The combination of local chef and Western owners has clearly been a winning combination at TwentyOne – a restaurant where locals and expats gather to drink, chat, and dither indecisively over a menu which boasts modern European food with an Asian twist.

It has now been five years since the original outlet in Changkat welcomed its first guests, and that, in co- owner Danny’s opinion, made it high time for a facelift. Both branches – the second was opened in Bangsar over two years ago – were closed for some internal improvements, and both saw their menus shaken up and standardised (you can now expect identical menus in both establishments).

My lunch destination was TwentyOne Bangsar, and while the sleek, stylish décor is undoubtedly chic, the real eye-pleaser is the view from the restaurant-wide windows: a stunning vista day and night.

Whether you seek solids or liquids, the restaurant has a nook for you: diners should get a spot near the window and watch the towers light up after dark, while drinkers laze on the stools and small tables that nestle around the water fountain. The drinks menu covers all manner of things from cocktails and mocktails to wines, spirits, and hot beverages. Many come for the daily happy hours, but it is well worth following the drinks with something more substantial, as the new menu reveals Chef Sham’s light but deft touch is a superb one.

Asian options such as the rich, sourish Curry Mee are real winners, while the Chicken Tikka Masala – a Westernised version using a simple mint yoghurt and fluffy pasta shells – is utterly delicious. Salads and soups start things off well, and simple dishes such as Potato and Leek soup are mastered to perfection, delivering the feel-good taste of comfort food that’s often hard to find in such snazzy surroundings. The main course options encompass beef, lamb, pastas, and fish, with truly Western dishes such as Bangers and Mash satisfying the homesick.

Do not, whatever you do, miss out on dessert. The menu has a good selection of the most sinful treats on the market (passion fruit crème brûlée and lemon meringue pie are just two to tempt), but the Oreo cheesecake is a must-order for anyone in need of a serious fix. Think indulgence in edible form: firm, rich cheesecake is packed with Oreos and topped with white and milk chocolate foam.

The presentation of the food and drinks matches the slick, chic presentation of the newly renovated outlet, and with excellent tastes to compete with the excellent view, TwentyOne is a top spot for a meal.

Prices:
Appetizers RM8-22, Mains RM14-30, Desserts RM 15-18
Lunch menu: free drink with every main course, RM29 for two courses
Happy Hour: two for one on all single alcoholic drinks from 5pm-8pm

Source: The Expat August 2012

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