This post was written by Sarah Rees

Pub grub is getting a bad name. A term that used to denote a hearty meal in a cosy pub has been brutally savaged by lazy chefs who serve up bowls of slippery deep-fried everything, all tasting of grease.

Thankfully, Malones is bringing back the true quality of pub grub and ensuring that people will associate this welcoming pub with good, wholesome food as well as the wonderful array of drinks that keep the night going long past the last morsel of food. 

Since 2009, Malones has been spreading the Irish cheer in KL, and the newest outlet (in Jaya One) is taking tasty, comforting food to the next level by becoming the only outlet out of the five to serve pork.

The pork additions have by no means been hastily created, and dishes such as the Traditional German Pork Knuckle is marinated in beer and slow-cooked for five hours before it appears on the plate atop a creamy, herby potato mash. Irish pork sausages are now a feature, as are BBQ pork ribs in such a portion you will be aghast at the size (it can be ordered in a half size), with meat so tender it abandons the bone without a backward glance.

Fear not, other meat-lovers, the menu also includes a subtle Seafood Pasta among other fish, chicken, and beef dishes (the Guinness Beef Stew is a real treat and perfect for dunking warm, toasted bread), and a good choice of nibbles and meat-themed platters to share.

Drinks are best bought during the various happy hours, while weekday lunchtimes see a set lunch menu that changes daily and offers patrons a soup, an ice lemon tea, and a choice of dishes such as Pork Ramen or Roasted Chicken.

The Jaya One outlet is an inviting little place, with seating around the bar for drinkers, and an outside (but sheltered) area with sturdy, wooden tables for smokers, while diners can enjoy seclusion in the dining room before whipping the cover off the pool table for a round or two.   

While Malones’ motto might read a tad cliché – “you’re guaranteed a warm welcome” – stepping into the cosy restaurant and indulging in a plate of warming, wholesome food certainly ensures the motto is met. The good name of pub grub will soon be reinstated and a meal at Malones is exactly as food should be: less dibs and dabs of jus and more full flavours, generous portions, and tender, quality meat.

Fact File :
Malones
Unit M-4-G
Palm Square
Jaya One
72A Jalan Universiti
46200 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03.7960 0825
Web: www.malones.com.my

Price:
Lunch Set menu: from RM12.90++
Mains: around RM30++
Sharing Platter: RM37.90

Business Hours:
Mon-Thurs 11am-1am
Fri (and eve of Public Holiday) 11am-2am
Saturday 5pm-2am
Sunday and Public Holidays 5pm-1am

For more restaurant reviews visit:
www.DineMalaysia.com

Source: The Expat July 2012
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