Cilantro is helmed by Chef Takashi Kimura whose background is French cuisine infused with Japanese touches. For a short time, Chef Takashi overlooked the operations at Sage (my favorite fine dining restaurant in KL) while Cilantro was undergoing renovation in 2009, since Sage and Cilantro share the same owner. Cilantro recently started their Executive Friday Luncheon, a 4- course set lunch, which consists of 2 appetizers, a choice of main course and dessert.
Complimentary glass of Kir Royale served with the set lunch
The decor in Cilantro is elegantly understated with plush cream chairs and tables covered with white cloths. The service here was immaculate; whereby the waiting staff provided us with very attentive and friendly service without being overbearing.
Sleek sofas in the lounge/bar downstairs
We had our first taste of the much raved about truffle butter and I have to say it is very good. So good that we got hooked instantly! I certainly had my fair share of carbohydrates spread with the luxurious truffle butter this afternoon.
Truffle butter - so good, you keep wanting more!
The food? Impeccable. It definitely reflects the high standards a fine dining restaurant should possess. The combination of flavours, textures, and seasoning were just magical.
We started off with the Poached Lobster a' la Minute with Kyuri and Avruga, which was served in a cocktail glass. The lobster, swimming in a light and refreshing broth/consomme, was plump and juicy, complimented well by the subtle saltiness of the Avruga caviar.
Possibly my favorite dish of the day, the Pappardelle Pasta with Crispy Duck and Foie Gras was exquisite. The name pappardelle derives from the the verb, "pappare", to gobble up and this was one dish we certainly wanted to devour! The pasta was deliciously smooth and I was really delighted with the huge chunk of foie gras served with it. The foie gras had the lovely crisp outer layer with a rich and velvety centre that I love. And let's not forget the tender duck accompanying the dish.
You get to choose your main course from 2 options. I had the Slow Roasted Grain Fed Lamb, cooked medium, served with Dauphinoise Potato with Summer Truffles. The lamb, trimmed of its fat, was immaculately cooked and was just beautiful to eat. The creamy dauphinoise potato, was indulgent and the flavours of the truffle and cheese were prevalent.
Hubby had the French Dourade Royale with Scallop and Zucchini Flower. The white fish fillet was pan seared, leaving the fish with a crisp skin and firm, sweet flesh. Halfway through his main, he questioned where the scallop was. Lo and behold, it was actually wrapped in the zuchinni flower, which was covered in a light batter.
For dessert, Warm Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice-cream was served with complimentary coffee or tea. Slices of cinnamon sugared apples were encased in a light, flaky pastry. Delicious. And I love the ice-cream here. (Chefs at il Lido could take note and learn how to make vanilla ice cream like they do here)
Chef Takashi kindly signed my menu :-)
MiCasa Hotel pool
Verdict: All in all, our Cilantro dining experience has been exceptional. The food was fabulous- I savoured every bite of it. A very close contender for my favorite fine dining restaurant - I still can't decide whether I love Sage or Cilantro more, or is it possible to love them both?
Opening times: Lunch - available on Fridays only. (12.00pm -2.00pm)
Dinner - Monday to Saturday (6.00pm - 10.30pm)
Closed on Sundays.
Dress code: Smart casual.
Price: Set lunch priced at RM150 nett. Free corkage for lunch, so feel free to bring your own wine and champagne. Degustation menu available at RM300++ per person (7-courses).
Location: Cilantro Restaurant & Wine Bar, MiCasa All Suite Hotel, 368-B Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: 03-2179 8082
Website: http://www.cilantrokl.com/ (Lunch menus updated weekly)
GPS Coordinates: 3.162273,101.719548
Spotted at Cilantro today: Lyrical Lemongrass, Ciki and Paranoid Android.
look yum yum :p
ReplyDeletefantastic! one on the must-try-list then :)
ReplyDeleteI really like the free corkage idea. Shame it's only for lunch!
ReplyDeleteDid the truffle butter exceed all expectations? I've got a friend who went to Cilantro and all he could remember from the meal was truffle butter.
shaun lee: Well, the truffle butter is extraordinary, I don't usually have more than 2 slices of bread but I think I had at least 5 that afternoon! And we did ask if we could have another portion of the butter... it is luxurious.
ReplyDeleteI think for dinner, they don't charge a corkage fee but RM25 per person for the glassware and service. Or maybe if you dine there often enough, they'd do it for free!
Thanks for the info! Yes, I have come to realise that both Sage and Cilantro have very reasonable corkage charges. Sage only charges RM25 nett per bottle.
ReplyDeleteIn future, if you guys want to go to Sage or Cilantro, I have a discount card that gives 20% off (including their set menus)!
There's a catch though. I need to be there. Haha.
Shaun: Ooooh what discount card is that?
ReplyDeleteI have The Gardens Club card which gives me 10% off dining at Sage (used to be 20%), but never knew there was a discount card for Cilantro too??
Baby Sumo: It's a Tan & Tan card. So I get preferential rates for their restaurants, hotels etc across Malaysia.
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty good.
Shaun, FYI Cilantro has started a no cockage policy even for dinner. The RM25 is only for the exzclusive use of the full range of Riedel glasses available and is meant to cover the breakage costs.
ReplyDeleteAwesome. Thanks.
ReplyDelete