I don’t believe in pleasing people. It is a trait that is both good and bad about me. Good because I don’t have to change myself to conform to society and bad because, in my line of work, you need to kiss ass almost every day. It doesn’t matter if you’re good at what you do – you need to be that, and also a people pleaser. So I’ve learnt.
OOTN
Striking a balance between my personality and work is a case of Jekyll and Hyde. It’s a constant struggle. I’m just glad I get to leave work behind after 7pm and spend quality time with rif. Which is why I find date nights very important – they allow me to dress up and explore new places to dine.
Spanish beer was on promotion that night
Pickled olives and gherkin
Long table with tall iron bar stools
Ohla Tapas & Cocktail is a newcomer in the KL food scene and one that’s on our food list. We visited the place on a weeknight where it was less crowded, and allowed us the luxury of catching up as we watch the chefs prepare dinner from the long bar.
Pumpkin soup with vegetables and orange
Simple flavours
Grilled scallop with Iberico pork belly and lemon mash potato
A beautiful sight
Pan fried foie gras with truffle potato puree and confit egg
The foie gras (RM55) was served with egg confit and a bed of truffled mash – beautifully seared and pink at the centre. I soon forgot the office chaos I battled that evening. Also delicious was the scallops (RM40), wrapped with Iberico pork belly and grilled to juicy perfection. Every bite was a burst of savoury and sweet, with subtle flavours from the lemon mash potato.
Mediterranean Seafood Black Rice with Aioli
Juicy langoustines
Oh La’s small menu also includes Mediterranean Seafood Black Rice (RM45) with langoustine, a rich dish of squid ink rice tossed with bits of scallops and topped with two langoustines. The rice, infused with lobster stock, was cooked al dente and well-seasoned. This was mixed together with aioli to complement the seafood.
Pan fried tuna with caper dust and onion, red pepper and egg plant roasted with thyme
Placed on a miniature cut-glass dish
I loved the pan fried tuna (RM45), with caper dust and onion, red pepper and eggplant roasted with thyme. The tuna slices came topped with glistening black roe, on a cut-glass plate like a piece of art. Flavours were subtle – the fish was soft and accentuated by the smokiness of the red pepper and salt from the roe.
Suckling lamb burger with Manchego cheese and frites
Crisp, charred edges
Less stellar was the suckling lamb burger with Manchego cheese and frites (RM25). While this was good with beer, it didn’t blow me away. I didn’t like the lamb patty, which tasted a tad dry and underwhelming. This wasn’t our initial pick, but the wagyu steak was unfortunately unavailable that night, hence this choice.
Vanilla and white chocolate soup
Dessert included the catalan cream (RM20) and vanilla and white chocolate soup with black chocolate ice cream and strawberries (RM25). The latter was fun to eat, with fizzy bits of rock candy that crackled in the mouth. Catalan cream was respectfully good – straightforward, simple and satisfying.
Black chocolate ice cream and strawberries
Catalan cream
Rich, creamy and melts in the mouth
Our bill came up to RM325, inclusive of two beers each. Not exactly cheap considering the tapas size portions, but flavours were good and ingredients were of quality.
Date night
- Like my Facebook page here.
Ambiance: 7/10
Price: 6/10
Food: 7/10 (non halal)
Verdict: Small menu but good food.
Ohla Tapas & Cocktail
Ohla Tapas & Cocktails
Lot G-18, Ground Floor
The Intermark
348, Jalan Tun Razak
KL City Centre
50400 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 012-663 2651
Facebook Page