MEAT-ING TIME AT LUCKY BO

An invitation to sample tomahawk steak isn’t something a foodie can resist. That was how I found myself at Lucky Bo, sitting down for a fab meat-ting session with the owner and my host, Ed Soo.

Now into its 2.5 years of business, Lucky Bo is packed almost nightly with beef lovers who pop in for their fill of the resto’s signature Charcoal Grilled Tomahawk Steak. Unlike conventional steak places dishing up the usual spud or chunky fries and mixed veges, Lucky Bo pulls in the crowd with its house speciality of char kway teow on the side.

Redolent with good wok hei, the deliciously smoky flat rice noodles boasts a sprinkling of deep-fried beef fat cracklings in it! Such a gastronomic "once eaten, never forgotten" treat not only was an unconventional match made in heaven for the tender, juicy tomahawk steak but also a magnet to induce repeat visits to Lucky Bo.

Depending on your group size, the huge axe-shaped hunk of beef imported from Margaret River Australia usually weighs in at about 1.2 kg onwards (RM468++ upwards). Meant for communal sharing, the hefty steak is carved at your tableside by the Lucky Bo team and with all the side accompaniments, the meal should leave everyone replete.

Best cooked to medium rare to medium doneness, such beefy richness tastes best with its jus and perhaps some flecks of sea salt. For some flavour variation, a little dab of zingy horseradish, English or Dijon mustard would suffice.

If you’re dining solo, the premium Kyushu Wagyu Rib Loin (200g RM268++ & 300g RM378++), streaked with layers of fat, may hit the spot. Meticulously grilled to desired doneness, the slab of superbly melt-in-the-mouth tender Japanese beef is so rich and sedap giler, it was almost like eating butter.

Easier on the pocket is the Brisket Plate (RM138++) consisting of two huge beef brisket smothered in aromatic garlicky barbecue sauce. Accompanied by airy-light deep-fried onion rings and veggies, this should please meat lovers who prefer saucier options.

The night’s precursor to our meal proved memorable with Deep-fried Prawns enrobed in threads of kataifi and wasabi mayo leading the way. Dotted with ebikko, the springy crustaceans in their crispy outer coating garnered praises all round.

Paired with fruit salad & fresh romaine lettuce, the Smoked Duck Breast with Fried Garlic Mince was another stellar appetiser; a notable tribute to Lucky Bo’s predecessor – the now defunct Four Seas resto. A simple yet on-point dish in which the East met agreeably with the West on a plate.

Another stellar palate-pleaser was Grilled Octopus - Lucky Bo's interpretation of a typical Spanish appetiser Ed recalled from his Spanish vacay. Paired with creamy mash potato lightly touched with red capsicum puree and paprika, the mildly chewy octopus pieces were toothsomely winsome. A heartwarmingly rustic dish with abundant appeal.

Although dessert is procured from home-based bakers, Ed goes the extra mile to ensure the luscious selection measures up to his exacting standards and expectations. ‘Oohs’ and ‘aahs’ were audible around our dining table as we went weak at the knees sampling the sumptuous Pandan Gula Melaka Cake and Macadamia Cheesecake by Fatboybakes.

Should you prefer ice cream, there’s Forty Licks to sweeten you up, post-dinner. We particularly love the distinctive Bailey’s & Coffee, Coconut Salted Gula Melaka and Guinness flavours.

For reservations at Lucky Bo, please call tel: 03-2092 1222. Address: 65, Jalan Bangkung, Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. https://www.facebook.com/LuckyBoKL/

WINE & SWINE TIME AT MOSTO

Italian swine and wine offerings hog the spotlight at Mosto Wine Bar & Restaurant, KL’s months-old chic and casual dining outpost.

Opened last December, Mosto is nestled in a secluded corner of the upmarket and posh One KL condo block. Set behind banks of manicured hedges and a footpath lined with lush foliage, it is but a stone’s throw away from the iconic KLCC twin towers.

 

Rich wood accents hold sway within; matched by dark marble floor and a sleek marble bar. Sturdy Chengal wood dining tables and high-backed chairs are parked at strategic nooks and in front of a modern floor-to-ceiling wine cellar; providing seating for 50 guests.

The shaded terrace area encircled by stone and greenery set with more Chengal hardwood high round tables and circular broad stools offer seating for up to 40 guests.

Our cocktail o’clock started with Negroni (RM38++) — a potent mixture of gin, Martini Rosso & Campari followed by a slightly mellower but no less alluring Jungle Bird (RM38++) tipple which comprised dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice & syrup.

In line with Mosto’s laidback concept and following true Italian culinary traditions, we commenced with Gran Tagliere (RM99++, ample for 2). We literally pigged out on the warm slices of housemade foccacia and crusty bread splashed with a little extra virgin olive oil. The breads were the perfect canvas to pile on the various Italian cured meats: Parma ham, Mortadella, Pancetta, Speck, Salami di Coppa and Lardo. 

We enjoyed picking different tempting morsels off the platter. Besides the cold cuts, we had olives and three types of cheeses: Valtellina Casera, Parmigiano and Pecorino with honey and blueberry conserve. A fab way to have our appetite suitably whetted.

Lightly tossed with garlic & chilli, we urge you to fork out that extra RM15 for the house roasted pork belly to be included for the Spaghetti Aglio Olio (RM22 for classic sans pork version). Once you savour this, no other pasta will measure up.

Sublime pork ribs, Costolette di Maiale (RM78++) then stole the main course show. Generously glazed with glossy house-made barbecue sauce, the hearty and meaty ribs were thoroughly suffused with the kind of deep, well-rounded flavours that induced you to pick the bones clean. Served with mixed lettuce salad, roasted potatoes & sweet corn, we managed to do just that.

Simpler but no less winsome is Pork Sausage & Polenta. Perfumed with herbs and spices, the sausage chunks were aptly complemented by a creamy serving of polenta. Never a fan of cornmeal, this version actually hit the spot for me.

What little tummy space we had was filled up by two Italian dessert treats: Creme Caramel (RM15++) and Tiramisu (RM20++). Both were competently made and left no room for complaint.

For reservations at MOSTO Wine Bar & Restaurant, call tel: 03 2386 6029. Address: Ground Floor, ONE KL, Jalan Pinang, KL.