RIB-TICKLING TIME AT TICKLISH RIBS

Praise the lard...porcine havens are springing up in town. The latest contender tempting us to pig out is Ticklish Ribs in PJ.

The informal interior is littered with piggy wall murals, tongue-in-cheek graffiti and pendant lights fashioned from woven rattan baskets used for transporting pigs. A poster issues wannabe gluttons to 'Eat Like A Pig' challenge (refer poster below) and those who succeed will be inducted into the outlet's gallery of fame.

Ticklish Ribs' founder TC divulges the secret behind his pork for thought is the Asian inspired sauce for the resto's pork ribs and 'wiches (as he calls them). At his urging, we sampled the Ultimate Tickle (RM38-6 ribs, RM20-3 ribs; add RM8 for sides with a drink) - the signature bbq ribs. It's delivered on a little trolley whizzing down a custom-built ramp amidst flashing lights. Apparently, pigs can 'fly' here!

Marinated in a secret blend of briny-sweetish-tart sauce, the ribs had that slightly charred crispness on outside before yielding to moist, tender meat underneath. Although the assertively tangy marinade helped to temper the porky richness, I prefer more 'bite' to the meat. In this instance, TR's soft ribs result from pre-boiling the pork before it hits the grill.

You have a choice of spicy or 'not really'...most of us prefer the latter. Try both before you decide which suits your palate best. Carb fans would be happy to know some options are available to appease them.

Oodles of Noodles (RM12) basically is a simpler, tweaked version of spaghetti bolognese. The al dente pasta topped with roughly minced pork cooked in the same house sauce is nothing fancy but should be adequate enough to please unfussy eaters.

We prefer Rice Vice (RM12) - a bare-frills katsudon of sorts. The meaty sauce doused over the rice has wisps of egg and caramelised onion in it whilst some pork crackling and fried pork cutlet lent textural finish. A decent take on homespun comfort food.

Hearty eaters may want to boost their meal with sides orders known as Koochi Koos range from OMGarlic (deep-fried, lightly salted fried garlic RM5) to Zzzalad (RM5) and Sloppy Freaky Fries (French fries smothered with cheesy sauce and mince pork sauce, RM8). Messy to eat but addictive.

I'm a big sandwich fan but I'm not psycho enough to attempt the Psycho Sandwich (RM80) which is piled with seven types of meat cuts in white, wholemeal or charcoal bread. You'd be tickled pink with sinful fillings such as You Braise Me Up (braised fatty streaky loin RM16), Pull Your Leg (slow-cooked and shredded pork RM16), Ssshock Sendiri (battered lean pork in signature sauce RM15), Hoilam Ting (Hainanese pork chop RM15) and Lazy Bones (stripped rib meat RM22).

Keen to go the whole hog? Trot over to TICKLISH RIBS & 'WICHES, No. 5, Ground Floor, Jalan 21/11A, SEA Park, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 016 228 8419

AIRASIA FREE SEATS!

Yes, I'm eyeing those AirAsia Free Seats! It would be a dream come true to experience Vivid Sydney with AirAsia X...that much-talked about art, music & creative ideas festival Down Under. That’s why I want to participate with AirAsia Free Seats contest...it'd save my hard-earned MYR budgeted for flights so I'd have more pocket money to spend ;))

Vivid Sydney is my absolute Must-Do Festival for 2016. Why? Because Creativity is the juice of every writer’s life. If I win those AirAsia Free Seats, I'd fly to Sydney to experience the wondrous multi-sensorial components of Vivid Sydney. It would be a dream come true to see and admire first-hand the illuminating light sculptures and arty installations created for the event.

Since music is the food of love, I’d love to soak up the tempo and rhythm of Vivid Sydney – literally feeding my heart and soul with the many lively, world-class performances lined up. After all, life's a stage so I want to be swept up by the exhilarating celebration of live performing talents. 

Of course, I would get into the thick of all the action where Vivid Ideas thrive. I know creative minds, innovators and like-minded community of people from around the world converge at Vivid Sydney to share, exchange and inspire one another like birds of a feather flocking together. I want to win those AirAsia Free Seats to make my participation a reality!

THE MAJESTIC WAY TO BREAK FAST

 

Classic Malay dishes and treasured family recipes from chefs Mohamad Zaidi Md Salleh, Shahril Firdaus Razale (top right) and Shahrom Saari (top left) take pride of place at The Majestic KL’s expansive breaking of fast buffet.

Right from the get-go, I find the Pajeri Kedondong - a special recipe belonging to Chef Shahril’s mother - a refreshing change from the more common, sharper tasting pajeri nenas. Slightly softened post gentle simmering, the little bulbous ambarella (spondias ducis) fruits make appetite-whetting mouthful in mildly spiced and tangy curry.

Comforting kampong-style Sayur Lemak Pucuk Manis – a type of leafy vegetable (sauropus androgynous) widely planted in villages also stands out for its rustic simplicity, cooked with coconut milk and dried shrimp.

The spice-rubbed Roast Lamb with Briyani is another crowd favourite; a delectable pairing of tender, gamey meat slices with fluffy, aromatically spiced long grain rice. Love ikan bakar? Grilled local fishes wrapped in banana leaves complemented by assorted dips are also served.

Chicken dishes that score highly in our book include Ayam Pongteh and Ayam Goreng Kunyit. Both options are memorable for moist chunky meat thoroughly scented by the distinctly different mixtures of dry and fresh spices designed to tempt the palate.

The breaking of fast buffets during this month usually boast some of the best Satays and The Majestic KL is no different. Served from a traditional charcoal grill pit similar to that of itinerant hawkers of old, the delicious beef and chicken skewers are good enough to eat on their own.

 

Action stalls proffering piping hot Roti Canai and Murtabak, Goreng-goreng (cempedak, tapioca and sweet potato) and Mee Rebus are notable too so make sure you stop by to grab your share.

Festive staples such as Serunding, Ketupat Palas, Lemang and Ketupat are served too, to get you into the Hari Raya mood ahead of time. 

After the surfeit of savoury fare, kick back with a cup of hot Nescafe, milky teh tarik or a bowl of Ais Kacang. Round the meal off with customary festive nibbles and sweet treats such as Rempeyek, Pineapple Tarts, Kuih Lapis, Tapai Ubi & Pulut, Kuih Bakar, Kuih Ros and assorted cookies.

The Majestic Festive Banquet Dinner is priced at RM100 nett per person until 18 July. For reservations, please call tel: 03-2785 8000. THE MAJESTIC KL is located at 5, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, Kuala Lumpur.