On suggestion by Jon to do dinner- he chose Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie and has been gushing about this place. Since opening he has went there every month to try the menu of the month. Now, no way Im doubting a person who goes out fine dining with a vengeance.
However, since I have my reservations with Nathalie Gourmet Studio in Solaris (sister outlet), having to go back there to try a few times, and having to conclude that their main course always fail to impress while their desserts always divine, I told myself that Im going to go to Cuisine Gourmet with an open heart.
While Nathalie Gourmet Studio in Solaris takes a more casual approach and predominantly focuses on cooking classes and macarons, this new outlet at Menara Taipan leans towards fine dining and has overtook previous seafood fine dine outlet, High Tide. Because Nathalie takes her food VERY seriously (according to crazieapple, she has to be the one doing all the plating), you can find her at Solaris during daytime, and Menara Taipan during the evening.
The setting of the restaurant is simple yet elegant. Atmosphere is not at all uptight; you can enjoy your meal and talk beyond whisper here.
Otherwise, you may also opt for her Set Menu, which brilliantly has 2 choices, one for seafood lovers and another for the carnivores (thats me by the way).
Their seafood menu (RM130) and Nathalies Selection (RM145) comes with 5 courses, and by calculations it does seem to be more value-for-money, and the best thing is you can sample everything at a comfortable portion.
Nathalie also came out with a degustation menu (RM200) which comprises of 7 courses of tinier but equally filling portions.
Some of the items which I manage to capture off my friends ala carte,degustation. or seafood menufor your viewing pleasure.
French rock fish soup in Ala Carte menu (RM35)
Open Ravioli with Blue Lobster, Vanilla Sauce
O! xtail be ef squid, Jerusalem artichoke puree and mesclun, short juice sauce in degustation menu
Salmon confit in duck fat, asian mushrooms in sweet and sour broth, buttered savoy cabbage
in Seafood Menu
Duck a l'Orange in degustation menu. Had a bite of this, it was yummy!
Most of us opt for the Nathalies selection. (RM145++ for 5 courses)
Started off with Nathalies selection of three finger food, we have a chilled cucumber soup with prawn, salmon blini, and mushroom ragout (correct me if Im wrong, I tried so hard to recall what the servers had told me), all delightfully light as we wait in anticipation for our starters.
Pan Fried Duck Liver in a Brioche, roasted apple, and apple juice sauce. I love the 2 pieces of petite yet plump duck liver sandwich between a delightful light brioche, combine with the apple which eludes some sweet tan! gy flavo rs, it was a classic combination yet something that a lot of restaurant get it wrong. Nathalies would prove to be some strong comparison. The presentation has also added extra cookie point to this dish. If theres anything I like about Nathalies, it is that their presentation was always done so beautifully.
Beef tenderloin, Porcini Sauce, Potato and Porchinis Mille Feuille with duck liver jelly is hitting all the right notes. We loved the tenderness of the beef, perfect doneness according to our preference, and the flavor of the combination of sauces and complements were just explosive. Theres really just all praises for this dish. We swiped up every single bit on the plate.
I love Red Meat! *Rawr*
Vanilla Mille Feuille, Vanilla Caramel Sauce, and Vanilla Ice Cream. I have mix feeling about this. While the flavours were there albeit slightly sweet for me, the Mille Feuille kind of left us stranded, we werent too impress with the hard dense pastry (but not doubting it could be its original intention) however, since I prefer my mille feuille slightly airy and light, this dessert was not too memorable for me
There's no such thing as Macaron overdose in Augustdiners context.
We were delighted with the selection of macarons. As with all macarons, there was hit and misses in their flavours,yetit is still one of the best in town! Do try their salted caramel, i can go crazy over'em!
Poppy and Strawberry Big Mac, Strawberry Mousse and Basil Sorbet
My dear friends
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Nathalie has definitely impressed us with this new outlet here and has taken her culinary skills to a new height. I know by fact that if i'm ever craving for french food, Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie would definitely comes to mind. Let's just hope that the Septembermenuwould be good! Time for revisit?
P/S As this was away overdue post, please be noted that the items above is from the August Menu, you can check their monthly menu here.
Ratings:
Food: 7.5/10
(Most flavours hit the right notes with more hits than misses, yay!)
Ambience: 7/10
(suitable for work dinners, and celebrations with friends and family)
Service: 6/10
(decent, could be more attentive)
Presentation of food: 8/10
(never failed to please with those wonderful emulsions and good portioning)
Overall: 7.5/10
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Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie
Menara Taipan,
Jalan Punchak
Off Jalan P.Ramlee, KL
Tel: 03-2024452
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