BAIT REELS YOU IN AT THE INTERMARK

Sangria is always a good idea. Especially after battling rush hour traffic. Two carafes of the boozy drink boosted our spirits as we sat down to a much anticipated dinner at Bait. Sibling outlet to the one in Bangsar, this new outpost is already reeling diners in...the place was humming with a palpable sense of conviviality the weeknight of our visit.

 

Executive Chef Logan Terence Lopez promised us a feast and proceeded to exceed his side of the bargain. Living up to Bait’s core focus that is fresh seafood, Chef Logan opened his showcase with a sumptuous selection of imported Oysters from Ireland and France. 

 

Freshly shucked and served on half shells, the molluscs were meaty and slippery succulent, teasing our palate with delicate nuances of the sea. We savoured some au naturel and slurped others up with a dash of freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Hot on their heels came a succession of tapas-style Small Plates that would please Captain Jack Sparrow. Our dining party were hard pressed to choose our faves but we fell hook, line and sinker for the dark-as-night Cuttlefish (RM30 nett) braised in squid ink gravy with pan-fried polenta. The textural contrasts of this unique ensemble raised them a cut above the rest.

Stuffed with paella & cheese, the bright, robust flavours and myriad of textures of Baby Squid (RM28 nett) in paprika sauce conjured up cheery images of sunny Spain.

Eggplant Maghmour (RM16 nett) - Lebanese moussaka enlivened with smoked tomato ragout and mashed chickpea proffered complicit appeal with Garlic Melba Toast (RM10 nett). Smeared with garlic cream, grated nutmeg and chilli flakes, the crunchy slices hit the spot for us. 

Another feeding frenzy followed when servings of Soft Cheese Bruschetta (RM15 nett) with cherry tomato coulis, mozzarella & basil,  Patatas Brava (RM22 nett) with spicy tomato pesto and sautéed beef chorizo and  Prawn Mango Salad (RM26 nett) featuring watercress, grilled prawns, Indian mango & honey mustard dressing appeared at our table.

Miraculously, we managed to put away the delicious Stuffed Lamb (RM30 nett) in roasted sweet peppers, blue cheese sauce and balsamic glaze too. Who could withstand such irresistible accents of smoky sweetness, rich savouriness and muted tanginess in one go? 

 

For me, the prized catch at Bait has to be the Baked Sole (RM79 nett). The flatfish's natural sea-sweetness proved good quality ingredients rarely need superfluous "dressing" but anointed with  garlic, chilli & Spanish parsley, it was sublime. The supporting cast of cherrystone clams floated our boat further.

 

Despite my valiant attempt, I couldn't take to the sourish Wild Mushroom Soup (RM25). My palate just refused to accept the unwelcome presence of carrot, celery & tomato in the earthy broth topped with cheese espuma.

Gastronomic salvation appeared in the form of Fettucini Squid Ink (RM62 nett) with baby squid ragout, smoked pepper and bottarga. Never mind the ebony-black mess - the pasta tasted so lush and silky, we lapped everything up instantly.

After such highs, the Grilled Perch Souvlaki (RM48 nett) with roasted pepper, tomato gravy and coriander dip was underwhelming. It was artistically presented and deserved a chance to be sampled under normal circumstances.

For the office crowd, Bait dangles great value lunch deals to draw them through the door. Starting from RM29 nett, options include Perch Fillet Fish & Chips to the moreish Set Lunch of Jumbo Prawn Curry Laksa (RM49 nett) consisting of gluten-free rice noodles, spiced Nyonya curry and fresh vegetables or Wagyu Beef Steak (120g) Sandwich with melted raclette cheese, sautéed mushroom and dill pickles. The set lunch includes appetiser or soup of the day and coffee/tea/soft drink. 

For reservations, call BAIT INTERMARK, tel: 03-2181 1268. Address: Lot G-19, Ground Floor, The Intermark, Jalan Tun Razak, KL. Biz hours: Daily from 11am to 11pm

WHITE SAND MAKES WAVES

Opened only 3 months ago in Empire Damansara, White Sand Cafe occupies the same premises where Tous Le Jous used to be. Clearly demarcated into two distinct sections: the cafe flaunts a pristine white scheme with French glass doors on one side while the other incorporates a warm enclave with exposed brick and burnished wood and metal.

According to White Sand's representative Michelle Loh, the idea behind White Sand is to create a breezy beach-house type oasis in the city hence the airy, laidback space that opens out to a shaded, outdoorsy patio and water feature. "The cosier brown stone and wood-finished reading lounge is meant to be homey and inviting, an intimate venue which can be reserved for small events and launches." 

 

A selection of freshly baked goods and bistro-style dishes are served at White Sand. We feel relaxed and right at home, sipping its Specialty Mocktails (RM13.90 each) such as Rosemary Whisper, Coconut on White Sand and Spiced Mojito. I can vouch for the chilled grapefruit juice and rosemary infused syrup as the cook drink revived my flagging spirit after the long drive.

A good go-to brunch spot, you can enjoy freshly baked Croissants (from RM4.90 upwards) or tuck into cooked dishes such as Grilled Mushroom Tartine with Egg & Avocado (RM22.90). We love the custard-soft wobbly poached egg atop sliced avo and sliced toasted sourdough. Textural contrasts came from juicy grilled cherry tomatoes and mushroom, with a splash of balsamic sauce giving the indulgent ensemble a perky tang.

Tummy fillers to nibble on should you prefer something light will include Fried Lemongrass Wings (RM15.90, 3pcs) and Hot Hot Chicken Boxing (RM15.90, 5pcs). The former is kid-friendly enough as the fried chicken wings were marinated in pounded lemongrass and spices so they were aromatic to the bite minus any fiery hotness. I prefer the latter though as the Korean style sauce pushed the hot quotient to sweat-inducing levels.

Knowing Malaysians still hanker for local fare in such surroundings, White Sand offers the unassuming Stone Pot Shrimp (RM26.90) to tickle their fancy. Select your choice of noodles: yee mee, vermicelli or glass noodles and it'll come piping hot in Hot & Spicy or Tom Yum soup. Brimming with shrimps, baby corn, mushroom, broccoli and fried foochuk (fried soybean sheets), we were instantly converted as fans after the first sip of the piquant tom yum.

Since Butter Rice with Ayam Percik is already a crowd fave, we decided to sample the Pandan Satay Chicken with Nasi Himpit (RM19.90). We were stoked to discover the whole pandan-wrapped chicken leg was on-point; deliciously redolent with the house lemongrass and spice marinade, it was a match made in culinary heaven with the cubes of pressed rice, satay peanut sauce and 'salsa'.

Pasta options such as the timeless Aglio Olio and Carbonara keep the general populace happy but we decided the more piquant variations such as Ginger & Spice or Tom Yum worthy of attention. Fettuccine, fusilli or linguini are available - do remind the cafe team about wanting your pasta al dente as most Malaysians prefer their pasta overcooked.  

Out of the two we sampled, I prefer the lush sweetish hotness of Tom Yum although another friend balked at it. Never mind, I'd let you be the best judge of this. The fusilli with minced garlic, pressed ginger and chilli flakes failed to impress me, unfortunately. 

Another signature dish I felt ambivalent towards was the Grilled Salmon Steak (RM26.90) with French Beans and Lemon Cream Sauce. Sadly, the salmon was thoroughly cooked as how the locals expect it...the saving grace for me was the French beans which were irresistible thanks to the tangy, creamy dressing.

Although the Peanut Torte (RM12.90) didn't look too impressive, we went nuts over its scrumptious salty-sweet taste and cottony texture. This along with a wedge of Oreo Crêpe Cake (RM12.90) and Caramel Crêpe Cake (RM12.90) wrapped up our outing to White Sand before we bid adieu. Both crêpe cakes were delightful and would have paired well with coffee if we had room to spare.    

The coffee at White Sand is deftly made so give the baristas here a chance to entice you with a good cuppa.

For reservations at White Sand, call tel: 03-7611 0975. Address: Heritage Lane, Unit 13A Empire Damansara, Jalan PJU 8/8A, Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya.