2OX-SOME FESTIVE MENUS

Cosy reunions are sometimes better and more intimate when held in small, independent restaurants. If you prefer dining with some French savoir-faire, 2OX Bistro at The Row is a nice rendezvous. 

With a new chef at the helm, seasonal Noel festivities are conveyed with panache from 23-25 December. 2OX proffers a special Christmas Lunch and Dinner set menu, priced at RM120++ and RM180++ per person respectively. 

So what has a tea towel got to do with our recent festive preview? Ah, a quick research reveals "torchon" is French for tea towel; it's traditionally used to wrap goose or duck liver for cooking. Suffice to say, lots of painstaking work has gone into the minimalist plate of Foie Gras Torchon before it appeared at our table. 

 

Flecked with sparkling specks of sea salt, the foie gras was complemented by Candied Walnuts, dots of Maple Reduction and plump Champagne-marinated Raisins. Unctuous on the palate with a velveteen texture on crisp toast...what's not to like?

 

The road to indulgence was paved with Roasted Butternut Squash Velouté with Braised Angus Cheek Bon Bon & Jasmine Froth next. In French cooking, velouté refers to a 'mother sauce' in which the stock is thickened with flour and butter. Here, the term aptly describes the sensuous savoury broth gently scented with jasmine foam and accompanied by a sublime tender-soft meatball and a candied chestnut.

Instead of the tried-and-tested roasted big bird, the mains to tempt revellers will consist of Butter Poached Barramundi Fillet with Salmon Roe, Manila Clams, Watercress Purée, Dehydrated Peppers and Brown Butter Laced New Potatoes or Grilled Aged Wagyu Blade, Black Truffle & Pink Peppercorn Jus paired with Slow Cooked Turkey Roulade.

 

We can vouch for the latter. Smooth, moist and tender, the turkey roulade made an on-point partner with the delectable medium rare beef.

There was just enough tummy space to spare to fit in the dainty serving of Poached Blueberry Madeleine. Complemented by 70% Chocolate & Hawaiian Coconut Bon Bon with Espresso Gateau, it was an enticing integration of sweet nuances and lightweight textures.

The 2OX festive menus are priced at RM120++ per person for Christmas Lunch and RM180++ for Christmas Dinner while the New Year's celebration menu is priced at RM180++ per person.

For reservations at 2OX restaurant, please call tel: 03-2692 2233. Address: 56G, The Row, Jalan Doraisamy, KL. www.facebook.com/2OXKL/

PUTTIN' ON A RITZY CHRISTMAS

For Yuletide celebration with additional sparkle and pizzazz, puttin’ on a ritzy Christmas is the way to go. Of course, you can trust The Ritz Carlton KL team to get such refined rituals down pat every year, making this the most wonderful time of the year.

 

Traditionally, the festivities’ curtain-raiser have always been the Teddy Bear Afternoon Tea (held on 10 Dec) where whimsical teddy macarons and ‘beary’ delightful pastries were served. Children also had a chance to craft their own teddies in keeping with this beloved Ritz Carlton tradition.

Similarly, a more Christmassy theme will prevail for the Christmas Afternoon Tea (RM80 per person) on 24 & 25 December. Served at The Lobby Lounge from 3pm to 6pm, delicate savouries and Christmas-inspired dessert treats will take centrestage. Jazzy music to your ears will be rendered by the resident band while you revel in the lap of such luxury amidst sips of the exclusive Ritz Carlton KL tea blend.

  

 

Roast Turkey complemented by luscious Eggnog will make their customary appearances in the Christmas Eve Dinner (RM250 per person) menu du jour. Select from a sumptuous three or four course dinner, served with aplomb at The Library.

Come Christmas Day, The Cobalt Room will set the stage for a lavishly luxe Christmas Brunch (from RM198 per person) from 12pm to 3pm. Feast to your heart’s content on scrumptious seafood including lobsters, yabbies, oysters, prawns, clams and mussels as well as succulent slices of salmon gravlax. You can also make brunch a high spirited affair with some champagne and wines.

 

Decadent foie gras terrine and dainty canapés along with roast beef with poufy Yorkshire pudding and turkey from the carvery will be part and parcel of the irresistible plethora, further enhancing the indulgent affair. 

 

For a fairy tale happily ever after ending, heed the sweet siren call of sumptuous dessert creations. Our choice picks include feather-light, jewel-toned macarons, passion chocolate crunch, blackforest marquis, pot au chocolate, cherry crunch cake, berry trifle and assorted praline lollies.

Bid adieu to 2017 with a celebratory New Year’s Eve Dinner (from RM250 per person) at The Library. Enjoy a splendid set dinner with those you love before counting down to welcome the New Year at Shook! Feast Village, Starhill Gallery.

Then welcome the New Year with fine flourish at The Library with a gourmet New Year’s Day lunch (from RM198 per person). Toast the New Year with free-flowing bubbly before sampling an extravagant parade of seafood, roast prime rib and luscious sweet treats.

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