Start the year with a bang at these restaurants and pop-ups in KL and Penang
COMFORT IN A BOWL
Comforting rice bowls and brunch meals await at the newly opened Food by Fat Cat in Sunway Geo. This café is conveniently located within Jaya Grocer, offering diners Asian-inspired dishes such as the signature Fattie BomBom, a rice bowl topped with chicken karaage, ebiko sauce, sautéed mushrooms and an onsen egg, or the Fat Cat Fries, a bowl of fries topped with minced meat, gochujang (red chilli paste) and cheese. Brunch fans will also be pleased with the all-day breakfast offerings of buttermilk waffles served with turkey ham, cheese and egg, or The Fattie Breakie, a fry-up comprising eggs, crispy turkey ham, edamame beans, sautéed mushrooms, baked beans and freshly toasted bread.
POINT OF INTEREST
Wine enthusiasts have a new reason to visit The Point in Damansara Heights, which renovated its second floor in mid-2017 from a casual lounge into a fully stocked wine bar. It now carries over 350 labels of wine (and counting), including a selection of French vintage wines – some dating back to 1934 – deemed good enough to be given Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. Highlights include 1980s vintages from Chateau Guillot, Chateau Giscours, and Chateau Latour. The bar also hosts monthly wine tasting events, so check their Facebook page for updates.
COCOA RUSH
Malaysian artisanal chocolate brand Cocoraw has opened a pop-up retail store, Cocodash, in Bangsar’s Cziplee bookstore. Chocolate lovers can indulge in Nama-style chocolate truffles that range from the familiar milk and dark chocolates to those infused with local flavours like Salted Gula Melaka, Ipoh White Coffee, and Teh Tarik. Those looking for something with a little kick will be more than happy with the Gin and Limau Nipis (made with gin and lime) and The AA (made with rum). Better yet, come here on the weekends to enjoy the excellent panna cotta and house-made hot chocolate.
PECKING PARADISE
Penang’s reputation as a food haven continues to grow with the opening of Swallow @ The Saw Emporium, a pop-up dining project housed in a former saw mill in Gat Lebuh Macallum, Georgetown. The concept was devised by the Steamship Merchants in partnership with Tharin Tan, the fourth-generation owner of the saw mill, and brings together several well-known food and beverage outlets under one roof. Running until the first quarter of next year, outlets include Singapore’s Teppei Syokudo, modern Thai restaurant Soi 55, barbecue restaurant Embers, and craft beer merchants Taps Beer Bar.
EATING TOGETHER
The latest addition to the slew of eateries at Solaris Dutamas is Deuce, a casual modern European restaurant and bar. Offering sizeable platters meant for sharing, the space is warm and inviting, with an open kitchen, a wine cellar and an alfresco dining area overlooking the lively nightlife strip. Its open bar is equally appetising, holding a selection of hand-crafted cocktails such as the Bungarosa, Russian Mermaid, Smoky Mendoza and more than 40 labels of wine that make for perfect pairings for every plate. Try the Octopus with Pickled Beetroot and Saffron Aioli, Duck Breast with Salted Duck Egg Crumble, or the Pan-Seared Snapper a la Tippling Club, which pays homage to the restaurant of the same name in Singapore.
