Le Midi, BSC

To the uninformed illiterate like me, Midi is probably something in between a Mini and a Maxi. I think those were names of dressing styles when I was growing up. If I recall, it also refers to the size of a beer glass, in Australia, where words rarely exceed two syllables, and if they did, are truncated to two. A certain number of midis would put you above the breathalyser limit.

However, LeMidi doesn't refer to anything quite so frivolous, but actually a geographical region in Southern France that covers the Pyrenes to the Ryon Alps. If you dont believe me, check out the Wikipedia entry HERE.

Again, I had already read about it on the definitive KL fine dining blog, EatDrinkKL, and with an intro like "Le Midi opened on 10/10/10, instantly becoming BSC's most romantic restaurant", I was rather chuffed to get an invite from Dinesh of BRDB to dine at Le Midi. Not because of the romantic aspect, I have about as much romantic inclination in me as a balitong, but because of the stunning review by Sean...and if HE says it's good, well....

Now, strangely enough, I inadvertently bumped into the owner, Melissa Groot, a lovely, gregarious friendly classy lady, in an upscale pet grooming shop in Bangsar, whereby the owner Carol introduced us. When Carol mentioned, "oh, my friend here has just opened a new restaurant in BSC", I immediately said "OOOH, LE MIDI!". Very karmic.

This display of live jellyfish I have to say is MESMERIZING. Melissa has spared no expense to make Le Midi a place with one of the most gorgeous ID amongst all the outlets in BSC as can be seen with this unique display of Cnidaria...very alienlike, I could almost feel them trying to communicate. "Greetings greedy earthling, don't mind us as we observe your feeding habits"





Obviously the aliens hadn't landed yet when Sean was there, since he made no reference to it.

The classy interior of Le Midi makes it an ideal place for an exclusive party, and the little lounge area is perfect for small groups to chill, while admiring a stunning KLCC view.




The Monkey swims amongst the Medusae...Shall we just call it the Sea Monkey











Amuse Bouche..some chick pea tapenade and a lovely refreshing raita kind of combination.


Seafood Platter, or Fruit de mer Frutti di Mare. Yes, it tastes as good as it looks. Super fresh seafood, from the Aegean to the Altantic, and even from our local shores. Amazingly fresh lobster from the Mediterranean, plump, juicy oysters that make those from the buffet lines taste like erasers in comparison. Fresh and flavourful clams, that look like Lala on steroids, but oh so good. And the tinier shells, I forget what they're called, but reminiscent of our Balitongs, and so delicate.


An array of chilli sauce and the most wonderful homemade mayonnaise accompany this mouthwatering bonanza of sea creatures. The only thing missing from this platter was possibly the Little Mermaid, but she's from the Baltic Sea I believe.


I swear you could still taste the brine of the Mediterranean in the lobster. It was THAT fresh.


Lobsters are great to play with, especially when they're dead.


Another of life's little luxury, Echire butter that made Monkey smile like a Cheshire cat. How does one go back to eating normal butter after this creamy luxury? And the worst thing is, you can't really buy them off the supermarket shelves here.


Foie Gras pate. Smooth, silk and rich, melt in the mouth pate. Fabulous stuff, paired with the Marque De Riscal Sauvignon, a Rueda region wine, that has a floral aroma and lightens the entire experience in what could be otherwise quite heavy.


An unexpected encounter with local celebrity Chef, who needs no introduction. Our LilFatMonkey is friends with him, so we managed to hob nob a bit.


Carpaccio, apparently named after the Venetian Painter from 1930s at Harry's Bar. Raw beef, sliced to microscopicly thin slices, that just melt in the mouth.





Ceviche de Pescado, thinly sliced fish, served raw, "cooked" in the juices of the tangy dressing. A visual feast no doubt.


Bouillabaisse, originally a fisherman's dish from leftover seafood scraps, it has risen from its humble beginnings to become quite the gourmet's broth. The soup is like a thick bisque, full of marine flavours, and screams out for more bread with that lovely Echire butter. Except we were quite full by the time this dish arrived.


The lady Melissa herself, the epitome of elegance and grace, having a tete a tete with her Chef.


A lovely creme brulee, infused with that fabulous aroma of orange blossom. Possibly one of the best creme brulees I've had east of the Suez canal.


More people grabbing the opportunity to pose with the celebrity.


Traditional Tiramisu. Generous dousing of alcohol with the sponge at the bottom. Good old traditional fare.

Le Midi offers a wide variety of wines to pair with their extensive menu.

Well, fabulous ambience, stunning views of the city, great food, fairly easy parking... if they can maintain their quality and consistency, I have no doubt this restaurant will become the one of the more popular fine dining outlets in the area.

A special thanks to Melissa for hosting us, and to Dinesh of BRDB for inviting us. Hope to be back soon.

Le Midi is open daily, and closes late at night, for the party people.