My friends know that I swore solemnly to the sushis/sashimi in Kame Sushi, Desa Sri Hartamas. So naturally they were curious on my opinion of Sushi Hinata, which carries very similar concept of authentic Japanese cuisine that place focuses on Omakase meal prepared freshly by Master Chef by the sushi counter.
Sushi Hinata is a sushi specialist that has opened not long ago and has since gain a widespread popularity within my circle of friends, with some stating that their sushi are the next best thing they have had since Japan. So with that in mind, I enter Sushi Hinata at St. Mary Residence with only one purpose- to try their OMAKASE (degustation by the chef)
My Master Chef of the night is Chef Oritsuki, or Chef Ori, originated in GINZA with over 30 years of experience. Chef Ori has arrived Malaysia only 2 months ago, and knows minimal English. But he is friendly, funny and engaging that you will find yourself drawn to his jolly mood.
It is to my surprise that I was surrounded by patrons that I know that night, with my left being Kame Sushi Master Chef himself and my right being an acquaintance. The restaurant is to my opinion overly bright and has counter seating of not more than 20. There are several private rooms, though most would prefer to be seated where the main actions are- by the counter and I will strongly recommend it.
Their OMAKASE per person starts from RM350++onwards, while limited ala carte dishes are available as well as a cheaper sushi set meal of RM280. The best time to come is Tuesday and Friday for those are the days where the shipments arrive and when their fish are the freshest, but Reservation is strongly recommended.
Ok moving on, let’s see how many of the items I can remember, there were just so many that by the end of the night, I was thoroughly stuffed! Is it worth the spurge of RM350? You bet it is.
Maison Francaise came into my radar quite awhile ago, I’m always game for foie gras, and escargots which is a French specialty. Maison Francaise occupies a 3 storey bungalow house with a taking view of KLCC Tower from its pool lounge. Choose either to sit in the sparsely white and smart surroundings from the inside or opted for the smoking friendly alfresco with a less uptight atmosphere with best of both view (pool + klcc). French Chef Franck Lamache heads the kitchen and according to its website, used to be a private chef to President of Kazakhstan.
The thing i like about Maison Francaise is their menu stay true to the authentic French flavours, and i think the restaurant deserve more recognition in KL's food industry for its healthy, fresh and light recipes.
The restaurant holds a delightful large menu with a wide range of selection of appetizers and mains which holds an upper end pricing in town. My sight fell to the 10g of premium caviar from France topped with scrambled eggs which looks exciting but with a hefty price tag of RM220. Save it some other special day perhaps? For a gastronomic experience, you may need to dig into your pocket deeper for their degustation which cost RM380 (eek!) for a 7 course meal but hey guess what, it includes that caviar scramble eggs, if that’s enough to convince!
Moving on, we have our main courses. Veal tenderloin in porchini mushroom sauce (RM125), knifing through the meat reveals a nice pink center, and a semi-tender bite. Sufficiently satisfactory for the craving carnivores, however i wished it wasnt pre-sliced before it seared, as that losses out to some juiciness and flavours of the meat.
Pan Seared Red Snapper pairs really well with the ratatouille (RM77), having sampling a few bites off my friend, the sweet delectable flesh with a little acidic hit from the tomato content of ratatouille. This is pure comfort food , and my friend had enjoyed it, it seems
Seared Scallops and parsley sauce and white truffle oil (RM95), I’m generally overly excited for dish with truffle oil. They always tend not to disappoint as the truffle oil generally unearth more flavours into a dish. And it also applies to this dish, though subtle in flavours complement well to the parsley sauce and mascarpone risotto cooked al dente. A little complain here? Scallop is too puny and slightly over seared
For those dessert lovers out there, i'm please to inform that Maison Francaise serve a list of interesting presented and fun desserts. Here's what to look out for:-
The visually arresting dessert and perhaps one of my absolute favourite of the night is Grand Marnier Souffle (RM35) The perfect light and fluffiness aibeit not too sweet dessert had brings got my heart fluttery for a good moment. That tinge of alkie in this perfected souffle is a definite must order. Alternatively, other flavours include lemon, chocolate, passionfruit and vanilla