My birthday celebration this year started one week before the actual day. I have to say, Hubby really spoilt me this year (Thanks Hubby!). We started off the celebration at Cilantro, a restaurant which we have been meaning to go to for dinner for a very very long time.
Beautiful red roses
We have tried their Executive Friday Luncheon sometime ago, and really enjoyed our meal here. Recently, Cilantro was also named as Malaysia's Top Restaurant in The Miele Guide so all the more reason to dine here. Service here is exemplary -- the waiting staff are very knowledgable (you can ask them anything about the menu or the dish preparation/ingredients and they will have the answer!) and friendly too.
Restaurant interior
Since we were the first guests at the restaurant that evening, we asked if we could see The Miele Guide trophy. Cilantro was ranked at No.6 this year under Asia's Top 20 Restaurants -- congrats!
Crystal trophy
Ahh.. the legendary truffle butter. You'll be silly to skip this.. so luxurious and decadent.
Amuse bouche -- scallop mousse topped with Avruga
We came with the intention of sampling the Chef's Degustation but some of the items did not appeal to us, so we decided to order from the a la carte menu instead. Other than the a la carte menu online, there was also a small section of Seasonal Specialty. We had a hard time choosing cos everything sounded so good! We both went for the 4-course Prix-Fixe Cilantro menu (2 appetizer, 1 main and 1 dessert for RM245++) and selection can be made from both a la carte and seasonal specialty menu.
We both agreed the star dish of the night was the Wagyu Tartare with Egg Mollet (RM88). It was a beautiful dish, both in terms of taste and presentation. The wagyu tartare was to be mixed with the egg mollet, wasabi mayonnaise, chives and sauteed seaweed before eaten with the crisp bread. Hubby definitely enjoyed this very much -- and I got a few bites too :)
My first appetizer was the Scallop with Zucchini Flower (RM88), the scallop was nicely cooked and the crispy seaweed added a nice texture to the dish. The zucchini flower oozed with melted cheese -- think Sage prepares the zucchini flowers in the same manner.
Hubby's second appetizer was the Unagi with Foie Gras with Mesclun (RM78). It wasnt exactly how we envisaged it to look like, but the taste was just awesome. The luscious foie was sandwiched between two pieces of unagi and then coated and fried. A great play on textures.
My second appetizer was from the Seasonal Specialty menu - Roasted Foie Gras with Poached Egg (RM88). It was a most pleasant surprise when the dish arrived with added bonus of autumn truffles (very generous amount of shavings too I must add). There is just something magical about runny egg yolk and truffles -- it just works. The foie served also came in a generous slab, so I was delighted :)
For mains, we both decided to try Chef Takashi's specialty, Grilled Blackmore Wagyu with Rucola Cress (RM148). Quite a simple dish, served with a side of mash potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
Blackmore Wagyu cooked medium
For desserts, I had the Grand Marnier Souffle with Vanilla Ice Cream (RM38) while Hubby had the Caramelised Apple with Vanilla Ice Cream (RM38). There was a waiting time of 25 minutes for the souffle, so if you want this, do order it in advance. Unfortunately, the desserts for us didn't fare as well as the appetizers and desserts. Coffee/tea is included if you take the Prix-Fixe menus.
Tea while we wait for our desserts.
Grand Marnier Souffle with Vanilla Ice Cream
Caramelised apple with vanilla
*All prices indicated are for dish if ordered from a la carte menu.
Verdict: Despite the desserts letdown, we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. The food was immaculately prepared and service was top-notch. Definitely a great venue for a romantic meal.
Full set of photos available to view here.
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: RM245++ for Cilantro Prix-Fixe menu.
Location: Cilantro Restaurant & Wine Bar, MiCasa All Suite Hotel, 368-B Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
never have tartare before & I think it's too raw for my liking :P
ReplyDeletehubby has good taste! i wanna borrow him to plan my birthday week meals in january! :D
ReplyDeletewow....such a nice b'day meal from HB.... =)
ReplyDeleteit's such a shame right? when i went there, the mains were a bit off....
ReplyDeleteAh, nothing like an early birthday treat... :)
ReplyDeleteah...everything seem good to die for :D
ReplyDeleteplanning to ask for the Christmas Eve dinner menu, which I tried last year is definitely great
The fact that the service is good is worth checking this place out. I think I might consider celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary there. Your hubby is definitely a keeper!
ReplyDeleteChoi Yen: It's actually really yummy.. and the beef used is really fresh.
ReplyDeleteSean: Lol! I'm afraid the rental fee is quite high :P
ReplyDeleteMelissa: Hehe we makan out a lot 1 week before my birthday, I think everyday was somewhere different.
ReplyDeleteKenny: It sure is nice to be pampered.
ReplyDeleteMichelle: Everything was really good, just desserts were so-so compared to the rest of the meal.
ReplyDeleteFui: I've seen their xmas eve menu - its RM320++ and mains is veal or pigeon.
ReplyDeleteQuay Po: Thanks! Yes, you should definitely try Cilantro, I think it's a really great place for special celebrations.
ReplyDeleteA lovely dinner indeed! I think I will love the generous amount of truffle too :p and the truffle butter seems appealing, yum!
ReplyDeleteSo both of you had the same main dish? How was it? Not much was commented so I guess it was not outstanding as the appetizer? :) Anyway, hats off to your dear hubby for planning the makan marathon!! :) Eat-athon right! haha
ReplyDeleteiamthewitch: Yeah we both had the wagyu main course it was delish the mash and veg were plain however I can not fault the beef juicy and perfectly cooked.
ReplyDelete