So, when Dinesh of BRDB (Bandaraya Development Bhd) invited me to Monte's, part of BRDB's campaign to expose (hmm, the words campaign and expose always reek of scandal in political terms) the F&B outlets in Bangsar Shopping Centre, I was more than delighted to accept. Afterall, being the creature of habit that I am, I ALWAYS eat the same thing whenever I am there, ie, the Oxtail Soup and the Grilled Halibut. This was the opportunity to sample other stuff on the menu! Fellow co-floggers included Fratmustard of Qguides, Aly of RedFM and ROKH of Tham Jiak.
To be honest, I think dining experiences are definitely enhanced by the company as well. And when alcohol is served, so much the better.
Over the months I've known her, I am amazed at Aly's ability to tuck away beer the way a marathon runner drinks 100plus after a 42km run. And the best part is, I wonder where it all goes. She's slim as a supermodel, and she doesnt go wee wee as often as I do, were I to drink that amount of beer. She da man!
The self explanatory menu.
Juicy Scallops, pan seared, on a bed of sweet potato mash. Not overcooked, and seared just right.
Escargots always remind me of that classic scene from Pretty Woman, where Julia Roberts lets the snail fly from her pincers. Alas, we needed no such skills, as the snail can quite easily be dug out using that surgical like fork. Baked in a lovely gratin-ish/garlicky sauce, this is a must if you are an escargot lover.
Chef's dream salad. Lovely crunchy prawns, in a light yet satisfying olive oil vinaigrette, and pieces of eggplant (which were my favourite), with a hint of pesto. Oh, I have no pictures of it, but we were also served the most awesome garlic bread. Delicious baguette topped with a generous garlic butter that just melts in the mouth.
Their classic oxtail soup. Always hearty, always good. The tail is slow boiled till it is tender and falling off the bone. I always have this whenever I eat at Monte's. It goes really well with the buns they usually serve (but we had garlic bread instead this time).
Pumpkin and Carrot soup. This is actually our kids' favourite item. Thick, wholesome and bursting with pumpkinny flavour. Also, blended to an extremely smooth consistency.
Prawn and Fish Combo. Didnt really get to try this dish, but if the other prawn dish below is anything to go by, then it should be pretty good. The prawns here are generally rather fresh, and the texture remains intact, unlike some that disintergrate.
Rib Eye steak. Good old fashion steak, served with potato wedges and vegetables. I love this dish for its traditional-ness and simplicity. Too often in this day and age, food has evolved so much that it is sometimes unrecognizable. And I guess that is what brings us back to Montes regularly. It IS good comfort food.
Another comfort food type dish... Spaghetti marinara. The naming of dishes is simple, so you are not left tongue tied trying to pronounce some exotic name. Substantial dish, and definitely enough on its own for one.
Now, this dish sent me flying back into nostalgia, when Chicken A La King with buttered rice was a regular item on menus. This is called Mushroom Chicken, but it is more or less like my childhood memory of chicken ala king. For less than RM20, apparently this is one of the most popular dishes, esp at lunch time.
Pan Seared Cod. As usual, by this time we were so stuffed. Now, I can say this with a clear conscience, the fish is monte's is almost always very fresh. They do have pretty good QC here. There have been times when they would not serve us the halibut because it wasnt up to standard.
Grilled Prawns. More prawnography. (phrase taken from GFAD). According to Aly, this was better than the other one above.
8 Hour Lamb. Now, this picture does not do the dish justice, (all my meat shots leave a lot to be desired), but the lamby was succulent, tender and really quite lovely if you are a lamb fan.
Incidentally, we were joined by the lovely and gregarious Susan Lee, owner of Monte's, and also an old friend of mine. Thanks so much for having us, Susan. This lady is really one of my idols. Savvy businesslady, mother, soon to be grandmother, wife, quite the superwoman she is.
Bread and Butter Pudding. I have to admit, I was thinking, aiyo, so much bread, when I first saw it... but actually it is very nice. I love the crusty bits...and the lovely vanilla aroma.
Apple Pie, which was nice and tart. Served warm, with a dollop of ice cream.
Tropical Carrot Cake. Not bad, a bit different from the usual, very moist, with a substantial layer of cream cheese topping.
Their best selling Hershey chocolate cake. I found this a bit too sweet for my liking, but the cake uses real Hersheys.. (as opposed to fake ones), and is rich and moist. Go for it if you have a sweet tooth.
Writing about Montes for me is like writing about my weekly trips to my inlaws. I love the fact that the food has remained consistent and unpretentious over the years, and VERY reasonably priced. The fact that it was packed on Saturday night, (and Sundays too) is testimony to the "value for money" credo that I often attach to the place. It might not be food that make you go OOH and AAAHHH, but it is comfort food, and good quality comfort food, at good prices. And this is why Monte's has survived all these years, when many others have come and gone!
Thanks Dinesh, for inviting all of us! And thanks Susan, for being the ever gracious host.
Thanks Dinesh, for inviting all of us! And thanks Susan, for being the ever gracious host.
