Juniper
It has often been said that Lafite Shangri-La Hotel KL is one of the best French fine dining restaurants in town, if not the whole country and they’ve won many awards over the years. I’d not had the opportunity to dine there until last month. I used to think the ambiance would be very formal and stuffy but that’s not the case at all.
Open the menu and you might just fall from your chair as main courses are well above RM100 and they do offer degustation menus for RM300-400+. Choosing the degustation menu means you don’t have to do any thinking about what to order for starters, main course etc. I decided to choose my own starter, main course. Fine dining should never be a rushed affair so be prepared to spend 2 hours there.
This small tuna with avocado starter was compliments of the chef and even though I’ve stated that I am not a fan of tuna, this was quite delicious.
The waiter recommended white asparagus which is in season. White asparagus only makes it appearance in spring and is considered a delicacy. Cooked in either vinaigrette or hollandaise sauce, this is a delicate vegetable that must be appreciated for its rare appearance on account of it not being available all year round. Lafite has cooked the white asparagus in hollandaise and parmesan.
Porcini Soup with Pan-fried Hokkaido Scallop, Garlic Cream and Parsley Coulis RM59 – thick and creamy mushroom soup, so decadent with the scallop swimming in it. One of the best porcini soups in town, for sure.
Pan seared fillet of sea bream, “Ratte” potato with Taggiasca olives, poached oyster and lobster consommé RM164 – this sea bream was so fresh and tender, it melted in my mouth and that skin was super crispy.
Dessert compliments of the chef – jasmine chocolates and citrus meringue. I liked the chocolates more than the meringue as the meringue was still a bit too sweet despite the tartness from the citrus ingredients.
Another complimentary dessert – raspberry sorbet. The best way to end a superb and unforgettable meal with excellent service.
