Au Jardin in Penang has been making waves ever since they were awarded a Michelin star in December last year – Jien and I dined there two days before the results were announced, picking them over our go-to fine dining option when we’re in Penang. I made the reservation 3-4 months prior since I was expected to be in Penang for a wedding.
Chef’s bar seating at Au Jardin
The restaurant is located within the compound of Hin Bus Depot and cooking technique is said to be modern European, with focus on local produce. While the staff were friendly, service fell short. Especially for an establishment that was to be awarded a Michelin star.
Amuse bouche
Lacto fermented bread with tomato chutney butter and curry leaf oil. This was delicous!
Perhaps it was our luck, but the waitress who attended to us didn’t seem knowledgeable or trained enough – our sparkling water was served outside of the glass (read: all over the table) and rectification was delayed and clumsy. I also felt that the explanation was done as a “matter of fact” rather than an act of passion, at least from the person attending to us.
Pickled Mud Crab | Beurre Noisette Emulsion, Radish & Pepper Croqueta, Pickled Radish
Steamed Pearl Corn | Sweet Corn Ice Cream, Nori Powder, Black Bread, Charred Corn Shoots, Black Garlic Espuma
Scotched Squid | Baby Squid Crisps, Candied Nutmeg, Green Chilli & Kaffir Lime Kosho
Plating was pretty but flavours lacked excitement. The Tarte of Mushroom was flat tasting – more form over flavour, if you asked me. Perhaps I should have gone for the hay aged duck, which requires 2 days advance notice. This slipped my mind, so we settled for the flounder.
Tarte of Mushroom | Fricassee of Mushroom, Dressed Black Fungus, Cep Tuille, Charred King Oyster
Magnum Sorbet | Passionfruit, tarragon and celery popsicle in refined coconut oil and popping candy on top
Flounder | Cured and Scorched, Prawn Emulsion, Sunflower, Lumpfish Roe
Foret Noir | Chocolate Tuille, Pistachio and Kirsch Sorbet, Cherries, Kirsch Decadent, Sour Roselle, Mascarpone Creme Patisserie
Again, nothing wrong with the flounder. It was cooked beautifully but not quite memorable. Wine pairing errs on the conservative side but if you’d like to bring your own, corkage charges are RM50 per bottle. If you’re planning to bring your kids, note that Au Jardin does not provide kids menu or facilities so your child will need to order from the regular menu at full price.
If you’re going to Au Jardin based on the hype of a Michelin star, you might be disappointed. But if you’re going for a fine dining experience showcasing French techniques, local produce and beautiful plating, you will probably enjoy the meal a lot more. Degustation menu is priced at RM388++ per person.
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Au Jardin
125, Jalan Timah,
10150 George Town,
Penang.
Website
Tel: 012-428 9594
Business hours: 11.30am – 2pm, 5pm – 10pm
(closed Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday)
1 comment
Review is spot on. Our experience was a disaster. We would have been happy with spilled water. There were hundreds of ants in one of our courses. At the end of the meal they completely forgot that it was our 7th wedding anniversary and didn’t bring out the pre-arranged dessert. All we got was an apology for such appalling shortcomings for a RM2000 meal. Very, very disappointing to say the least!