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.

A CULINARY PARADISE THAT’S SHANGRI-LA BANGKOK

Breakfast by the River of Kings at NEXT2 Café

 

Here’s an insider tip: The best seats at NEXT2 Café are along the shaded terrace perched alongside the Chao Phraya River.

With a seating capacity for 425 guests, the trendy and modern buffet restaurant of the Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok is a compelling outpost for fabulous breakfasts (6.30am to 10.30am), lavish lunches (11.30am to 2.30pm) and divine dinner spreads (6.30pm to 10.30pm). On Sundays, sumptuous brunches take place from 12noon to 3pm while a la carte menu is available from 6am to 11.30pm.

It pays to be an early bird for breakfast here. We managed to nab a table just metres away from the river edge; a nice viewing spot to see the passing parade of barges and passenger shuttle boats. There's even a designated section where guests are allowed to feed the fishes with bread provided by the hotel.

Wood, stone, slate and glass have been artfully employed by Tokyo-based Super Potato Co. Ltd to conceive the impressive yet welcoming restaurant with 168 seats nestled in air-cond comfort, 207 seats out on the riverside patio and 50 seats at the bar.

I took my own sweet time strolling around, to absorb the multitude of culinary activities and sensorial touch-points onsite. Designed as a self-service, market-style restaurant, I was beguiled by the six interactive cooking stations which serve popular Thai specialities, Japanese sushi, sashimi and appetisers, Asian noodles and homely fare, Western carvery, Indian delicacies and breads, and barbecue/grilled items.

My fave section was the plethora of healthy, delicious options catering to today’s increasingly growing group of fitness and wellness enthusiasts. I love the appealing ‘green’ presentation used to showcase the juices, assorted nuts and seeds, mixed salads, quinoa bowls and gluten-free muffins. 

Led by Executive Chef Marc Cibrowius, the battalion of 30 chefs tirelessly pull out the stops daily to rustle up the morning feast at NEXT2 Café. The luxurious brekkie even includes real honeycomb served with waffles and pancakes made on request, house-churned ice creams and oven-fresh breads – from European crusty types to cottony-soft buns and flaky pastries.

Price: THB1,000 nett per person. For reservations, call NEXT2 Café tel: 66 2 236 7777 ext 6205-6 or 66 2 236 9952. 

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An Afternoon Tea Affair at The Lobby Lounge

 

 

It was the golden bird cage on a stand that caught our imagination and lured us to savour the afternoon tea at The Lobby Lounge. Inspired by seasonal produce of the cold wintry season, the triple-decked Winter Flavours tea temptations was created by Executive Pastry Chef Claus Olsen.

We couldn’t think of a better way to spend a languid afternoon, our heartstrings plucked by the resident harpist who swept us away with her musical passion.

Revelling in the plush sofa seating, we had a field day sipping cups of artisanal tea whilst nibbling on the various savoury and sweet treats. Although some of the delicious morsels looked deceptively dainty, we soon discovered the selection was more than ample to satisfy us.

Nibbles that left an indelible impression included Bay Scallop, Arugula & Tomato on Herbed Mayo Toast, and Cheddar Cheese with Chutney on Tomato Bread. We also paused to admire the pretty cucumber and cream cheese rosette atop the granary bread before devouring it.

Hitting our sweet spot were meticulously crafted dessert treats which had unexpected bursts of flavour or interesting textural contrasts. It was fun comparing notes which delicate confection snagged our attention, teased our palate and delighted our tastebuds.

Towards the end, we found ourselves valiantly finishing the last crumbs lest the goodies went to waste. Our enjoyment of the sumptuous creations were heightened by mellifluous music and the attentive service of The Lobby Lounge’s efficient and cordial team.

 

Price: THB1,198++ per set (for two persons) inclusive coffee or tea. 

(Note: Afternoon tea theme may change according to the Hotel's prevailing promotion. Food served may differ from the set shown in this blogpost).

For reservations, call The Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, tel: 66 2 236 7777 ext 6205-6.