Layali Loubnan (The Nights of Lebanon) – Al Amar
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 Lamb Rack with Cousa Mehchi and Warak Enab – Al Amar |
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| Amuse Bouche – Parmesan Crissini with Bresaola – Circus |
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| Chili Crab Cake with Organic Mixed Salad – Circus |
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| Crispy Wild Mushroom Risotto – Circus |
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| Cod Fish with Truffle Butter Foam – Circus |
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| Wagyu Beef Tenderloin – Circus |
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| Hot Mezze |
October is a lip-smacking month for foodies in Kuala Lumpur.
All around the city, fine dining establishments do their best to outwit their
competitors with set menus and wine paired offerings showcasing the skills of
their chefs and the cuisine specialties careening from their kitchens in an
attempt to dazzle spectators of the Malaysia International Gourmet Festival.
tummy space by just nibbling at Al Amar in preparation for a later five course
menu at Circus.
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| Cold Mezze |
A profusion of Middle Eastern restaurants around the city makes
choosing difficult. Al Amar, however, stands above the flock with its
beverage menu filled with alcohol enriched options – the only Middle Eastern spot
I know of in Kuala Lumpur that serves liquor. A couple of Lebanese wines make
the drink list unique as well as a strong anis flavoured Kefraya Arak. Keskoun! (cheers) to that.
It begins with hot and cold Mezze of enduring favourites including these
highlights: Shanklish (a fusion of aged Lebanese cheese mixed with olive oil
and chopped parsley, tomatoes and onions); Hommos (chickpea dip); Meffarakeh
(lamb stuffed wheat dough cooked in yoghurt) and; steamed artichoke with a zesty
garlic and olive oil dressing.
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| Moghrabieh Chicken |
The main is a choice of a hearty plate of Moghrabieh chicken
– poultry and semolina pearls cooked with cinnamon and an all spice onion broth,
or, Lamb Rack with Cousa Mehchi and Warak Enab – lamb served with rice stuffed
zucchini and vine leaves with mint yoghurt sauce. (The vine leaves are
particularly grand!) Dessert, Layali
Loubnan (The Nights of Lebanon) is a layered pudding of kachta and bananas
topped with nuts and honey.
wine and RM195++ with wine.
eye-catching environment was waiting for us. Giant paintings, an evolving visual
display and long feature bar backed with a beehive of bottles changes over the
day with the aid of clever use of lighting and upbeat chill music. The goal of restaurants
in the Eatertainment group is to provide a comprehensive night out including entertainment
in the form of food, live music, dance shows and a host of drinks. Al Amar and
Circus are both examples of places to pass a leisurely few hours with friends,
both old and new. Describing themselves as a “modern bistro and cocktail lounge
to gather, relax, mix, mingle and drink,” Circus is more than just a restaurant.
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| French 75 |
mish mash of international cuisines. The Amuse Bouche of Parmesan Crissini with
Bresaola was a popular start at our table and came paired with a French 75.
This classic cocktail dates back to 1914 Paris, where it was named after a
canon used in the war for its strong kick. A base of gin, lemon juice and sugar
is topped with Chandon champagne producing a perfect opening for the palate.
next with a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc by La Palma. Usually this wine would have paired
well with the crustacean, however the heavy handedness with spice slightly
overpowered the grape. Presentation of this dish, along with the others were all
eye catching though and those who taste first with their eyes will be pleased.
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| Lime Granite Sorbet |
Crispy Wild Mushroom Risotto served as the starter and was
just a touch drier than the traditional version allowing it to be rolled into a
log allowing a unique mounting. The fruitiness and crispness of the Argentinian
Terrazas Chardonnay paired well with the unctuous risotto. A Lime Granite
palate cleanser came at just the right time, refreshing our mouths for the
main.
J Lohr Painter Bridge Chardonnay was my choice. The peach and pineapple notes
of the wine allowed the cod fish to shine while providing a silky addition to
the palate complementing the dish. The Wagyu Beef Tenderloin was hubby’s pick.
A smooth peppery Australian Shiraz by Tyrells Moores Creek was a good companion
to the beef but would also be a decent drop for quaffing on its own.
subtle addition of lavender added a touch of interest and the partner glass of
Dr Loosen Riesling Qualitatswein provided extra sweetness. This citrusy,
peachy, rich textured German wine seems to be quite versatile and I could
imagine it too with some toasted walnuts and salty cheese or a spicy dish such
as the Crab Cakes from earlier in the meal.
RM278++ with wine.
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| Lavender Crème Brulee |
Reason to visit:
Al Amar – the only Middle Eastern place in the city serving alcohol. Circus
– chic funky, a good place to meet, mix
and mingle.
Cuisine