I don’t celebrate Christmas.
Actually I don’t celebrate festive seasons. Not even Chinese New Year.
I’m such a cynical bitch that I find any idea of celebration based on dates or events a farce.
I do however, celebrate joyous moments; however big or small and I “celebrate daily”, counting my blessings that I can live the lifestyle I want and having the freedom to do whatever I please.
I live in the comfort of knowing few, but very reliable, loving friends that will back me through thick and thin.
So yes, back to Xmas. The point I’m trying to make is, celebrate life whenever it is good. Celebrate because you are happy and celebrate because you are alive.
Celebrations are more often than not preceded with FOOD.
I’ve been extremely busy and definitely not up-to-date on the Xmas promotions happening around town. I haven’t been able to sort out the emails for all the invites that came in for Christmas meals reviews and thus missed out on all.
However, I do have in my head the places that I would go if I have something to celebrate; regardless of festive seasons.
So here they are. 🙂
1. STEAKS
Everybody love a good steak right?
I can’t say I have eaten at every steak joint in town. But for a good piece of beef that has been treated right, go for Beato, Arthur’s at Shangrila Hotel KL or one of the Pampas Group of Restaurants (I have only been to the 51 Restaurant & Bar at Soleil Hotel).
At Beato, enjoy dry-aged steaks where the flavours are intensified from the dry aging process. Their steaks are unadorned and you truly could taste the meat for its natural flavours.
Arthur’s at Shang KL promises a real Manhattan pub-style concept minus the flight and jetlag.
Warm tones emanating from the wood, leather and brickwork in its furniture and fittings exudes an elegant but cosy vibe.
The piece de resistance here is the Prime Rib,
For RM78++ this bordered on “cheap”! I mean where else could you get a juicy, perfectly roasted, imported piece of prime rib in a 5 star hotel grill with 2 sides for that price?
The meat is perfect medium (almost medium rare, see how pink it is!) and both inner and outer parts are just as tasty. I enjoyed the pinkish center; juicy and tender, just as much as I liked the outer crust for its marinate and firmer texture.
Pampas offers one of the best deal (by weight and taste) in town.
The Pampas restaurants (PAMPAS Grill & Bar on Changkat, Pampas Reserve at Bukit Ceylon’s Suasana Residences, Pampas Burger Dataran Jelatek, Setiawangsa and 51 Restaurant) specialises in steaks and they certainly ensured that the cows haven’t been sacrificed in vain.
So yes, do head to these 2 places for the best steaks in KL!
Beato
Publika – (same row as London Town, Coffee Stain by Joseph, Coffee Societe)
D2-G3-9 Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-6206 2405, 010-760 0423
Branch: 24-1, Jalan Telawi 3.
The Pampas Group of Restaurants (refer here for full list)
Address:
Ground Floor, Radius International Hotel (known as Soleil Hotel now),
51A, Changkat Bukit Bintang, 50200
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Operating Hours:
Tuesdays to Sundays – 5pm till 3am
Mondays – Closed
Arthur’s Bar & Grill, Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
Address: 11, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
03-2074 3900
Daily: 12:00 pm – 1:00 am
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2. Japanese
I love my Japanese cuisine and I could eat it everyday.
For a mid-budget meal coupled with solid quality, head to Ichiro Sushi in 1Utama Shopping Centre.
For the spurge, book yourself a seat with Chef Oritsuki Hideaki at Sushi Hinata and watch him as he prepares your meal for you in the simple, open dining area.
Forget teppanyaki, noodles and teriyaki as the restaurant’s unique menu is all focused on the best sashimi and the ultimate nigiri.
Address:
Sushi Hinata
A-0-1, Ground Floor St. Mary Residence,
No.1, Jalan Tengah, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Mon – Sat: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
+603-2022 1349
Ichiro Sushi
Isetan Eat Paradise, 1 Utama Shopping Centre
(Eat Paradise floor of Isetan (Level 2))
03 7726 5899
Daily: 10am – 10pm
3. Fine-dining: Modern European.
The Restaurant at The Club
Chef Alexander Waschl has held his position at The Restaurant, The Club for nearly 5 years now and has demonstrated admirable skill and consistency in his menu.
After all these years in Malaysia he could dish out nasi goreng as adeptly as his foie gras dishes but The Restaurant’s forte is modern European.
You can’t go wrong with the meat dishes (think beef, lamb, veal) nor the seafood dishes. With his cooking precision and perfectionist manner, my meals here at The Restaurant has always been stellar.
The well stocked wine cellar ensured diversity in your wine glass and the elegant, warm ambiance is an added bonus for a date.
4. Casual fine-dining: Contemporary.
Tanzini
I admit, I’m don’t fine-dine often in KL and I’m blaming it on the boring KL dining scene.
I do however, make an exception for Tanzini, currently in the capable hands of Chef Eugene Lee, mentored by the notorious Chef Johnny Fua.
Be expected to be mind-fark-ed blown by the marvellous culinary creations that mad-hatter (yes I’m referring to you Chef Eugene) comes up with from time to time; from a “Real marrow vs Mush Marrow Veal Marrow creation” to a char siew octopus from Japan to shallot micro sponge.
Chef Eugene’s latest project is the Lounge at GTower, where he lined the cake display with limited edition Tropical Blanc that has dehydrated lychee, Gula Melaka Pumpkin Pie and delicate eclairs; said to be the best in town.
Book yourself a table, and I’m certain you’ll agree with me later that Upper Deck at Tanzini warrants a visit.
Tanzini,
GTower, 199 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hours: Mon – Sat: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm – 10:30 p
03-2168 1899
Is there any other restaurants that I should include in this list?
Well, I used to love Qba Latin Bar and Grill at the Westin but I haven’t visited for a while since Chef Pearl left for W Guangzhou so I can’t be sure if the quality remained top notch.
What about YOU?
What are your to-go-to restaurants? Do share! 🙂
Yummeh! i love the first steak…