GoGung Korean Restaurant, The Gardens

Whenever we walk past GoGung in The Gardens, we assume that it is one of those expensive restaurants which we cannot afford to do our everyday dining in. It has an exterior and interior very different from Ko Hyang, situated on the Lower Ground floor. Whereas Ko Hyang is a Korean food outlet, this is a proper restaurant with a rather posh looking interior.

They have proper stainless steel cutleries and plates here

Prior to this visit, we have actually browsed through GoGung's a la carte menu and found it a little heavy on the wallet. But then again, decent Korean meals are never cheap. However, to our surprise, GoGung also offer an extensive set lunch menu ranging from RM18 - RM25. Pretty good deal if you ask me.

While waiting, 4 types of ban chan (side dishes) is served. The kimchi (pickled cabbage) here is slightly more mature, so it tastes much more sourish than the ones u get at Ko Hyang. Usually the spinach used in making the Sigeumchi namul (lightly parboiled spinach) is quite young, but the ones here were a little older and had super thick stalks. The other 2 ban chan dishes were pickled green chilli (first time I've tried this), and kongnamul (cold boiled bean sprouts with sesame oil). I was surprised that the ban chan served here were pretty big portions, and we got 4 each, so there was no need to ask for refills.

Pickled green chilli, kongnamul, kimchi and Sigeumchi namul

Banchan galore

The Unc being a meat lover and all, ordered the beef bulgogi (RM25) from Set Meal #3, which included steam rice, soup, and pajeon. Have you ever had something off a set lunch menu and ended up severely disappointed because they use lower quality ingredients to make up for the cheap price?

Well, this was DEFINITELY NOT the case.. the beef was actually marinated very well, so this dish was extra flavoursome. The beef was also tender and not tough at all. Served with lettuce , ssamjang and whole garlics to wrap your beef in. The portion was also huge, so I got to partake in finishing this dish!

I fancied a hot stew, so I went for the Doenjang Jigae (RM20) from Set Meal #2, which includes a steam rice and pajeon. There were peppers, zuchinni, onions, tofu and la la (clam) in the stew. I found it very savoury and delicious!

Each set came with 2 slices of thin, crispy pajeon (Korean pancake). Nom nom nom!

Verdict: The set lunch here is excellent. Too bad it is only available Mon-Fri 10am-3pm. Compared to Ko Hyang, dining here is definitely more refined for almost the same price. Would definitely come back to try some of their a la carte items.

Opening times: Monday to Sunday 10.00am - 10.00pm

Location: GoGung Korean Restaurant, Lot T-212, 3rd Floor, The Gardens, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Cilantro, MiCasa All Suite Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

I have been hankering for a meal in Cilantro for ages, and today Hubby made my wish come true! :-)

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.