White Asparagus Promotion @ Gobo Upstairs, Traders Hotel KL

From now until 30 June 2015, you can enjoy the white asparagus promotion at Gobo Upstairs located in Traders Hotel KL. This spring treat, sourced from France is put under the spotlight and carefully paired with a range of exquisite ingredients by Sous Chef Kelvin Kilin and his team.

White asparagus comes from the process of etiolation ie, whereby the asparagus stalks are deprived of light , hence it cannot produce chlorophyll and the stalk is not green in colour. It is often milder in flavour and more tender than its green counterparts. We personally love the luxurious texture of this vegetable.

There is no doubt that every plate of food that emerges from Chef Kelvin's kitchen is a work of art. We started off with two soups - the white asparagus veloute (RM35) and the chicken consomme (RM35), both beautifully plated.

The veloute was rich, smooth and creamy with croutons for added texture. Several green and white asparagus tips adorn the side of the plate.. pretty!

On the other hand, the chicken consomme was light yet comforting accompanied by poached asparagus, carrots, and green asparagus. Got my first taste of the white asparagus, and ah, it's so tender! Also love the chicken dumplings, so plump and tasty!

We also got to try all three appetizers from the white asparagus promotion, namely served with egg (RM38), air dried beef (RM45) and smoked salmon (RM46). Out of the three, I loved the white asparagus with smoked salmon the most - the white asparagus and green asparagus was lightly grilled and topped with smoked salmon, black caviar, shaved Parmesan, mascarpone cheese and drizzled with an orange reduction. Tastes as good as it looks!

Asparagus and egg, a classic combination is executed well here - the grilled white and jumbo green asparagus was once again lightly grilled and topped with egg, caramelised onions, capers, orange segments and Bearnaise sauce.

The white asparagus salad is tossed with other salad leaves, honey roasted beetroot, walnuts, shaved Parmesan, balsamic reduction and air dried beef.

I also got to try one of Gobo Upstairs signature starters (from the a la carte menu), the grilled scallop with crab tartar (RM48). This appealed to me as soon as I saw it on the menu and it was mighty delicious too! Served with an apple salad, avocado puree, pumpkin puree, orange reduction and micro green for a mix of flavours and textures.

For mains, guests can choose from 3 items on the White Asparagus menu - herbs spring chicken (RM65), Atlantic cod fish (RM108), and Black Angus Rib Eye (RM170).

No prizes for guessing which mains I went for. Yup, I had the Australian Black Angus rib eye (150 days grain fed), which is served with white and jumbo asparagus, pomme puree, truffle essence and Bordelaise sauce. Perfectly cooked to medium, as requested :)

One of our dining partners had the Black Angus from the a la carte menu, served with summer vegetables with feta cheese and caramelized onion relish.

I was surprised when Hubby, the meat lover, ordered the cod, but it turned out to be an excellent choice. Looking at it, I felt pangs of jealousy (I wanted his cod on top of the steak I was having... greedy, I know!) but he did offer me a few bites and the fish was moist and flaky. Beautifully cooked! Served with white and jumbo asparagus, crustacean sauce, leek and caramelised onions.

The herbs spring chicken is served with pesto mashed potatoes, poached white and jumbo asparagus and a rosemary sauce. I tried some, and the chicken was nice and moist.

Overall, a well executed menu with great pairing of ingredients - head over now to catch this seasonal ingredient before it's gone :)

Please note that the White Asparagus promotion is available until 30 June 2015, during dinner service only.




Opening hours: Lunch 12.00pm to 2.30pm; Dinner 6.30pm to 10.30pm.

Location: Gobo Upstairs Lounge & Grill, Level 6, Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tel: 03- 2332 9888

GPS Coordinates: 3.154271, 101.715417

Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/kualalumpur/traders/dining/restaurants/gobo-upstairs/



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