently helmed by guest chef Tsutomu Haneishi. He captains the Kazuma team in creating an array of classic Japanese specialities, using market-fresh produce and imported seafood from Japan.

Cosy and mellow-lit with paper felt pendant lamps and strategically placed spotlights, the wood-trimmed interior is evocative of the Japanese 'residential architectural' style, incorporating a long bar and a sushi counter. 

Lattice work frames and shoji windows complement decorative eye-catching blond lattice woodwork overhead. Sleek modern furnishings in warm red shades denoting the sun, joy and happiness, and beige hues complete the resto's understated look.

Tucked away in a discreet corner are two semi-private rooms for those who wish to play host for corporate purposes or personal occasions.

By day, value-for-money set lunches such as Kazuma Bento (RM69), Beef Yakiniku Bento (RM58) and Sushi Bento (RM60) are fast becoming top draws among the office crowd.

Prettily presented in compartmentalized lacquer boxes, these set lunches comprise dainty morsels in various preparations to tempt the tastebuds. Whether you’re partial to sushi and sashimi or cooked food such as braised beef and tempura, the bento set offerings are varied enough to please most palates.

A la carte items are competitively priced. For instance, sashimi lovers can savour Iso Sashimi (RM48) featuring 3 types of sashimi: maguro, salmon and hamachi. 

The Hama Sashimi (RM110) features 5 types of sashimi without breaking the bank. The fresh raw fish slices are of a decent thickness to leave you satisfied.

If you have a penchant for sushi rolls, try the house Dragon Roll (RM34) – a delicious rice roll topped with sliced avocado, and ebikko, with a deep-fried prawn at its core.

A nice curtain-raiser to go with your favourite tipple is Camembert Cheese Harumaki (RM21, 2 pcs). Although not authentically Japanese, this crispy fried spring roll filled with camembert cheese and perilla leaf is delectable. The Thai chilli dip served on the side lends a touch of punchy sweetness should you desire it.

Highly recommended is Saba Ichiya Boshi (RM20 – half, RM34 – whole) – the housemade seasoned and dried mackerel which is grilled until the skin is blistered and crisp. A dash of freshly squeezed lemon juice atop the fish is all that's needed to savour the fish’s sweet flesh. Oishii!

Tori Negimisoyaki (RM23) proffers meltingly tender bites of grilled boneless chicken; the skin touched with a dab of savoury-sweet miso paste to tickle the tastebuds into going for repeat helpings.

Another perennial favourite to sample is Kushiyaki Moriawase: grilled skewers of Sasami Mentai Mayo (RM8) – chicken fillet with spicy fish roe mayo; Tori Tsukune (RM8) – chicken meatballs; Tebasaki (RM8) – chicken wings; Negima (RM7) – chicken thigh & leek; Tori Kawa (RM6) – chicken skin touched with salt or teriyaki sauce.

When it comes to dessert, the Japanese prefer to keep it light and simple. At Kazuma, the Ichigo Daifuku (RM15) – a whole strawberry coated in a thin layer of red bean paste and glutinous rice ball or Abekawa Mochi (RM15) – glutinous rice cake cubes coated with crushed almonds are perfect to wrap up the meal on a lovely sweet note minus the guilt.

For reservations, call Kazuma Japanese Restaurant, tel:03-2149 2666. Address: Level 1, Wisma Concorde, Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL. Business hours: Mon- Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm; Close on Sunday and public holidays.

 

SKY-HIGH SOIRÉE EATS AT VOGUE LOUNGE KL

Come for the venue. Stay for the view. Event hosts with lofty ambitions may want to consider Vogue Lounge KL as the haute spot for their next soirée - those 360° views of the city’s skyline alone are bound to take invitees' breath away.

Opened in September 2019, Vogue Lounge is part of the Condé Nast group, with sister Vogue Cafes in Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai, Istanbul, Porto, and Riyadh. This Kuala Lumpur outpost is the embodiment of the Vogue lifestyle, with the aim of delivering an ultra-chic and sophisticated dining experience through a fashionable, luxe lounge and rooftop bar.

Located on the 38th floor of Menara SUEZCAP, Vogue magazine covers and framed portrait shots flank the walkway leading to its entrance. The dramatically designed interior flaunts a soaring high ceiling, adorned with contemporary teardrop-shaped lightning fixtures.

Wraparound picture windows accord expansive panoramic vistas, while within the main dining area a raised screen platform doubles up as a runway underfoot. Plush banquette seats interspersed with strategic clusters of linen-covered dining tables, creating Insta-worthy nooks and corners.

Besides a sleekly designed cocktail bar and a modern well-stocked wine cellar, there's also a private dining room tucked discreetly away behind the latter that seats up to 12 persons. Even the washrooms ooze glitz and glamour with black & white marble floors and Hollywood vanity mirrors with lights.

At the Rooftop Bar, bartenders perform their mixology magic to enliven the evening. For special events such as weddings, birthday parties, launch events, etc, the Rooftop Garden boasts its own dedicated cocktail bar and seating area. Its top-selling point is the spectacular cityscape especially at dusk once the lights come on.

To complement the informal Rooftop Garden setting, Executive Chef Steve Ariffin is tasked with interpreting modern European and Asian specialities for the Rooftop Sharing Menu.

Among his culinary creations we sampled are Crab Tacos (RM42) featuring Soft Shell Crabs with Kyuri, Tobiko and Spicy Avacado. Beautifully presented, the dainty appetisers are designed for casual dining – meaning you can pick them up without creating a mess. We like the co-mingling of soft and crunchy textures and of bold, vivid flavours.

The main course we tried was Roasted Whole Seabass (RM98) stuffed with Lemon & Dill. Complemented with Garlic Aioli, the fish’s natural sweetness is amplified by the tart and herbal accents. The smoky overtone was more discernible once we anointed it with some garlic aioli.

Moreish wedge-cut Truffle Fries (RM28) makes a compatible pairing with your fave tipples. Adorned with a sprinkling of grated cheese and truffle oil, the danger lies in their addictiveness so be forewarned.

 

Simple yet endearing, the rustic Mushroom Risotto (RM32) beguiled us with its no-nonsense ‘less is more’ approach reminiscent of hearth and home. We relished the fungi’s plumpness and rich umami flavour juxtaposed against the soft tender grains, on our palate.

A 'pretty-as-a-picture' Chocolate Pavlova with Passionfruit Sauce was served as the grand finale. Shaped like a mini clump of wispy cloud, we found its delicate sweetness tempered by slivers 0f strawberry tucked within the confection.

Ours was but one of several Rooftop Sharing Menus available. The venue is eminently ideal for weddings, birthdays, special events and corporate functions designed to impress.

 

In addition to a specially curated drinks list with signature cocktails, champagne selection and fine wines, premium spirits and distinctive beers, the Vogue Lounge team can assist with music and whatever arrangements necessary.

For reservations and more information, call Vogue Lounge Kuala Lumpur, tel: +6 016 8466 552 or +6 03 2771 1530/1531. Address: Level 38, Menara SuezCap 1, KL Gateway, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South, Kuala Lumpur. Website: www.voguelounge.my