Tuesday, April 07, 2015

NEW GRAND MENU DEBUTS AT IPPUDO


Ippudo Malaysia - the local chapter of Japan's renown ramen chain unveiled its new grand menu recently at Pavilion KL. Regional operations consultant Tomo Kudo (below pix) said the new items will give local diners a taste of modern Japan while staying true to founder Shigemi Kawahara's philosophy to innovate continuously.
Local media members turn out in force to sample the plethora of new items, ranging from starters and ramen to dessert. The servings came fast and furious, causing us to scramble and snap pixs at lightning speed. Luckily, the photogenic dishes made it a breeze enabling us to settle down and relish them.
 
It was love at first bite the minute we sampled the Dashimaki Egg Roll (RM9). Ethereally fluffy, the Japanese omelette roll dotted with mayo and spicy cod roe was a definitive crowd-pleaser; priming us up for other goodies to come.
Suffice to say, we weren't disappointed. The lustrously rich briny flavour of marinated pollock roe and cod roe spread luxuriantly on the palate as we bit into the lightly Seared Salmon Rolls with Mentaiko (RM19), transporting us to culinary heaven.
 
It was splendid when you chase it with sips of Ippudo's Matcha Smoothie (RM9.90) - the fresh, faintly astringent green tea helps to cut any cloying aftertaste that linger. Coupled with some red bean mash and cream, the drink is refreshing to the last drop.
 
Simpler but no less yummy is Spicy Boiled Gyoza (RM13). The dumplings are generously stuffed with minced pork. Some shredded leek, light soya sauce and hot chilli oil are the pared-down condiments that lift them to delightful gustatory heights.


Passion about pork? Ah, then you mustn't miss savouring the Pork Grill (RM16) - a slab of tender, juicy pork loin served on hot plate with beansprouts, sweet corn and teppan sauce. Slivers of fried garlic flakes lend it a coyly smoky-sweetness that should leave you smacking your lips with great satisfaction.
Trust me, the biggest surefire crowd-pleaser would be Teppan Garlic Rice with Chicken (RM20). I really can't foresee any young adult weaned on a diet of pizza, pasta and mod Japanese food refusing this mound of garlic-fried rice and diced chicken amidst a moat of eggy, cheesy and creamy sauce speckled with chopped capsicum and sweet corn kernels...
Also unveiled at the preview were two new ramen variants - Shoyu Ramen and Kakuni Ramen, joining Ippudo's quintessential noodle repertoire. The nice thing about Ippudo is you can dictate how hard or soft you like the noodles to be...most ramen shops usually overcook their noodles (based on my own experiences) so such attention to detail is highly laudable.
A special clear chicken broth and shoyu stock forms the base for Shoyu Ramen (RM24.90) - its delicate accent just the platform to showcase thin springy noodles complemented by sliced pork loin, bamboo shoots, seaweed, leeks and naturomaki (sliced fish paste roll with a pink swirl).
The Shiromaru Kakuni (pix above, RM27.90) is supremely hearty in which ramen and a thick slab of belly pork simmered in Ippudo's special soy sauce come immersed in the chain's trademark tonkotsu broth, garnished with  kikurage (shredded cloud ear fungus), spring onion and beansprouts. Other variants available are Karaka Kakuni (RM30.90). Akamaru Kakuni (RM29.90).

The special spicy miso, cashew & ground pork really bestows much character and complex flavour to the Karaka-Men (RM25.90). You can also enjoy it with additional salted soft-boiled egg as in Karaka Tamago (RM27.90) while the luxe Karaka Special (RM33.90) throws in sliced belly pork, seaweed and salted soft-boiled egg as well.
We also slurped up Shiromaru Motoaji (RM22.90) - a classic Hakata-style ramen. The ultra-thin noodles with Ippudo's tonkotsu broth are accompanied by pork loin slices, beansprouts, kikurage and spring onion.
Special blended miso paste and fragrant garlic oil infuse big, bold flavour dimensions to Akamaru Shinaji (RM24.90) - a refined, modern-style ramen that consists of thin noodles with pork belly slices, spring onion and kikurage.
Simplicity rules the evening's dessert offerings. Mochi fans would probably love Daifuku (RM9) as the sweet treat features vanilla ice-cream enrobed in a thin layer of silky, stretchy mochi skin, placed on a slice of lemon and served with a fresh strawberry.
Mild, subtly flavoured creamy cheese atop soft cookie base makes up our second dessert of Cheese Stick. Its light, almost whimsy sweetness is comparable to eating ice-cream crossed with marshmallow. What a befittingly lovely end to mark the launch of Ippudo's grand new menu. 

For reservations, call Ippudo Malaysia - Pavilion KL (Tel: 03 2110 6233), The Gardens Mall (Tel: 03 2201 6238) & Bangsar Shopping Centre (Tel: 03 2011 6238). More info & details available from: http://www.ippudo.com.my

Sunday, April 05, 2015

HK- STYLE ROASTS AND MORE AT MASTER CHEF KITCHEN

Kai tan chai is a cutesy name for those airy-light, spherical-shaped egg 'waffle' that you'd find at certain street food kiosks in Hong Kong. A convenient anytime snack that staves off unexpected hunger pangs, I was delighted to sample it again during a recent review at Master Chef Kitchen. Diners can expect this lovely treat for tea at RM5.80 per serving.
This simple, air-conditioned restaurant across the road from the newish OneCity in Subang USJ is several months old and specialises in Hong Kong-style roasts. Among some of its more distinct specialities are Beef Char Siew, Long Jing Smoked Chicken and Roast Duck.
Prepared by experienced master chef Chan, the roast specialities alone are worth repeat visits. The most intriguing in this repertoire has to be the Beef Char Siew (RM25) made using Australian beef - a winning creation that had earned the chef an award in a Chinese Muslim culinary competition.

Suffused in the chef's self-concocted marinade, the grilled meat reminds me somewhat of beef satay; its unique flavour profile a nice amalgamation of mildly caramelised sweetness and beefy gaminess. Lightly streaked with some fat, the moist beef slices are superb with plain rice. If you'd like to sample this, call and pre-order at least 2 days in advance.
The definitive show-stopper here is HK-style Roast Duck (RM16-RM68 depending on cut of choice and serving size). Chef Chan told us that he prefers to use slightly smaller ducks as they're less fatty and the meat is not as coarse once roasted. We love its flabby, faintly gamey nuance; slicked with the roast duck's own jus. Don't bother asking for thim jiong either - the chef won't hear of desecrating his masterpiece with local sweet bean sauce.
Of course, no Cantonese meal is complete without soup. Urban singletons or time-pressed nuclear families will find ample succour in a bowl of Lotus Root and Chicken Feet or Sweet Corn with Pork Ribs Soup - homely broths that are prepared daily. The variety changes constantly so do check what's in the soup pot when you visit.
Wantan Meen (RM12.50) is also synonymous with Hong Kong and both soupy and kon loh (dry) versions are served. The latter has been adapted to suit local taste but we love every strand the springy noodles that are tossed with dark soya sauce and crispy deep-fried pork lard.
Plump succulent pork&prawn wantans and greens complement the soupy wantan meen
The chef is equally proud of his Long Jing Roast Chicken (RM18-RM50) - his version of tea-infused roasted chicken. Steeped in a combination of Dragon Well tea and lou sui (braising stock) for about 40 minutes, the chicken is juicy and succulent to taste. Complementing it is a Hong Kong-style ginger & spring onion dip, to lend the meat a touch of zingy robustness. Delicious!
Of course, no HK roast repertoire can do without siew yoke (roast pork). I have yet to meet any Chinese who can resist a good slab of roasted belly pork with golden, crispy skin. Chef Chan certainly excels in this delightful offering - his ticks all the right boxes that should leave you clamouring for more.
Owner Eric Teong highlighted the selection of home-style dishes available such as Steamed Fish with Tau Gan & Wood Fungus, Ham Yue Fah Lam Poh (sliced belly pork with salted fish in claypot), Yuin Kwat Poh (braised soft ribs in claypot), Stir-fried Lotus Root with Nuts and Nam Yue (red fermented beancurd) that are perfect for family dining and communal sharing meals.
Braised with carrot and radish, the soft ribs form a thick, unctuously rich milieu that's rib-stickingly scrumptious when eaten with white rice. The fish is done the classic Cantonese way - with superior soya sauce albeit with the addition of tau gan (layered beancurd sheet) and wood fungus. Macadamia, almond, celery, carrot and dried octopus shreds play a laudable supporting role to the stir-fried lotus root with savoury-sweet nam yue.
On days when you just want something fast and simple, we recommend the hearty and perennial crowd-pleaser of Master Chef Fried Rice (RM14.50). Brimming with good wok hei, the soul-satisfying serving has plenty of chopped long beans and carrot, egg and pork char siew to boost its tasty quotient.
According to Eric, the restaurant offers a reasonably priced set lunch of rice or noodle with a glass of tea at RM9.90 per person. There's 21 options available so you'd be spoiled for choice.
Plans are also afoot to churn out Baked Polo Buns - another popular HK tea staple. These crusty top buns with barbecued pork filling are light yet substantial enough to satisfy growling tummies; ideal as a mid-morning or post-lunch snack.

For reservations and information, call Master Chef Kitchen - tel: 011-2313 6769. Address: D-01-GF, Garden Shopped OneCity, Jalan USJ25/1A, Subang Jaya, Selangor.

Friday, April 03, 2015

A BUBBLYLICIOUS SUNDAY EASTER-VAGANZA AT EL CERDO

Cheers! It's Good Friday and I wish Jom Makan blog readers of the Christian faith a Happy Easter ahead. Meaningful occasions such as Easter is best celebrated with family, friends and loved ones...preferably over a feast of epic pork-portions of course ;p
 
To get you into the mood for this Sunday's Easter-vaganza, El Cerdo will lay out a sumptuous Bubblylicious Sunday Brunch from 12 noon to 2.30pm. As the first European eatery in KL city to give local Chinese restos a run for their porky specialities, you can expect an unrivalled 'nose to tail' eating experience - washed down with loads of bubbly, beer, soft drinks or juices.
 
For porcine fans, it'd be love at first sight (and bite) - just the Cold Appetiser Buffet (pix above) alone would warm the very cockles of your heart and leave you weeping with joy. Choice pickings worth savouring include sliced Serrano ham with honey-sweet diced rock melon, pig's head jelly, lomo (Spansish cured pork tenderloin), smoked black pepper ham, chorizo, trotter terrine, roast pork salad, pork liver pate and pork rillette amongst others.
Serrano ham is best paired with rock melon
There's plenty to go around so remember to pace yourself and enjoy the whole plethora laid out. An ample selection of fresh salad leaves, cherry and sliced tomatoes are also available to complement the charcuterie.
 
Before ordering your main course, sample the house Sausage Platter. This is especially great for sharing so you'd have a chance to taste the different types with more than enough tummy space left over for mains.
Served on a bed of potato mash and sauerkraut with mustard on the side, our dining party made quick work of the delicious sausage platter which comprised bacon-wrapped cocktail sausages and slightly bigger Thuringer, German pepper, spicy Lyonner and farmer franks. 
Keep your eyes peeled for the hearty Roasted Pork Loin - the service personnel on duty would gladly proffer thick slices of this meaty delight on request; complete with an irresistible gravy, some veges and potato on the side. In fact, we relished this so much that most of our gang returned for additional helpings.
The day's simplest dish of Pork Belly Fettucini turned out to be a limelight hogger. Suffused with a lush, savoury sauce redolent with tomato and herbs, the fork-tender pork belly chunks were a match made in heaven with the perfectly al dente pasta ribbons. Likewise, the Seafood Spaghetti is well acquitted too with a large prawn and several smaller but succulent ones.
The traditional Austrian Wiener Schnitzel (which means 'meat in a crust') is notable for the crisply breaded coating that envelopes a fillet of moist, tender pork inside. Adorned with a dollop of potato salad, any greasiness is tempered by the accompanying tart berry compote.
Another raveworthy offering that scores highly is Hickory Smoked Iberico Soft Ribs. Mind you, just the thought of that tangy-smoky-sweet sauce smothering those meltingly tender soft bone ribs is droolworthy enough. A 'must try' dish that should have you licking the plate clean.
Other tempting main dishes to pig out on include Pork Steak (pix above), Spaetzle with Cheese & Ham (pix below) and Roast Baby Back Ribs. The luscious tiers of grilled pork and mashed potato topped with fried leek slivers are superbly yummy while the spaetzle - a comforting dish of mini dough dumplings similar to gnocchi in its chewy 'QQ' texture - comes perked up with lashings of creamy tomato-cheese sauce and diced ham. My only grouse about the baby back ribs is the scant bits of meat on them ribs.
Anyway that minor hiccup disappears since there's dessert to contend with. Sweet solace can be found in Mango Tiramisu, Spanish Chocolate Cake or Assorted Homemade Ice Creams & Sorbets.
The chocoholic in me readily vouched for the sole chocolatey option. Never mind if it's slightly dry and crumbly, the deep-seated cacao accent has enough 'oomph' to ensure a lingering impression and keep you asking for more.
If you love boozy ice cream, the Rum & Raisin is simply 'da bomb'. Its closest rivals are mango and raspberry sorbet (we love both flavours' seductively fruity creaminess) while the olive oil variant seems like a quirky wild card in the whole mix. The tiramisu passed muster...despite the dessert's mild alcoholic nuance, the mango component is barely discernible.
El Cerdo's Bubblylicious Brunch is priced at RM149 ++ per person inclusive of free flowing Cava, house red & white wine, Tiger draught, soft drinks and chilled juices. Teetotalers pay RM99++ per person (soft drinks and juices included) while kids are charged at RM49++ per head (6-12 years old).

For reservations, call EL CERDO, tel: 03-2145 0511 / 013-309 4197. Address: 43 & 45, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

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