With an increasing trend of Western Restaurants going pork free or halal, it was time to rejuvenate my heart and soul- that's when Leonardo's Dining Room (LDR) comes in.
LDR is located in the quiet neighbourhood of Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar. While i love Opus Bistro just a few walks away, i held my hesitations about this place. Cudo to their interior, i like the physical settings of bare brick walls, antique safe holding books and telescope concept inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci and the Renaissance Era. The dining room was lighted with candles on tables and stairs, creating a romantic ambience to a quiet dinner, while the wine loft upstairs is something more homely- suitable for families and friends. There's also al fresco settings, which seems to be a favourite among the crowd too.
The menu have obviously been well thought of. A friendly mixture of western and asian dishes and vast variety of vegetarian dishes. No one will go hungry in LDR as there's something for everyone. It's not always i get to sample Fried Hokkien Noodles and Pork Knuckle under one roof - so who's complaining?
Grilled Portobello Mushroom (RM22) with bacon, tomato and cheese. We ordered two portions based on a friends recommendation. One with bacon and another vegetarian. While the mushrooms was nicely grilled while maintaining some of the juiciness. The toppings was slightly overwhelming in taste as the mixture of tomato and cheese has overpowered what was originally a mushroom dish.
Definitely my choice of the evening, which we happily ordered 2 portion. Leo's Pork Knuckle Platter (RM75), was a proud creation of Leonardo. The house speciality was served with red sauerkraut & garlic herb roasted potatoes. It was a hearty portion meant for sharing. But Julz and I spend no hesitation to finish the palatte, although it did take some effort. Even an extra inch round the waist the next day is well worth it.
It is not easy to perfect the dish, but LDR came close. The skin was roasted crispy whereby it makes a nice cracking sound while we bite. The meat manage to retain its tenderness, and it was well seasoned making each bite a delight. Generous amount of bacon was presented on top of the dish.
I would come back for just this dish alone.
We have a few vegetarian on board and they've chosen the Vegetarian Lasagne. I did not try it but Sandy liked it a lot.
Mamma Mia Pizza (RM35)- filled with Jamon Serrano, Mozzarella, and rocket comes in a regular shape. Another dishes worth trying in LDR is their thinly crusted pizza. I liked how they melt the cheese to the crust before placing the toppings on top. It kept the ingredients looking freshed and more presentable and tastewise, making the cheese crust more distinct while im still able to taste what's on top of it. Love it!
Porridge (specific name unknown) was a disaster. It was watery, bland, more like a baby food than what should be presented on the table. We've only had spoonful and left the rest untouched.
Ranjit Pasta (RM30) was filled with Mushroom, bacon, chilli padi, garlic. Not too bad especially liked the chilli padi giving a hint of spice in what could be an ordinary dish. We had no complains.
Fried Hokkien Mee (RM25), that came with generous ingredients of large prawns, squids, veges, and pork lard. It was very sweet with no hints of "wok" taste. We didnt liked it at all. I'd suggest you to give this a skip.
Bak Kut Teh (RM28) was also not on par, especially when compared to those offerings outside, i did not try the meat because i stopped at the mere spoonful of soup which lacks the herbal taste.
Chocolate Seduction (RM22) was our favourite dessert of the night. Nicely presented, and served warm and semi sweet. How comforting. Take a spoon, scoop into the sinful rich chocolate and another tiny spoon of haagen daaz vanilla ice cream and i can already forget my mishaps with the asian dishes here.
Bread and Butter Pudding (RM18) that comes with a scoop of haagen daaz ice cream was a visually delightful dessert and is also here to stay. A twist to this dish is that its bread was not thoroughly soaked through with the rum sauce giving a nice texture to the otherwise lumpy dish. I liked how it is not overly sweet.
Im not exactly a fan of Chocolate Brownie in general. But this dessert is for you if you're looking for something rich and dense with chocolate.
Our bill came up to RM1100+ between 10 of us with cocktails, beers, and additional few dishes not in this review.
Ratings:
Food: 7/10 for western
3/10 for asian
(my suggestion when dine in Leonardo's, avoid asian dishes at all cost)
Service: 6.5/10
(sufficiently efficient)
Ambience: 8/10
(great atmosphere for dining- good thing is i get to choose the 3 different types of dining setting as per my mood wishes)
Presentation of food: 6.5/10
Overall ratings: 6.5/10
~*~*~*~*~*~
Leonardo's Dining Room
61-1 and 61-2,
Jalan Bangkung,
Bangsar
Tel: 03-2096 2226
You may also like these:
Cava @ Jalan Bangkung: http://augustdiners.blogspot.com/2010/01/crazieapple-reviews-cava-bangsar.html
Opus Bistro @ Jalan Bangkung : http://augustdiners.blogspot.com/2010/01/ms-jazz-reviews-opus-bistro-bangsar.html
