[FOOD] Review: A Hog Affair at The Butcher's Table, Pavilion KL

Calling all pork lovers! It's time to share our porky moments at The Butcher's Table located at Level 7, Dining Loft of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, where we get to savour a fine selection of delectable house-cured meats and unique porky delights made from different parts of the swine. 

The Butcher's Table welcomes us with a warm ambiance as the eatery is furnished with modern wooden seating and the wall is lined with frames of different sizes showing some fancy quotes that tickle the nerves. 

True to its name, you can literally find all the meats you need on the butcher's table. There is a Butcher To-go Deli Counter inside the restaurant where you can pick from a wide variety of meat products and buy these chilled/frozen products to cook them at home.

From nitrate-free in-house sausages to well-marinated fresh cuts and natural smoked meats such as pancetta and pork knuckle, I am sure you would find your favourite here.

Pork Tomahawk (Bestseller!)

For first timer, I'd recommend you to come in a group unless you are feeling famished, and order this No. 1  bestseller - oven roasted pork tomahawk which weighs a whopping 700g! 

Look at the huge tomapork! Perfect dish for communal sharing.

Served with coleslaw and fries, this tender and juicy pork loin chop is well-balanced 

with a nice layer of rich, succulent belly fat. So hearty and satisfying on the palate. 

Butcher’s Signature Crispy Roast Pork

As the aromatic whiff fills the air, we know something good is arriving - it is the golden puffy crackling "Siew Yuk" layered with succulent meat. This dish may look simple, but the ultra crispiness and deep flavours make it a winner here, especially when served with the special Thai garlic dip for that extra kick. Definitely a must-try! 

Grilled Pancetta

When they call this Pancetta the "New King of Bacon", it makes me wonder why... Until I sink my teeth into the thick, lean and meaty slice, I am totally sold! This "thick bacon" is cured for 10 days before the process of slow-smoke on both sides of the meat, yielding an exquisite smoky and savoury flavour that keeps us craving for more. 

Smoked Quarter Chicken

Porkiness overload? Let's have the beautiful brown bird then. Thumbs up for the excellent brine-and-smoke process, it lends so much more flavours to the chicken as compared to the usual grilling. I am delighted that the smokiness is just on point while retaining the fluffiness of the meat. And it complements well with juicy coleslaw and fries too.

In-house Sausages (Iberico Pork and Chicken)

Sausages may be commonly served in many eateries, but high-quality and delicious ones are few and far between. I am glad to have found good sausages here at The Butcher's Table - each type of sausage is handcrafted using 100% real premium pork meat, spices, herbs and natural casing. Absolutely no nitrate, and zero fillers ya. The resulting "real meat" texture is amazing, and it does not taste "artificial" at all.  

Variety wise, you can choose from the list of sausages available: Deluxe Nuernberger Ring, Deluxe Cheese Ring, Garlic, Flaming Hot, Farmer's Bratwurst, English Oxford, Mushroom, Iberico Pork, Lamb Merguez, Chicken and Australian Beef Sausage. Be sure to explore each of the flavours!

Verdict:

The Butcher's Table is a haven for pork lovers to enjoy a meaty feast amidst the comfortable loft-style ambiance. If you wish to enjoy the same high-quality meat at home, you can always pop by to buy the chilled / frozen products here for home cooking.   

For latest updates / promotions, please visit The Butcher's Table, Pavilion KL at:

Facebook: fb.com/thebutcherstablekl

Instagram: @thebutcherstablekl 

 

The Butcher's Table

Lot 7.01.07 & E7.01.07, 

Level 7, Dining Loft   

Pavilion KL,

168, Jalan Bukit Bintang,

55100 Kuala Lumpur.

Contact: +603-2110 4438 / +60111-7786422 

Business Hours: 10am - 10pm

Other outlets

- SS2, PJ

- Ipoh

- Penang (Bukit Mertajam)

- JB Midvalley Southkey (Village Grocer)

*NEW MENU* Tapas Club Spanish Restaurant & Lounge @ Pavilion KL

Hey, are you up for some tapas and sangria? ❤

I have long heard about Tapas Club Malaysia, which has been taking the center stage of Spanish food scene in town since its grand opening exactly 1 year ago at the Dining Loft, Level 7 of Pavilion KL, but this is my first time indulging into the authentic Spanish delights at this swanky restaurant cum bar.

Being a specialist in tapas, paella and desserts, Tapas Club has been constantly creating new, innovative dishes so diners can enjoy myriad of flavours from time to time. Just couple of weeks before its anniversary, Tapas Club has rolled out a brand-new menu featuring 17 new dishes of which we get to try some today.

Tapas Club not only aims for the best quality (from careful selection of ingredients to interesting combination of flavours) food, but it also does not compromise on every detail of the restaurant setting.

Look at the beautiful wine display, how can you miss such lovely picture-worthy spot?

[Bestseller] Garlic Prawns @ RM25.00

We begin our gastronomical journey here with some best-selling and new tapa dishes. Like many concur, the pan-fried garlic prawn served in olive oil tops our list of favourites, all thanks to its rich seafood goodness coming from the prawn stock.

[Bestseller] Spanish Omelette with Truffle Aioli @ RM25.00

Not a fan of seafood? Try another crowd pleaser - Spanish-style confit potato pancake with caramelised onion and eggs. It has a very nice chunky texture on the mouth while the truffle aioli heightens the overall taste and aroma of the dish.

[*NEW*] Txistorra and Quail Egg on Toast @ RM25.00

One of the new creations that interests me is the pan-fried txistorra sausage and quail egg served on toasted bread (4 pieces per platter). - so incredibly cute and it reminds me of "mini American breakfast". I like how the cured sausage is bursting with incredibly rich flavours of spices too.

[*NEW*] Pork Cheek with Spanish Puquillo Pepper @ RM25.00

Those who prefer more subtle flavours should try the sous vide pork cheek. Although mildly spiced, it is well-complemented with incredibly creamy mash that enhances the overall flavours altogether.

[*NEW*] Garlic Chicken @ RM25.00

[Bestseller] Chicken and Seafood Paella @ RM68.00

As much as we enjoy our tapas, we also have a great time digging into the vibrant and unpretentious pan of signature paella studded with seafood. Personally, I prefer the squid ink paella for that added depth of flavours from the umami-rich squid ink.

[Bestseller] Squid Ink Paella with Clams @ RM68.00

[Bestseller] Tapas Club Cheesecake @ RM28.00

Apart from tapas and paella, I am equally impressed by Tapas Club's homemade desserts. Our visit to Tapas Club wouldn't be complete without digging into the luscious deconstructed cheesecake which is beautifully composed of cream cheese, caramelised crumbs and berries compote. 

Thanks to its creamy, smooth and melt-in-the-mouth texture, it definitely wins the hearts of cheese lovers like myself.

[Bestseller] Churros with Chocolate Sauce @ RM28.00

Of course, being the home of authentic Spanish cuisine, you just can't go wrong with the Spanish No.1 traditional dessert - churros served with chocolate dip. The version served here is slightly crunchier and denser than usual, but nevertheless tastes superb when dipped with the lightly sweet chocolate sauce.

Verdict:

1. Tapas Club is a great place for dine and wine by both the day and night. Highly recommended for special occasions, celebrations or private functions too.

2. Overall, Tapas Club has far exceeded our expectations in almost all aspects, be it the quality of food, ambiance or service. If I were to have any complaints at all, it would be the overall taste of food leaning towards the heavier (stronger) side. But no worries, pairing them with some boozes will help balance out the flavours.

3. Recommended: Garlic Prawn, Squid Ink Paella, Tapas Club Cheesecake

Tapas Club Malaysia
Lot 7.01.01, Level 7 @ Dining Loft,
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur,
168, Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: +603-2110 2718
Website: woodpeckers.asia/tapas
Facebook: fb.com/tapasclubmsia
Instagram: @tapasclubmsia 

[New Menu] Chir Chir Fusion Chicken Factory @ Pavilion Elite, KL

Speaking of freshly-cooked Korean fried chickens, I know we are spoilt with choices in Klang Valley but one of my top favourites is Chir Chir, the South Korea's largest chain of restaurants which opened its first Malaysian outlet in Pavilion Elite a couple of months ago. 

Located on Level 1, the foodie heaven of Pavilion Elite, you can easily spot this vibrant Korean-chic establishment along the underground walkway towards Fahrenheit88. 

The quirky interior makes it the perfect place for casual dining with friends and family. I usually love bringing 3-4 friends along so that we can try more dishes. Portion wise, it is very versatile -- you can always order single portion and enjoy it alone, or order double portion for sharing. 

The reason of my revisit to Chir Chir this round is to try out the new menu.

Yes, they have introduced a couple of new items specially catered for our local taste/

Curry Fried Chicken @ RM30.90 (Single Portion)

When it comes to local Malaysian favourites, who doesn't love curry? Specially catered for curry lovers, Chir Chir's latest Curry Fried Chicken is coated with the signature batter, deep-fried till golden-brown crispy perfection. generously showered in the very own addictive curry seasoning, and dried chilli flakes. It is ultra crisp on the outside and so tender inside! 

Can you see the even coating of chilli flakes around the chicken? Surprisingly, it exudes very strong aroma of fragrant curry leaves but does not taste spicy at all! In fact, taste wise, it leans towards the sweeter side. 

If you really love curry flavour, you can always opt for Double Portion (RM56.90). Other flavours of signature Fried Chicken that you can try include Crispy (Original), Garlicky or Spicy flavours. 

Honey Butter Chicken @ RM24.90

(Single Portion can serve 2)

Since I personally prefer something boneless, the best-selling Honey Butter Chicken never fails to tempt me with the sweet honey butter flavour and crispy texture on the outside. For the sides, it is good to find some crisp potato wedges and rice cakes to add multi-dimensional textures to the dish.

If you find it a tad sweet for your liking, always dip into the creamy sauce that nicely balances out the sweetness of the chicken. Craving for more? It is also available in Double Portion (RM52.90).

Rose Cheese Chiqueen @ RM33.90

Apart from the signature fried chickens, Chir Chir's menu features lots of modern, innovative Korean dishes including the new Rose Cheese Chiqueen. Served in a piping hot pan, cheese lovers like us are delighted to see the crispy fried chicken tenders and chunky potato wedges siting on a bed of shredded mozzarella cheese. 

As the mozzarella cheese melts, the waiter will put in some fondue cheese into the creamy concoction 

and mix them together so that we can enjoy the cheesy goodness upon each bite.

Remember to enjoy it while hot, otherwise the cheese may harden as it turns cold.

Spicy Chi-bap @ RM33.90

Wanna try something different? An innovative rendition from the usual Korean Bibimbap rice dish, Chir Chir's Chi-Bap features juicy fried chicken tenders in a spicy marinade of onion salsa and smoky BBQ sauce, served on a bed of aromatic seaweed-flavoured rice. 

Be warned, the boneless chicken tenders are quite fiery hot; definitely not for the faint-hearted. Luckily the seaweed rice helps to balance out the overall spiciness of this dish. Can't get enough of it? The Double Portion (RM60.90) is ideal for big eaters or communal sharing. 

Nest Snow @ RM34.90

For those who don't fancy rice, Chir Chir's best-selling Nest Snow is a great alternative. Taste wise, it is also more subtle and less cheesy as compared to the Rose Cheese Chiqueen. But I personally find that the cream-laden Cajun Chicken tenders can be a tad cloying especially when it is served with a bed of sweet potato mash, and crowned with freshly whipped cream and grated cheese.

Pineapple Smoothie / Grapefruit Yoghurt 

(RM14.90 per glass / RM30.90 per jar)

Another thing we love about Chir Chir is the ever innovative, refreshing beverages which also come in 2 serving sizes: Glass (single portion) / Jar (to share). Whether you like the creamy sweet Pineapple Smoothie (Tropical mix of pineapple puree, coconut and mint leaves with strawberry and banana syrup at the bottom) or the refreshing tang from the Grapefruit Yoghurt (Grapefruit yoghurt, grapefruit and mint leaves), I am sure that both make ideal thirst quenchers and perfect accompaniments to the dishes. 

Not a fan of fruity smoothies? You can always enjoy the Korean "Chimaek" culture here, i.e. indulging into the fried chicken ("chi" in Korean) and cooling it down with icy cold beer ("maekju" in Korean).

Verdict:

1. If you are looking for a Korean fried chicken meal with an interesting local twist, then Chir Chir is the place to go with your friends and family. 

2. Reasons to visit: Sizeable portion, locally-suited flavours, fresh and good quality ingredients 

3. Must try: Curry Fried Chicken, Spicy Chi-bap

Chir Chir Fusion Chicken Factory

Lot 1.108.00, Level 1 (walkway towards Fahrenheit88)

Pavilion Elite @ Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Contact: +603-2110 4867

Facebook: fb.com/ChirChirMY

Instagram: @ChirChirMY

Business Hours: 10am - 10pm daily 

Brunch & Afternoon Tea at 1837 TWG Tea @ Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

An afternoon tea affair at TWG Tea can be just the perfectly well-spent day with the loved ones.

Known for its luxurious, fine teas and posh setting, TWG has always been on my wishlist and I finally get to make a visit there and try out its signature afternoon tea set for two. 

The interior of this timelessly chic and elegantly inventive wood-panelled tea boutique exudes a touch of class and luxury as it is furnished with a magnificent tea wall that displays hundreds of single-estate and hand-blended teas in TWG Tea signature artisan tins. I'm surprised to see a vintage brass weighing scale there too!

In this cosy tea room, the warm polished-wood tables and cushioned wicker-back chairs are the epitomes of comfort that diners would enjoy. Apart from vintage tea paraphernalia, it is also beautifully adorned with old photographs, fine bone china, crisp linens, hanging crystal lamps and vases of brightly-hued exotic blooms.

One of TWG's Flower Tea among its 400 types of specialty teas.

If you do not already know, all TWG teas are hand sewn into 100% cotton teabags to allow the whole-leaf teas to develop their full and unique aroma and give them ample room to expand during infusion in hot water for 2-3 minutes. 

Glancing through the tea menu alone, I am amazed by the fact that it serves over 400 types of specialty teas to cater for different tastebuds. Among them, one of the classic favourites that first timers must try is the Silvermoon Tea which has been the bestseller since decades ago. This blend is accented with a grand berry and vanilla bouquet. Suave, with just a hint of spice.

TWG Signature High Tea Set @ RM69 nett

One can sip on his/her preferred tea while indulging in the beautifully arranged three-tier English afternoon tea set which is available from 2pm to 6pm daily. The set comes with a delightful combination of hot savouries and desserts, inclusive of 2 pots of tea. 

However, if you are up for something more filling, TWG serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner specialties, that imparts unique flavours of tea into the savoury recipes. Sounds fascinating, right? 

 Barbeque Chicken Boxing and Tandoori Lamb Skewer with Yoghurt Mint

Other than those served in the tiered rack, another platter of savouries consisting of well-marinated chicken and lamb arrives at our table, being part of the set we order. Definitely an excellent pick-me-up before we go for more.

 Lobster, Walnut and Celery Sandwich, and Matcha Financier

Our discovery of the day is TWG's lovely matcha financier that wows us with its moist and soft texture, along with sweet bursting flavours of green tea. Definitely not the ordinary financier cake you have elsewhere.

 Red Snapper Burger with Asian Mango Salsa, and

Smoked Salmon, Riccota and Sundried Tomato Quiche

Our fish burger and smoked salmon quiche come in miniature version. Popping into the mouth,

it bursts into a plethora of a myriad of oceanic flavors that leave you craving for more.

Caramelia Tart with Cocoa Dusting, Raspberry Shell, Dulcey Lolly filled with Chocolate and Lemon Bush Macaron

Don't be fooled by the simplicity of the desserts. They might have only 4 items,

but each is done excellently to perfect your afternoon with classic British indulgence.

CHIC Imperial Tea Time Set @ RM50

Other high tea sets are also available, depending on the portion you prefer. We also get to try the two-tier set with 2 scones and 3 pieces of sandwiches--  Foie Gras, Chicken with Comptoir des Indes Tea infused with creme fraiche, and Cucumber with cream cheese infused Earl Grey Fortune Tea.

My personal favourite was this luxe foie gras sandwich. It tasted like a thick slab of butter that melted perfectly in the mouth with a rich savory aroma. Although sinful, I wouldn't mind going for another helping of this!

Also from the tea set, we tried the two freshly baked raisin scones with the exclusive TWG Tea infused tea jelly or clotted cream. The scone was tender, soft, and delicate but lacking of the rich buttery flavour. Nevertheless, it was the house made TWG tea jelly that wowed me, so aromatic yet not too sweet for me. 

TWG Tea patisserie, where there are lots more sweet goodies ranging from classic macarons to dainty cakes and pastries.

TWG Tea macarons are the bestsellers among the sweets of all kinds.

Apart from the high tea set, I also find that it offers a great variety of breakfast items as well as main courses that are well-infused with TWG signature teas. 

 Smoked Salmon Egg Benedict @ RM32

A classic platter of egg benedict. Served with creamy hollandaise sauce and smoked salmon, the homemade English muffins are toasted into crisp outer perfection but I find it slightly tough inside. Nevertheless, it is a refreshing change from the usual toast.

As for the poached farmhouse egg, it is well-executed and oozes golden goodness upon being cut. However, it would taste better if the chef could be more generous with the application of the creamy hollandaise sauce.

Mediterranean Scallops Pasta @ RM44

For mains, pasta and steak are aplenty on the menu but they are only available after 12noon. But if you love seafood, you should try the seared fresh scallops spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic. The taste is pretty interesting as it was slightly spicy, savoury and aromatic with hints of sweetness from the Weekend in Venice Tea infused in the dish.

Berries Compote Waffle with Vanilla Ice Cream @ RM17.50

What excited me the most is the waffle here because I have always loved this type of thick, fluffy waffle with crisp edges. Lightly sweet on its own, it is well-paired with extra creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream, sweet berries and crunchy almonds. Also available in apple compote and banana flavours, I am sure this is a perfect treat for those with sweet tooth.

Being a huge fan of pastries and sweets, I am certainly looking forward to my next visit to TWG Tea and have a taste on its delicate offerings! 

At the mean time, perhaps you would like to get some of TWG's finest harvests and most exclusive tea blends for personal enjoyment at home :)

Verdict:

1. A set of savouries, sweets and tea comes in an affordable price tag of RM69 nett, definitely a great steal.

2. Luxurious ambiance, fine desserts, premium tea; Simply perfect for a tai-tai afternoon gathering.

3. Recommended as one of the most ideal occasional high tea venues, whether you are a tea connoisseur or a casual tea drinker.

1837 TWG Tea
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Level 2, Lot P2.16.00 and 2.34.01 168,
Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: +603-2142 9922
Website: www.twgtea.com
Facebook: fb.com/TWGTeaOfficial
Instagram: @TWGTeaOfficial
Business Hours: 10am - 10pm daily