These restaurants are recommended rather than reviewed.

This means you can trust that we have eaten there, enjoyed the experience and invite you to try it for yourself.

We do not take freebies and we honestly write up a genuine dining experience.

If somewhere does not meet our standards, we will simply not write about it.

Likewise, you know that a recommendation from us is a guarantee of quality.

• The restaurant has no knowledge of our visit

• We pay for our meal like any other customer

• No free meals for good reviews

• Likewise for advertisements

• We pay attention to the quality of the food, that attentiveness of service and the ambience

• Every restaurant we recommend will be a restaurant we would always go back to and want to see other expatriates enjoy

Look out for Expatriate Lifestyle Recommended stickers in restaurant windows.





The Whisky Bar

The Whiskey Bar, 44 & 46 Changkat Bukit Bintang.
Tel: 03–2143 2268

www.elcerdokl.com

As anyone to our fine city's night haunts knows, there is a fair amount of flotsam and jetsam, places coming and going, typical and in some ways desirable as tastes change, trends come and go. What may be today's hot place may be yesterday's child in the space of time it takes to say "Where we going tonight?"

Witness said event at what were the former premises of La Vaca, the steak restaurant that was the dallying of owner Werner Kuhn on the space that used to be the Deutsches Haus and Cafe Olé. It was a good place, had its assets but leave it to Kuhn to see that there are bigger fish to fry with the space and in this case they're more thirsty than hungry. Enter Carmen's Vinoteka, eponymously named after the chosen sommelier of the El Cerdo group, a woman who's helped garner a Wine Spectator prize for the group, one of the only given to Malaysia, as well as The Whisky Bar, Changkat's latest innovation.

The latter we'll focus on here, for The Whisky Bar offers Changkat denizens an interesting and well needed space along the strip, especially those who are slightly more mature but certainly anyone who wants to take a break and chill in a relaxed space with a single malt whisky in hand. As the name says, customers can find the popular genre of the liquor served to Malaysians and internationals at what is promised to top 200 of the best brands in the world with The Macallan and Highland Park to name a few as anchor brands. There's food (I like the pork belly mini pizza at RM20) and other light snacks and they've kept *phew* the oyster selection that was one of the better features of La Vaca. The music? Let's say that's a work in progress, more for filler than anything that would draw you in but nothing too wretched; nothing that will stop you from your primary task of enjoying a 12 year old malt, having a nice chat and enjoying a warm summer eve on Changkat without noise bombardment or crushing crowds. When you need a sense of dignity and decorum in your world, try The Whisky Bar, it's a rare treat in the city centre.
SAM COLEMAN



Movida

Movida, Unit C-03 & C-03A, Block C, Giza Mall
Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-6141 8022


www.movida.my

If you have never found yourself down Kota Damansara way you're in for a small surprise, especially when it comes to clubs and bars. Sunway Giza is positively blooming with new propositions for party people; eclectic and interesting, it's become another reason that this area is an up-and-coming one.

The main club that has sprung up on this strip is Movida. Not just a club, oh no, Movida is attempting to be all things to all people, so encompassing is its tagline: 'Kitchen, Bar, Club Lounge'. It's a solid space—dark and womb-like; the club is well-sized and square-ish. It spills out onto the outside patio where you can have a meal before continuing the night inside. What's really delightful is the upstairs area, ideal in Goldilocks-esque size (not too big, not too small with a select view of the DJ console), with its two VIP sections—red, chintzy chambers designed to hold a smattering of select individuals.

The cocktail menu is impressive on sight and, apart from the Comfortable Screw Against the Wall (flavourless but strong), the rest are a joy. Order the minty Grasshopper—it's not on the menu but they'll happily make it for you if you ask. What's also great is the kitchen; open until 3am with its menu of Western fare. Movida has its charms: an easygoing, feel-good vibe that PJ-ites seem to appreciate. I can see how nights here can start with Just a Quick One and then descend rapidly into bedlam. But is that such a bad thing?
SYAZLYNIA RAHIM





THE BLUE COW CAFÉ

The Blue Cow Café N–1–4, Plaza Damas,
60 Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Sri Hartamas,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03–6201 3206

With the one escalator serving the upper level of Plaza Damas undergoing repairs we were left to haul the buggy and children up the stairs before reaching our lunch destination: The Blue Cow Café at Fogal's Meat Market. Not a very auspicious start. Things soon picked up though, thanks to a quick, friendly serving team and a clear, original menu. Apart from those who dine at the three tables on the pavement out the front, diners are obliged to walk past the delicious displays of steaks, sausages, burgers and other Fogal meat specialities, which is probably the most effective hunger stimulant in any restaurant.

The full breakfast was enormous and apparently delicious. I could only watch as this humungous meal was devoured by my husband; sausage, bacon, eggs, and even rump steak (yes, really) were greedily scoffed, each mouthful being accompanied by appreciative 'mmm's and 'ooh's. My chicken burger meanwhile was moist and delicious, being freshly made and cooked straight from the display chiller. I added mushrooms and an egg and was delighted with the end result. Although the mustard was an unexpected surprise I could have done without. The burgers (and sausage and kebab meals) come with two sidelines. I went for steamed veggies and mash, but could have chosen fries, wedges, coleslaw or 'pigs in blankets' instead.

The children's meals may not be huge but are better than the predictable 'sausage and chips' offerings that must be so tempting; they offer mashed potato as the standard accompaniment. The talk as we left the cute little outlet was not just whether we would go back (a resounding 'yes!') but of whether the breakfast and burger were among the best we've had in KL. Which says it all.
MICHELLE WHYTCROSS



SAMSARAA

Samsaraa 11 Jalan Sri Hartamas 7,
Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03–6201 5907

Although there have been notable exceptions—Nobu, the spectacular gastronomic collaboration between Robert de Niro and chef Matsuhisa Nobu, immediately springs to mind—celebrity-backed/owned restaurants by and large tend to be met with scepticism by an otherwise adoring public. In the case of Samsaraa however, it's very much the food that takes centre stage.

Owned by Malaysia's funniest funnyman Harith Iskander and his wife Jezamine, Samsaraa—literally meaning 'passing through'—is a delightful blend of retro cool and homely charm. Harlequin-checked tiles, mirrored ceilings, and a Corvette-red wall-to-wall banquette do much to add to the quirky aesthete of this otherwise unassuming eatery. The menu is (perhaps in homage to the couple's mixed parentage) a perky blend of local and western staples. The Clear Water Caesar Salad is a big draw, as is the creamy pumpkin and carrot soup replete with crunchy croutons.

Rather more robust in taste (and the purported bestseller and signature dish) is The Harith. Like the man himself, the chicken dish is sizeable and well worth the reasonable price tag. The recipes are rumoured to be a legacy from Harith's grandmother, and of these, the kampung roasted chicken, with its serai-ginger-chilli-santan-infused sauce, stands out, not least for its tasty unconventionality, and for its unusual—but well considered—accompaniments of a side of mashed sweet potatoes (which tastes suspiciously like pumpkin) and crunchy bok choy.

Quite apart from the appeal of Samsaraa's home-cooked temptations (and its mango cheesecake), its address in the 'old' area of Sri Hartamas—possibly the best kept secret in le toute KL and one of the most delightful places for an easy night out—makes it all the more a de rigueur place in which to dine.
FAY KHOO



Stuff Your Face Café

Stuff Your Face Lot 4–09, Bangsar Shopping Centre,
285 Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03–2287 3071

Chicken a la Ritz: Sounds like a dish you'd find in a menu at the high-class Parisian hotel in the 1920s rather than a selection of strips of meat covered in breadcrumbs, or rather biscuit crumbs (Ritz crackers in fact, hence the name). This was our meal's starting point and already epicureans may have figured out that Stuff Your Face Café is not one for the snobby gourmand. But for us mums, it's brilliant.

I promise you we will never run out of a need for new incarnations of the humble, simple and God-awful chicken nugget but, as long as we need to feed our kids, we'll have to suffer screams and tantrums for small pieces of chicken coated in batter, breadcrumbs or, from now, cracker biscuits. They actually taste quite nice, containing proper chicken breast as well as being healthier than those using the usual deep-fried crumbs.

All kids' meals includes a drink and ice cream and are just the tip of an innovative, creative and affordable menu featuring excellent Mini Slider Burgers. The grown-up options sway between the safe (chicken chop with potatoes and vegetables) and original (Elvis peanut butter and banana sandwich) and have, after several visits, always rated at least as high as 'scrummy' on the deliciousness scale.

Their desserts live up to the fun found elsewhere and you have to be a pretty strict parent to deny your child a banana split or cupcake after their meal (as long as they've cleared their plate, obviously). Located behind JungleGym and the skating rink upstairs in BSC, and with an indoor and balcony area, it couldn't be more perfect for parents and surely this café is well known to plenty of expatriate mums and dads already. But, if not, and you want my advice, head along and ... Stuff Your Face!
MICHELLE WHYTCROSS



1885

1885 Eastern & Oriental Hotel,
10 Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, Penang
Tel: 04–2222 000

My first review of Penang restaurants for Expatriate Lifestyle has to be my all time favourite, 1885 at the Eastern and Oriental Penang. After a leisurely drink at the bar, it's a short walk across the lobby with its always-impressive colorful flower arrangement, down the corridor, decorated with antique furniture and more beautiful flowers to the 1885 restaurant.

The hostess shows us to our table. The menu, not very extensive, but with ample choice, is mostly western with some fusion dishes. Decorated in muted stone and taupe colours, 1885 is opulent comfort rather than glaring flash. To add to the romantic atmosphere, Phillip plays pleasant melodies on the grand piano as we choose our food. While waiting for our starters, the waiter brings us some scallops with spicy sauce along with fresh bread rolls in several varieties, rye, olive, herbs are offered and we take a selection.

My favourite starter is the Baby Lobster Tails (RM48++). My husband usually goes for the Seared Tuna (RM28++), with a special request for a little wasabi on the side. The lobster, served in the shell, is grilled to perfection, and the tuna, dark red and delicious. The mushroom soup is also recommended.

For main course, the Chateaubriand (RM188++) is my weakness. It's for two people but luckily my other half is also a lover of this dish. We have different preferences as to how the meat is cooked, but the kitchen takes care of my well done and my husband's medium. Lightly cooked seasonal vegetables and small cups of gratin potatoes accompany the dish. I love the béarnaise sauce with my steak, while black pepper and mushroom sauces are also available. My husband takes the opportunity to sample the delicious baked Miso Cod (RM80++) if I am not having the Chateaubriand, or if there is another steak lover to share with me. The fish is served as thick steak, cooked perfectly with the flakes separating easily, but still firm in the mouth.

My wine of choice is Sauvignon Blanc, and the Fire Road bottle from Marlborough New Zealand is excellent value (RM180++). For dessert, 1885 does a fabulous crepe suzette (RM32++), at your table, complete with flaming brandy and it is really deliciously decadent, especially when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. MAGGIE T