CHASING FOOD DREAMS: Pasta

November 18, 2018

Upperhouse Kitchen and Dessert Bar @ Bangsar

Hidden in the bustling square of Bangsar area lies Upperhouse Kitchen and Dessert Bar. Despite the not so noticeable location, foodies are known to flock to Upperhouse Kitchen and Dessert Bar through the many beautiful and delectable food pictures on their social media platforms.

Owned by passionate duo Gerard Ng and Hester Ling, Upperhouse is their culinary fortress for foodies who enjoys delicious food along with gorgeous desserts. It is a foodie sanctuary as the restaurant offers a realm of peace among the busy area of Bangsar.

Besides adults enjoying the restaurant, little ones will jump with glee too as the owners of Upperhouse are thoughtful to set up a kiddies corner filled with children’s toys and activities to keep them busy.

Upperhouse is design with an open concept kitchen where diners can catch all the kitchen actions of the team whipping up their food and beverages. The owners believe in making everything from scratch and goes all out to incorporate elements of healthy and nutritious options to their menu.

With a wall panel of glass that offers natural lights into the dining area, coupled with their painted mural of ‘Wings’, Upperhouse is perfect for Instagrammers as well as other social media enthusiasts for photo opportunity.

The restaurant is very spacious and designed with minimalist concept incorporating natural wood with plenty of whites to give it a clean and comfort ambiance. It is also perfect for private events and special functions.

We visited Upperhouse for a taste of their new menu as well as some of their classic signatures. Kicking off the list of beverages, their house made Sangria (RM11) is deliciously satisfying. The concoction has been steeped with fruity notes and has a smooth and lingering finish.

There’s also Planter's Punch, Mojito, Sparkling Pomegranate and Apple Oolong Tea (RM12 each) for those who enjoy fruity mocktails.

For hot beverages, Upperhouse signatures include Housemade Almond Milk (RM8), Hot Chocolate Lolly (RM12), Satongo Hot Chocolate (RM12) and Sweet Potato Latte. Their hot chocolates are simply divine with various cacao intensity of your choice. The Housemade Almond Milk is also very enjoyable as it has a lovely and rather delicate nutty almond aroma that is not overpowering.

For a healthier option, go for their Housemade Kombucha tea with two options of black or green tea Kombucha. Fermented using tea and sugar, Kombucha is said to have health benefits such as rich source of probiotics and antioxidants, strengthen the immune system, detoxify the liver and may reduce heart disease and help with weight loss. The fermentation of the tea gives it that hit of tang and is easy to enjoy.

Upperhouse is launching a new menu that consist of some newbies and some of their best signatures. We started with golden crumbed Croquette (RM13) served with ketchup. Decent with crispy breading and creamy soft potato filling, this one makes a good snacking option.

What impressed us was the Creamy Crab Bisque (RM21), served ‘kopitiam’ style in an old school coffee cup with some golden croutons on the saucer. Comes with a cloud of foamy topping, the crab bisque is full of robust seafood essence. With just the right creaminess, the bisque is so tasty that one might even contemplate to drink from the cup!

The Wild Mushroom Soup (RM18) is also delicious. Served with mushroom bruschetta on the side along with fried mushroom and finished with a drizzle of cream, the soup is thick, earthy and creamy. Every spoonful is redolent of mushrooms. The clever injections of the bruschetta and the fried mushroom added a nice touch of textures and flavours to the soup as well.

For those who wanted sharing appetizers or even a meal, the Savoury Toast (RM27 for set of 3) makes a lovely option of a variety of open sandwiches. From fresh tomatoes to earthy mushrooms and crispy fried shrimps, each of these has their own flavours that will certainly appeal to many easily.

Moving on to mains, Upperhouse does a beautiful rendition of a classic breakfast favorite of Smoked Salmon Benedict (RM30). Not only does the presentation look so pretty and colourful, the benedicts are generously topped with sublime smoked salmon before being crowned with perfectly poached eggs and luscious hollandaise sauce. A must-order!

Pasta is always a popular main and Upperhouse offers a nice selection of pastas such as Mushroom Aglio Olio (RM20), Buttermilk Chicken Pasta (RM26) and Salted Egg Yolk Prawn Pasta (RM25).

Out of the three pasta, the Buttermilk Chicken Pasta is the most popular choice for many it seems. Generous crispy golden buttermilk marinated fried chicken, served with aglio olio pasta, makes a hearty meal for anyone. The chicken is moist and flavourful while the pasta is cooked al dente and has a light note with some heat.

The Mushroom Aglio Olio is great as meatless option. Packed with robust garlicky flavour with some heat, the pasta makes a lovely light meal. It comes with sautéed and fried mushrooms for added textural bites. The Salted Egg Yolk Prawn Pasta is the opposite of the mushroom pasta as it is heavier and richer with creamy and unctuous notes of salted egg yolk. Fresh prawns, tomatoes and crispy fried fish is added to the pasta to make it more sufficient and enticing.

Standing tall and mighty, the Buttermilk Chicken Burger (RM24) is one burger to take on. Generous portion of the tasty and juicy fried buttermilk chicken along with the hearty condiments, this is a burger that will surely please many burger lovers out there. The thick cut fries are done well and is the perfect sidekick to the yummy burger.

If there is one thing that foodies flocked to Upperhouse, its their desserts! Fans of Upperhouse are attracted by their gorgeous desserts, all made from scratch from the pastry team. The effort the pastry team at Upperhouse puts in is indeed noticeable as every little detail is well thought and set at each plate of dessert served.

Available only during weekends, the Strawberry Watermelon Cake (RM15 per slice) is simply a must-order. In fact, this is one of the best version here in Malaysia. Commendable portion and each layer of fluffy sponge, crème pâtissière and watermelon slice is meticulously sandwiched and finished with dollops of whipped cream, lots of chopped strawberries and sprinkling of pistachio nuts. The fresh and juiciness of the cake is what makes this dessert so easy to enjoy without the guilt or heaviness…

Cheesecake lovers will swoon over the Burnt Cheesecake (RM15). Made famous by a Japanese eatery, the version here is the closest to it in my opinion. Sinful and luscious, every spoonful offers a cheese haven of silky rich cheese custard. This is one dessert that is hard to stop once you had a taste of it…

Carrot (RM20) is a clever interplay of various dessert components such as carrot sponge, carrot jelly, Greek yoghurt parfait, honeycomb pieces, walnuts, chocolate soil and burnt honey ice cream. The dessert is pretty and dainty while the flavours are uniquely delicious. The burnt honey ice cream is sublime!

Another pretty dessert to check out is the Mille Feuille (RM24), with buttery and flaky layers of mille feuille pastry is filled with decadent chocolate orange mousse and topped with whipped vanilla cream. The finishing touches of dried fruit to edible flowers and lacy decoration gave the dessert its wow factor. Hay ice cream is another delicious house made ice cream that complimented the dessert so well.

Last but not least, there is currently an Afternoon Tea (RM65 per set, available daily from 3pm-6pm) promotion daily. A value-for-money tea set of dainty and mini versions of Upperhouse’s signatures of savory and sweet along with tea of your choice for two. This is great for catch-up sessions with friends and family. The best part is the little array of choices on the tiered tea set makes great conversation starters as well as instagramable worthy!

Upperhouse Kitchen and Dessert Bar is such a hidden gem in Bangsar. We think the owners are super passionate about what they do and the effort that they put in can be seen through all the little touches they take to make their food and beverage, not only pretty in presentation but delicious as well. This place is also really great to hold private parties and is kid-friendly. Must-orders are Creamy Crab Bisque, Wild Mushroom Soup, Smoked Salmon Benedict, Salted Egg Yolk Prawn Pasta and all their desserts, especially the Strawberry Watermelon Cake!

UPPPERHOUSE KITCHEN AND DESSERT BAR

27-A Jalan Telawi 3

Bangsar,

59100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 011-2872 0083

Facebook: www.facebook.com/upperhousebangsarkl/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/upperhousebangsarkl/

Business Hours:

11am to 10pm

Closed Wednesday

April 26, 2018

Latest Recipe Buka Puasa Buffet @ Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur

Authentic Flavours from Chef Budiman’s Warisan Desa

Chef Budiman Bistari Bin Mohamed is back with authentic flavours of Warisan Desa at Latest Recipe, Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur this holy month. From 21 May to 14 June, diners are in for a full-on spread of sumptuous local and international cuisine at the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant.

Famed for their live stations preparing fresh hot dishes to counter laden with delicious prepared hot and cold dishes from all over the world, Latest Recipe has always been a favorite hotspot for buffets in our metropolitan city. Coupled with the lovely ambiance of the dining area, diners can enjoy their meal with a view of the city.

There are also several private dining rooms for big parties.

The whole buffet area is design with much temptation at sight. From towers of candies to wide spread counters filled with cold ice topped with seafood, salads, and plenty of hot warmers with pots of curries fried noodles and rice as well as bread and more to cater to all foodies of all ages and palates.

As always, the highlight of the Warisan Desa feast is Kambing Panggang or Whole Roasted Lamb. Slow roasted after being marinated with spices, chilies and fresh aromatics, the lamb is steam-baked for succulent notes. There’s plenty of gravies and sauces to go with the lamb as well as some fluffy spiced up rice.

Along with the lamb, there is also Ayam Panggang, Roasted Drumstick, Roasted Lamb and more along with Ikan Panggang as well on alternate rotation daily.

More Malay dishes on the hot warmers featuring Rendang Ayam Pencen Dengan Daun Salam, Sotong Kemangi, Sendi Berbiri Kuah Merah Dengan Tairu Bawang Putih, Masak Lemak Kuning Ikan Bawal Dengan Tomato dan Jeruk Asam Mentimun, Asam Pedas Daging Tetel Haruman Daun Limau, Udang Masak Lemak Rebung, Tempeh-Kentang Berlado Terung Pipit, Gulai Merah Daging and more.

To add on to the list of seasonal favorites, there’s plenty of kerabu and salads as well as an array of condiments to go with the dishes and rice. Tuck into Lele Panggang Garam Kunyit Cili Berlado Dengan Pucuk Ubi Rebus, Kerabu Perut Lembo Air Asam Utara, Krabu Ayam Panggang Bersama Sambal Mangga Tumbuk-Asam Jawa, Kerabu Jantung Pisang-Ulam Pegaga and more. There are also some Western salads like Smoked Salmon Salad with Fennel Celery & Orange Segment and Roasted Lamb with Feta Cheese, Olives, Sundried Tomato & Cucumber.

One simply must try the Nasi Ulam and Indonesian Gado Gado. Add on some Ulam dengan Sambal. Telur Masin, Ikan Masin, Raja Ikan Selat Melaka Panggang and more for extra flavours and textures. Other festive must-haves are Serunding, Lemang and Bubur Lambuk Mikerhani Tumis Darat.

For this year’s Warisan Desa theme, Chef Budiman has created Mee Kuah Putih dengan Salmon Sambal Kering Pedas, prepared upon order at the Noodle station. A coconut based broth with salmon pieces topped on noodles to be enjoyed with a squeeze of calamansi lime, pungent chili sambal and aromatics, this Mee Kuah has an unusual pairing of ingredients that works well in terms of flavours though.

For flavours of Chinese cuisine, there’s a selection of Dim Sum, Braised Duck with Chinese Herb & Sweet Soya Sauce, Fried Noodles and Fried Rice along with Chinese Pastries and more.

The Indian station is laden with plenty of curries, bread and grilled meats. From Briyani Rice to Murgh Kofta Kebab, Lamb Chop Tandoori and Subji Tikka as well as pots of curries such as Lamb Cube in Yoghurt & Spice, Sauteed Crab with Chili & Tamarind Juice and more. Enjoy these with Roti and Naan bread as well as assorted crackers.

Besides our local cuisines, there’s a Pasta station whipping up pasta and sauces of your choice. There’s also a Japanese Sashimi and Sushi Bar as well as a Tempura and Teppanyaki Bar.

There is also a Seafood on Ice with selections of Prawns, Crab, Mussels and Scallop.

The biggest highlight of the feast would certainly be desserts! Endless displays of desserts, from local to international, in all sorts of colors, shapes and flavours are a sight to behold.

Chocolate Fountains to colorful Meringues, Cakes, Cookies, Pudings, Fruits, Pastries and local sweets of Kuih, Pengat Durian, Bubur Cha Cha, Pengat Keledek,, Bubur Kacang Hijau, Lepat Pisang, Pengat Nangka Bersago, Dodol, Putu Piring, Kuih Ketayap and more, the list is endless and tempting.