Sage Restaurant, The Gardens, Kuala Lumpur (Visit #5)

It has been a while since I last visited Sage for lunch. As I will be shortly cast into the world of confinement, I had a burning desire to fit one last meal at Sage before the day arrives.

Having heard so much about Sage from me, I finally persuaded my mum to come along with me and The Unc for lunch. I promised that she would be in for a real treat here at Sage.

Service, as usual, was excellent. However, I was surprised at how quiet it was here today, seeing it was Merdeka. However, this meant a more tranquil environment for us to dine in.

The food here has always been spectacular. Today was no different.

A refreshing welcome drink is served during lunch

Freshly baked bread

The starters, simple yet divine

The Tataki of Wagyu Beef with Kabu Salad and Miso Mayonnaise was brilliant. The thinly sliced wagyu has been seared briefly, hence the slightly cooked edges while still retaining a carpaccio-like appearance and texture in the middle. Dressed with a distinctive miso drizzle.

The Panache of Seafood Soup with Gratin Cheese and Saffron was equally good. Served in a delicate Staub round cocotte, the clear soup (which I think is seafood bouillabaisse) was richly flavoured and fragrant from the saffron.

And hidden below the gratin cheese were juicy scallops, king prawn and squid.

The main courses, packed full of flavour

Tempted by the mention of foie gras, I ordered the Confit of Free Range Chicken with Foie Gras and Fresh Coriander Pistou. The chicken was smooth and tender. The sauce was well flavoured; eaten together with the chicken, it was perfect. Without it the chicken might have been too bland.

The pomme puree (mashed potatoes) was smooth and buttery.

I just love the foie gras at Sage. Melt-in-the-mouth silky smooth texture with a wonderfully crisp exterior.

If we had to choose the best dish of the day, this had to be it. The Braised Chilean Cod with Roasted Prawn and Wilted Spinach was a masterpiece. The chunky cod was wonderfully fresh and flaky. The prawns were succulent and sweet, and we just love the addition of the deep fried crispy prawn heads. The savoy spinach still had a nice crunch to it, and tasted very much like brussel sprouts.

Desserts, both a sweet and savoury ending

The Sous Vide of European Pear with Shredded Pastry and Caramel Ice Cream lacked a little oomph. I enjoyed the slightly bitter, rich caramel ice cream. The pear had a nice texture from the sous vide cooking method employed here. However, the pastry didn't do much for me. Don't you think it rather resembles fried noodles? Or birds nest?

My mum enjoyed the 2 Choice of Artisanal and Fermier Cheese, both strong in flavour and taste. Decadent.

A cappuccino to end the meal

We definitely had an awesome lunch at Sage today. Excellent food paired with great company.

The above lunch menu is available until 3rd September 2010. Lunch menu at Sage changes on a weekly basis.

Opening times: Monday to Friday 12.00pm to 2.00pm (Lunch); Monday to Saturday 6.00pm to 10.30pm (Dinner). Closed on Sunday.

Price: RM100 nett. 10% discount with The Gardens Club Card.

Location: Sage Restaurant & Wine Bar, The Gardens Residences, Level 6, The Gardens, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 03-2268 1328

Website: http://www.sagekl.com/