CLASSIC AMERICAN DINER EXPERIENCE AT KGB

 

Channelling retro American diner vibes in blue and white, the KGB Diner at Tropicana Gardens serves more than run-of-the-mill burgers. Once we stepped into the cheery, brightly lit outpost, the menu reveals a wide array of burgers with either flame-grilled beef or chicken patties, fried chicken fillets and even breakfast options for early birds.

Topping our list of ‘must try’ eats here is Cluck Cluck Baby (RM23.80), an offering sure to have diners seeking a novel spin clucking with approval. Dusted with Korean red pepper flakes, the two crispy fried chicken thigh patties sandwiched between spicy Jjapaguri (mixture of two South Korean instant noodles), tomato slices, fresh lettuce, melted mozzarella cheese and KGB’s secret sauce slaps; delivering a riot of robust flavours with each mouthful.

The generous portion is enough for us light eaters to share but younger diners will find utmost satisfaction from devouring it. Personally, I like the unexpectedly agreeable pairing of slightly spicy noodles with the hearty taste of fried chicken.

Another winsome feather in the KGB’s cap has to be Sizzling Buldak Wings (RM22.80). Served in a sizzling skillet of triple melted cheese, the spicy Korean soy glazed chicken wings look deceptively lethal but the demure heat quotient makes them alluring. Slathered on the creamy cheese sauce and the delish wings instantly hit the spot.

Cool aid comes in the form of Asamboi Lemon (RM7), lemonade spiked with salted preserved plums, or Pink Lemonade (RM7), strawberry purée and lemonade.

Parties of two may want to sample The Jabba Set (RM69.90 set for 2, RM49.90 a la carte), KGB’s festive twist on melding juicy burger with beef Wellington. A thin pastry crust encased a humongous burger of flame-grilled patty oozing with cheese, layered with tomato slices and fresh lettuce.

Complemented by cheese-drenched Texas jalapeno steak wedges and garden salad, this huge ensemble includes in two drinks of your choice (add RM5 for a milkshake). For those who eschew beef, feel free to ask KGB swap the beef patty to a grilled chicken patty.

Again, this oversized burger exceeds our expectations. The beef patty was deliciously juicy; its taste appeal dialled up by the cheese, tomato and lettuce. You’d be replete if you can polish off the serving of wedges in addition to drinks.

Those seeking a typical Americana experience should consider Philly Cheesesteak (RM16.90). Sink your teeth into two slices of toasted sourdough filled with pastrami (salt beef) slices, caramelised onion, mozzarella and garlic ranch sauce. A messy albeit yummy affair guaranteed.

Can’t get enough of that skillet of melted triple cheese? We suggest digging into KGB’s Skillet Cheese Burger (RM22.90 + RM2 for grilled 120g Angus beef patty or +RM6 for grilled 180g Angus beef patty). The scrumptious beef burger comes with fried onions and shack sauce atop a pool of burbling melted cheese.

Prefer the ‘less in more’ approach? You’d find the aptly named Big Daddy (RM25.80 double patty, RM19.80 single patty) ticks all the requisite boxes. Savour two flame-grilled patties dressed with zingy black pepper sauce sandwiched between soft yet sturdy brioche buns. A sprinkling of fresh onion adds fresh, sharp piquancy to the offering.

Wash it down with the house Oreo Milkshake (RM14.90), a towering concoction of milk, cookie and cream ice cream, cookie crumbs finished with Oreo cookies and whipped cream.

Complete your American diner experience with KGB collectibles from the Merchandise Corner. Take your pick of specially designed canvas tote bags and cute enamel pins as fond reminders of your visit to KGB Diner.

KGB Diner is located at Lot CC-83, Concourse Floor, Tropicana Gardens Mall, Lorong Tropicana Mall, Tropicana Indah, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

FISH AND CHIPS AND MORE AT THE LAUGHING FISH BY HARRY RAMSDEN

 

If you can’t go to Great Britain for fish and chips, let British fish and chips come to you. Head on up to Resorts World Genting (RWG) where a ‘chippie’ experience at The Laughing Fish by Harry Ramsden awaits.

My personal favourite catch there is the light and flaky Cod (regular RM40, large RM48 & legendary RM58). Served piping hot, the slab of imported Atlantic cod comes coated in airy-light, crisp batter with a pile of thick-cut, double-cooked chips.

If you prefer flavourful depth to your fish, the chunky Haddock (regular RM44, large RM54 & legendary RM64) will reel you in. Each serving of fish and chips at this resto comes with a choice of Harry’s Mushy Peas, Harry’s Gravy or Curry Sauce. Additional serving of mushy peas is available at RM6 and Double Cooked Chips at RM10 while gravy and curry sauce costs RM4 each.

Interestingly, Genting SkyAvenue F&B Sous Chef Mohanakrishna Nadarajah (left) informs us the curry sauce recipe was specifically created by the RWG team, to cater to local tastebuds but in compliance with the master franchisor’s guidelines.

The veteran chef, who has two decades of industry experience including past stints at RWG’s the Peak (now known as Olive), Ireland and Abu Dhabi, recalled his training with Harry Ramsden. “We are taught on the essentials: from cutting chips and making the batter to the correct consistency, to knowing the types of fish and potatoes used.”

Together with Outlet Chef Devlin M Danker who has 17 years of experience in European/Western cuisine, the duo ensures the various menu offerings at The Laughing Fish by Harry Ramsden are up to scratch.

Famished diners will find ample succour from the Sharing Platter (RM35) featuring salt & pepper fried calamari, battered onion rings, deep-fried mozzarella cheese sticks and deep-fried chicken chunks. These nibbles should keep hunger pangs at bay before the mains arrive.

Thirst-quenchers to raise your glasses to include Laughing Fish Signature Lemonade, served in single or a sharing fish-shaped jug; Laughing Fish Rose Lemonade and Tamarind cooler – two localised concoctions rustled up by the RWG resident mixologist. The drinks’ refreshing tanginess help to banish any greasy richness from partaking all the meaty and fried stuff.

Those partial to burgers can relish Cod Burger (RM32) – a sturdy yet soft burger bun with deliciously flaky cod coated in Harry’s secret batter.  Tartar sauce, mixed lettuce, tomato and coleslaw complete the speciality.

Another classic pub grub worth sampling is Grilled Beef Bangers (RM35). Made to specifications by the RWG butchery, the delicately thyme-scented beef bangers are accompanied by potato mash and onion gravy.

Specially created for local palates, the robustly flavoured Piri Piri Chicken Leg (RM35) proves to be a notable option too. First soaked in milk, the chicken quarter is then rubbed with Jamaican jerk seasoning (smoked paprika, black pepper, onion and garlic powder, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cayenne pepper and dried herbs among others) before it’s grilled.

Tender, juicy and suffused with complex spice accents, the delectable chook gives some famous grilled chicken brands a run for their money. Served with double-cooked chips and spicy coleslaw, its stick-to-the-ribs goodness gets our full thumbs up.

 

No typical British meal is complete without pudding (dessert). Try Eton Mess (RM18) with strawberry coulis; a luscious mound of fresh strawberries, crushed meringue, whipped cream and lime zest. According to food historians, it was created at Eton College's mess hall in the 1930s. Back then it was simply a bowl of bananas or strawberries mixed with cream or ice-cream, with the later addition of meringue.

On a sweeter scale, there’s Sticky Toffee Pudding (RM15) too. Basically a dense, almost stodgy cake studded with dates, it’s served with warm toffee sauce for an indulgent finish.

 

 

THE LAUGHING FISH BY HARRY RAMSDEN, Address: Level 4, High Line Roof Top Market, SkyAvenue, Resorts World Genting, Genting Highlands, Pahang.