Review: Mezze @ Jalan Kasah, Medan Damansara

**Non-Halal**


Mezze in the Eastern Mediterranean is a selection of appetizers or small dishes often served with beverage ie. beer, wines, etc is rather similar to the tapas of Spain or finger food. The Mezze I visited last week shared the same philosopy where food tastes best when shared with friends and family. When I walked in, the word "homey" came in mind where bare brick walls with beautiful b&w photos of my city, Kuala Lumpur and her people graced other walls. To me, Mezze at Jalan Kasah, Medan Damansara (just besides Vintry) is some sort of a meeting place where one kick off his shoes, sit back and relax whilst relishing on tasty bites and flowy wines.

Going thru the menu, I loved how Mezze sectionised and labelled them LOL... there are Greedy for big dishes, Grazing for small dishes, Indulge (no need to explain on this huh?) and Thirsty! There's even Afternoon Quickies hehe...

Richard Brewer is the Head Chef here but we got Perin to help us out in picking out some signature Grazing dishes for our party of 8. We shared some and it's clear which dish came out tops! Clockwise from top left; Mezze Flat Bread & Dips (RM9.50) have some Turkish flat bread with 2 kinda dips and the dips tend to change periodically. Pancetta & Prawn Tempura (RM15.50) have 3 huge prawns in crispy tempura batter, the wasabi aioli complimented the prawns beautifully, so good that we have double orders. Duck Liver Pate (RM13.50), needless to say this is THE must order! The pate is sinfully creamy so do balance out with a wee bit of fennel marmalade... it's very rich so do watch out and don't gorge yourself silly on this as there are more yummies here.

The next item we grazed were Zucchini Fritters (RM11.50). The fritter here is fried flat, almost like a pancake. There's a bite in this fritter that is the feta cheese. We felt the cheese is a tad heavy here especially for grazing. Shantini (I hope I got the spelling right) explained that this dish is to cater to their vegetarian guests who need to have some bite instead of just eating plain vege. It's great to see that they care for vegetarians instead of alienating them. Hmm we have a very meaty Lamb Cutlet (RM28.00) next. I tell ya, this is everyone's favourite! The 3 generous size lamb cutlets are chargrilled with coriander mint and honey, ohhh so tasty that you don't need any dips or anything else except digging them in with fingers and all. The bones were all sucked dry, see it was that good! Lastly the Duck & Chicken Spring Roll hold some meat too. There were shredded chicken and duck with pieces of feta and mushroom inside the crispy roll. Again the dip - green chili jam was fabulous to go with these babies.



Since there were eight of us, we just decided to order all the 8 Greedy dishes LOL the rule of thamjiak :p

The Chili Shrimp Spaghetti (RM29.50) have chargrilled prawns with chili, slow roasted tomato and shallots. I loved how the sweet shallots give the pasta dish a whole new dimension. Already noted and will do the same with mine at home. I was surprised on how Steamed Mussels (RM22.50) have turned out! Since I did not read the menu, I was half expecting them to be some sort buttery. I was so wrong hahaha... Richard told me that he had used some very Asian ingredients like tamarind, lemongrass, ginger, chili and honey which Capt'n Hook thought it was some kinda of Thai tom yum soup. Lovely!

Barbecued Spatchcock Chicken (RM28.00) have a spring chicken sitting on top of potatoes and a burnt aubergine salsa. We all know this is someone's fave but I better refrain from putting the name here, otherwise I will not get anymore invites :p. I had always wonder how would Spatchcock Chicken looked like after watching Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson making them. I finally get to taste it. Even though its barbecue, thank goodness the taste is no where barbeque sauce flavour! It's kinda have smokey flavours on the meat and I liked the shallots in the salsa. We then have Ballotine of Lamb (RM42.00) where the chargrilled boneless lamb marinaded in tagine spices, herbs, preserved lemon, olives etc served on a bed of cous cous. Loved how the cous cous soaked up the gravy.



Guisado Alicante (RM28.00) is a broth chokeful of seafood and chickpeas. I can taste smokey chorizo in it, hmmm now that it reminded me it's quite similar to my Minestrone but of course this is better. Very hearty! The Rib Eye Steak (RM65.00) is the priciest item in Greedy, so what do you think? Sounds reasonable huh? I would think so with the kinda quality Richard is controlling here.

The Lamb Pilaf Pie (RM23.00) came with a flaky pastry top. Just be careful when you dig as it's very very hot. We broke open the pastry and the smell of the pilaf rice with lamb pieces whafting out is so aromatic. Braised Beef Shank Pappardelle (RM32.50) ends our Greedy selection. The fresh fat ribbon pasta is homemade by Richard's friend served with ragout of braised beef shank. All right by now, I'm quite stuffed even though I'm only tasting morsels of each!



So the last thing to do here is to Indulge ourselves into these desserts. We have a Mango Tart (RM11.00, not pictured) where thin slices of mango on a crisp flaky pastry with mint and pineapple granita gave a good combination of flavours. This is something light but in case you like heavier desserts to share, these will be them.

Pana Cotta (RM9.50) is smooth, not too sweet. Best eaten with the hazelnut bits and syrup. The next Sticky Toffee Date Pudding served with Haagen Dazs vanilla ice-cream is not in the menu but it's on the blackboard, we're trying to tell the chef to make this permanent as this screamed the best dessert in Mezze! The warm pudding is rich and moist with light drizzle of sticky toffee, gosh everyone loved this. Fastest dessert to disappear. Then we have an Affogato (RM15.50) which no need intro huh... Haagen Dazs vanilla ice-cream topped with a shot of expresso and coffee liqueur. The crowd seems to be chocolate lovers as the Brownie (RM19.50) is fast going too. Can't blame them when the brownie is made with Varlhona chocolate!



BTW, my pics sucks to the max but don't worry, you can view the yumilicious offerings over at Lots of Craving. This means this place is low in lighting and a good place to bring your girl girl or boy boy for some intimate dates. It's quiet enough to have decent conversation. Sincerely speaking, this is a great place to share and graze food and of course drinking as well.

At this outing, I finally gotta meet the person behind the microphone, Aly and Fay Khoo, author of Best Eats. Very happy! Thank you to theQguides, Perin, Shantini and Richard for a fabulous evening.


Mezze
132 Jalan Kasah
Medan Damansara
50490 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: (603) 2095 0122

Note: Website not in operation yet

Steamed Chicken with Chinese Sausage

**Non-Halal**


Today I shall delved into a simple homecooked dish which is hearty and utmost delish. My mom used to cook this at home and I replicate it in our home these days.

Here's my guesstimate recipe for Steamed Chicken with Chinese Sausage:

2 large kampung chicken thighs (de-skinned and chopped into pieces)
2 tbsp Shao Tsing Rice Wine
about 2cm knob of ginger, sliced thinly
2 Chinese sausages (lap cheong), sliced according to your liking but I find them nicer when it's chunkier

(A)
1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
1/2 tbsp fish sauce
1/2 tbsp Shao Tsing Rice Wine
some white pepper if you like but it's all right to omit

Marinade chicken with ingredients (A). I usually do this a couple of hours or more ahead and stick them in the fridge. Remove from fridge about 30-45 minutes before cooking. You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste.

Mix chicken, Chinese sausages and ginger slices in a heat proof dish. Pour the Shao Tsing Rice Wine all over and steam until cooked. For an electric steamer, it took about 15-20 minutes. Serve hot with white rice.

If you prefer a stronger wine taste, pour in the wine right after cooking rather than before. I've used Stone's Ginger Wine and tasted just a great. Chinese sausages can also be left out to create a normal steam chicken dish.

Review: Emperor Q Casual Chinese Restaurant & Café

**Non-Halal**

Emperor Q Casual Chinese Restaurant & Café is located opposite their sister restaurant, MOF Japanese Sweets and Coffee in Pavilion. The menu is quite extensive here and they have lunch and dinner sets that are definitely more value for money as compared with ala carte orders. Checking thru, the menu consist of a hodgepodge of Chinese cum Asian offerings ranging from Taiwanese's 3 Cup Chicken to Japanese's hot pot and even sushi (but I think they have a little Chinese influence) right to a rather fusion Kapitan Seafood. Anyway, since we both can't find anything that can safisfy us from the set menu, we opted to go ala carte.

It has been a hot day and the best way is to have a cold noodle to slurp down hence I opted for a Minced Pork Prawn Noodle (RM18.90). It looked kinda plain but the flavour's there. The prawns were fresh and crunchy, most probably being marinaded with soda bicarbonate duh. I find the noodles doesn't keep cold till the end, it's not so pleasant eating room temperature noodles. My fault also cos I took a bit more time to snap pics gah!



The captain recommended a Rice Wine Chicken (oops can't find the price) to Capt'n Hook. Added a bowl of rice (RM2.00). The soup came with a little stove to keep it warm. After a sip, he complained the soup has no ooomph. He signaled for the Captain who took his order and told him so. The next thing, he brought a small bowl of rice wine and pour into the soup. Capt'n Hook took another sip and gave thumbs up for this. Now this is what I called good customer service by addressing the issue immediately ;-)



We added a steamed egg with minced pork which came looking like chawan mushi but this is better, just like how mom's steamed egg with minced pork tasted like. Now I have to remind myself to ask my mom how to make this!



I had a young coconut( RM7.00) and Capt'n Hook a pot of Pu Er (RM5.00). Prices here are kinda steep with a 10% service charge imposed but I supposed you're paying for the nice ambiance and environment, plus great service. Food wise, will have to explore more to try other dishes.

Emperor Q Casual Chinese Restaurant & Café
Lot 1.59.00 Level 1
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Bukit Bintang
Kuala Lumpur

Tel: (603) 2144 6861

Prawn and Chicken Pomelo Salad

Dad went on a trip to Penang with his qigong clique, they stopped by Ipoh and someone in the group, a datin if not mistaken, gave each of them 2 Tambun pomelos each. Mom gave me one and since there are 2 of us in the house who eat this, so I decided to make a light lunch out of it.



This is my simple version of Prawn and Chicken Pomelo Salad, seasoning to be adjusted according to taste. I broke apart about 4 segments of pomelo (this one is surprisingly very sweet) and kept in the fridge. Then I steamed a piece of butterflied chicken breast and some shelled prawn on separate plates in my electric steamer. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it using fingers into thin strips. Chuck chicken and prawns into the pomelo and return to fridge.

For the dressing, muddle these together in a mortar and pestle:

zest of 2 limes and juice from 3
2 tsp caster sugar
1 chopped red chilli (can sub with chilli padi)
1 stalk finely sliced lemongrass
1 stalk finely sliced bunga kantan (Torch Ginger Flower)
about 3 tbsp fish sauce


Pour the dressing (remember to adjust the fish sauce, sugar and lime juice according to your taste) into the pomelo mixture. Sprinkle in chopped spring onion and mix well. It would be great with some chopped coriander leaves but since Capt'n Hook doesn't like them so I omitted. Actually some chopped peanuts or cashew nuts would bring this salad to a greater height.


Easy peasy... almost as good as the one at Rama V that I had with Miss Sweet 16 ;-)



Technorati Tags: salad + pomelo salad + pomelo

Restaurant Dubrovnik, An Evening With Bloggers

With a kitchen helmed by Chef Zoran Djumic and restaurant front managed by his beautiful daughter, Dina, Restaurant Dubrovnik is the first and only Croatian restaurant in town and most probably in SEA too. Capt'n Hook and I have the privilege to attend an evening with the bloggers hosted by Dina and Chef Zoran by way of invitation by Frat and Alice George Communication (AGC). It's nice to meet some old friends like ThamJiak, FBB, beauty queen, Cumi & Ciki, Wilson, TNG and etc and new as well like Taufulou and FoodnTravella.



We were a little late and missed the intro of the place and the drinks placed on the table. I was told later that we're supposed to taste all of them using a straw errmmm something not that hygienic with the prevailing A(H1N1). I can't really get the full taste of the drinks so can't comment much.

The first 2 dishes that arrived were orzo with prawns in tomato sauce and spaghetti with prawns tossed in garlic, olive oil and white wine sauce. The orzo looked like paella to me as the pasta looked like tiny grain but others thought they resembled risotto. I like the spaghetti as it tasted light.

Next we have some appetisers rolling out, spinach cooked in goat's milk which I thought initially it was done with cheese as it's rather rich. Sue Lynn commented this would be great as a dip which I agreed with her. We then have button mushrooms done in two way. We loved the baked potato skins. The mash potatoes filling is fluffy and topped with 2 types of cheeses before being grilled.

The lamb peka (yikes no pics taken? must be busy eating :p) were baked under an iron bell known as peka in a wood burning oven. The meat is tender, nary any gamey smell but Capt'n Hook and I find the lamb a tad too salty to our taste. We also have lamb burger... actually I asked the server what meat and she told me beef as I sat too far back to hear Dina introducing the dishes. Found out the meat was lamb when I started reading the blogs LOL... anyway just like Cumi, my piece was a tad salty as well but the homemade bun is nice. The dish that is almost similar to a Hungarian goulash was one of my fave. The meatballs hidden underneath the gravy and cheese topping were tasty.

The highlight of the night is Chef Zoran himself, demonstrating how to make Crepe Suzette by the table. I guess everyone were excited with the thought of the liquors used to flambe this famous French dessert. The bloggers were busy clicking away when the action starts. I had the third and last batch of the crepe... not enough sauce definitely, the crepe did not get soak through properly but the flavours are there.

It has been a lovely evening indeed. Thank you Chef Zoran, Dina, Frat and AGC for hosting the dinner.

Restaurant Dubrovnik
J-0G-14, ,
No. 2 Jalan Solaris, Mont Kiara,
50480 Kuala Lumpur

Click here for map

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11.30am - 11.30pm

Review: Mrs Macgregor Seeded Wholemeal Loaf

Thanks to the pimping by FBB, at least I know it's safe to grab a loaf of Mrs Macgregor bread off the shelf without wondering if they're good or not. Ahhhh I love product reviews... at least I can purchase tanpa was-was LOL.

I got this Mrs Macgregor Seeded Wholemeal Loaf (RM7) from Village Grocer. While I was deciding which type of bread to get, a lady with a waistpouch was busy checking them out too. She gave me a smile and I smiled back. After grabbing my loaf, I looked back as I walked away, and saw her checking and arranging the Mrs Macgregor breads. Ahhhh hmmm perhaps that's Mrs Macgregor herself?



Back to the loaf, I'm a sucker for bread... especially these lovely healthy ones. Unlike FBB and Capt'n Hook who will slather thick salted butter on them, I like varieties... jam, lemon curd, peanut butter, nutella, marmite/bovril and yes, the list can go on and on but for this Seeded Wholemeal Loaf, I first tried with butter. I tell ya, I was on glorious shangrila. The bread even though it's of wholemeal type but the texture is pillowy soft.

I had 4 slices for breakie that morning LOL. The next day, I had them with peanut butter... oooo needless to say, it was good too. I can't stop myself from having more than my fair share of slices hahaha. The only bad thing was sighhh... why lah I have to stay so far away from Bangsar?? *sobs*

You can get Mrs Macgregor breads at Village Grocer at Bangsar Village or Rocky Coffee Shop at Jalan Telawi 5 or call Mrs Macgregor at 016-2389313.


Technorati Tags: bread

Leftover Chicken Satay

There are times when one host a party and the host, being typical Asian, will order loads of food. At the end of the party, there are usually heaps of leftovers. The host will beg the guests to help clear off some of the leftovers by tarpau (packing) them back. Ever being in this situation? Hahaha I'm sure somehow or rather we're faced with this, well I'm one of them... no, I'm not the host but the victim LOL. I had a bag of chicken satay forced on me, luckily the host packed some satay sauce along too.

To clear the satay off, I removed the chicken meat from the skewers. Pour the sauce into a wok/pot and add some water, just enough to cover the meat. When it comes to a boil, chuck in the chicken meat. You can adjust the seasoning (salt and sugar) now to your taste. Turn down the heat, put on the lid and simmer till meat is soften and sauce is thicken up. Dish up and serve hot with rice.




Technorati tags: satay