SIZZLING FINE TIME AT PJ'S BAR & GRILL

A rooftop viewing deck with 360° views of Petaling Jaya city makes PJ’s Bar & Grill at New World Petaling Jaya Hotel make it an outstanding venue to chill out over drinks and good eats.

 

Sited atop the 30^th floor of the new hotel adjacent to Paradigm Shopping Centre, you sip signature cocktails, savour Western and Asian grilled selections, or graze on tasty tapas-style small plates paired with wines or a cold Malaysian beer here.

Having chalked up over two decades of culinary experience at internationally acclaimed restaurants and luxury chain hotels, Executive Chef Alexander Chong is man of the hour here; leading his team on reinterpreting fresh takes of classic Western and Chinese dishes.

We started the evening with crunchy deep-fried fish skin - the current 'it' snack. Addictive morsels these, scented with curry leaves and dried chilli but go easy as your devour them whilst knocking back your fave tipples from the bar.

Old-school beef tartaré would probably make some people squirm since it’s raw beef chopped and mixed with capers, onion, pepper and Worchestershire sauce. According to the chef, his version of Beef Tartaré (RM28) boasts a more Asian slant although we find the overall flavours subtler than expected. Served with mustard aioli, it makes a nice textural contrast spread on crispy garlic bread. The DIY part is simple enough -- all you need to do is to heap everything, minced beef with or without condiments, onto the crusty bread slices.

A surefire crowd-pleaser, the succulent slices of Marinated Salmon (RM28) tickles the tastebuds with hints of lime and dill, sour cream, capers and fresh arugula leaf. Order a nice white wine to go with it and you’d feel everything’s right in the world.

Fish stock forms the base for the house speciality of Chowder (RM16) amped up with tiger prawns, snapper and clams. Tomato, saffron & olive oil lend soft tartness, enticing aroma and lush richness to balance and amplify the oceanic accents. Our only grouse is the soup should be served piping hot for maximum enjoyment.

Inspired by Tex-Mex buffalo wings, the Chicken Wings (RM26) fleetingly singes our tongues, coated in the house spicy BBQ sauce. A creamy garlic dip complements them although the wings taste great without it.

 

Shareable main courses to party the evening away ranges from Jumbo Satay: Chicken (RM28) or Beef (RM38) to the substantial PJ’s Party Platter (RM38) comprising breaded crabcakes, softshell crab, hot fries, crispy wonton chips and Asian dips.

The former is best savoured hot with the accompanying peanut sauce. Despite their dainty appearance, loading up on the latter’s nibble-worthy options coupled with drinks and convivial chit-chat should leave anyone shooting the breeze replete. Heartier appetites may feel the compulsion to occupy casual vacancy in the tums with dessert.

Chef Alex’s pride in his Asian roots is translated into winsome Citrus Baba (RM28) -- showcasing the invigorating freshness of calamansi jelly with vanilla ice cream to create a splendid, likeable treat.

He left the Classic Vanilla Crème Brûlée (RM28) well alone; dulcet smooth and decidedly sweet with a crackling burnt sugar top, it’s a pudding that should please purists without rocking any dessert boat.

PJ's Bar & Grill is a cool, relaxing hangout to while the evening away post-work or revel in a casual catch-up with friends. Sleek wood accents dominate with strategic pendant and ambient lighting ensure the interior is aglow at dusk. The prized seating is out by the spacious patio cum viewing deck, steps away from the hotel pool and vertical garden.

Choice puffs of cigars from Cuba and the Dominican Republic are available in the plush privacy of the on-site Cigar Lounge in addition to an extensive wine and liquor list.

For dining enquiries or reservations at PJ’s Bar & Grill, please call (03) 7682 0000, e-mail marketing.petalingjaya@newworldhotels.com  or visit petalingjaya.newworldhotels.com. PJ’s Bar & Grill opens daily from 11.30am to 12.00 am.