A Mezze-Ing Christmas And New Year Spread... At Mezze , Medan Damansara

After this A MEZZE ING Christmas spread, somehow the lyrics of this Christmas song reverberated through my head...
....Haul out the holly
Put up the tree before my spirit falls again
Fill up the stocking (in this case, wine glass)...
I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now
....We need a little Christmas

I always know when an invitation comes from Ann Lee, it will be a great night, and I normally prep by skipping lunch, and also attempt working out ...which proved not enough, for I really should have fasted for a week prior to this.

Nothing like bubbly to further effervesce my already bubbly disposition...LUNA ARGENTO PROSECCO as a welcome drink.

Duck Foie Gras Dumpling with Cappucino of Pumpkin soup with Roasted Cumin - XMAS
PAIRING WINE : PINOT GRIGIO RUSSIZ SUPERIORE - Elevating the humble pumpkin soup to heights of decadence, the foie gras dumpling melts in the mouth while the rest of the palate is treated to that wonderful thick creamy pumpkin soup.  Superb, is all I can say.  Ann described the pumpkin soup as lyrical warmth... whatever the heck that means.

Prawn Bisque, served with sides of rouille, cheese and infused croutons - NYE
PAIRING WINE : COTES DE PROVENCE ROSE LES DOMANIERS.  I'm a rouille virgin, and have never tried this wonderrrrrful fish paste, that you eat with the croutons and cheese, which totally enhances the bisqueful experience.  This is a  New Year eve dish.  And yes, Ann made us eat from BOTH the Christmas menu AND New Years Eve menu.  How evil is that!

How to eat the Rouille...

Xmas Pork Sausage, stuffed with beetroot & kale, with side serving of house-made sourdough - XMAS, PAIRING WINE : RIESLING BIO EVIDENCE 2012.  Well, if sausages are deemed to be unhealthy, here we go, stuffed with beetroot AND KALE!!!! The new wonderfood of the century.... I loved the texture and complexity of the sausage, with its myriad flavours.

House Spice-smoked Foie Gras, served with chutney and fig bread.  (NYE) I always thought pan seared foie gras was the only way to eat foie gras, I mean, pates are nice and all, but pate is pate, and who knows what else goes in there...but this pure unadulterated slab of foie, has the best of the pan seared version and pate.  You just have to go, FWAHHHHHH!!!!!!That's good.

Citrus-cured Salmon Gravalax, with sides of walnut raisin sourdough - XMAS... I'm not a fan of gravalax, or anything salmon related unfortunately, except perhaps for sashimi, and I found it a tad too salty for my liking....but I think that will be rectified by Xmas as that saltiness was a unanimous view.

Refreshing Tuna Tartare with Moroccan eggplants and Cumin Mayonnaise - NYE...Ah, this is more like it...raw tuna, with a wonderful combination of eggplant, though I can't really tell the difference between Moroccan or Malaysian eggplants...So it seems a waste for me if I needed to fly them all the way from Casablanca.  A kiss is still a kiss in Casablanca, so likewise, an eggplant is still an eggplant as well... But I digress, a lovely combination.

Baked Atlantic Cod with a Clam Chowder reduction and topped with bacon bits - XMAS.  A very tasty dish, but somehow I felt that the rich chowder totally upstaged the bride, in this case, the Cod, and there should be no other Cod before me, but a Cod which is plain and pure.  However, that clam chowder reduction IS very good, and has a whole lot of things going on.

FESTIVE COCKTAIL : DIAMONDS + PEARLS
A delicious concoction of blackberries and coconut with Hendrick’s Gin & Lillet Branca, nicely shaken.  I never knew or heard of Lillet before, but it's a sweet aromatised wine.  A gal's drink for sure... It was way too sweet for me.

Crabmeat Lasagna with Lobster Cappucino and Champagne foam - NYE
PAIRING WINE : PINOT GRIGIO RUSSIZ SUPERIORE

Lamb Rump crusted with Black Olives, served on bed of Couscous with Christmas Chutney Rolls - XMAS, PAIRING WINE : BORDEAUX SUPERIEUR ILE DE PATIRAS 2011
Lamb, I find, as I get older, becomes less agreeable with me, and I can only take it in small doses, ...BUT, this lamb was beautifully done.  And I loved the christmas chutney rolls.

The wines thus far had been all perfectly paired.  I particularly liked the Alsace Riesling, which to me tasted almost like a Sauvignon Blanc.

Roasted Stuffed Turkey with traditional Pork & Chestnut stuffing, with side serving of maple-glazed carrots, roast potatoes, brussel sprouts and cranberry sauce – XMAS
PAIRING WINE : ARTAZURI NAVARRA 2010.  For turkey lovers who do not want the rigmarole of carving and risking a breast drier than the Sahara, this is the ultimated solution.  Moist and delicious turkey meat, easy to eat, complete with stuffing.

Premium Australian 100% Angus Tenderloin with Foie Gras and Black Truffle - NYE, PAIRING WINE : BORDEAUX SUPERIEUR ILE DE PATIRAS 2011 - My kind of dish, simple, majestic and decadent... fantastic cut of meat, seared perfectly, enough blood to tantalize, but not to much that the beef was still mooing...

Sous vide Duck Breast with Porcini reduction - NYE - Okay, maybe on its own, it might have been rather good, sous vide-ed and all, but seriously, juxtaposed against that entire banquet we just had, this didn't quack me up.

And just in case the job was not done, to ensure we were fully comatosed, sheer sinful desserts by way of Blackforest Pavlova with Espresso Cream...

Sticky Toffee Gingerbread Pudding.....

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Salted Caramel Sauce,

Orange and Chocolat Souffle with English Custard and Grand Marnier....

 FESTIVE cocktail, DIAMONDS + PEARLS : RM 38.00++

A delicious concoction of blackberries and coconut with Hendrick’s Gin & Lillet Branca, nicely shaken

Prices for set menus :

X’MAS EVE 3-course SET MENU, from RM 160.00 ++ per person

NEW YEAR’S EVE 3-course SET MENU, from RM 185.00 ++ per person

Specially for wine lovers, RM 110+ supplement for 3 glasses of wines

Festive Weekly Specials are available from Monday, 1st December all the way till New Year’s Eve. 

Please call them at 03-2095 0122, Michael 016-66378083 or Ling 012-2015794. Book now at reservations@mezze.my

Mezze Bistro, Wine Bar and Lounge, 132 Jalan Kasah, Medan Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur

Web: www.mezze.my  Facebook/Instagram : mezzebarbistro

LaRisata, Christmas Special (Like Downton Abbey's Annual Encore Episode)

Like all good movies and TV Series, there has to be a sequel, and a special.... much like Star Wars, or Downton Abbey, true, two very different genres, but much highly anticipated events, by fans of either.

So, actually, I was surprised to be invited again so soon back to Larisata, albeit with all and sundry this time, (as opposed to a lovely private dinner with the owners), and competing with more photographers than you find at a Lion kill at the Masai Mara, (as in when the lion hunts), to capture a shot of that rare bird called a turkey, albeit a dead one....

Anyway, in keeping with the festivities, Larisata also has their special Christmas menu, with lovely offerings as we embarked on this yummy yuletide yextravaganza.  (one must yalliterate as much as possible).

To start, the same mozarella pizza I was privvy to earlier, with homemade smoked mozarella, anchovy and marinated peppers.

I never knew this before, nor never thought to ask, what Larisata meant...It actually means Laughter in Italian.  "The sound of my larisata resounded through the restaurant after a few drinks".

An ornament to remind us, just in case we forgot which season we were there for...

The grilled blue fin tuna with that fabulous squid ink gnocchi in lemon butter sauce, obviously the gnocchi is a universal hit, as everyone was picking on those lovely gobules of black goodness...

The conversation revolved around how everyone loved brussel sprouts, and different ways of cooking...who knew that Malaysians were so atas these days.  They're not cheap you know.  But looking at this platter of roasted vegetables did make me feel I was at a real Christmas dinner somewhere in wintery London.  Anyway, these mixed vegetables come as an accompaniment with the Christmas turkey... and are very good.

The Traditional Roast Turkey at RM338++ , is a hot chick that is served with an amazing giblet sauce, Larisata's homemade cranberry sauce, and a chestnut stuffing.  I used my "old friend" trump card to ensure I got a choice slice of thigh meat, which the lovely Selena willingly obliged.

My personal plate of turkey thigh, giblet sauce, cranberry ...

The stuffing is really good as well.  In fact, I'd have been happy with just the stuffing, giblet sauce and cranberry sauce, and the brussel sprouts.  I am a simple eater afterall.

Everyone loves a cheerful turkey carver...

The Roast Leg of Lamb With Root Vegetables and Rosemary sauce...RM228++

That amazing char of the meat from the outside belies the tender moist interior of the lamb leg, as can be seen below....

Succulent lamb, a bit on the rare side, but can easily be done up more if required...  whereas if it's overdone you cannot undo it...

 A platter of Rocket and Pear Salad with Lemon Dressing and shaved parmesan..My absolute favourite of the night, and could not get enough of it.  The sweet pear counters the slight bitterness of rocket, encapsulating the mood at year end....bittersweet...

I've always been fascinated by the Italian style cakes like Zucotto, and I love the crunch of the nuts, namely almond and hazelnut, and that delicious vanilla cream...surprisingly light,...

Zucotto

To me, the star of the night was this pumkin pie, RM80++...a nice twist on the traditional topless pumpkin pie, the layer of crumbly pastry and slivers of almond on top gives it a nice finish.  Clearly very popular...as there was a tussle for seconds.

Always the star because of its fame and good looks, the quintessential Tiramisu (sponge finger version) is available at RM160++.  However, as I mentioned before, tiramisu, gorgeous as it may be aesthetically, to me, is rather pedestrian.  But well, you can't fight the tide of popularity, and I have to be content with being a persecuted minority.

As gift packs, we were given a choice of chocolate log or red velvet log, from the sister restaurant, The Daily Grind, ....

A 1kg Red Velvet log is available for RM65, and a 1kg salted caramel log is RM85.  DRAT, I chose the cheaper one....#loseliao lor...

From the Daily Grind, the OMG burger at RM380 is also available, a 10" diameter burger, weighing 12lbs.  12 POUNDS??!!!!! OMG indeed!!!

All these are available from 5th Dec to 10th January 2016 at all LaRisata outlets.

Ampang : 16 Persiaran Ampang, Tel : 03-4254 6269
Damansara Heights: 128 Jalan Kasah Medan Damansara Tel: 03-20959572

www.la-risata.com

La Risata, Because I Was Thick Skinned Enough To Hint

I've known the LaRisata owners when probably most of today's generation of food bloggers weren't even born, so yes, we go back a lonnngggg way, and I've had many good memories eating there, including birthday celebrations, high school reunions...one common factor with all those times I've been at LaRisata, be it Ampang or Medan Damansara, is I've never left the place sober.  Which is always a good sign that I had a great time.....

Anyway, a few weeks ago, Lissa posted on her facebook the meal she was having at LaRisata, and it looked so good, apparently a special menu, (I envy these gals, a whole slew of kitchen staff at their disposal, can whip up anything they fancy, and yet remain so slim), so I decided to play the "old friend" card and shamelessly but subtlely solicited an invite.  Actually it's just a veiled excuse to meet up with old friends....

What an honour it was to dine with the owners themselves (Ravenous Rabbit was missing, sadly), with great food and great company.....it pays to be thick skinned I tell you.

Pizza Mozarella Affumicata In Casa - Homemade smoked mozarella with anchovies...on a lovely thin crust ...Simplicity at it's best... the saltiness of the anchovies provided the main source of salt, whilst the other stuff balanced it out.  (this is on the specials menu)

The younger generation had Spaghetti Bolognaise...which I didn't try, but looked darn good....(regular menu)

...and a seafood saffron risotto, which I did try...and was great.  Despite not being a risotto fan, (I like my rice fluffy and light, like in a good Yong Chow Chow Fun)... I enjoyed my spoonful of this.  The flavours of the saffron lent it an aroma that was quite special, and I was thinking, wow, the young people of today certainly know how to eat.  (regular menu)

LaRisata's pizzas are really quite famous, and it's not hard to see why. This lovely unique Smoked Wagyu Beef Carpaccio Pizza with truffle oil is a luxury pizza (regular menu, RM60).  Tender slices of smoked carpaccio, melt in the mouth pizza...

Tonno Pinna Blu Alla Griglia con Gnocchi Nero diSepia - Pan Seared blue fin tuna with squid ink gnocchi and lemon butter sauce...OH MY...That squid ink gnocchi is so so good.  Some gnocchis can be a bit too carby, and stodgy, but don't knocky this one!! (special menu)

Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza....I feel like having one right now...arrrghhh....the perils of writing at lunch time on an empty stomach. One half is that, and the other half is porcini mushrooms... All my favourite ingredients.  (Regular menu)....

Pan Roasted Duck Breast with Celeriac Puree and Au Jus...(special menu)...succulent, decadent breasts, swimming in a most flavourful reduction of sorts, skin roasted to perfection....It's almost like a wagyu cow masquerading as a duck...And I learnt that you can use celery and mash as a cheaper alternative to Celeriac... (though this was the real thing)....

A 1kg grilled Prime Rib with Roasted Vegetables and Au Jus, which although the menu says can feed 2-3 I reckon it can feed 4-5...I've run out of superlative adjectives by now, suffice to say. this bovine paradise of a dish ....well, if you like steaks and beef, you'll absolutely love this dish.  I always reckon good beef needn't be embellished too much with sauces etc...just the sheer goodness of meat is sufficient.  This is one such case.  Like a naturally gorgeous woman without makeup or embellishment.

The Fig and Pecan Tart is to die for, seriously.  Absolutely divine, and so unique.  So much so I felt compelled to try to replicate it at home, it's sooo good.  But in order not to be too plagiaristic, I added dates to mine.  I would like to have another slice of this please.

Tiramisu - Their signature dessert, ...good, but tiramisu is tiramisu, nuff said....

Ah, this was great, flourless orange cake,with that glorious grainy texture, and just the right sweetness....As a hobby baker, I know for a fact it's not easy to achieve a right balance when it comes to these flourless cakes... so this was superb in my books.

Thanks Yuen & Lissa for a night of great food and great company....

LOOK OUT FOR THE SEQUEL, the Christmas dinner menu


Address: 128, Jalan Kasah, Medan Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Phone:03-2095 9572