The LaBodega Threesome

La Bodega has done really well for itself. I remember when they first opened their doors back in circa 1998, what is now the main LaBodega (Below Osmosis) in Jln Telawi 2. Bangsar was at its peak of being the happening place in KL. Then it grew, sideways, extending the original restaurant to 2 adjoining shops, then to LaBodega Deli, then upwards to LaBodega Lounge. My best memories are at La Bodega lounge, and deli, the latter because of their big breakfast, which has the loveliest poached eggs, and the Lounge, because it was a nice place to hang out and chill out with friends. Then, like a forgotten friend, we drifted apart. The place where everyone knew your name became a stranger, where no one knew your name.

Occasionally, when Nestle Nick returned to KL, he'd haunt his old haunt, La Bodega Lounge, and that would be the annual visit to the place. Recently, Barri-cuda who now is at La Bodega Lounge, invited us to sample the foods offered by La Bodega. With the sterling company of Thamby (A Whiff of Lemongrass), Alison, The Toy Couple and new found friends Aja and Danny, and of course our wonderful host, Barri, we proceeded with this food coma inducing and mind boggling meal, which I am surprised we survived, just by looking at the sheer quantity when I perused these pics.

Dinner comprised dishes from all the three outlets, from Tapas to Breakfast to Full Fledged dinner mains. Decadence, to say the least.


Creamy Mushrooms...can't go wrong with creamy mushrooms.


Berenjenas(Eggplant in Plancha Sauce) - I love egg plant, so I loved this dish.


The Gambas Ajillo (Prawns in Olive Oil) - Prawns, so this was Aly's favourite. I prefer my prawns plain, not drowned in Olive Oil, healthy as that may be.


Traditional Spanish omelletes served, one with mushrooms and one with potatoes. If you like egg, then this will make you eggstatic. Very eggy, and very substantial.


Ensalada Marinera (Cold Citrus Marinated Seafood Salad) - Such a glorious combination of colours, that makes it look almost too pretty to eat. Reminds me of a gorgeous summer day....when everyone is happy. (Except the dead mussel)


Pollo Picante (Diced Chicken and Dried Chillies in Olive Oil) - Satay, kebab, all rolled into one. Chicken was moist and tasty, overpowered a bit by the sauce.


Big Breakfast - Ah, with that signature poached eggs and sauteed mushrooms. Yummy.


Panzanella Salmone Salad (Florentine Salad of Croutons, Tomatoes & cooked Salmon chunks with Olive Oil & Vinegar dressing) - Very healthy....but well, with health comes blandness.


Seafood Soup. Like a bouillabase, according to Aly. Very hearty, something to slurp on a cold winter's day, or in the absence of, a rainy day with your aircond temperatures set to 16C, and you sit around the dinner table topless.


Chicken Olive Oil - Aja was raving about this, so by virtue of that, all of us were fighting for it. Tender pieces of breast, if that is even possible, soaked in a chillied oil.


Spaghetti Fruti De Mare (Alio Oglio styled Seafood Pasta) - My favourite dish for the night, because of its familiarity, simplicity and quality. A dish I could eat by myself....if I hadn't even the other stuff.


La Bodega Signature Cheese Burger - The cheese embraces the burger like a cocoon. A must for the burger lovers.


Quattro Stagioni - Four varieties of pizza on one. Someone should do something similar for cakes.


Paella Valenciana (Seafood Spanish Baked Paella Rice dish) - I am not a paella fan at all. I like my rice white, fluffy and tasteless. So no comment.


Ponzu Tiger Prawns - As you can imagine, by this time, eating was chore...Ponzu, Ponzi.... they all sounded the same....as I lapsed into a food comatose state. Barri was trying to kill us, I swear with his Ponzu Scheme.


Corn Tortilla Chips with Hot Cheese Dip - Ah, the kids would have LOVED this!


Duck Rolls - Shredded duck meat in spring rolls... must be for the Farangs.


Tempura Fish Fingers - Would have been great if we weren't soooo stuffed!!!!!!!!!


Sesame Soft Shell Crabs - Argh, epic.... full to the max.

Anyway, there is SOOOO much variety to choose from, and where there is this much variety, there's bound to be hits and misses. But there'll definitely be the hits. Each person's personal favourite. And the ambience IS nice. I had forgotten how nice it was. With a few good friends, a great place to chill.

Thanks Barri!