CHEF JOSE ALONSO REIGNS AT THE LIBRARY

Simple, honest and vibrant best described Spanish guest chef Jose Alonso’s cooking. His signature Tallarines De Sepia Con Sofrito - Grilled Cuttlefish served with Sofrito and Veal Vinaigrette misled us into believing the slender white ribbons were hor fun noodles until we bit into them.

The mound of tender, slightly chewy cuttlefish ribbons was a spellbinding show-stopper. Aided by a quenelle of sofrito - a thick aromatic sauce of finely diced tomato, garlic, onion and thyme - amidst swirls of lush veal vinaigrette, the dish spoke volumes of the chef’s skilful handiwork. “Only cuttlefish weighing between 400-500g each is used as I want the correct thickness once they’re cut into strands,” says Chef Jose.

His opening volley for our lunch preview comprised Sandwich De Queso Fresco - Fresh Cheese Terrine Bikini and Berenjenas Con meil De Cana – Fried Honeyed Eggplant. The first - delicious bite-sized squares of toast sandwiched with creamy slivers of fresh cheese – hit the spot with some Spanish white wine.

But it was the latter we raved over – the utterly sublime broad, thin slices of crisp-fried eggplant came licked with a little honey and dotted with toasted pine nuts left us on tenterhooks, wondering what hidden aces were up his sleeve.

Having gained a decade of culinary experience with celebrity chefs such as Michelin-starred Sergi Arola, Francis Paniego and Spain's most celebrated Chef Santi Santamaria, Jose is now the Executive Chef at Binomio Spanish Restaurante in Singapore. 

His show of mettle extended to a trio of tapas, starting with the stellar grilled cuttlefish mentioned earlier. Another notable signature of his, Croquetas De Pollo Y Huevo - Chicken and Boiled Egg Croquettes were deftly rendered; the airy-light breadcrumbed crust containing a rich, almost custard-like mash up of chicken and boiled egg.

 

A liberal sprinkling of smoked paprika lent subtle firepower to the third tapas of Pulpo A La Gallega - Grilled Atlantic Octopus with Escalivada. I enjoyed the springy chewiness of the sliced octopus tentacles in contrast with the soft escalivada - Catalan-style roasted potato slices with olive oil.

Also taking pride of place in the menu was Arroz Negro - Squid Ink Paella with Seafood. As a Spanish chef worth his salt, the darkly tinted rice was faultlessly rendered using real squid ink (if it's artificial, your molars would be stained black but be assured, NOT in this case). Embedded in the moist, nutty grains were morsels of fish, prawns and squid - their inherent sweetness amplified by the dollop of aioli which we stirred in.

He then kept up the winsome streak with Jarrete De Cordero - Braised Lamb Shank, Potato Purée & Piquillo Peppers. This stunning speciality is a labour of love as the lamb has undergone an 11-hour sous vide process at 79°C, rendering it juicily tender and full of flavour. Paired with a grilled duo of the sweeter Spanish capsicum and asparagus, the chunk of lamb rested on a bed of smooth mashed potato.

Our Spanish gastronomic experience wrapped up with Churros Con Chocolate - Traditional Churros with Chocolate Sauce. Unfortunately, our serving of finger-thick fritters was a tad greasy - a minor blip in the overall scheme of a fine lunch.

Executive Chef Jose Alonso will hold court at The Library from October 25 to 29, 2016 (7pm-11pm) with a specially curated dinner menu priced at RM150 nett per person; served at The Library - a new, elegant dining enclave where the warm and relaxing yet stylish ambiance flaunts polished timber floors and wood panelling.

For more information or reservations, please call The Ritz-Carlton KL, tel:03-2142 8000 or email dining@ritzcarlton.com.my.

RITZY AFTERNOON TEA AFFAIR

 

All you afternoon tea enthusiasts must thank Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford for making the ritual of sipping tea and nibbling sandwiches fashionable in 19th century England. Not to be confused with the more substantial high tea partaken by the middle and low classes in place of dinner, the English upper crust enjoyed their pots of tea with some light snacks around 3.30-4pm. 

Today, the time honoured afternoon tea tradition is upheld within the plush, freshly rejuvenated confines of The Lobby Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur.

On weekdays from 3pm-6pm, you can indulge in the quintessential afternoon tea experience for RM80 (for 2 persons). Besides a triple tier of delicate goodies to savour, the price includes a pot of freshly brewed tea from a choice of 40 Ronnefeldt fine teas.

Depending on your mood or inclination, the selection ranges from black and green teas to herbal and fruit infusions. Alternatively, The Lobby Lounge also proffers various coffee brews for those who prefer a jolt of java. I love The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur's exclusive blend which combined Chinese tieh kuan ying (Iron Goddess of Mercy) with green oolong; its complex tea flavour tinged with a delicately creamy nuance.

Serenaded by soothing live music from a string quartet, we revelled in the luxurious and tranquil surrounds. Our amuse bouche for the day was a zingy salmon spread with dainty toast pieces. This went like a dream with my choice of Irish Whiskey Cream - a malty Assam black tea with hints of cocoa and the lush aroma of Irish whiskey.

The savoury temptations served during our visit were mini mushroom quiches and chicken pies. According to our friendly and knowledgeable hostess, Adriannah, most of the afternoon tea selection changes frequently so expect enticing surprises to whet the appetite on each visit.

Little Wagyu burgers with mushroom stole the limelight at first bite. Every mouthful was delectably scrumptious but the beef pastrami sandwiches were on point too. These choice morsels were nicely balanced by sips of Jasmine Gold, a fragrant Chinese tea perfumed with jasmine flowers. Even the tuna sandwiches with its subtly creamy filling held its own. 

Served warm with clotted cream, fruit preserve and marmalade, we then relished two types of scones. Again, the varieties depend on the chef's selection; it could be plain or flavoured scones: caramel, raisin or cinnamon. We certainly took our sweet time enjoying every bite of this classic offering.

Some element of East meets West emerged in the sweet treats. Light and flaky, the baked egg tarts were an unexpected albeit welcomed twist to the Continental confections: mini cheesecake, macaron, fruit tartlet and chocolate cake.

As an ardent chocoholic, the velvety and dense chocolate slice left me smitten as did the airy-light, mango-accented macaron. Amidst more sips of tea, we managed to do justice to the mini cheesecake - its wickedly decadence made me feel like a Cheshire cat that got the cream...

During weekends, the afternoon tea is priced at RM160 for 2 persons. Reservations are advisable to avoid disappointment.

For more information and reservations at The Lobby Lounge, call 03-2142 8000 or email dining@ritzcarlton.com.my