Rendez-Vous Bangsar French Restaurant - A Wine Pairing Dinner With Traditional French Cuisine - Bangsar Kuala Lumpur

French people are well known for their dining antics and so in every dinner meals, it is not only about ambience, plating, food but also the right wine pairing for the dishes. At Rendez-Vous French Restaurant located at 100, Lorong Maarof, Bangsar Park, 59000 Kuala Lumpur; is where you can find great traditional French food cooked by artistry French Chef with a wine selection for each dish.

Recently, we were invited to taste out a new menu offering from Chef Benjamin which hails from Toulouse, France. Besides serving the popular other French dishes that we had in our earlier review (pls click Here); he is offering some newly crafted French cuisine in its original taste for us to savour.

As usual, in the full French tradition, we had our pre-dinner drink which is the popular Kir Classique (a white wine with Creme de Cassis (is a sweet, dark red liqueur made from blackcurrants) - RM34.00). Kir is a French refreshing cocktails which are mix with fruit liquor and topped with white wine.

Next, is, of course, the Amuse Bouche, a single, bite-sized hors d’œuvre. Amuse-Bouches are different from appetisers in that they are not ordered from a menu by patrons, but are served gratis and according to the chef's selection alone. For the night, the chef served us the Scambled eggs topped with Caviar. With the bland taste of the Eggs and slightly salty flavours of the caviar, it blended well with the cool fruity Kir.

For starters, we had the "Ouef Parfait Et Gnocchi" (RM22.00)- Gnocchi is a popular dish in France, it is made from a combination of mash potatoes, flour and eggs. For this dish, the chef served the Parisian style Gnocchi; with the Fried, Choux strip rolls pastry that gives it a crunchy feel and topped with a half boiled eggs served in a clay pot with cheese and bechamel sauce.

For this dish, the recommended wine is the Chardonnay.

Next, we had the "Thon Confit" (RM25.00) which is Candied Tuna (slow cooked together with Olive oil and Tarragon leaves) served with cauliflower puree, with a refreshing sides of chop green apples and cabbage sprinkled with rouille sauce.

The recommended wine pairing is the Sauvignon Blanc

After that it was time for the main course, the first main course dish is the "Filet De Loup De Mer" (RM58.00) - a fish based dish which is made out from of a pan fried Seabass Fillet which has a nice crisp skin served on a bed of carrot puree with a tangy citrus vinaigrette sauce that married perfectly to the fish meat. It is then topped with the flavorful and savoury Avruga Caviar. 

For this dish, the recommended wine to be paired is the Pinot Grigio (dry, semi-sweet white wine)

Our last main dish is the "Poitrine De Porc Fondante" (RM49.00). The pork belly is slow cooked for 2 days and pan fried to a light crisp on the outside which has its' meat and pork belly fats literally melting in the mouth. A simply delightful feel that satisfy our craving. It is served with Crispy "Gribiche" style Pork feet. We were taken aback that they was no sign of any pork feet/knuckles in the dish; As it turns out the chef has cooked the pork feet and has its' meat chopped to small pieces and together with Gherkin pickle, capers, onions, parsley, boiled eggs and Dijon Mustard rolled in a spring roll and deep fried. 

Beside the Gribiche there is another roll which is the Mushroom Cannelloni, which has chopped chicken meat and mushroom stuff in a pasta roll. The sauce of the dish is the meat juice which was slow cooked with the pork belly and added with fried bacon chip.

The wine to be paired for this dish is the Baron Monbarduc (a fine, soft and fruity wine)

We had 2 dessert to end our lovely dinner; the first of which is the "Tarte Au Citron Meringue". Sitting at the bottom is the home-made biscuit like lemon tart which is topped with lemon flavoured cream and the soft crusty meringue. Decorated with freshly slice apples to give it a crunch and a home-made lime sorbet that add to a refresh feel to this dessert.

For those that would like to savour this dessert with a sparkling wine, a Prosecco; a sparkling wine made in Italy; now you cannot call a Champagne unless it is from this region (as the saying goes all champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is champagne) - would be an ideal choice for this dessert.

Our last dessert is the Paris Brest (RM20.00); an in-house made Choux pastry which has a slight crust and an inside soft texture which is then sandwiched with a hazelnut custard. My dinner partner loves the flaky pastry crust with the right balance of buttery taste.

It was our pleasure to have a nice French cuisine in which we discover the Chef great efforts and skill to showcase these delicious dishes at Rendez-Vous French Restaurant. We look forward to taste more enchanting dishes in the near future.

"Bon Appetit"

Maria's Steak Cafe Restaurant Bangsar - A Hidden Gems For Steak Lovers

There are a number of steakhouses in Kuala Lumpur, but to find one that serves top quality steak at a fairly reasonable price is few and rare . Recently, +BestRestaurantToEat was invited to taste out the Australian Wagyu Steak at Maria's Steak Cafe Restaurant located at 58, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar Kuala Lumpur which is a walking distant from the Bangsar Village Shopping Centre. There are also 2 other outlets one which is in Ipoh and Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya.

Maria's Steak Cafe a western steakhouse has its roots from Ipoh which was started more than 15 years ago. The owners' has a strong conviction to serve only the best and freshest quality meat to its clients; this was perfected thru the extensive experience in managing chilled cuts which are kept in controlled conditions to preserve its natural freshness and succulence.

Our Dinner Course at Maria's Steak Cafe

The restaurant is perfect for all occasions, it is a favourite casual family oriented restaurant, but the restaurant’s intimate, relaxed, elegant interior design and atmosphere make it a great place for a date nights too.

To start off our evening of fine dining pleasure, we were served the NZ Spicy Mussels which is a sharing platter for me and my partner. The sauce is a vegetable siciliana tomato based with fine chilli flakes that blend a hint of sourish and slightly spicy taste. It went well with the firm texture of the air flown New Zealand Green mussels which have a firm meat texture and does not bode any fishy taste. 

For the soup, I had the Oxtail Soup which was boiled for more than 7 hours with a vegetable broth; to extract the full flavours of the oxtails. While the meat texture of the oxtail was fork tender, the aroma of the warm hearty soup was very savoury and pleasant. 

My partner had the Wild Mushroom soup which uses a combination of Shitake and Button mushroom which was thickened with a hint of white cream. What we like about this soup was the chef has added in little small chunks of cut mushroom that add a texture that gives some bite to the soup.

Next; Our main course which is the star of the night is the Australian Wagyu 7 which is Maria's signature and best selling steak. We were a little curious as to why there is a number like 5 and 7 as in the standard menu; it turns out that this is the marble grading of Wagyu. The higher the number the more marbling there is and naturally the cost as well. 

At Maria's Steak Cafe; you get to savour this top quality steak cut which was cooked using a simple marinade of salt, black pepper and red wine to bring out; the best natural flavours of the beef by grilling it to (Medium Rare) which were lightly charred on the outside and deep pink on the inside, making each and every bite of tender, juicy, tasting steak. 

To truly enjoy this AustralianWagyu 7 Rib-Eye steak cuts, it would be a good idea to chew the steak a little longer, so that it gets contact with more of your taste buds. According to the owner of the Maria Steak Cafe, this steak does not come with any sauce as serving it naked; is the best way to truly enjoy the real original taste of this succulent meat cut.

For my partner, her main course was the Canadian Seabass (also known as White Cod Fish). This is a welcome treat for non-meat eater; as the Cod Fish was Pan Fried and served with a specially Sake infused citrusy tangy sauce that was superbly paired with the soft firm, moist texture white fleshed fish. It is topped with Bonito Flakes which was still twirling and dancing when the dish was set on the table.

For desserts; we had the Moist Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice-Cream. The cake which was made from seriously rich chocolate; is served warm and was brought to the best with a pairing of the cold smooth vanilla ice cream that tickles your sweet-tooth.

For my partner, she had the Carrot Walnut Cake Topped with Cream Cheese. These freshly home-made cake; was a real delight and sugary treats to end our lovely meals at Maria's Steak Cafe Bangsar.

Deck on the walls of the restaurant are some of the wines collection that you can order with your favourite meal; there is a wine pairing suggestion for most of the mains if you have trouble pairing it. Maria's Steak Cafe Bangsar is really an ideal restaurant to wine and dine in the bustling Bangsar. As mention earlier, there is also two other outlet that you can savour these delicious dishes of which the address are listed below.

For our fans and readers of BestRestaurantToEat, you will get a receive a 10% off of your total bill whenever you dine at Maria’s SteakCafe - valid until end of July 2016 by mentioning “BestRestaurantToEat”

Damansara outlet: 

Address: Centre Wing, Level 3, Metropolitan Square, No. 2, Jalan PJU 8/1, Damansara Perdana, 47820 PJ  Telephone Number: 03-7725 2313

Ipoh outlet: 

Address: Persiaran Greentown 1, Greentown Business Centre, 30450 Ipoh, Perak 

Number: 05-2424133

Bangsar Food: Brotzeit German Bier Bar and Restaurant - Rise and Shine German Style Breakfast at Bangsar Shopping Centre Kuala Lumpur

There is a saying that "Eat Breakfast Like A King, Lunch Like a Prince and Dinner Like a Pauper". With this in mind +BestRestaurant ToEat went to taste out the latest breakfast menu at Brotzeit German Bier Bar and Restaurant located at Bangsar Shopping Centre.

Brotzeit is renowned for its German cuisine as we have reviewed earlier. Click Here for our earlier review; it is also popular with its hearty breakfast set. As an add-on, you can start your breakfast with a chilled glass of orange juice to detox your body.

With the new breakfast menu, our first brekkie is non-other than the Signature Breakfast Set (RM32.90). This set is on the heavy side and is great for those big eaters while the small eater can order this to be shared by 2 persons. This platter comes with two farm fresh eggs, slices of streaky bacon, 2 Nurnberger sausages on a creamy bed of mashed potatoes with slices of ham, belly bacon, Emmenthaler cheese, onions and tomatoes served with multi-grain bread.

Next on is the Hangover Breakfast set (RM28.00); it comprises with a tummy warming goulash soup, slices of fried bacon, smoked salmon with a fried farm fresh eggs and served with a Laugen bread roll. 

This is then followed thru with a special chef creation of the Farmer's Omelette (RM22.00). The slices of potatoes together with bacon, sprinkles of herbs and eggs are fried omelette style. We like the combination flavours of the omelette and is paired with the fresh garden salad with pesto sauce and served with a sunny side up eggs and multi-seed bread. This is quite a filling meal for a person.

The next dish is my favourite as I just loves roast pork belly. The set is called the Crispy Pork Belly (RM26.00). Laden with a layer of fats, the pork belly are roasted to a deep crunchy crisp. Served on a bed of sauteed spinach with mushroom and tomatoes; it gives a different texture, taste and flavours of this set. It is served with a choice of either fried, poached or scrambled eggs and comes with a multi-seed bread.

For pancake fans; you can opt for the Savoury Pancake (RM 22.00) for a change. The thin pancake is wrapped with bacon, feta cheese, tomatoes & olives. Served with fresh garden salad and a choice of either fried, poached or scrambled eggs and comes with a multi-seed bread.

For the sweet tooth, you can try out the Soft Crepe Duo (RM18.00). The soft crepes are filled with Nutella and strawberry jam to give a sweet and slight sourish tastes. It is then topped with chopped nuts and fresh fruits to give a different texture and refreshing taste with a drizzle of chocolate and apricot sauce.

All the breakfast set comes with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. So, if you yearn for some top quality western breakfast, the Brotzeit hearty breakfast set will definitely kick start your day.

Bangsar Food: Rendez-Vous French Restaurant - A Traditional French Food Love Affair

French people are very particular with the quality of ingredients used but also the way the food are prepared and served. A serving dish usually consist of different taste, aroma and texture specifically to tantalize your taste-bud. With that +BestRestaurant ToEat was invited to review this traditional French cuisine at Rendez-Vous French Restaurant located at 100 Lorong Maarof, 59000, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

The concept of the restaurant is to make authentic French cuisine affordable and also to offer a laid-back ambience in a truly relax environment where patrons can enjoy great French food and drinks with family and friends.

To appreciate a full course French meal you first start with a cocktail and the one that we had is the Le Kir Classique (RM26.00). It is a cocktail of white wine & choice of Creme de Cassis, Raspberry and others.

Next we had the Amused Bouche - a single bit size pre-meal appetizer. It is a dish not found from the menu and are served gratis and according to the chef's selection for the day to all present at the table. Our Amused Bouche was the sauteed onion with mushroom.

For starters, the chef recommendation was the Escargot Snails With Parsley and Garlic Butter Sauce in Vol Au Ven (RM34.00). At most restaurant Escargot are commonly served as Baked Cheese Escargot but here we get to taste out this traditional style of cooking with a light crust pastry (Vol Au Ven) which absorb the garlic butter sauce to give a nice texture and taste to the Escargot.



For the Soup, we had the "Soupe De Poissons Facon Laurent" which is Fish Soup Served With Rouille Sauce from Sete (RM26.00). The Rouille is a sauce that consists of olive oil with breadcrumbs, garlic, saffron and chili peppers. It has that special strong taste and when mix with the rich fish soup was excellent that it tasted more like lobster bisque. Served with crouton and extra cheese on the side for those that loves their soup to be extra cheesy with the Rouille Sauce as an add on.

French people have a craving for Pate and the next chef recommendation is non other than the signature Pâté de Chevreuil" Deer Pâté With Hazelnut (RM30.00) - Pâté (French forcemeat) is a mixture of cooked ground meat and fat minced into a spreadable paste and bake in a terrine. The Deer Pate has a firm texture; had a nice flavour and taste which goes well with the gherkin, caramelized onion and fresh cherry tomatoes with lettuce that makes a good companion to the Pâté.

After the Pâté, next comes the special salad, French people has an acquired taste quite similar to the Chinese as they are fond of cooking and appreciating innards dishes. For this salad, we had the "Salade Perigourdine" a.k.a Breast Smoked Duck (in-house made) with artichoke, gizzards, bacon, sundried tomatoes and topped with a thin slice of Foie Gras. The dressing is a mustard with red wine reduction.

For the main course, the chef recommendation is the Mussel in White Wine. There are 3 type of cooking style that you can choose from. This White Wine style comes with a pot enclosure and when it is opened, the aroma of the white wine and steam from the broth exudes out.



We like this style of cooking with garlic, onion and white wine as it brings out the natural flavours of the mussels.

The next dish is the "Filet Mignon De Porc" which is Pork Tenderloin With French Cepes Mushroom Sauce (RM46.00). The Pork Tenderloin is slow cooked in a vacuum pack and then lightly pan fried and topped with the Cepes Mushroom sauce. This way of cooking ensures that the pork tenderloin has a soft texture while it engulf the pork taste into the meat. The Cepes Mushroom sauce which is made in-house using porcini mushroom leaves a taste so wonderful you are still fantasising about it hours afterwards.

To truly enjoy this particular dish, it would be great to chew the pork tenderloin a little longer, so that it gets contact with more of your taste buds.

The next dish according to Chef Flo is a very authentic traditional French delicacy which is the "Boudin noir aux pommes" i.e. Soft Pork Blood Sausage served with apples and French Style mashed potatoes (RM44.00). The pork blood which are specially source are cooked with herbs and spices and stuffed into the sausage. It is then boiled, fried and ready to be eaten. This dish is a real challenge for many Malaysian; I would say it will be an acquired taste to many which will leave you either a love it or hate it after the meal.

For dessert the Chef recommended that we try out the popular "Crepe Suzzette" aka French Crepe flamed with Grand Mariner (RM26.00). When the dessert arrived at our table; the waiter will first flame the Grand Mariner before pouring it into the Crepe.



After the flame is doused off, upon the first bite of the crepe, we can taste the strong Grand Mariner that is embedded into the crepe which is mix with the orange sauce and vanilla ice-cream.

The last dessert that we had is the Marquise au chocolat which is Densed Mousse served with mint ice cream (RM20.00). We love the Chocolate Mousse as the densed version which is firm have a stronger chocolate taste and blended well with the ice-cream.

Not to be left out, Rendez-Vous French Restaurant is celebrating the Year of Fire Monkey with a few specially created dishes with a French flavour to welcome the prosperity.

For this year Rendez-Vous is also having a special Valentine dinner for you to romance with your loved one the French style. Book early for this Valentine Special today.



For me, at Rendez-Vous French Restaurant Bangsar; one can really enjoy the experience of the flavours of the dishes which are prepared using traditional methods and natural ingredients to retain its authenticity of its taste.