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Monday, April 9, 2012

Romanza @ Hock Choon KL

Located at the ground floor of Hock Choon off Jalan Ampang, Romanza is one of the latest addition to the Kuala Lumpur's fine dining scene. Whether you are there for a scrumptious lunch or an intimate dinner, Romanza is the way to experience luxury dining in every dish. The laminated menu features French Mediterranean cuisine with a hint of South African flair. I suggest a day of fasting before coming to Romanza, as there are just too many interesting dishes to try. 
The black and white themed dining room was jazzed up with bold wallpaper, chandeliers and motif printed chairs. If you are keen to dine with the stars, an outdoor terrace is available.
Chef Steven Kruger started us off with a deep fried mushroom tortellini. The amuse bouche was warm, with mushroom oozing out of the crispy tortellini. 
Trio of Squid (RM26) - Or should I called it a trip around the Mediterranean region. From Asia, we had Tom Yum marinated squid on baby salad (left). From Europe, we lingered with some crispy crumbled squid rings and squid ink infused risotto (right). In Mediterranean, we had cous cous stuffed Patagonian squid with a roasted red pepper coulis (center). The plating was beautiful, with each squid highlighting the different techniques and textures.
"Baked Alaska" of Salmon (RM34) - The Norwegian Salmon fillet was lightly coated in French meringue, sprinkled with citrus and cucumber salsa, topped with smoked salmon ice cream. We were intrigued by the smooth smoked salmon ice cream that hardly emitted any fishy taste. Perhaps jelly fish and oyster ice cream may follow suit very soon. 
Palate Cleanser - The beet root jelly coupled with raspberry and pistachio sorbets were equally refreshing, removing all the lingering flavors, setting us ready for our main course.
Sesame Crusted Yellowfin Tuna Loin (RM60) - The tuna loin was effortlessly satisfying, enhanced by the avocado puree and home made sweet chili sauce. The flavored sushi rice was topped with nori layered omelette roll and some greens. 
Daily special (RM75) - The medium rare pan seared and oven roasted Ostrich Fillet was laced with spiced pumpkin puree. It was accompanied by pommes croquettes, dried apricots, mange tout and curry infused jus. 
Romanza Liquid Centerred Vanilla Parfait (RM24) - This igloo looking dessert consisted of raspberry coulis, served in white chocolate coated honeycomb. A scoop of honeycomb semi freddo with pistachio nuts was enough to keep it nice and cold. 
The dessert alone was worth the trip! The combination of raspberry coulis and white chocolate honeycomb was exhilarating new to us. This dish evoked the word "lovely" and definitely captured our culinary imagination. 
Romanza, which means Romance in Italian, ended our meal with some colorful jelly bean. We were overwhelmed by the Chef's stunning creations and we look forward to our next visit. 

Verdict: TOTALLY SMITTEN

27 comments:

  1. I am taken back by all those you have tried. Not only looks good but the plating is simply superb. Never I have tried such spread because I seldom head to KL. In fact, I can't remember when was the last time I was in KL. Seems like ages and its all because I can't take the traffic jam in KL.

    I have to agree with you that its truly stunning creations.

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    1. I totally understand where you are coming from. I'm very bad with KL roads too. But I'm getting better nowadays, ever since I started work in KL few years back.

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  2. ooo, i usually skip squid when i see it on the menu, but a trio of squid sounds very enticing! especially the one stuffed with cous cous :D

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    1. You should give it a try next time. It was soft and tender. =)

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  3. everything looks good. its an amazing play of colours...awesome! from the list..i think i'll like the Sesame Crusted Yellowfin Tuna Loin the most...

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  4. The salmon sounds so interesting! When I read it, I was thinking about a dessert in my mind and that tuna...... I haven't had a good piece of tuna for ages! oh well, I'm stuck with my can ones ;)

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    1. Yes salmon ice cream is indeed very interesting. Maybe you can try making it =). I'm sure they have pretty good tuna steak in Melb right?

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  5. i like the colourful jelly bean..
    I feel happy when i eat it .. ;)

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    1. I don't need to eat it, the colors makes me happy.

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  6. I sooo need to get over there. The food looks amazing.

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    1. yes yes. i think you will enjoy it with your husband. =) quickly goo...

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  7. This looks like a fantastic place to go, the presentation does look great! Will have to check it out next time we're there visiting family!

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    1. Yes, you can bring your family there too! I'm sure they will like it. =)

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  8. Wow, this place sounds fantastic! Love the wonderful dishes and presentation. The palette cleanser looks like a great idea
    My favorite was the dessert. Very over the top!

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    1. Yes! Me too the dessert was awesome.... I would just go there for desserts!

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  9. All the dishes look so scrumptious....the squid and the dessert are tops!!

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  10. Thanks Malli. I have to agree with you, both dishes were delish.

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  11. the dessert looks especially good! i didnt expect to see so much of raspberry coulis inside the parfait!

    Latest: Cake Temptations

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    1. Yes... is was flowing out when I break it apart!

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  12. I went here last month, was blown away by the food (taste and presentation). The one I loved most was the Chocolate landscape dessert.

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    1. Me too!! I can't wait to go back there again. I will give the Chocolate landscape dessert a try next time =)

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  13. Gorgeous mouth watering presentation...I just hope I don't spend too much time of photos when I visit Romanza. Love the cheery jellybeans pic:D

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    1. HEhheeh... you won't! You know why? Because you can't wait to dig in! =D

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  14. Found your lovely blog through Quay Po..

    and yes, I am very smitten by Romanza and its gorgeous menu with dessert taking 1st place! =)

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    1. YES! The desserts are just too awesomeeeeee...

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  15. The food colors is awesome.I think it will be really testy to eat.

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