Tai Thong Presents New Temptations of Dim Sum, BBQ and Jade Perch Promotions

A Chinese Feast of New Temptations!

Tai Thong, a restaurant name highly popular in our F&B industry has recently launch more new temptations at all their outlets. Diners can enjoy a sumptuous treat of their modern injections of classic dishes concocted by the Tai Thong team of chefs in various outlets from now till end of the year.

Starting out 1971, the multi-award winning Tai Thong restaurants has always been a pioneer in serving up authentic Cantonese cuisine in our F&B scene. Today, Tai Thong Group is still one of the leaders in Chinese cuisine in our culinary scene and its many outlets are serving up a list of classic dim sums and Chinese dishes injected with touches of modern influences. The Tai Thong Group has many outlets with some pork free outlets as well as non-halal outlets. From now till end of the year, check out these promotions going on currently at the various Tai Thong restaurants.

For Dim Sum lovers, Tai Thong is proud to present 2 series of Tai Thong Dim Sum. First up, the Black Temptations Dim Sum series features four delectable dim sums from dim sum Chef Loo Kok Seng.

Pan Seared Dumpling with Fish Paste & Cheese (RM9.80), an East meets West concoction of fish paste and cheese is delightfully enveloped in a black and white dumpling skin. I do admit to enjoy this ying and yang combination. Enjoy this hot for the ooey-gooey melted cheese sensation!

Glutinous Dumpling with Sesame Paste (RM6.80) is one of my favorite dim sum that day. The lightly chewy and soft black sesame mochi encasing nutty and creamy black sesame filling is marvelous and very aromatic. A pleasurable dim sum with an oozing filling popping in the mouth…

Who would ever thought of combining the king of fruit with the rich salted egg? Charcoal Bun with Durian & Salted Egg (RM9.80) was very well received by many who was also surprised at how the flavours of this pairing turn out to be. The black bun and its filling turned out to be very rich and sinful in flavours as advised by many foodies.

Do try the refreshing Chilled Coffee Flavoured Jelly Cake (RM5.80). I enjoyed the big hit of coffee note in the jelly balanced with a layers of creamy jelly. The lightly chewy texture is another plus point to this dim sum dessert.

Black Temptations Dim Sum series available from 1 August 2015 till 31 October 2015

For those who enjoy spicy flavours, don’t miss the Spicy Szechuan Dim Sum series. Showcasing four spicy dim sums, this series will certainly heat up your senses. The only gripe here is one might need to wait for a little while as this series is only available in November only.

A hodge-podge of yellow chicken glutinous rice topped with spicy Nyonya sambal wrapped in bao bun, the Chicken Bun Nyonya Style (RM10.80) proved to be a winner in my books. The pungent salty and lightly sweet Nyonya sambal was the highlight of this dim sum. Inspired by the classic Kai Wo Bao, this version is very tasty and piquant.

Dumplings are also spiced up in heat with this Pan Seared Spicy Dumpling (RM8.80). Nicely pan-seared on one side together with a piece of crispy white lacy wrap, the minced meat and seafood dumpling has a good bouncy bite with spicy savory flavours. Definitely one of my favorite spicy dumplings of the meal!

Spicy Dumplings in Pepper Soup (RM9.80) showcases another delicious minced meat and seafood dumpling in a peppery broth. There’s plenty of black pepper in the dumpling for extra peppery heat too. This is a dish I would definitely reorder again as it has bold spicy flavours that worked well with the seafood dumpling.

The dish that took me by surprised was the least dim-sum looking dish of Seafood Curry with Puff Pastry (RM11.80). Beautifully baked golden puff pastry is capped on a bowl of piping hot seafood curry. The piquant curry is tastefully spicy in heat and has nice chunks of squid, prawn and fish. A tad oily but I still enjoyed the curry with the buttery flaky puff pastry.

Spicy Szechuan Dim Sum series available from 1 November 2015 till 31 January 2015

Besides the dim sum promotions, diners can also enjoy Tai Thong’s current Barbeque Promotion and Jade Perch Promotion at all their outlets for a limited time only.

The Barbeque Promotion is certainly one to watch out for as there are a few barbeque dishes specially concocted by Tai Thong’s chefs.

First up, a majestic looking Flaming Beijing Duck served with Crispy Bun (RM88.80) had all of us experiencing a fiery flaming action as we watch the Beijing Duck being lite up! I didn’t manage to catch the flaming action but one look at the beautifully lacquered duck with its glistening skin had me drooling at sight.

With quick and deft slicing actions, our Beijing duck had its skin nicely cut into rectangle pieces and serve with the side of crispy Mantao buns, scallion, cucumber and hoisin sauce.

The skin is gorgeously crisp and nicely flavoured with a touch of caramel sweetness. Sandwich everything together for a mouthful of delectable crispy duck skin with a good bite from condiments. Simply delicious!

The rest of the duck was whipped back into the kitchen for a second preparation for the duck. Our preferred method was Salt & Pepper style. Unlike most Salt & Pepper dishes, this one was not battered and deep fried, allowing us to enjoy the dark meaty flavours of the duck.

Other barbeque items include Braised Triple Platter (RM23.90) and Duet of Deep-Fried Shatin Chicken and Smoked Duck with Chilled Jelly Fish (RM23.80)

Barbeque Promotion available from 1 July 2015 to 30 September 2015

Fish lovers will be pleased with the Jade Perch Promotion, an Australian fish that is rich in Omega-3 fish oil and has a smooth, soft and sweet flesh.

Taking on a creative approach, we tried the Baked Jade Perch with Chilled Garlic Pickled Cucumber Sauce (RM68.80). The bits of pickled cucumber together with chili and garlic is so yummy with tangy, sweet and savory notes. The condiments even enhanced the sweetness of the fish, making it quite addictive and delectably unique. Other Jade Perch item include a Deep Fried Jade Perch with Tamarind Sauce (RM68.80)

Jade Perch Promotion available from 1 May 2015 to 31 August 2015

For list of Tai Thong Restaurants, please visit their website: www.taithong.com.my or Facebook: www.facebook.com/TaiThong

Piggy Tail @ Bangsar Baru

Hogging the Limelight in Bangsar!

If you have not heard about Piggy Tail, you should, especially if you are a lover of porky dishes! The bistro and bar is located in the bustling area of Bangsar. Though the area is literally swarmed with lots of eateries, porcine lovers are rest-assured that Piggy Tail is worth a visit. Serving up a full swine-laden menu, the bistro has got some attractive and scrumptious dishes aim to please all porky fans out there.

The bistro has a casual and stylish laid-back ambiance. Using lots of natural wood with a mix of steel, it has the feel of the much seen industrial raw appeal theme here. Lots of tables with benches added a casual vibe as the bistro wants its diners to just enjoy their delicious porky fare as the highlight. There is a long bar in the bistro too, serving up lots of beers and cocktails to go with the menu. It’s a near-perfect combo of bar and porky fare!

The menu is filled with choices of piggy breakfast dishes, salad, soup, pasta, burgers, snacks, rice, main porky and non-porky dishes, set platters and desserts. The beverage list is just as long as the food menu with list of wines, beers, liquor, cocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages plus coffee and tea too.

Since it was a weekday we were there, we were pretty good and had Virgin Piggies or mocktails… from Piggy Surprise (RM18.00) to Virgin Pink Lady (RM15.00) and Mango Mock-O-Lada (RM15), these beverages were deliciously refreshing and fruity. 

My other half also had a Kirin Ichiban Beer (RM22.00 for half pint).

Since there were four of us that evening, we had a taste of their Mega Piggy Platter (RM268.00) together with some other dishes. The enormous platter is served on a large wooden board. Our eyes, well at least mine, sparkled at the sight of this gargantuan platter of heavenly dishes on this board. The Mega Piggy Platter has Piggy Signature Pork Knuckles, Pork Burger, Pork Franks, BBQ Pork Chops, BBQ Pork Ribs and BBQ Beef Ribs served with gravy, coleslaw and salad. Of course one can order all these separately but if you are going to go full-force with a group of buddies, this platter is right up your alley.

There are two kinds of ribs served at Piggy Tail. Both BBQ Short Pork Rib and BBQ Long Pork Rib are very scrumptious in flavours. Both are finger-licking awesome as well. While the BBQ Short Pork Rib has a fall-off-the-bone texture, the BBQ Long Pork Rib has a good bite in the well balanced lean and fat belly meat. The BBQ sauce is delish with its balance of tangy piquant sweet note that suited my palate really well.

The BBQ Pork Shoulder Steak is nicely tender too despite it being so lean and has a very tasty note. There were two Pork Franks with one being spicier than the order. These were nicely juicy and tasty too.

Our platter was a little different and we had their Signature Lamb Chops (RM45.00 a la carte) which we really enjoy too. The grilled marinated New Zealand lamb chops are smothered in a robust Mongolian sauce and was nicely chargrilled on the edges while tender and juicy on the inside.

The Piggy Pork Burger (RM28.00 a la carte) is a towering height of porky goodness. A generously bulky piece of pork patty is sandwiched with cheese, lettuce, tomato, bacon, fried onion rings and toasted sesame seed bun showed how every pork burger should be. The patty is has a good bouncy texture with a juicy note. I also really enjoyed the crispy well-battered onion rings. Go ahead and sink your teeth into this sizeable pork burger if you can…

The next dish of Signature Pork Knuckle (RM86.00) was indeed another beauty! Just check out how evenly golden and crispy the whole pork knuckle looked. Propped on mashed potato, the pork knuckle looked every inch poise and divine. Served on the side was a mug of gravy, coleslaw and salad.

The pork knuckle is one of the best pork knuckle I had so far. The even crispiness of the skin coupled with the tender and succulent dark meat was just damn delicious in every bite. The bits of gelatinous tendon and fat gave the dish a moreish sensation of indulgence. Must-order at Piggy Tail!

Premium Pork Aglio Olio (RM25.00) was our only carb dish and even this one had the hog. Grilled Sakura pork neck fillet is paired with a classic aglio olio spaghetti of chili flakes, garlic, olive oil and bacon. I was really loving the grilled pork neck filter because it was so tender and well-seasoned.

Piggy Tail uses Sakura Pork which is organic and has better flavour and textures!

Curiosity got the better of us and we also snacked on Piggy Pork Corn (RM16.00). Inspired from the popcorn chicken, this one was luxe up with Sakura pork chunks nicely seasoned and deep fried till golden brown. The meat and bits of tendon texture in the Pork Corn was a plus point factor that had us keep going back for more… it is a great snack with beer…

Dessert was our least expected dish of the night. Piggy Tail goes all out and serves up their Signature Truffle Ice Cream (RM18.00). As soon as the dessert was placed on our table, the intense earthy truffle aroma hit our senses like a ton of bricks… in a luscious way of course! What a treat… pairing the high-prized white truffle with ice cream certainly works for me in flavours and aromas. That’s not all, the dessert comes with chocolate sauce and crispy bacon bits… oo la la!!

Battling the area traffic and parking is worth it. Piggy Tail is a pure haven of porcine glory. The bistro has got all the markings of an awesome porky place to indulge in porky dishes. If this were to be my last meal on earth, I would be satisfied and happy. Whether one just wants to unwind the day or have a party with friends and family, one thing’s for sure, Piggy Tail is The Porky place to be seen, heard and yes… Eat!  

PIGGY TAIL

39 Jalan Telawi 3,

Bangsar Baru,

59100 Kuala Lumpur

Facebook: www.facebook.com/piggytailkl

Website: www.piggytail.webs.com

Business Hour: 11am to 1am

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Mai Bar @ Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral

Oh Mai Barbeque!

My family and I had lots of fun at our stay at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral. The hotel is truly a cool and modern contemporary hotel with lots of pizazz. I have also dined at Nook, their all-day-dining restaurant and have a fondness for their signature Sarawak Laksa that rocks! This round, I am back again at Aloft and it is to check out their latest promotion going on in their Polynesian themed Mai Bar located at the Rooftop level of the hotel.

Mai Bar has a gorgeous city view and also faces the infinity pool at the hotel. During the day, it’s pretty quiet but in the evening, Mai Bar comes alive with lots of groove and jazz. The bar’s interior is pretty swanky, set with lots of curves, Tiki totems, eclectic mix of furniture and is set with dark lighting brighten up with lots of neon spotlights. It’s quite retro and funky. Choose to sit along the curvy bar or relax on the sofas to chill. There is also private areas available and guests can also choose to chill out by the pool area to enjoy the view of the evening lights.

Mai Bar serves bar food mostly to be enjoyed with their bar drink menu. With the recent promotion, there is now a Mai Barbeque available for diners to enjoy. Barbeque seemed to be the perfect food have when chilling out at the bar. It goes well with beers, cocktails, liqueur and even wine.

So we arrive one Friday evening and straight away order cocktails to chill out. I had the Malaysian Princess Mai Tai (RM38) while Choi Yen had the Mojito (RM35) if I am not mistaken. My partner grabbed his usual favorite black gold of Guinness.

If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, there’s Raspberry Tulip (RM30) and other mocktails…

The Mai Barbeque menu has a solid list of barbeque items. Simply order from the wait staff or head outside to the pool where the chef is busy grilling up lots of skewers and order there yourself. Each skewer are priced from RM10 to RM18 depending on the protein and they all come with Corn on the Cob and Jacket Potatoes with a few choices of sauces.

Round one, we had Cajun Tiger Prawns and Texas Style Beef skewers served with Corn on Cob, Jacket Potatoes and three sauces of Mushroom, Barbeque and Black Pepper. The prawns have a nice smoky and sweet flavour. It is also fresh and firm and cooked just right. The beef was well-seasoned and was tender too. The sauces are a plus as the skewers are already nicely flavourful on its own.

The next platter had Caribbean Chicken Thigh and Greek Style Barbeque Squid. It is also served the vegetables and sauces. I really enjoyed the Caribbean Chicken Thigh. The dark meat is succulent and so tasty with all the pepper and seasonings. The Greek Style Barbeque Squid had lots of herbs and spices too, giving it a lovely herb aroma. A squeeze of lemon jazzed up the squid even more.

There is also Thai Spicy Quail that is scrumptious! A little sweet, a little spicy and a good hit of umami notes, the quails are also smoky. The meat is tender and so juicy. I enjoyed this one on its own and no sauces needed even though it is served with one.

Besides barbeque skewers, there are also pizza and mini tacos from the bar menu. For the mini tacos, we had Chicken Taquiza Tacos (RM21), Beef Steak Tacos (RM25) and Bolo Tacos. I also enjoyed these as I believed that I polished off quite a bit of these. The Chicken Taquiza Tacos has delicious pieces of tender chicken cooked in some spiced sauce and is served with olives, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream with mini taco shells.

The Beef Steak Tacos is also served with the same condiments. The beef has a spice seasoning and tasted really deliciously earthy and smoky with a nice balance of spices. The Bolo Tacos is actually Bolognese sauce with minced meat. This one reminded me of eating nachos and is just as good as the chicken and beef.

We also had their Pizza Margherita (RM28) and Beef Chicago Pizza (RM25). Both pizzas are quite light as it uses tortilla as the pizza base. The pizzas has lots of cheese and other ingredients on them. I like the Margherita as it has loads of cheese.

The Mai Barbeque is available from 5pm to 8pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the barbeque skewers are priced from RM 10.00 nett onwards. And that’s not it! Happy hour is available at Mai Bar from 5pm to 8pm daily – so it is double happiness with drinks at great price to pair up with the good food. Happy hour pricing is extended to beers, wines and cocktails. Head over to Mai Bar at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral to chill out to their awesome bar with a gorgeous city view!

MAI BAR

Aoft Kuala Lumpur Sentral

No, 5, Jalan Stesen Sentral,

Kuala Lumpur Sentral,

50470 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: +603- 2723 1154

Website: www.aloftkualalumpursentral.com/en/mai-bar

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Mai-Bar-Aloft-KL/497110033680163

Business Hour:

Sunday to Thursday: 12.00pm ~ 12.00am

Friday and Saturday: 12.00pm ~ 2.00am