MALIQA'S LATEST MED-LEY

In Persian, maliqa means queen consort. It's also the name of a Mediterranean restaurant tucked away in a quiet nook of Bukit Damansara owned by Syed Salehuddin Wafa (he's one of half of the winning duo in 'The Apartment' reality TV show) and Izzy Ani Arope with several close buddies.

Opened about one and a half years ago, the restaurant has grown from strength-to-strength; a constant magnet for those seeking hearty Turkish, Greek or Italian specialities to satisfy their tastebuds. This is evident from the additional tables in the main dining area and by the owners' admission, the cosy lounge cum dining room upstairs catering is already quite a hit with big dining parties.

The menu has also undergone some changes from our last visit (over a year ago). With a new chef at the helm, we discover some unexpected gems while popular mainstays such as Moussaka (RM23.90) has been retained. I still recall that seamless collusion of cheesy and meaty layers with slightly charred eggplant slices.

On this visit, the curtain-raiser came in the form of Salmon Bruschetta (RM12.90) - toasted baguette slices topped with diced tomato and olives, and smoked salmon. We loved the intermingling of flavours and textures that built up our anticipation of the other dishes to come.

Luckily, the soulfully delicious Seafood Soup (RM10.90) didn't disappoint. Brimming with bright, sunny accents that are synonymous with the Mediterranean coast, we lapped up every spoonful of the tangy, creamy tomato-based broth spiked with paprika amidst succulent mouthfuls of mussel, calamari and fish.

Another deep-sea treasure that kept us riveted was the Baked Mussels & Cheese (RM26.90 half dozen). Served on the half shell and smothered with melted cheese, the tender, chewy mussels bestowed unexpected bursts of subtle sweetness and brininess on the palate from the inclusion of diced red capsicum and black olives.

The 'less is more' approach won the day for the Mushroom Risotto. Although one of the simplest and plainer dishes, we were smitten by the grains' soft, creamy but slightly nutty texture and rich, woody nuances.

A little acidity went a long way in raising the Salmon Steak with Lemon Cream Sauce (RM43.90) to notable heights. Cooked to blush-pink tenderness, the naturally oily fish went like a dream with the accompanying sauce.

Red meat lovers would enjoy Lamb Shank with Tomato Cream Sauce (RM39.90). The mildly gamey meat was suffused with deep-seated flavours and that degree of tenderness that held its own without it disintegrating at the prodding of our forks.

Regular crowd favourites such as Roast Chicken with Mushroom or Black Pepper Sauce (RM23.90), and the Maliqa House Steak (RM46.90) remained in the current menu; samplings of  both instantly reinforced their perennial popularity.

Dessert choices are rather limited. If Apple Crumble (RM8.90) and Tiramisu (RM8.90) don't appeal to you, the only alternative left is ice cream or you could check what is the day's dessert offering. A negligible shortcoming compared to the more than ample main offerings that await you at Maliqa.

Maliqa, 49, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Plaza Damansara, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2095 0002

CULINARY HUB

One is not enough...this luscious Red Velvet Cake is simply to die for!

I'm no expert on the Red Velvet Cake but the luscious slice we devoured at T42 (GF, tel:03 2161 3581) has shot up to the top of my fave cake ranking!

Cakes for two or more...(front to back) Macadamia Cheesecake, Mont Blanc and Rose Macarons with Raspberry Lychee Cream

Thanks to The Intermark's recent Culinary Hop, I fell head over heels with the outlet's decadent Rose Macarons with Raspberry Lychee Cream and Macadamia Cheese Cake. Even the overly sweet Mont Blanc cake hits the spot when paired with a freshly brewed cuppa.

Feast your eyes on T42's pastel hued selection of macarons! A sight for sore eyes no?

I was surprised but pleased when the place card on my table had my name on it...until I realised 'Alice' actually denotes one of T42's set offerings (RM19.90++)! The plethora includes a House Salad, a choice of sandwich, savoury muffin, tart or quiche with dessert and coffee, tea or soft drink. Not a bad deal huh?

Anyway that merely icing on the cake as earlier we had descended on Kin No Mizu (Level 2, tel: 03 2166 2888), a modern Japanese restaurant that prides itself on serving classic and contemporary specialities.

The Ox Cheek with Special Sauce is hearty and delicious

Roll reversal...tempura prawn and grilled unagi (eel) rolled with seaweed, vinegar-accented rice, sliced avocado, tobikko (flying fish roe), lettuce and mayo come together in the Mizu Maki

Beware of fiery bursts of flavour from the chopped bird's eye chilli sprinkled amidst the fresh slices of yellow tail carpaccio and globules of salmon roe

Velvety smooth texture reigns in this signature dish of Foie Gras with Simmered Radish

Sweet and succulent...jumbo prawns and plump scallops bathed in earthy, peppery truffle sauce is guaranteed to reel foodies in

Although I have been to this place before, nothing could detract from the enjoyment of its signature dishes: Mizu Maki, Yellow Tail Carpaccio with Chilli Padi and Wasabi Soya Sauce, Foie Gras with Simmered Radish, Braised Ox Cheek with Special Sauce and Sauteed Jumbo Prawns and Scallops with Truffle Sauce.

The outlet name which means golden water in Japanese boasts a glass, stone and steel finish with mellow lighting accentuated by flowing water features. Managing Director Simon Sangawa said his team takes great pride in infusing inventive touches to many of the house specials. 

Then we were whisked off for a taste of Northern India delights at Royal India (Level 2, tel: 03 2161 3581). Dainty glasses of chilled Mango Lassi (rich and refreshing) heralded a parade of diminutive bites by Chef Rakesh Prasad: Mixed Tandoori Platter (a hit-and-miss affair), Dum Briyani Mutton (noteworthy), Murgh Makhanwala (creamy and aromatically spiced Butter Chicken), Palak Paneer (top notch), Mixed Bread Basket (fluffy and addictive) and Carrot Halwa (lovely delicate sweetness).

Rice and shine! Thumbs up for the aromatic and fluffy Dum Briyani Mutton

Tandoori to tantalise meat lovers

Enticing...the Carrot Halwa's subtle sweetness is just nice to round off your regal meal

Warm hues and sleek accents rule the roost here with understated decor that leave diners in no doubt the type of cuisine Royal India specialises in.The restaurant is under the same group that runs the Austin Chase Coffee outlet one floor below.

Cosily furnished with plush sofas, Austin Chase (Level 1, tel: 03 2161 3581) draws those who yearn for a java jolt with its premium range of premium coffee and light bites. Complement your designer coffee drinks such as Caramel Macchiato, Mocha Chip Frappe and Signature Black Chocolate with nifty servings of Smoked Salmon Sandwich and Turkey Ham Sandwich.

At Hanare (GF, tel: 03 2164 2133/2633), it was Japanese fine dining with a twist where Chef Kenny San surprised us with his Omakase (chef's choice) selection. On the menu was Wagyu Tataki (slightly seared Wagyu with vinegar sauce), Ebi Shinjo Yasai Maki (rolled Chinese cabbage with minced prawn), Sashimi Moriawase (superfresh tuna and scallop), Anago Tempura (deep-fried sea eel in batter) and Macha Tofu (intriguing green tea beancurd with miso paste).

The interior is equally edgy with lots of stone, wood and slate finishing. Spartan chic is the order of the day here and seems to be well encapsulated in the culinary offerings too.

By the time we docked at Porto Romano (Concourse, tel: 03 2162 6799) I barely have tummy room left for its Italian-Mediterranean fare. Still duty bound, I managed to sample Pasta Nera con Calamari (Squid Ink Pasta) and Pizza al Pesto (Pesto and Chicken Pizza) washed down with a great cup of Italian coffee. Word has it that the Verdure alla Griglia (grilled vegetable), Ravioli with Lobster Meat, Lamb Shank and Crema Catalana are scrumptious enough to satisfy hearty appetites.

It warmed our hearts to know that The Intermark and its tenants pitched in to host a group of underprivileged kids and seniors to a grand buffet feast that was similar to what we had savoured at the International Food Hall. They also went home laden with hampers and gifts presented by Patrick Liau, GM-Finance for The Intermark and tenant representatives. Definitely an afternoon well-spent celebrating The Intermark's 1st Anniversary!

Representatives from the underprivileged homes receiving a mock cheque from Patrick Liau and Ian Barrow, GM of DoubleTree by Hilton KL

Charming Chinoz

Sleek...the new Chinoz in Bangsar

Chinoz - one of Kuala Lumpur’s earliest modern cuisine restaurants is back in Bangsar. Having started out as a modest bistro-style outlet in Bangsar Baru in 1993, Chinoz hit the big time when it opened at a prime spot within Suria KLCC.

For a while, the trendy eatery made The Gardens mall its second home. Now it has returned 'home' to roost at the posh Bangsar Shopping Centre. With spacious patio seating and a full bar, Chinoz's new, streamlined premises also includes what owner Teng Wee Jeh proudly calls a ‘raw bar’ that dishes up raw, ultra-fresh but uncooked delicacies. Naturally, there's an extensive wine cellar filled with choice tipples handpicked by the man himself.

Assorted Sashimi from Chinoz's Raw Bar

True to its non-conformist style, Chinoz continues to proffer cross-cultural offerings; drawing inspirations from the Italians, Japanese, Mediterranean, etc. Two young chefs who have honed their skills in London and Dubai are in charge of serving up a tantalising assortment of specialities that range from Southern Italian-style crudos and Japanese-style sashimi to South American ceviche for you to savour.

Inventive crudo offerings

Naturally, Chinoz's famed wood-fired pizzas, pastas and simple but well-cooked specialities are all there. The Spaghetti with Prawns and Pea Shoots lightly tossed in olive oil and a light sprinkling of chilli flakes are perfectly al dente and flavourful without being cloying.

Pasta perfect...Spaghetti with Prawns & Pea Shoots

Jumbo Asparagus with Poached Egg sounds like a no-brainer but trust me, when such tender, crunchy spears are paired with silky egg white and rich, runny yolk, the result is nothing short of a sublime gustatory experience.

Jumbo Asparagus with Poached Egg

Occasionally, the kitchen team surprises with some ingenious dishes such as the addictive Prawn Pop Corn which we had on our recent visit. A delightful creation that’s inspired by the world-renown Nobu restaurant, the plump, bite-size morsels of shelled prawns in crisp, light-as-air tempura batter are served with a flavourful mayo dip.

Crispy Morsels of Prawn Pop Corn

Kudos to Teng and his Chinoz team for their consistent standards and uncompromising food quality. I have yet to be disappointed with a bad meal here...and hopefully it'd stay that way.

Chinoz

G108 Ground Floor

Bangsar Shopping Centre

Kuala Lumpur

Tel:03-2284 3390