BOWLED OVER BY SIXTEEN

In years past, Les Deux Garcon was a reliable outpost for flaky croissants and freshly baked scones as well as hearty breakfast fare. Now the café is simply known as Sixteen – a trendier name in keeping with changing times but fret not, familiar staples such as Almond Croissant (RM12) and Raisin Roll (RM10) remain just as good.

The refreshed interior includes a little green nook next to the entrance: assorted potted plants clustered together with some hung overhead beside the glass picture window. Outside the walkway are more oversize pots of foliage, evoking a sense of tranquility.

Instead of run-of-the-mill ‘big breakfast’ fare of sausages, eggs and beans, we feasted on Golden Harvest (RM23) comprising two slabs of delicious sweetcorn fritters. 

Adorned with a rosette of smoked salmon and a wobbly poached egg alongside pineapple salsa and chilli oil, this new offering was akin to bursts of heartwarming sunshine albeit on the palate.

Striving to please office workers and residents from the nearby suburb, Sixteen has various poke bowl-inspired creations for lunch. Red and basmathi rice amp up the healthy, wholesomeness factor in place of white rice.

 

The Taste of Delhi (RM35) creation took us on a culinary passage to India, featuring tender cubes of lamb in an aromatic and mildly rich curry with fluffy, pea-studded pilau basmathi. Cucumber mint raita, boiled egg, diced fried tofu and crunchy papadum added textural appeal to the stellar serving.

Daun kesum (polygonum minus) was the key herb flavouring Sixteen’s special house recipe of Ayam Kesum Chilli (RM25). The bowl of Spanish rice complemented by the fragrant chicken curry was scrumptious. Tempeh, hardboiled egg, pineapple salsa, fried tofu and ulam (blanched long beans and raw local herbs) provided further enhancement in terms of textures and flavours.

 

A cohesive combo of red rice with diced seared tuna, avocado, edamame, and cucumber formed the Japanese-influenced Nippon (RM36). More alluring nuances were discernible with the inclusion of wakame, pickled ginger, spicy mayo, furikake and mildly sweetish gyoza sauce (concocted using soya sauce, lemon juice, honey and chopped spring onion).

 

Fruity-sweet pomegranate seeds and the judicious use of honey soya sesame dressing made the Buddha Bowl (RM23) comprising red rice, fried tofu, tempeh, wakame, edamame, black beans, lettuce and mushroom into a winsome vegetarian-friendly meal.

Baked fresh on premise, the splendid Scone - served with house made Strawberry Jam and Cream (RM7), and buttery Marble or Orange Cake (RM6 per slice) are compelling dessert choices, ideal as a self-pampering treat or for wrapping up your visit to Sixteen on a subtly sweet note.

For reservations and more information call SIXTEEN, tel: 03 7980 0200. Address: 16, Jalan 2/109E, Desa Business Park, Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur. Business hours: 8am to 930pm daily

 

 

 

 

 

 

'PENTAS CITARASA' TAKES CENTRESTAGE FOR BUKA PUASA AT PUTRAJAYA MARRIOTT

Over a hundred Malay and Southeast Asian delicacies will form a stellar culinary cast for Putrajaya Marriott’s buka puasa buffet this Ramadan month.

Aptly named “Pentas Citarasa”, the cornucopia of dishes for breaking of fast featuring over 15 sections will leave diners spoiled for choice. Whether you’re craving for street food staples or exotic delicacies from Thailand or Japan, the Marriott chefs have left no woks unturned at Zest.

Mutton gristle with Mee Rebus deserves special mention – a rare delectable find amidst the more familiar Mamak Mee and Mee Siam from the Warung Mee stall. It takes a bit of effort and patience to work through the gristly bits but that’s the fun in giving your jaw a good workout.

Huge woks of assorted curries beckon invitingly from the 7 Kawah Waklan: from fiery red to creamy rich, robustly spiced versions, the delicious curries are best doused onto plain rice complemented by Ulam-ulaman and Sambal Belacan. Tempoyak Ikan Tenggiri, Chicken Rendang, Udang Sambal Petai, Daging Kuzi, Gulai Kambing, and Daging Singgang are a fraction of what's available at the buffet.

Soup is up with a wide range beckoning: Sup Tulang Rawan to Tom Yum. From the Land of Smiles come aromatic offerings of Hor Mok (Thai spiced fish mousse), Som Tham (papaya salad), Gai Hor Bai Toey (fried chicken wrapped in pandan), and Thai-style Fish Cakes.

Venture further to the Japanese section for delightful servings of Takoyaki, Vegetable Tempura and Maki Rolls. Nearby Stir-fried Cockles and Clams, Fried Rice, Assorted Dim Sum and Stir-fried Radish Cake beckon from the Shanghai-Nanjing Road counter.

Fish lovers should find plenty of grilled fish and seafood to sample at Medan Bakar-bakar. Chefs will be on hand to cook up Lidah Bakar (grilled beef tongue), Seafood Kava (a medley of prawns, mussels, crabs, squid and bamboo clams cooked on a griddle), and Assorted Ikan Bakar (selection of grilled fish in various spice marinades).

Tastes of the Indian continent come in the guises of Naan, Tandoori Chicken, Idli and Vadai, Apom and Roti Canai with the ubiquitous condiments.

Over at the Raja Segala Rojak counter, a choice of Rojak Buah, Rojak Singapura, Gado-Gado and Pasembur is rustled up for you on request.

Leave with Sweet Memories by sampling Assorted Biscuits of yesteryears or succumb to the allure of colourful Cakes, Bread & Butter Pudding, Malay Kuih, Dodol, Dates, and thick dessert broths of Serawa Durian, and Pengat Pisang. Out by the patio is a counter specially dispensing durians for fans of the King of Fruits.

Pentas Citarasa buka puasa buffet (6.30pm – 10pm) at Zest Lifestyle Restaurant is available at RM198 nett per adult and RM99 nett per child. Early Bird Offer price available from now until 23 March at RM148 nett per adult and RM74 per child.

For reservations, please call Putrajaya Marriott Ramadan Hotline, tel: 03-8949 8888 x 1014/1028/ 1029/1053 or WhatsApp +6011 5685 5608 or visit marriottputrajaya.com