Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant: A Japanese Beefy Haven

Smokeless Japanese Yakiniku

The first Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant opened in 1996 in Japan. After four years, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ grew over 200 outlets in Japan alone, signifying the love for Japanese BBQ taking the country by storm. Soon, Gyu-Kaku went international to US, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and it finally reached our Malaysian shores in 2012 at One Utama Shopping Centre. Today Gyu-Kaku has three outlets to cater to its many Japanese yakiniku fans.

A few of us gathered at its first outlet in One Utama recently to get a taste of the smokeless Japanese BBQ. The outlet is located in Isetan’s food paradise together with other restaurants. Conceptually designed with an open concept, the many booths and open space allows every passerby to be tempted with all the senses of the Japanese BBQ. Designed with Japanese theme using lots of wood furniture, wooden wall panels, wooden raised platform flooring and box lightings, Gyu-Kaku is set to remind everyone of its roots.

The menu pretty much focuses on beef, all cuts of the cow that is perfect for grilling. Besides the highlight of the beef cuts, there are some other appetizers, salads, rice and noodle with some desserts. One can make your selection of beef ala carte or simply opt for their set meals filled with various cuts of meat and seafood paired with salad, soup, rice and dessert. Gyu-Kaku is famous for their smokeless BBQ, using special smokeless charcoal that creates a steady strong heat but doesn’t emit the usual smokiness. The restaurant also has a strong down-draft ventilation system to ensure that the smoke is well controlled. Bibs are also given to protect our clothes or in case one is just a messy eater.

Once the orders were logged in, we settle in with our drinks. Gyu-kaku has a good list of beverages, from non-alcoholic to the alcohols that include Japanese sakes.

Gyu-Kaku has quite a long list of appetizers to whet one’s appetite. Ours of that evening was Fried Shrimp Gyoza (RM12.90) featuring crispy fried gyoza finished with Okonomiyaki sauce and mayonaise with Bonito flakes. The gyoza has a shrimp filling. This is pretty much delicious as we all polished this off happily.

Since we knew we were going to be packing in lots of meat, we were glad that Gyu-Kaku has also a decent list of salads and greens to offer. We had a Horenzo Salad (RM8.90) and Assorted Namuru Salad (RM14.90).

The Horenzo Salad looked plain at sight but it was just so good. It’s a Japanese style spinach salad with crispy garlic, mushroom and goma sesame dressing. It’s light and easy to enjoy. I was really fond of the goma sesame dressing as it was creamy, nutty and aromatic. This salad was so good, we had to order another one…

The Assorted Namuru reminds of Banchan. It is basically an assortment of seasoned or marinated white radish, spinach, bean sprout and black fungus. Expect lots of textures and flavours with these vegetables and they all go very well with grilled meat and seafood.

When our platter of various beef cuts arrives, I was pretty impressed! At sight, the beef quality really stands out. You know you are getting the freshest and premium cuts of the beef by looking at how beautiful the meats were.

Gyu-Kaku’s beef cuts available are Karubi (short rib or oyster blade), Rump Cap (round primal cut), Harami (tender and low fat content), Fillet (undercut of sirloin), Brisket (prime cuts that include superficial & deep pectorals), Beef Tongue (delicious & subtle), Shabu Shabu Grill (thinly sliced beef strips) and Tsubo Zuke Karubi (marinated short rib with homemade Shabu dressing). Prices start from RM14.90 to RM35.90.

If one is feeling rather indulgence, then go for Gyu-Kaku’s Wagyu cuts from Wagyu Brisket, Wagyu Rump Cap, Wagyu Karubi and Wagyu Tenderloin. These are priced from RM26.90 to RM99.00.

All meats come with choice of marination of Rock Salt (Himalaya), Tare, Shio, Miso, Spicy Miso and Miso/Shio with Leeks.

Other meats include Lamb Neck (RM15.90), Lamb Chop (RM32.90) and Chicken Thigh Fillet (RM12.90). Seafood list includes Sea Water Prawns (RM20.90), Whole Squid Grill (RM14.90), Norwegian Salmon Foil (RM17.90), US Scallop (RM25.90), Oyster Foil (RM15.90) and Ocean Seafood Platter (RM79.90)

We got busy. All the meats really only require a very quick grill on the coals since I prefer my meat to be medium. What I really enjoyed was Karubi, Brisket, Fillet, Shabu Shabu Grill and surprisingly Beef Tongue. I actually concluded that I prefer my meat with a marbling content as these are simply tastier and tenderer.  Of course the Karubi was my ultimate favorite with its glorious marbling content, making it unctuously scrumptious.

The Beef Tongue is superbly tender, almost melting upon contact with my mouth. I also enjoyed the meat simply seasoned with salt as I can enjoy the natural beefy flavours of the beef cuts. For those who love heavier flavours, one can opt for the miso or spicy miso or simply dip your grilled meats into the sauces provided.

Besides the Yakiniku, we also had some of their set meals, rice and noodles as filler. Feast on some of their signature noodles like Gomanegi Ramen (RM16.90) and Tantan Ramen (RM18.90). Comfort ramen noodles soaked in earthy and spicy flavours accompanied by lots of veggies and other condiments.

During lunch, there are also set meals like this Chicken Katsu Set (RM18.90) which has a large piece of golden fried panko crumbed chicken served with tonkatsu sauce, rice, soup and a dessert. It’s a complete meal perfect for lunch and the best part is that it comes with a dessert too!

If one should have to consume carb, make sure its well worth it just like the Ishiyaki Mentaiko that is available a la carte (RM20.90) and also as a lunch set (RM17.90). Served in a hot stone bowl, the rice has salmon, cod roe or mentaiko, lots of fresh lettuce, seaweed, sesame and butter. Simply mixed all these together and enjoy the sheer simplicity of buttery rice with burst of umami salty cod roe and salmon. The rice is so gorgeous in flavours that we raved over it happily. I would return to Gyu-Kaku simply just for this rice!

All good meals had to come to an end and it did end with desserts. Milk Pudding (RM9.90) is a signature of Gyu-Kaku’s and I can see why. The milk pudding reminds me of Panna Cotta and this one is very milky and creamy with a light Japanese brown sugar syrup and soya bean powder.

It’s been a while since I had S’mores and I was literally excited when I saw that Gyu-Kaku has a version of S’mores (RM5.90) as a dessert option. Nothing beats the memories of those days in the States during campfires where I would toast marshmallows over fire in the autumn nights and sandwich the oozy melted mallows with graham crackers and chocolate. We did the same with ours over the coals here and these are just so oozy and sinfully yum!

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant has a lot to offer for beef lovers! The meat served is definitely prime cuts and quality. In addition, one does not have to deal with all the smoky and mess over a BBQ, so simply head over here whenever your BBQ craving sets in. I planned to return for some beef and most important of all, that awesome Ishiyaki Mentaiko rice!

GYU-KAKU JAPANESE BBQ RESTAURANT

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GyuKakuMalaysia

One Utama

2nd Floor, Isetan, 1Utama

Bandar Utama

47800 Petaling Jaya

Tel: 03-7733-0018

Publika

Publika, Solaris Dutamas

Block D3-Level G3-Unit 3

Jalan Dutamas 1

Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03–6211-5446

Tropicana City Mall

Lot G-36, Ground Floor

Tropicana City Mall

No.3, Jalan SS20/27

47400 Petaling Jaya

Tel: 03–7725-6796

Club Med Matta Fair 2014 Extended Promotion: Enjoy Club Med Up To 40% Discount

Don’t Miss This Awesome Matta Fair Club Med Offer!

Club Med, an international premium all-inclusive holiday resort, is famous for their unforgettable travel experience all over the world. It is the perfect getaway for all as it is a one-stop destination where everything is taken care off and one can simply relax and enjoy all the activities and indulgences available at Club Med. With 80 resorts worldwide, it is a haven getaway perfect for families or couples and friends or solo. Discover some of the most beautiful destinations worldwide with the Club Med Premium All-Inclusive holiday packages available.

At the recent Matta Fair held from 5 to 7 September, there was a list of Club Med promotions with up to a staggering 40% discount for various Club Meds all over the world. The great news is that although Matta Fair is over physically, the Matta Fair promotion for Club Med has been extended till 15 September 2014.

It’s an unbelievable All-Inclusive Deals that includes welcome drink, accommodation, 3 sumptuous international buffet meals daily, all-day bar & snacking (alchohol & non-alchoholic), unlimited wine & beer during lunch & dinner, varieties of land & sea activities with tuition, nightly entertainment and Kids Club.

Check out the promotional offers for Club Med Cherating (Malaysia), Club Med Phuket (Thailand), Club Med Bali (Indonesia), Club Med La Pointe (Mauritius), Club Med Kani (Maldives), Club Med Guilin (China), Club Med Yabuli (China) and Club Med Sahoro (Japan) available for this Matta Fair!

Every Club Med is truly unique on its own… here are some highlights of some of the various Club Meds nearby!

CLUB MED CHERATING

Look no further than Club Med Cherating located in Kuantan, Pahang. Club Med Cherating is an Eco Nature Village that has received Green Globe certification for Sustainable Tourism. The resort stretches over 4 kilometers along the coastline of South China Sea with 3 different beaches and has a backdrop of the Pahang jungle. It is famed as a family resort that welcomes children of all ages and offers many various children facilities in addition to the adult facilities. Lie on the sandy beaches or the pool facing a magnificent view of the South China Sea, engage in water sport activities, take up archery, join the flying trapeze academy with circus activities, enroll in cooking lessons, visiting the wellness centre for spa and massage or simply do nothing and relax, believe me, there’s plenty more to do or not to do!

This child friendly resort offers various child and teenager programs from Baby Club Med (4 to 23 months) to Petit Club Med (2 to 3), Mini Club Med (4 to 10) and Club Med Password (11 to 17). These areas are specifically designed for the little ones’ needs and are equipped with comfort and safety. There are baby nursing rooms, baby corner, baby restaurant, babysitting services, playground, clean art planet, little circus and petit chef program to keep the little ones busy as the parents get some relaxation and time off in their adult activities.

Dine like royalty at the various restaurants in Club Med Cherating with The Mutiara or The Rembulan or simply enjoy drinks at The Orchid Bar or The Monkey Bar. One will never go hungry at any Club Med resorts with all the gastronomical indulgence available all throughout the day!

CLUB MED BALI

Located on the majestic island of Bali, Club Med Bali is a newly renovated Club Med resort that is designed with harmony and zen in mind for guests of all ages. Situated along the beach in protected area of Nusa Dua in the South of Bali, the Club Med Bali Village is designed in perfect harmony between modern contemporary décor and traditional Balinese architecture.

Discover harmony with the mesmerizing Zen Pool, the latest swimming pool in addition to the original one that is designed with the tranquility of zen nature in mind. Ideal for simply total relaxation just let everything go and soak in serenity by the pool and let nature takes it course.

Hit the 6-hole golf course in the resort, take up the various sport activities, hit the gym, enjoy kayaking, enroll in aqua fitness, go snorkeling or windsurfing or discover endless excursions in getting to know Bali better. Club Med Bali also offers children programs just like Cherating. Dining is also taken up another level as one can indulge with pleasure at The Agung Restaurant and Le Batur or visit The Riang, The Kintamani and The Lounge Bar for thirst quenching beverages. Go gourmet and dine at their new The Deck, Gourmet Lounge that will be launched this month that features seafood in a magical ambience.

CLUB MED KANI

Club Med Kani is located in paradise island on the Maldives archipelago. Imagine clear turquoise water meets the horizon of blue sky, a paradise waiting to be discovered. It is the ultimate place for romance, for memories making moments and for picture perfect experiences. Featuring 75 lagoon suites built on stilts, the resort is designed to resemble a giant palm tree spread across the lagoon from a bird’s eye view. Cocooned by the Indian Ocean, the sheer beauty of its geographical water nature is worthy alone of the visit.

Dive and discover the waters of the lagoon, relax and unwind on the white sandy beaches, explore the underwater world with your loved one and take romance to another level. Water activities rule here at Club Med Kani. Go kayaking on transparent bottom kayaks, lounge by the swimming pool with a gorgeous view or hang out at the Mantra lounge which has a 360 degree view of the lagoon and is furnished with day beds and arm chairs to chill out. Go for the most ancient ritual of Asian culture and enjoy some pampering moments at the wellness centre.

Dine at some of the world’s international cuisine at Le Vehli and Le Kandu or simply enjoy a drink while watching sunset at The Iru and The Sunset. Walk in the evening and make precious moments with unforgettable rendezvous with your loved ones.

Everything is taken care of with Club Med All-Inclusive Sun Holiday Packages!

Club Med Matta Fair 2014 Extended Promotion

Booking Period: Until 15 Sept 2014

Travel Period: Now till 26 Apr 2015

*Terms and conditions apply.

Book at www.clubmed.com.my or call Club Med at 03-7957 5678 for more information. Visit their Facebook for the latest updates for Club Med at www.facebook.com/ClubMedMalaysia

For Club Med packages, inclusive of flights, airport transfer, etc, check out the details at www.holidaytours.com.my/mattapromosep/

Hennessy Appreciation Grows 2014: The First Installment at Danga Bay, Johor Bahru

Hennessy X.O Conquers Johor with the World’s First and Original X.O Cognac

Life is made a little sweeter with all the fine things in life. A recent voyage took me on a gastronomical journey all over the world at the first installment of the Hennessy X.O Appreciation Grows 2014 that took place at Danga Bay, Johor Bahru from the 16th to the 18th of April 2014. From my previous post here, distinguished guests and media experienced the ultimate Hennessy experience through an evening of fine cognac paired against the culinary brilliance of three times James Beard semi-finalist for Best Chef: Southwest and “Iron Chef Winner”, Chef Viet Pham.

The journey took off with a short air trip to Johor where the magnificent dinner was held for three days consecutively. Hennessy X.O Appreciation Grows is a series of intimate engagements aimed at creating a core of true connoisseurs of the World’s Number One cognac through immaculate gastronomic experiences enhancing guests’ true knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Hennessy X.O.

As this was my first experience at the Hennessy Appreciation Grows 2014, it was pure adrenalin running through my veins that evening as I put on my best evening frock to set sail on the event themed the ‘Spirit of Conquest’. Gastronomical connoisseurs set sail in an elegant journey charting the birth of Maurice Hennessy’s Original X.O in 1870 in France, to its global conquest of iconic countries around the world that evening.

We had a short cocktail hour where guests were then invited to join Mr. Chong Wai Keng, Moët Hennessy Spirits Brand Ambassador for an intimate technical tasting of Hennessy X.O, where guests deepened their appreciation for the world’s most loved cognac Hennessy X.O.

As we were ushered the holding lounge of the ‘ship’, I couldn’t help but notice that there were screens around the room. Our Spirit of Conquest was further heighten by the replication of the dining room of an early 19th century steam liner, filled with Chesterfield sofas, paintings from Maison Hennessy, illuminated with chandeliers, and completed with a vibrant arrangement of flowers on each table.

As the event kicks off, the screens come alive as we set sail off into our voyage that evening with our host for the night, Mr. Will Quah. We set sail off for France, the birthplace of the Original X.O in 1870 as our ‘ship’ moored in France next to its famous landmarks.

Mathieu Duchemin with Chef Viet Pham

“Just as Hennessy X.O took to the high seas in 1872 to explore new horizons, this year's Appreciation Grows platform explored new grounds, venturing to Johor for the first time - providing connoisseurs there with more than just a food and cognac pairing, but rather an unforgettable platform for where their appreciation for life’s opulent experiences deepens” expressed Mathieu Duchemin, Managing Director of Moet Hennessy Diageo Malaysia.

Our first course of Sweetness on Seine makes its debut on the romantic notion of France. Sweet diver scallops lightly roasted over embers are accompanied with an onion almost ‘burnt’ cream and is a romantic starter to tease our appetite for more. The subtle caramelized flavor of the onion burnt cream is very well controlled as it did not over power the gentleness of the scallops. The melodious flavors of the sea and the onion meld beautifully with the Hennessy X.O cognac’s smooth and luscious notes.

And what better way to bring a little France to us than a performance of French Cabaret… oo la la! These ladies had almost everyone’s attention that evening for their elegant and glamorous dance routine and costumes.

Moving along from the chic French waters, our Hennessy X.O gastronomical journey set sailed to East towards the Orient where China sets the next course with Yellow River Richness. Chef Viet’s ingenious use of Chinese classic ingredients of mushrooms and duck eggs is obviously a tribute to the Chinese cuisine. The dish looked contemporary and reflects a gorgeous barely poached duck egg yolk sitting on a bed of intense shitake mushroom mousse. The mousse has a luscious silky texture albeit its saltiness. The lustrous egg yolk flows over the mousse, making it even richer in flavors. Every spoonful lends a robust earthy note with bits of crunch from the lightly toasted sprouted grains. The richness of the dish seemed to intensify the tasting notes of the elegant cognac, served neat, to another level, rendering an even longer finish of spice and fruits.

Our Oriental excursion was accompanied by a mesmerizing performance of Shanghai jazz.

After its stint at the East, the Spirit of Conquest headed back West to the land of the free, America where our third course of the night awaits. Arriving in a period of American history- known as the Gilded Age, Hennessy X.O made its timely debut, as an elegant and sophisticated way to enjoy values of luxury and heritage. The Mild Hudson, a tribute to the Great American Dream, showcased a luscious piece of sea bass wrapped with savoy cabbage and sauced up with tiny black pearls of Osteria caviar. The sweet delicate sea bass is partnered with fondant potato and pretty pink pickled shallots. The salty burst of caviar pearls matched well with the powerful complexity of the Hennessey X.O cognac.

A jazz quintet belts out smooth and silky tones of jazz as guests enjoyed the third pairing of the night with the finest cognac.

The Spirit of Conquest moves on and arrived at Italy where she welcomed the Original X.O with open arms in 1893. Italy, famed for its passion for culture, fashion and food is represented by Spicy Mediterranean, our fourth and final savory course. A dish that truly represents Italy, Chef Viet serves crispy crumbed chicken parmesan topped with a vibrant tomato and mushroom ragu to be paired up with the Hennessy X.O.  Though not as elegant as the other courses, the rich tangy sauce does provide a strong match with the cognac.

What won the hearts of many was the outstanding performance of an opera performance that had the whole room experience the passion of Italy together with the cuisine and the Hennessy X.O.

As the night draws near, the Spirit of Conquest set its course back to East towards the Land of the Rising Sun where traditions and customs exist seamlessly within modernity - just like Hennessy X.O, a perfect counterpoint for all those who acknowledge that with time, Appreciation Grows. Our gastronomical journey completes its course of the night with Osaka Bay Freshness, where Japanese plum Umeboshi sorbet is married with Yuzu mousse. A match-made in heaven, the salty sweet notes of the plum sorbet is heightened with the vibrant tang of the creamy yuzu.

The triumphant voyage with Hennessy X.O concluded with a spectacular Japanese drum performance by the Wadaiko Syo troupe that ended with a big bang.

MHD team

Photo session with Bok, KampungboyCitygirl, Missyblurkit, myself and Brand Ambassador

A night to be remembered, this year’s Hennessy X.O Appreciation Grows 2014 truly takes everyone on a journey of gastronomic and entertainment around the world. Echoing the elegance and class of the finest cognac by Hennessy, the Hennessy X.O Appreciation Grows 2014 exudes no boundaries but rather a class finer than the finest of its own and sets the bar for future installments to come.

A Priceless Experience…