New Restaurants, Cafés And Bars in KL: February 2016

Singapore's Timbre Group has brought its brand of live music and good food to Kuala Lumpur's The Row. Enjoy live music by local bands from Wednesday to Saturday nights as you kick back with tasty pub grub. Start with the Mini Bites Of Mama Thorthon’s (RM17), heavenly crispy chicken nibbles served with aioli, followed by Timbre's famed thin crust pizzas. The Philly Cheese Steak (RM40) is a classic combination of sautéed beef, Spanish onions, cheddar and provolone, while the Asian-inspired Roasted Duck (RM36) comes topped with roasted duck breast, sautéed shiitake mushrooms with hoisin sauce, mozzarella and crispy popiah skin. Can't make up your mind? Go for The Half & Half at (RM39), sip on a Lychee Martini (RM13) and enjoy the music.

As Chai Bar's latest Jalan Telawi 3 outlet in Bangsar would prove, salads are more than just boring bowls of leaves. Choices are extensive, so be prepared to make some difficult decisions while assembling your own salad, or keep it simple and pick one from their All-Time Favourites shortlist. The Porntip (RM19) is a Thai-inspired creation with a mixed lettuce and glass noodles base, topped with onions, young papaya, cherry tomatoes, haricots verts and prawns, drizzled in Thai som tam dressing, or go Japanese with California Girls (RM21.50). This features a mixed lettuce and red rice base, mixed with typical Japanese flavours including pickled seaweed, crab stick, ebiko and a creamy wasabi dressing. Prices range from RM13.90 to RM22.90.

By the people behind The Owls Café comes New Chapter in Bukit Jalil. Housed in the Calvary Convention Centre, which offers ample (and free parking), this makes a perfect spot for large gatherings over coffee and dessert. Zoom right in on the usual suspects like David (RM18), a luscious combination of peanut butter, chocolate and banana; Rebecca (RM18) which marries fresh fruit with Earl Grey ice cream; and their waffle reinterpretation of Milo Dinosaur (RM15) which would give our childhood drink a good run for its money with its liberal use of Milo. Enjoy all of that with the Rose Latte (RM10) and remember to take lots of pictures at this sun-filled cafe!

Don’t lay off the salted egg just yet! Head over to Dotty’s in TTDI, a humble corner lot bakery with an unmistakable cool blue exterior. Their delectable Salted Egg Cronuts (croissant + donut, RM11 each) make a lovely tea time snack, but it is best you bring a friend, as these pastries are dense and filling. The cronuts are baked in-house and ready for sale at noon, 2pm and 4pm on weekdays; 11am 1pm and 3pm on weekends, on a first come first served basis. Pro-tip: Call ahead to pre-order the cronuts (minimum six pieces) before you swing by to pick them up!

Cottle Cafe has finally found its way to Malaysia, after decades of roasting and supplying coffee beans to cafes in Melbourne. Gather a few friends and catch up over their excellent Filtered Coffee (prices vary, check with the barista), which they brew using beans flown in from their Melbourne roastery. Food-wise, Cottle Coffee has both local food options like Nasi Lemak Packet (RM3), available from the morning till it sells out, and a luscious durian cake Aroma Therapy (RM15), along with Western favourites like Pulled Beef Sandwich (RM18.50) and Hay Smoked Chicken & Leek Pie (RM14), both served with a side salad of the day.

Located within an industrial area right opposite Jaya One, Yellow Apron caters mainly to those working nearby, but the light-filled, Instagram-worthy space may just warrant you make a trek down for lunch. Run by the people behind The Humble Pie Co., Yellow Apron offers a menu of modern Malay, East meets West eats like burgers, rice and pastas. The extensive selection also means that even the pickiest of eaters will find something to eat! If you're in the mood to indulge, go straight for the Fantastically Fusion Fried Chicken Burger (RM21.50), a plate of fried goodness served with potato chips — it definitely isn't for the faint-hearted! For something substantial but less sinful, the Curry Lamb Bam, Thank You Mam (RM24.50) comes with fragrant green apple and raisin baked basmati rice and a side of battered ladies fingers — as described in the menu, the dish is "potent, simple yet complex”, or warm your tummy with the soupy Dancing Prawns, Swimming Chicken Fried Yee Mee Noodles (RM19.50). For dessert, get the Musang King pie (RM16 each) to nibble on over black coffee (RM5.50 a cup or RM9.50 for bottomless).

Located in the middle of a residential area with ample parking spaces, away from the busy Telawi area, the European-inspired Pinch is an ideal spot for a quiet date, especially if you're in the mood for a romantic candlelit dinner. Dig straight into hearty mains like Beef Bourguignon with Mash (RM49), which comes with beef so tender it slides easily off your fork, and the Roast Pork Belly with Apple-slaw Baguette (RM35), which impresses with its satisfyingly crisp crackling. If you're in the mood to splurge, order the Grass-fed Tenderloin Diane with Creamy Mustard Mushroom Sauce (RM78). Order a glass of wine (RM25 - RM32 per glass) from their extensive selection to go with your food — don't hesitate to ask the friendly waiters for pairing recommendations. Linger over the Grand Marnier Tiramisu (RM22) or the citrusy Crêpe Suzette (RM20) for a sweet-tangy finish! Reservations are recommended.

From classic Asian fare to Western dishes with a twist, this cosy spot at Happy Mansion in PJ serves up an interesting array of tasty eats, making it an ideal place to hang out with colleagues after hours. Get appetites going with moreish tapas like the oh-so-juicy Gyoza (RM9), Duck Jerky cooked with Shaoxing wine (RM10) and, if you are with a larger group, the Soft Shell Crab with Sriracha Mayonnaise (RM13). As for mains, the pastas are the way to go. It's hard to miss Pak Johnny Mee Rebus (RM14) which features angel hair pasta instead of the regular yellow noodles. There are also other interesting pasta options like the Salted Egg Butter Milk with Soft Shell Crab (RM28) or the Aku Anak Kampung (RM22 - RM28), which sees the pasta tossed in a piquant sambal and topped with julienned cucumber. Reservations can be made at this venue.

This famous Korean-style soft serve ice-cream from Taiwan launches its first branch in KL, in Sri Hartamas. Made with organic milk, the ice-cream is milky and luscious, and the perfect dessert in a cup on hot days. There are a variety of sundae choices, but their signature Honey Comb (RM14.50) is one of the most popular. Though simple, the combination works beautifully, and it is great especially if you have not tried fresh honeycomb. The sweet-toothed would enjoy Popcorn (RM14.50), which comes topped with USA-sourced popcorn for added crunch. Bring a friend or two so you can try more flavours!