Max! Kitchen & Wines @ Tengkat Tong Shin, KL

“We’re going to Max! tonight, you wanna join us?” asked WMW while I was hitching a ride from Jackson to the launch of JHP at Bukit Damansara last Saturday.

Immediately, I say yes. After so much positive reviews on how good the food at Max! here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here (Gosh!), I certainly wouldn’t want to miss it. (kiasu laa)

WMW and I were the earliest duo of the group to arrive and we managed to chat a bit with the owner, Max Chin although he seems to be kinda busy preparing meals for 2 couples there. When he knew that I’m from Ipoh, he ask for my opinion about the food at Indulgence (read reviews here and here). So, Indulgence is pretty famous too, I guess…

Our table on 1st floor. We had the whole upstair dining area just to ourselves! While WMW and I were busy taking pictures, the rest arrived… Joe with his girlfriend, Nicole, Paprika with her friend, Mikael (they call him Hunky for some reason!), Boo with Splashie Boy, Nigel with Allan and the list goes on….

Menu came, we place our order and the conversation started. Although the food was served rather slow (Max was the only chef), no one really bother as we had so much fun chatting and laughing. We were served quite a number plates of bread with balsamic vinegar in olive oil to occupy our hungry tummies temporarily… yes, temporarily.

I shared the Yabby Lobster with Sauteed Avocado, Garden Chive and White Balsamic with WMW. Now, despite that I’m not a seafood lover (or should I say, I don’t take seafood?), I enjoy every bite of this dish thoroughly. And as usual, the floggers started to struck with their cameras once the dishes arrive. What a scene! I joined in the fun by going around to snap the other mains.

Paprika’s Summac flavoured Yellow Fin Tuna Loin Steak from the char broiler with marinated Caper Berries and Orange Balsamic.

Pepper Crust Rib Eye Steak with Mustard Sauce. I think this is Nicole’s? Or Joe’s?

Sorry for the yellowish effect…. WMW & Lyrical Lemongrass’ Shiraz Braised Wagyu Beef Cheeks with Mushroom Ragout served with Polenta. I took a small piece for myself. Absolutely delicious!

Allan’s starter – U.S. Sea Scallops with Mojama and Red & Yellow Capsicum Salsa.

If I’m not mistaken, this is Bald Eagle’s Lamb Cutlets chargrilled, accompanied by Garlic Confit and fine port laced mint sauce. Mavis ordered the same dish and gave me a bite of it. Very tender and juicy, I must say.

My Pan Roasted and Hickory Smoked Duck Breast with Berries Marmalade and Polenta. Frankly speaking, I never tried duck meat before and I love the dish from the first bite! The meat were flavourful and cooked to the right texture. Thumbs up!

We certainly can’t leave without trying out the dessert, right? This is Nigel’s warm Valrhona Chocolate Souffle with vanilla bean ice-cream.

Lyrical Lemongrass’ White Chocolate Fondant Tart, very artistic and nice presentation.

WMW and I shared the dessert again and we had the Crisp Kataifi Pastry wrapped strawberry with passion fruit – coconut ice cream and seasonal fruit salad. I had coconut ice cream somewhere else before and I don’t quite like it as it tastes like coconut cream. But this one tastes a bit sourish and sweet at the same time with a light hint of coconut. The kataifi pastry with strawberry was very unique too.

We end our satisfiying meal with the Cowboy Shots, a mix of Butterscotch Schnapps and Bailey’s Irish Cream. A tad too strong for me, I had 1/2 of it but Nigel insists I finish it. So, in the end… my face was red like tomato!

Guess who? 😛

Here Nigel… look here. Ah yes, got it. 😛

Certainly, it’s hard to miss any of the floggers gathering as they’re addictive, I’ll say! My, I’m starting to miss the food at Max! and the laughter we shared on that night.

Max! Kitchen & Wines
27, Tengkat Tong Shin,
Bukit Bintang,
50200 Kuala Lumpur,
Tel: 03-2141 8115 (Reservation is needed during weekends and public holidays)
Closed on Sundays.

Other reviews on the gathering:

• So Much Food, So Little Stomach
• You Get What You Give … Sometimes, Part 1
• You Get What You Give … Sometimes, Part 2
• Lots Of Cravings