De Bortoli Gulf Station Wine Pairing Dinner @ twentyone, Changkat BB, KL

Moldy grapes = bliss?? ...

ANOTHER invited review?? I know it seems like a lot lately - I promise that I'm not "selling out" or anything like that :)
(Sorry - In this case, I'd never been for a wine pairing dinner before so I just couldn't resist....)

Anyway, here are my usual disclaimers:
1) I have not been paid to write this, but neither have I paid a cent for my meal,
2) I will still be as objective as possible re. the food/ restaurant, and
3) If I go back to the restaurant incognito and find that the food/service is horribly different from this experience, I will amend my ratings here...

Ok? Set! :)
Wine after wine (glass)...
I never imagined that twentyone kitchen+bar in Changkat Bukit Bintang would be a place to go for a wine pairing dinner.

Sure, it's famous enough (a mainstead on that popular but ever changing street even)... but all this time, my impression was that it was more of a bar/ club than anything else:
Just outside twentyone...
The wine pairing dinner was actually an outcome of their cooperation with the gorgeous people at Albert Wines, where they painstakingly paired a selection from the De Bortoli Gulf Station range (from the Yarra Valley region in Australia) with the chef's creations:
(Or was it the other way around?)
Modern but classy dining section downstairs...
- We started off the night with a dose of Silverfish:
(A mix of Gordons' gin, vanilla syrup, lemon juice, grapefruit juice and Windy Peak sparkling brut)
Fizzy cocktail...
Bubbly, fruity and just a tad too sweet, but overall it was nice way to start the night. :D
(I don't know why they would name it after a yucky book worm though. Lol)

- First course:
Air dried beef, tomato bruschetta with truffle hollandaise
(Paired with the Gulf Station Sauvignon Blanc)
Carbs are so yummy...
Simple, but there was nothing I didn't like about the combination of the salty beef slices, tart tomatoes and earthy truffle sauce atop the crusty bread...

All this was complemented by the light Sauv Blanc with its crisp and slightly acidic taste:
(I wish I could better describe it but I'm not an expert on wine.. I did like it though, even if I'm more of a red wine person)
The Sauv Blanc...
- Second course:
Blue cheese risotto with celery, walnuts and parmesan wafer
(Paired with the Gulf Station Chardonnay)
Nasi Italiano...
Initially, I was kinda afraid of this course, as blue cheese can be overpowering.

Thankfully, the chef had balanced the ingredients very well - the taste of the cheese was evident but delicate, with the celery and walnut adding a crisp and light texture to what is usually a heavy dish.
(YUM)

Again, the wine had been matched well, with the slight citrus-y undertones of the chardonnay going well with the risotto:
Chard...
- Third course:
Pan fried black cod with caramelised foie gras, soy, enoki jelly and dashi broth
(Paired with the Gulf Station pinot noir)
Delicious fish dish...
Overall, the mix of flavours and textures was really nice (rich foie and umami-ness of the sauce against the tender fish)....

Some may say that the foie gras had been mercilessly overcooked (it was firm instead of the usual melt in your mouth consistency) but I think this works well for those who may usually find foie gras too rich, as you still get the flavour without the potential jelak-ness.

Interestingly, they had paired a red wine with the fish. :)
... and I may be biased (as I LOVE pinot noirs in general) but the beautiful purplish, medium bodied pinot noir matched fairly well with the fish:
Beautiful! Look at that glistening purplish hue...
- Fourth course:
Smoked lamb rack with celery root puree and apple mint foam
(Paired with the Gulf Station Shiraz Viognier)
Pretty substantial lamb course...
Overall, a good effort - the lamb was fairly tender and tasty. LOVED the super smooth celery root puree.

The wine? It was heavier than the pinot and much more complex, balancing well with the lamb:
(Sorry if the descriptions are too simple - Told you already. I am not a wine expert)
Deeper, darker wine...
- Last but not least, DESSERT:
Dark chocolate parfait with mascarpone cream and dark chocolate curd
(Paired with the Noble One Botrytis Semillon)
Cold, creamy, crispy, chocolatey = divine...
LOVED THIS.
(And not just because it's chocolate.... :P)

Tasting the Noble One wine though, at first I thought, "Eeyer. So sweet!"
(Note: I don't like sweet/ dessert wines)

Cautiously, I took another sip and was surprised - somehow it tasted better! Fast forward another few sips, I was totally sold on its complex and lingering bouquet of flavours that reminded me of fruits and sunshine and honey and happiness:
BLISS...
Who ever would have thought that rotting, mold infested grapes could produce such a glorious palate pleasing flavour?
(Amazing!)

(Interesting fact: Botrytis is a kind of fungus, romantically referred to as the Noble Rot in the wine industry. Read more on Wikipedia, I shan't go into detail here...)

If you hadn't already guessed, by the end of the night I was pretty much completely DRUNK:TEE HEE HEE. MY EARS ARE TINGLY...
What a night!

Not only was the food and wines delicious, but there was the added bonus of the charming Jonathan (from Albert Wines) imparting some interesting facts on wines in general and specifics on the ones we tried that night.

Here's the (sort of) bad news though: This wine pairing menu was a one night only special.
:(

However, you can pre-book something similar (food only, no wine) with the restaurant if you have 6 people and above, for a reasonable price of RM 108++ per person.
(Don't raise your eyebrows at me - its 5 courses leh... and in a nice restaurant too! So, 108++ is considered reasonable lah)


SHOUT OUT
Thank you to:
- the beautiful nomadGourmand for referring me (You rock!),
- Janet (and everyone else from twentyone) for making every calorie worth it, and
- Jonathan (and Winnie and everyone) from Albert Wines for making it even better!

If you want more details on Albert Wines (they export, wholesale and retail a wide range of spirit and alcohol brands), do check out their official website: Click here.

Summary Information:
twentyone kitchen+bar @ Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL

Opening Hours: 12noon - late
Phone: +603-2142 0021
Address: 20-1, Changkat Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Map: (Below)
Website: Click here

NO PORK SERVED

MAP:

View Larger Map

OTHER REVIEWS:
-


TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Restaurant Reviews, 21 Bar and Kitchen, Australian Wine, twentyone kitchen+bar, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bar

National Geographic Store & Cafe @ Lot 10, KL

A taste of the world - Interesting Spanish tapas in Lot 10 KL...

Hey y'all. Just to give you a head's up, this is an invited review:
(Here are my usual disclaimers)
1) I have not been paid to write this, but neither have I paid a cent for my meal,
2) I will still be as objective as possible re. the food/ restaurant, and
3) If I go back to the restaurant incognito and find that the food/service is horribly different from this experience, I will amend my ratings here...

I thought it was cool how an established educational magazine like the National Geographic could innovate into a TV channel, but a bit strange that it could then spawn a store and cafe in Lot 10 KL:
(Apparently, this is one of only 4 such outlets worldwide)
Just across the floor from the Nat Geo....
Still, I was intrigued, and was more than happy to go try it out when TNG kindly extended an invite to their new Pinchos menu launch:
(Pinchos, or pintxos, are like tapas except that they traditionally they are smaller servings that are served on a stick)
(FYI: Pincho means spike in Spanish)
Inside the Nat Geo....
This outlet is partly a shop, so there are lots of stuff available for your dose of retail therapy - tshirts, bags, books, soft toys, posters, etc:
Choices, choices....
There are also some more unusual items, like human body parts... or well, small models of them anyway :)
Eek! I think his liver fell out....
Before dinner, we were shown an interesting photo/ video exhibition by Laurent Dambies, a freelance French scientist turned photographer who is currently residing in Malaysia:
Monsieur Dambies....
Although the things he showcased (eg. The Petronas Twin Towers, a pasar) can be considered normal to us Malaysians, it was interesting to see his angle on these parts of our lives. :)
(You can check out his photos and videos on his blog...)

Anyway, onwards to the food - there was a lot (12 courses!) so I'll separate them into groups:

YOU WILL EITHER LOVE OR HATE THESE:

1) Anchoa Jardinera (Anchovy and vegetable toast) (RM 16++, usual serving size: 4 slices)
Fishy bread....
Slightly fishy/ briny, pretty sour and garlicky - interesting but I think its more of an acquired taste.

2) Pintxo De La Foto (Smoked Salmon, anchovy and red pepper toast) (RM 15++, usual serving size: 4 slices)
More fishy bread....
The savoury sweetness of the smoked salmon was an interesting mix against the sour briny anchovy... but there was still a slight fishy aftertaste...
(Look, it's not that they did anything wrong - just that anchovy is a fishy fish lah. :P)

3) Aceitunas Alinadas (Marinated Olives) (RM 12++ per plate)
(Note: Photo from Andrew because mine was lost)
Green olives....
Not many people in Malaysia (that I know) like eating olives just like that... and these were really sour and salty.
(Interesting though... and *lol* the chef said that they are like gwailo jeruk)


NOT BAD:

4) Txalupa (Mushroom prawn and cheese tartlets) (RM 16++, usual serving size: 6 tarts)
Little mushroom tarts....
Overall these tasted ok, with the creamy, cheesey mix matching well with the slightly dense and crumbley tart base.

5) Tigres (Mussels in a spicy tomato sauce) (RM 14++, usual serving size: about 4 mussels)
Shellfish....
The mussels were just ever so slightly overcooked but I liked that the sauce was slightly spicy. :)

6) Puerros Con Crema De Questo (Cream cheese and leek toasts) (RM 12++, usual serving size: 6 slices)
Cheesey bread....
Leek slices, cooked till tender, sandwiched between a fluffy square of bread and a thick layer of cream cheese - not bad... but just not my kinda thing I guess.
(I don't like leek)

7) Gambas Al Ajillo (Sizzling Garlic Prawn) (RM 12++, usual serving size: about 4 prawns)
Garlicky prawns....
Nothing really wrong with this. Prawns were fresh and cooked just right. It's just that I don't find anything too innovative about the pairing with the garlicky sauce.
(Still, not bad - wouldn't mind ordering this again)

NICE:

8) Oxtail Puff and Mash (RM ?++)
Beefy goodness....
It is hard to get puffs like these exactly right but they came pretty darn close with the tender chunks of beef resting on a slightly chunky reduction of the stew and mash potatoes, which paired well with the flakey and crunchy puff pastry.

9) Queso Con Membrillo (Cheese and Quince) (RM 16++)
;">(Note: Photo from Andrew because mine was lost)
Simple but nice....
I am not a big fan of cheese platters (as they can be a bit too strong) but this was rich and tasty yet delicate enough as to not scare off the casual cheese eater... It was especially yummy when eaten with the sweet fruity quince (which has to be specially flown in from Spain).

10) Seared scallop with Guacamole (RM ?++)
Big scallop!....
Big juicy scallop, simply grilled with chunky guacamole (savoury) and maserated orange (sweet) - Mmmmm.....
(If I was going to be fussy, I'd say it was ever so slightly overcooked, but still ok)

11) Bacalao Con Boniato Y Encurtidos (Grilled salt cod with marinated garlic and pickles) (RM 12++, usually served in per plate)
Spoonfuls of mash and fish....
I found the pairing of the sour fish and pickles interesting against the slightly sweet and creamy sweet potato mash.

12) Albondigas (Spanish Meatballs) (RM 12++, usual serving size: 5 meatballs)
Meaty meatballs....
Maybe I am too simple but well, these were my favourite dish of the night - meaty but still fairly tender, chunky texture, no gamey taste and went well with the tomato coulis.

All in all, I left feeling intrigued - can't wait to go back and try out some of the other pinchos (they have about 30+ different types I think) as well as some of the mains....
(The ppl behind the cafe are from Sentidos in Star Hill, so it should be pretty good)

Thanks to TNG (who looked SMOKING HOT in her little white dress that night btw) for the invite and Dawn for organising a fun night out. :)

Also, it was really nice meeting you, Jun Jun and Andrew.
(Especially you, Andrew - thanks for passing me some of your photos when mine could not be used... You're too kind... but on the other hand, your awesome DSLR shots make my measley Point & Shoot ones look so bad leh.... *lol*)

So, it's: Interesting array of unusual pinchos (tapas) and some Mediteranean mains, decently priced (considering its in a high class shopping center) BUT look, just be careful which pincho you order - it's not that they did anything wrong but like I said, anchovies are fishy fish lah... :P

Summary Sheet:

National Geographic @ Lot 10, KL
T 16-17, Level 3,
Lot 10 Shopping Center, 168, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

Taste: 6
Ambience : 6
Service : 7
Price** : RM 45++ per person
Parking: OK

** Approximation - 3 course meal, excluding drinks

Telephone No.: 03-2144 8288
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm

NO PORK SERVED

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Running Andrew
- StarryNitez::JunJun-Riko


TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Restaurant Reviews, KL, Kuala Lumpur, National Geographic Store, Mediterranean, Spanish, Bukit Bintang, Lot 10 Shopping Center

Weekend Stay @ G Tower KL

Mini holiday without even leaving town....

So,... what is this "G Tower" in KL?

Is it a:
A) Office building
B) Hotel, or
C) Fitness Club?

Well, it's actually all that and more*, located conveniently just a few minutes walk from Ampang Park LRT and a stone's throw away from KLCC (and Zouk!)....
(* They also have a pretty good selection F&B wise, both in terms of eateries in the hotel and some of their tenants (Social KL and Rakuzen) on the Ground Floor and is also the first and only certified green hotel in KL)

At first glance, I thought the lobby area looked normal enough, although just a tad strange because there are 2 giant chillies in the middle:
(Lol. Don't mind me. I'm just a plebe who doesn't understand art, I guess?)
The main lobby of G Tower KL...
... but when I arrived at the hotel reception (on the 11th floor), I fell in love with how they had an understated but sophisticated layout, contrasting classic furniture designs and natural textures (some of which they say is made from recycled driftwood) against "cold" elements like the shiny marble flooring and metal finishings on the wall:
Beautiful refurbished chairs, near the hotel reception...
Metal fishies swimming on the wall...
Anyway, after a quick check in process, I went straight over to my room:
My room! :)...
While I can't say I've stayed in many hotels in the KL area**, I did feel that it was pretty spacious for a room in the main city area - also loved how wonderfully firm and comfy the big bed was... and the pillows? I miss them so much already.
(It was also nice that they had a decent sized desk, with free wifi / optional paid high speed broadband, which would be useful for business travellers)

- Loved the lounge chair!:
(Would have packed this into my suitcase if there was any way I could get away with it)
Beautiful and comfortable too...
- Ooh, there's a walk in wardrobe too! (Small, but still a nice touch)
Every girl's dream...
- Nice rainshower and a TV in the bathroom:
Nice design...
Here's a quick overview of the other facilities for hotel guests:
- 1 small but beautiful infinity pool and jacuzzi:
The view from the pool...
- A pretty gigantic and well equipped gym, with sauna and pool too!:
(Wah. The equipment is so high tech - everyone gets their own little TV screen)
Some of the brand new, state of the art equipment...
- 3 meeting rooms:
(Available through booking - contact the Facilities Officer when you're there)
One of the 3 meeting rooms...
- Beautiful lounge/ bar:
(The Bridge Bar - It's not very big but it sure is pretty! And wonderfully, a lot of recycled materials were used to make it - eg. The bar counter is made from recycled wine bottles)
The Bridge Bar by day...
- Modern Italian restaurant where they pride themselves in using only the freshest products possible:
(Trattoria Tanzini - Review coming up soon)
Tanzini by day...
- Function room with a beautiful (pretty much) 360degree view of KL through its floor to ceiling glass panels:
Function room just above Tanzini...
- Airy spacious coffeehouse/ lounge area with cute additions like mini "living rooms" with wide screen tvs and some computer workstations at the side:
I wish my living room was this nice :(...
Hmmmmm. Wait.

Are you thinking: "Eh? Why on earth is she reviewing hotels/ hotel rooms lah?"

Well, the nice people from Goldis (through their PR company - *waves to Swee Lyn*) were nice enough to offer it, for pretty much no strings attached so I thought: "YAY. Why not?"
(Thanks! Really appreciate it....)

It was perfect timing as I really needed a mini break - work stress was building up like a pressure cooker. So, needless to say, I really enjoyed the stay at G Hotel...
(What really impressed me though was that with all they had done to make the hotel/building "green", it took nothing away from the the beauty and comfort of the hotel... In fact I think it enhanced it!)

For more info on the hotel/ the office units/ etc, do check out their main website: CLICK HERE.
(I believe that there are 3 types of hotel room available, with prices ranging from around RM350... and they're pretty exclusive too, as there are only 180 rooms available)

G Tower and Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
199 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Hotel Tel: +603 2168 1919
Hotel Fax : +603 2168 1818
Email : info@gtower.com.my

Leasing Tel: +603 2168 1800
Leasing Email: lease@gtower.com.my

PS.
Thanks to TNG for referring me for this. *MUAKS*

Other posts on the hotel stay:
- thenomadGourmand
- Cumi dan Ciki
- KampungBoy CityGal
- PureGlutton


- Lastly: Random photo of a chocoholic, spotted in the hotel room doorway:

:)

TAGS: Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, KL, Kuala Lumpur, Personal

I Survived Uniqlo KL

What a day....

My mum saw the Uniqlo ads in the newspaper and wanted to go check it out**, so I thought I'd bring her there on Friday morning, since it was a public holiday....
(** She wanted to get a fleece jacket)

I had (mistakenly) thought that since the first day opening madness was over, it shouldn't be too crowded since there's no contest anymore and it was the long weekend (so a lot of people should be out of town).

Well, I was so VERY wrong. Look - Here is 1/3 of the line to get into Uniqlo that day:
OMG (Patience is a virtue?)...
(This photo was taken at about 12noon, after we got out of the store - Crazy, right?)

I was "lucky" because we got there around 10 sharp and the line wasn't quite that long yet... but it still took about 1 hour to get in.
(I heard that later, some people lined up for up to 3 HOURS!)
(Hmmm, I must say though, the Farenheit 88 security guards/ people from Uniqlo managed it very well - professional and calm, despite the slightly agitated and restless horde of people...)

After navigating around the hordes of people inside the shop**, we managed to get the fleece jacket that my mum wanted, and more:
(** Why some people would think that it is a good idea to tow all their little kids along and/ or hurtle around their babies(in prams) around in such a crowd baffles me. What? You are using them to help clear a path for yourself ah?)
Aiyo. Bought too many things!...
I only planned to get one fleece jacket for myself but ended up with 2,... AND a tshirt, and 3 leggings, and a Dragonball tshirt for a friend.
*J IS FAIL AT FOLLOWING A BUDGET*

While some of the discounts were really good (RM 49.90 instead of RM 79.90 for the fleece jacket, and RM 49.90 instead of RM 99.90 for their jeans), I thought it was kinda mad how many people were trying to get into the shop.

What can I really say though? I was one of them too! Haha....
(For details on all their Opening Specials, you can check out their official website)


I am alive! (but poorer),
J

PS/
I started chatting with one of the friendly store managers inside the shop and he told me that they had to stay back till 4 AM to clean up after the opening on Thursday, because the whole place was in such a mess! Poor things.... :(
(Ganbatte Albert and the rest at Uniqlo. I really don't know how you all managed to keep so happy and chirpy despite only having about 4 hours sleep!)


TAGS: Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, KL, Kuala Lumpur, Personal

"Michael's" Western Food @ Restoren Kuan Yew, SS3. PJ

Coffeeshop Western food in SS3 - cheap and greasy, fuss free food....

Michael's Western Food (the main stall in Restoren Kuan Yew) has been around for AGES, providing everyone in the neighbourhood an affordable option when the craving for Western food arises:
(My parents used to take me here once in a while as a treat during dinnertime)
Outside the "restaurant"...
Actually, I'm not sure whether "Mr. Michael" still owns/ cooks at this stall but I still call it that. :)

Anyway, business still seemed fairly brisk, with the coffeeshop pretty packed, or more than half full anyway:
(Note: There also seemed to be a few tables of neighbourhood "Uncles" who were there having 3 or more courses of beer for dinner *lol*)
The ambience inside the coffeeshop...
The ordering system is simple:
Step 1:
Go to the counter/ stall. Order and pay for the dish of your choice:
Order at the main stall counter...
Step 2:
You will be given a number, or in this case, an alphabet. Place this on your table and wait for your food (which shouldn't take more than 20 minutes):
Waiting for U...
Step 3:
When your food arrives, eat loh. :P
SooJ attacks the chicken chop...
I was there with a fairly large group of friends and we ate almost everything on the limited menu (save for the T bone steak and Grilled Salmon) so I'll group it into 2 groups to make things simple: Food I found NICE and Food that was OK LAH.
:)

NICE:
(Note: By "nice", I mean nice by coffeeshop standards, ok? :P Please don't compare to fine dining unless you can find me an awesome fine dining restaurant in Malaysia which serves steak priced at RM 12 to compare with....)

- Mixed grill (RM 10):
Don't expect them to spend any time on food presentation :)...
While I hate the slightly synthetic tasting, overprocessed sausage that comes along with this, I have always loved the combination of a little bit of everything - fish, chicken, lamb and an egg. All that, for just 10 bucks? Awesome. :)
(Each on it's own is nothing special, but this is a great dish to order when you are feeling carnivorous yet fickle, as often happens to me.....)

- Sirloin Steak (RM 12):
The steak...
Stole some of Sooj's steak and was surprised that it was pretty good - fairly tender and juicy, went well with the slightly thick and garlicky sauce.
(Warning: Strangely, one side was perfect and the other was slightly overcooked/tough)

Here's a cross section of nicer side of the steak, if you were curious:
Not bad for 12 bucks!...

OK LAH:
- Fish & Chips (RM 6):
Fishy fish and chips...
I remember liking this a lot when I was younger, as the batter is crispy and slightly crumbly... but when I ate this the other night, there was a slight fishy aftertaste.

I'm not fussy, so I would have happily just masked with a squeeze or 2 of lemon but I was told they don't provide that anymore.
(How things have changed)

- Mexican Chicken Chop (RM 7):
El Pollo Mexicano...
Nothing wrong with this - it's just a basic chicken chop (medium portion size), fairly tender... but I just never really liked the slightly sweet "Mexican" sauce. It remains one of the more popular choices here though - something like their specialty dish.

- Lamb Chop (RM 9):
Skinny chops...
Fairly tender but gosh, the 3 pieces of lamb were sliced really thin loh... It was also just a tad too salty but the sour-ish mint sauce helped tone down the sodium OD.

- Satay (RM 0.65 per stick):
Our small pile of sate ayam...
This is not from "Michael's", but from a Makcik from another stall in the coffeeshop. Not bad in terms of tenderness and meat to fat ratio, but it tasted a bit over-marinated with the flavour of the kunyit (tumeric) being just a tad overpowering.
(Note: There is also another stall there selling simple chinese food (some types of fried meats/ veggies/ rice/ noodles) but dunno how that tastes - never tried it before)


So, it's: Simple coffeeshop setting, limited selection but decent tasting Western food at decent prices, convenient location for PJ folk in SS3 BUT some hits and misses, parking can be a problem on Tuesday nights (pasar malam night) and nothing else bad, just please don't expect it to be as nice as a proper restaurant - it's cheap! :)...

Summary Information:;
"Micheal's" Western Food @ Restoren Kuan Yew, SS3. PJ

Opening Hours:
- Western food (approx) 5.30pm to 9pm.
- Other mostly non halal hawker stall selection (chicken rice, noodles, etc (approx) 11am to 3pm
Phone: ?
Address: Corner coffee shop, Jalan SS3/31, SS3, Petaling Jaya.

NO PORK SERVED (at night)
NOT HALAL (daytime)

MAP:
(Thanks for setting up the map, Taufulou! :) I borrowed your link...)

View Kopitiam Kuan Yew in a larger map


OTHER REVIEWS:
- .·:*¨ Viva for Min's Adventure ¨*:·.
- Meals I Had

.. and of the other food available in the daytime:
- I Come, I See, I Hunt and I Chiak


PS/ Hope you had a great long Deepavali weekend. :)

TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Coffeeshop, Restoren Kuan Yew, Restoran Kuan Yew, SS3, PJ, Petaling Jaya, Western Food, Cheap Eats, KL, Kuala Lumpur