Ms. Jazz Reviews: Nero Teca, Lorong Ceylon

Just had some wonderful session LeeHom-oogling for 3 hours straight! Can he get any more handsome than this? *swoooon* those voice are filled with honey, i swear. soo sweet, sooo soothingggg, so addictive!

For a few seconds though, i tot he looked straight at me- we had a moment. hahaha! I've heard this from so many people. =)

Oops, before i get too carried away, back to the topic- Can I just be short and sweet about this? Nero Teca has been in the market for a long time, and almost requires no further introduction. But having to really enjoyed my dinner the other night, I felt that this really deserves some effort from my part (no matter how minute)


Part of the successful Italian F&B Nero Group whom is known to churn out some pretty good Italian dining; Nero Teca is by far the best outlet within the group. Business was brisk despite being on a weekday. Probably due to the ideal location just off the main Changkat Stretch, and residing in the sommerset service apartment. Reservation is recommended.
The interior character is simplistic, with long and lean layout. Not a very big restaurant with very little moving space and chairs are placed almost back to back. Nevertheless we weren’t too bothered with these little details and do enjoy its vibrant and cosy atmosphere. Truth be told, we were the noisiest bunch of 15pax.

We ordered little varieties but with double/ triple portion. Take the suckling pig for example (off the menu) we’ve ordered 3 portions of those. Out came the piglet with the head and tail still intact, looking peacefully at sleep (or not) depends how you want to look at things. Unlike the Chinese versions where the skin is often crunchy and thick, the ones served here was beautiful, thin crispy skin that breaks easy. The meat itself is delightfully juicy. We enjoyed it just like this. Simple with no additional seasoning, however they did also include what I’m guessing lentils by the side? Never a fan so did not taste it.

Classica Bruschette (RM20)- Plum tomatoes, basil, oregano, extra virgin olive oil, which my friend commented that Silver Spoon serves better ones, and she’s not saying it just to be nice… I hope!! Pricey considering RM20 for 2 pieces but to justify there were ample of fillings on the bread.

Neroteca mixed mesclun salad (RM34) dressed with balsamic vinaigrette, topped with four cheeses, sliced specks, olives, grilled artichoke. My friend being vegetarian has requested to change those specks into poached eggs with no issue. She liked it very much and recommends it to me, however one bite confirms that salad is really not my thing. Give me those meats any other day. *Rawr*

Maiale Tonnato (RM30) thin slices of slow roasted pork loin topped with tuna and caper sauce surely sounds promising but I was little confuse how these combination works together, especially since it was less than memorable. To give credit, the pork loin was roasted till tender, texture was good.

Ravioli Tirolesi (RM30) stuffed with homemade sausage, speck topped with light creamy walnut sauce. A winner dish with wonderful thick creamy sauce, with chunks of walnuts added for extra texture. Worth a try.

Also off the menu, is squid ink spaghetti seafood marinara is so ridiculously good. Perhaps we were hungry and though big portion shared between 4 girlies were hardly enough. Definitely no skimming on those seafood as we were offered plenty of those, but if anything I yearn for more, it’s those squid ink spaghetti that blended so well with the tomato sauce (which thankfully is not too acidic with a tinge of sweetness)

Crostina Neroteca (RM58) - Braised Pork ribs with broccoli top with mushroom gravy. Decent but unmemorable.

Desserts were mediocre, if you ask me. The classics are the tiramisu and crème brulee. Both I find so-so. The only thing that appeals to me is the cheesecake, which though simple was nicely dense and creamy.

Cheesecake

panna cotta was all too ordinary, with a less creamy texture

All-in-all, with the combination of hits and misses, I still thoroughly enjoyed myself and I especially like the idea of a pork serving Italian restaurant. My chef once told me that if we were ever to go non-halal, there is so much to do with Italian cooking, and I couldn’t agree more.

Can you see the difference between two cameras? =) thanks charles for sharing the pictures!

Nero Teca

Ground Floor,

The Sommerset,

No. 8, Lorong Ceylon

50250 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-20700530

http://www.neroteca.com/

Opens daily from 11.30am to 11.30pm

Ms. Jazz Reviews: La Risata @ Medan Damansara

There is always this very question floating around. Where can we find good Italian food in KL? Often people will automatically search for the hotel-based Italian restaurants, Favola, Prego just to name a few for the assurance of good quality, professionalism, and up market ambience.


But to me, I always find myself preferring Italian under a cozier dining environment, where talks should not be whispered, where you can laugh gaily and clink your wine glasses while enjoying those earthy and intimate servings. Think Grandma’s cooking- simple yet enjoyable and memorable.

This probably explains why I personally do not prefer il lido and garibaldi (I couldn’t even bother writing about my visit there). They may be the celebrity of Italian cuisines in KL, with those huge names behind their backs; naturally we would expect delivery no less than high-standard.

But truly it is the less known that could easily please. And to that, I’m referring to La Risata, whom has shine its presence long ago on the suburban areas such as Ampang and Medan damansara. Perfect neighbourhood trattorias that has all the elements I looked for in an Italian restaurant. The interior is casual and warm with the main interior finishes emphasis on bricks and woods. I enjoyed the pleasant scent of woodfire pizzas drifted into the dining room. There was quite a good turnout of patronage despite being on a random weekday.

I’ve heard and read about ravish comments on their pasta and pizzas while their mains remain at the subtle background.

The wood pizzas on the menu vary between the bountiful toppings down to those screaming simplicity, all ranges from RM25+ odds. Between the Pizza Magherita (RM22) topped with tomato sauce, cheese and oregano (add basil +rm3) and Pizza Chorizo (RM28) that comes bestow with chorizo, olives, peppers and feta, our favorite goes out to the Pizza Magherita, probably due to the lesser toppings that created a nice crispy base.

Antipasti Misti (RM42) an assorted platter consisting of grilled mushroom, deep fried calamari rings, beef carpaccio, garlic crostini with chicken liver pate. Unfortunately the starter was a letdown, most of the items were forgettable, but I was told the beef carpaccio was decent, and I personally like the chicken liver pate that goes well with the garlic crostini.

Fettucine all albese (RM30) freshly made targlitelli with heavy parmesan cheese sauce infused with truffle oil. No complaints on the pasta itself, the sauce was too unrelenting rich but if you like thick rich sauce, perhaps this is for you.

Parpadelle al Ragu D’gne (RM28) freshly made pasta ribbons with lamb ragu. It was commented that overall a nicely executed dish, the texture of the pasta were nicely done but R wished there were more lamb chunks in this dish

Salmone Alla Griglia Con Pesto(RM36) pan grilled salmon with pesto sauce served with a vegetable caponata

Bracioline di Agnello (RM34) grilled lamb chops with spinach and sauteed potatoes

My Gnocchi Chorizo (RM27) was absolutely mind blowing. The homemade potato dumplings was not the least stodgy. Perfectly fluffy texture and with lamb chorizo sausages & ricotta cheese and red pepper sauce with a hint of spiciness and the rich robust smoky flavours were just heavenly. Definitely a sublime experience and arguably the best gnocchi I’ve had in a long time.

Sicilian Bombe (RM38) is as sinful as it gets, we enjoyed every bit of this, and be it the presentation or the taste, it was well executed. The Lemon Meringue was filled with luscious lemon cream that was flambéed upon serving. Highly recommended to try.

Their wine list, although not extensive provides many choices of affordable new world wine. Our choice of the night Fontana Candida Frascati (RM110) from italy was an easy and light drink, we gurgle 2 bottles of them. 

My diners:

All in all, La Risata satisfy its long term clientele with no-fuss service and delivery of consistent quality of food. We will be back- again and again. Our bill came up to approx RM110 per person with wine

 

Ratings:

 

Food: 7.5/10

(can't go wrong with their pizza and pasta)

 

Ambience: 7.5/10

(good for friends/ family gatherings)

 

Service: 6/10

 

Presentation of food: 6.5/10

 

Overall: 7/10

 

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La Risata

 

Damansara Branch 

128 Jalan Kasah

Medan Damansara

Tel: 03-20959572

 

Ampang Branch

16, Persiaran ampang

55000 KL

Tel: 03-42526269

Ms. Jazz Reviews: Prego, Westin Hotel KL

“Prego” is Italian for You’re Welcome! A friendly name that matches this award winning restaurant in Westin Hotel that has constantly churn up some delicious authentic Italian wonders, their specialty being pastas and pizzas.

Homey & Cosy would be words to describe the settings of the restaurant. A vibrant restaurant overlooking the busy movement of Jalan Bukit Bintang, Prego is suitable either for both private and family dinners. It is also a place with strong influx of foreigners, probably due to the help of trip advisor. And one thing I admire on the management side is their effort to listen to diner’s opinion and making response for all comments being made.

I’ve always felt satisfied on my visits to PREGO, their menu seem endless, until now I’ve barely went through half the menu. Sure there were definitely some hits and misses on the menu, misses were often explained and sometimes rectified and the hits have been truly a wonder. Most importantly, service was always attentive, and food has always been affordable for its locality and portioning, and it helps that they have a good range of affordable wine.

Complimentary bread

Prego caesar salad (RM30) is a clear winner, highly recommended by us and you won’t regret ordering it! The combination of romaine lettuce, poached eggs, bacon, anchovies, crouton, chicken and parmesan is absolutely delightful! The anchovies flavours were perfectly infused to the crunchy greens and eggs were perfectly poached. The dressings were light and flavourful, we could not get enough of this dish.

Gamberetti alla griglia (RM40) spaghetti with grilled tiger prawns, toasted almonds, pickled peppers, lemon. Came out smelling tantalizing. The spaghetti was al dente, and grilled prawns filled with smoky flavors but our only complain was that the overall dish was slightly bland.

Tibia brasata dell’agnello, risotto Milanese (RM68), sparing you with the long complicated name, this dish merely mean in layman terms, braised lamb shank with saffron risotto. A popular order in Prego. While the meat was a fall off the bone texture, we can’t help but hope that it was a bit more tender. We could not find fault in the risotto though. Perfect texture and flavor.

Dessert we recommend you the zuccotto al cioccolato (RM20) Prego’s famous chocolate “mud pie”. While we thought huck’s version was better, this was also every bit as sinful.

Chianti Classico 2007 (RM170+)

My sassy date

Our bill came up to approx RM200 per pax with wine. 

Refer to Prego full menu here



Ratings:

Food: 7.5/10

Service: 8.5/10

Ambience: 8/10

Presentation of food: 7/10

Overall ratings: 8/10

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Prego,

The Westin Kuala Lumpur

199, Jalan Bukit Bintang,

55100 KL

Tel: 03-27738338

Ms. Jazz Review: Il Primo, KL

Sometimes (depending on what mood I’m in) I feel like I’m the luckiest girl. I’m so lucky to be living in a city with awesome multi-racial population (generally), great weather and all these fabulous restaurant that seems to mushroom around town lately.

The new culinary joy begins the moment we step into this brand new resto-lounge (13 days to be exact). IL PRIMO is the name, and is no way related to the newest talk in town IL LIDO. Tucked in a serene location at Jalan Kia Peng just off Jalan Stoner, the management seem to want to keep this restaurant a hush hush thing until the official opening, but they should know better, that no secret is safe when there’s eatdrinkkl around. *jokes*

I’m almost never punctual. I mean, who goes to dinner on time anyways? When MAY mentioned whoever late should inform the latter parties sooner, I secretly think she was referring to me, and sure enough, when I arrived everyone has already been seated and the starters ordered. After attempting excuses on being late again, I then took my time absorbing my surroundings. First thing that came to mind on the interior was Stylish, Spacious, and Comfortable. The spotlight of the restaurant however falls on the white movements around the kitchen. A showcase of chefs dressed in professional outfits moving about performing some magic voodoo in the brightly lighted open-concept kitchen.

The menu is one with vast varieties. Just to please everyone’s taste bud (if that’s even possible) IL PRIMO decided to do something different, their own version of 1Malaysia, only this menu is filled with “best of THREE worlds”. Think western, Japanese, and Chinese. While the Head chef himself is an Italian, he has been in Malaysia for many years and is no doubt able to capture some of the local flavours into his menu creativity.

Price was rather sky high, you’re looking at about the range of RM50+ for pastas, grilled meat and crustaceans ranges from RM50-RM300, and the question is does the price justify the food quality??

To be fair, some dishes came in large portion suitable for sharing. Under the very critical eyes of a few girls, we did not felt that there was the "wow" element from the dishes we've tasted. However, that being said, most of the food we've ordered was well-prepared and the food presentation was a delightful sight. YEP… IL PRIMO food offering definitely rivals many upscale fine dining restaurants in town, and im looking forward for more of their establishment in the coming future.

While we were looking at the menu deciding our main course, we were given amuse bouche of freshly baked bread, and assorted hors d'vours. Each bite has its own character and texture, I didn’t get to try everything but the ones I had was delish!

Our first starter arrive not too long after, one dozen of freshly shucked oysters (RM120) I’ve always been skeptical about fresh oyster in KL, having bad experiences in some unnamed places. The oyster served in IL PRIMO looks plump and juicy, however one of the oysters I had (can’t identify which is which) miss the mark slightly in terms of its freshness. Anyhow, there’s no guarantee all oysters would be fresh as there’s always a bad seed among the crowd, what matters is how the restaurant reacts to customer comments, and I have to say IL PRIMO took them in with grace.

The soup (RM48) which i can’t recall its name but there was only one soup choice in the menu and boy were they generous with their ingredients. In truth, this is more of a broth than a soup, where the liquid was only few spoonfuls but the seafood was stacked up high in the bowl (not that anyone is complaining). The taste brought me way back to VENICE, where I had the luck to taste the best seafood soup ever.

Sushi and Sashimi Variation (RM168) with 3 types of sashimis- tuna, salmon belly and cuttlefish, and 3 types of sushi- sweet shrimp, yellow tail, tamago and sushi vegetable rolls. Came in thick slices and tasted fresh.

For those risotto lovers who prefers their risotto to be cooked VERY al dente, this can be recommended. Vialone nano, squid ink risotto with seafood and pressemolo (RM48) came out presented very much like the Spanish paella, it was one of those food presentation that people go “oooooohhhh and ahhhs” over it. The seafood looks particular striking on a bed of ink risotto. While the risotto was done nicely, we thought the shell seafood wasn’t particularly fresh, especially the clams. But upon explanation it turns out that the NZ flown clams has a unique taste on its own which probably could not be accept by most of us. (But by unique did you also mean that it will taste fishy and raw?) The portioning was huge and would be good for sharing between two.

i’ve only had a bite size of the Saffron open ravioli with lobster bisque and succhini stick (RM138), but Dianna thought it was ok. Open Ravioli is like wearing your undergarments inside out. The pasta sheet acts as a stand alone from its stuffings. The portion was rather puny for the price but anything with lobster bisque I can forgive. :D

Live Prawns, olive oil, citrus and avocado (RM68) was Sandy's pick. I didnt get a taste of it, so no comment.

Seafood platter for 2 (RM228) consist of ½ Nova Scottia Lobster, tiger prawns, king crab legs, garoupa fillet, grilled with lemon. The selection of crustaceans hot off the grill was robust with smoky flavours, with the basic marination to retain the sweetness. My particular favorite from the platter would be the king crab.

In house beef cheek agnolotti with porcini mushroom (RM52) is very similar to ravioli. I like this dish a lot, im suspecting it has something to do with truffle oil (my favourite!) which brings this dish to an extra notion in terms of taste.

complimentary desserts: Doesn't the pastel colored mini macaroons look absolutely adorable? Crispy outer shell and moist rich ganache filling. Each carries a different flavour. It is hard to resist the smooth melt in your mouth sensation with every bite of those pretty creation

Complimentary dessert: A selection of cakes and tarts. The girl seem to like the lemon tart most, and having heard praise from Jane on the lemon tart, our servers promptly bring out another few servings of them. YUMS, we were in pure indulgence bliss.

A round of coffee and tea and biscotti to finish off our wonderful meal

We were treated with great hospitality from the impeccably well-trained and friendly servers to the chancellor herself, a friendly witty woman who shares her insight of the direction of the restaurant, Thank you for spending your time with us.

My lovely Chickas:

Our bill came up to RM1100+ without alcohol, the bill would have gone much higher if the desserts and drinks weren't complementary.

Ratings:

Food: 7/10

(definitely will arrange a next visit soon, there's so much more to try)

Ambience: 8/10

(perfect for a dinner date out, either with friends or your loved ones)

Service: 10/10

(flawless and professional)

Presentation of food: 7/10

(have to work on the portioning in relation to the price)

Overall ratings: 8/10

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IL PRIMO RESTOLOUNGE

No. 26 & 28 Jalan Kia Peng,

KL

(above CONLAY)

Tel: 03-2143 2798