WHOOPING GOOD EATS AT HOOPLA

The only type of bone I enjoy picking is that of pork ribs. Especially in Klang Valley when pigging out on Western-style pork ribs used to be as rare as Michelin-starred dining. Now the scenario is changing as more restos are letting things rib. One recent eatery to jump onto the piggy bandwagon is Hoopla Lounge.

Our host and managing director of Hoopla Lounge/Chapter One Bar & Bistro, Ernest Chin informed us the signature Connor's Rib Slab is marinated in Connor's Stout Porter before it hits the grill with a basting of Connor's infused BBQ sauce. Unlike most ribs in town that lack textural meaty resistance, Hoopla's stood up to our taste test. Price at RM85++ per serving with two glasses of Connor's, all the luscious ribs needed was a squeeze of fresh lime juice to make its rip-roaring presence felt.

Tucked away in a corner of Sri Hartamas, this new-ish, dark and sultry wine lounge is above Chapter One (its more boisterous 'sibling' hangout). Conceived as a cool yet cosy space where urban folks can enjoy fine wine and some nibbles post-work with friends, Hoopla artfully blends clubby chic with bistro minimalism.

As an oenophile (wine enthusiast), Ernest plied us Réserve St Martin for the review. Both wines were easy on the palate; the dry, medium-bodied Merlot bore pleasant acidity and supple tannins while the Chardonnay's fruity crispness was edged with muted nutty overtones.

With over a hundred labels in its cellar, Hoopla's stockpile is sourced mainly from boutique wineries and small producers to pique fellow drinkers. Prices are also easier on the wallet (phew!) compared to the princely sum charged by leading hotels and fine-dining restos. Ernest's ethos is to induce Hoopla's patrons appreciate their chosen tipples in comfort and as an accompaniment to good food.

The menu stays in comfort food territory and pub-style offerings with an occasional quirky side or two as exemplified by the appetiser of Lady's Fingers (RM6) - a Japanese izakaya inspiration perhaps? Laced with garlic oil, mentsuyu (Japanese noodle soup base) and sesame oil, the tender fingerlings of okra was a nice way of loading up on one's green intake whilst lining the tummy agreeably.

Crunchy with deep-seated flavour reminiscent of Chinese nam yue (red fermented beancurd), the classic pub grup fave of Chicken Wings (RM22) hit a high note with us. Adding to the wings' allure was a zingy-hot chilli dip with crudites. 

Moreish finger-licking goodness emerged in the subsequent bite-size pieces of Cracklin' Chicken Karaage (RM38++). Again marinated in creamy Connor's Porter Stout, the juicy chunks of Japanese-style boneless fried chicken drizzled with bright orangey, sweet-spicy sauce had us wiping the plate clean within minutes.

Hot on the heels of such positive show-openers, we were floored by the generous platter of Pork Platter (RM104). Rubbed with cinnamon, onion and ginger, the hearty deliciousness of the crackling roasted pork skin and scrumptious meat made a slurp-worthy impression. Although I'm not big on the so-called pork bangers (can't beat the real English ones), the supporting cast of potato wedges, salad and dips ensured a favourable experience.

Knowing the Malaysian penchant for local fare, Hoopla includes a handful of typical Malaysian faves to appease customers. Ernest was quick to clarify the servings can never rival those dished up by hawkers but after a heavy night of drinking and partying, we doubt if anyone would whinge about forking RM19 for a plate of hot-off-the-wok Hokkien Mee. Taste-wise it was decent and apparently, so is the Mee Mamak.

Personally, I prefer chomping into the wickedly tender BBQ Chicken Thigh (RM40++) which had been basted with Connor's infused BBQ sauce. Complemented by roasted potatoes and spicy vinaigrette, the chook's slick, sweetish and subtly smoky lacquer-like skin and juicy meat was worth returning for.

Perked up with aromatics such as dried prawn sambal, ginger flower and coriander, we was reeled in by the Fried Seabass (RM13) with red onion salad. Imagine crisp skin yielding to sweet, flaky meat with the sharp freshness of onion blunting discernible greasy accent.

We skipped dessert but my reliable source tipped us off on the wicked decadence of Hoopla's Chocolate Brownies (RM15). Served warm with lashings of chocolate sauce and vanilla ice-cream, she enthused the splendid treat was spot on and should melt hearts. Now, I'd have to return for the proof of the pudding won't I?

For reservations at HOOPLA LOUNGE, call tel: 03-62116484. Address: 1st Floor, 72-1 Jalan 27/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur.

HOP, SKIPPY AND JUMP FOR PORKY-LICIOUS PIZZAS

 

The owners of Skippys are seriously big on (mostly) pork-laden pizzas. With 18 meaty, 7 vegetarian and 4 seafood versions on the menu, die-hard pizza fans will be completely spoiled for choice at this casual eatery.

Conceived like a gastropub, Skippys’ casual vibes mean industrial, wood-accented décor takes centrestage with deals and house specials listed clearly on the plank and chalkboard walls. Forget about fanciful frills; the set-up is pragmatically functional.

From the extensive menu, one of the most popular pizzas is Marc's Special (RM26 – 9”/RM32 – 12”). The crust, while crisp-crunchy, isn’t paper thin; its sturdy base doubling as a delicious canvas for toppings of ham (the porky type), mushroom, garlic, egg and baby spinach. Nobody will complain about the generous amount of melty, stringy cheese atop this pizza either.

It is astonishing how the simplest dish often turns out to be a winner and here, the hearty Goulash (RM12) is the ace of taste. Chunks of pork add textural interest and sweetness alongside diced root vegetable in the chunky tomato-based stew.

A surefire way to make us eat more greens is feed us Skippys’ Salad with Sundried Tomatoes, Olives, Anchovies & Bacon (RM19.50). Nothing makes lettuce leaves go down easier than chopped streaky bacon and sundried tomatoes smeared with lush creamy dressing. Detractors may eschew the presence of briny anchovies and olives but their assertive nuances play a definitive role here so sample this with an open mind and palate.

The Spaghetti Bolognaise (RM16.90) can do no wrong either thanks to the big blob of yummy meat sauce scented with the distinct aroma of dried Italian herbs. We simply can’t get enough of it!

Much promise is sought in the signature Pork Ribs in 7 Sauces (RM25 for 10 pcs) but alas, the meaty tenderness is overshadowed by the rather salty marinade. Still, that is but a tiny blip in the scheme of things.

Another familiar comfort food that should appeal to the young and young-at-heart is delectable German Sausages with Salad & Fries (RM23). Drenched in barbecue sauce, the plump pork sausages hit the spot with its rustic, homey appeal.

I thought only us Chinese eat luncheon meat but it seems Meatloaf with Fried Potato & Salad (RM25) is the Western equivalent. While I'm not hot about the meatloaf accompanied by a fried egg and some blackened potato with bacon on the side, that diced potato and bacon cast is good enough to steal the thunder off the main lead. 

Those curly pork crackling atop the sizeable Pork Knuckle (RM70) look irresistible but upon tasting it, the salted crispy skin proves hard work for the jaws. Some parts of the knuckle meat appears a tad gristly too unless you are partial to chewy stuff. The hefty portion is served with lashings of mushroom brown sauce and bacon studded potato mash.

Prefer to get back to basics? Then plump for Skippy’s Glutton Pork Burger (RM24.50) - a huge porky patty lined with fried bacon strips and egg sitting on a sesame seed flecked bun. My only quibble is its B (bacon & burger) but no LC (lettuce or tomato) approach but I guess meat lovers won't care two hoots.

For reservations, call Skippys Pizza, tel: 03-7931 2555. The outlets are located at 33, Jalan SS21/56B, Damansara Uptown and and Phileo Damansara. Details from http://skippyspizza.com/

10 CNY DISHES TO EAT FOR PROSPERITY AT DYNASTY

Eat your way to prosperity and good fortune at Dynasty restaurant. Prepared by Chef Kok Chee Kin and his team, here’s the Top 10 Must Eat Dishes to usher in the Year of the Monkey:

Fruity Yee Sang

 

Yue as in the raw fish in this colourful salad denotes abundance. This year, Dynasty has added fresh dices of dragonfruit, strawberries, papaya and honeydew to the ubiquitous array of shredded veges, pickles and crisps. It’s to signal sweet beginnings to the new spring season and fortuitous year-long endeavours. Five other variants available from RM108 for 1/2 portion and from RM198 for full portion.

Braised Sun-dried Oysters, Seamoss,

Flower Mushrooms & Roast Pork

The customary pairing of hou si or in this case sun-dried oysters with fatt choi (wispy black hair moss) means good tidings and prosperity. Flower mushrooms are prized for their woody aroma and plump texture once cooked while flabby pork is associated with rising wealth. Truly, a classic celebratory dish that needs no reinvention.

Braised Pork Knuckle, Sea Cucumber & Fresh Mushroom

A timeless fave with the dish touts wang choi jau sau or lucky gains in hand. We were indeed fortunate the knuckle had soft, fall-off-the-bone tenderness and succulent gelatinous texture. Toothsome sea cucumber and spongy mushroom piled on the layers of delightful textures.

Ocean Treasure Soup with Crabmeat

Light and mildly unctuous, the rich broth with hoi sum (sea cucumber), prawns, strips of topshell and enoki aims to soup up on happiness and conpoy resembling ancient Chinese coins for riches. After the first sip, all of us were smiling from ear to ear and thoroughly relished digging into the treasure trove of sumptuous delicacies.

Fortune Combination Platter

This tempting quartet of ‘dragon beard’ rolls, scallops sautéed with asparagus, ‘money bags’ and deep-fried banana seafood rolls in batter signifies financial windfall and bright monetary prospects.

Prawns enrobed in kaitaifi pasty are meant to be dragon’s beard while delicate beancurd pouches stuffed with prawns, minced pork and fish paste are supposed to be money bags. Never mind if these items were eclipsed by the scrumptious battered rolls of banana and seafood.

Grilled Prawns with Spicy Sauce and Green Chilli

Laughter’s the best remedy in life and most festive feasts would include prawns as the Cantonese word har is liken to the sound of hearty ‘ha ha’. The chefs at Dynasty jazzed the prawn dish up with a piquant tomato and hot green chilli sauce to ensure diners laugh till they cry.

Stir-fried Hong Kong Kai Lan & Wild Mushroom

Green vegetable or choy is synonymous with wealth or monetary gains. A great excuse to load up on greens and in this case the no-frills approach is best with mini white capped mushroom for extra textural interest.

Hong Kong Style Waxed Meat Rice in Claypot

Rice bins in the house are filled to the brim during CNY to ensure one’s back account and purse remain chiong moon or always full. Likewise, lap mei (waxed meat) are prized for expanding wealth. When you eat this comforting lap mei farn dish (RM39 per portion), not only would your tummy be full but your financial status too.

Sweetened Fungus, Mixed Jelly & Soya Bean

Sweet dessert broth signals sweetness for the joyous celebration and in life as in the Chinese adage teem teem mutt mutt while the coin-shaped jelly represents lucky gains.

Fortune Pastries

No CNY celebration is complete without nin koh which is a promising wish for yearly growth or heightened prospects. At Dynasty the sweet glutinous cake is sliced and steamed into malleable softness then served with freshly grated coconut. Traditional myth has it this sweetcake was to seal the lips of the Kitchen God on his annual pilgrimage, to prevent him from highlighting mortal foibles to the Jade Emperor.

Diners can go for the Double Happiness Set (RM428nett for 2 persons), Prosperity Treasure Sets at RM838nett and RM1,088nett for a table of 5) while the 8-course Chinese New Year Set for 6 persons is RM988nett. For group of 10 persons, select from lavish 9-course Happiness Set, Fortune Set or Longevity Set priced at RM1,598nett, RM1,988nett and RM2,888nett­­ respectively. Treasure Pot or Poon Choi is priced at RM398nett (ample for 5 persons) and RM888nett (for 10 persons).

For reservations, please call Dynasty Restaurant, tel: 03 2716 9388. Address: Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel, Corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.