Located in an unassuming heritage shoplot in the fringes of the city center, this place oozes with the charm of colonial architecture both outside and inside. My first experience with this establishment was a phone call to reserve a table, and the person on the other end was both polite and attentive. Upon arriving at the stipulated time, I was greeted by name by the staff who took my reservation when he correctly guessed who I was.
After being shown to our table, we were given the menu. The selection on the menu was just right in my opinion; some may feel that it is limited, but I think it provides just enough choices of proteins (steak, lamb, fish and duck) while still enabling the kitchen to focus on making each dish perfect. I ordered the beef tartar as a starter, and Japanese hamachi (amberjack/yellowtail) with a side of traditional potato gratin and Rigatoni as our mains.
Before our starter arrived, we were offered bread and butter, and I was blown away by the quality of the bread; crusty on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside, it was heavenly when paired with the French butter. We were later told that the bread was also imported from France, and now I know why everyone raves about the bread and pastries when they are there.
The beef tartar was served next, and I was blown away again this time by how tender and flavorful each bite was; it was a play on contrast with the subtle sweetness of the raw beef balanced by the sharp taste of onions and mustard, and the soft texture of the meat contrasted with the crispy texture of raw onions and thinly sliced radish. The fun addition of edamame also gave it a bit more body.
The yellowtail proved to be a good choice as well; the firm, white flesh of the fish holds up really well when cooked this way. The sweetness of the fish, and richness of the white sauce was offset perfectly by the briny salmon roe. The side of potato gratin was really buttery in a good way with a lovely texture from the thinly sliced potatoes. The Rigatoni was creamy with a distinct funk from the parmesan cheese which I appreciate, and the pasta was al dente.
We ended the meal with a crepe suzette which was expertly made with tart orange juice accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Throughout our meal, the staffs were highly attentive, and were quick to answer all our questions be it about the food or the establishment. I was surprised to learn that this is a Muslim-friendly place with no pork or alcohol used anywhere in the cooking or kitchen. They do offer wine by the bottle or you can...
Read more6 months already ... This brasserie opened 6 months ago and we've only just been there: it's about time! It's a real discovery that doesn't try to compare itself to other French restaurants that are already well known in Georgetown, because the establishment has its own style, its own originality, which is of course due to some of its dishes and the way they are prepared. Simply put, everything was perfect, right from the booking stage with an immediate and very attentive response, asking if the dinner was for a special occasion, if we had any allergies or telling us the nearest car park if we had to bring our own car. The welcome was also friendly and personalised: you're a guest, not a number. As for the dishes, they were a real treat, including the duck foie gras, the traditional beef tartare (cut with a knife, a marvel and generously served) and the Dugléré-style Japanese Hamashi fish. Great art. Of course, it may come as a surprise that the wine list is limited to 4 red wines, but there's a reason for that, and if you can satisfy yourself with a Minervois or a Brouilly, there's nothing to stop you bringing your own bottle. In short, it's an experience you'll be happy to repeat, not least because of the kindness of the owner (Andrée?)...
Read moreThis brasserie in Penang is a culinary delight that deserves every bit of praise. Every dish we tried was absolutely delicious, showcasing the chef’s attention to detail and mastery of flavors. Also, stunning food presentation made each course a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
The meal began with a warm baguette served alongside homemade butter-simple yet indulgent with its rich texture. We ordered 2 appetizers and 2 mains. The escargots were beautifully prepared, tender and bursting with flavor and fragant. Fries were crispy and seasoned just right. Our lamb Cutlets Beirut and rib-eye steak were cooked to perfection (which is rare to encounter in Penang). The luxurious taste of Fourme d’Ambert mid-blue cheese sauce for my rib-eye steak was a divine-perfect balance of richness and flavor.
Service was equally remarkable-attentive, warm and professional-which made the meal even more enjoyable.
The only slight drawbacks were the cappucino which was too dilute for our liking.
Also, note that they don’t have a wine menu, so if you’re wine lover, do prepare your own bottle to enjoy with the meal.
Overall, this brasserie sets the bar high for dinning in Penang. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a memorable...
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