I’ve heard much about Ante Kitchen & Bar – how they’ve been creating waves in the dining scene in Solaris with signature dishes such as the Char Grilled Pork Steak and Sweet Belly (both of which I have yet to taste). The good news is that Ante has once again raised the stakes with their newly-introduced all-new Brunch Menu.
Pork lovers will be happy to note that the Brunch Menu doesn’t stinge on porky bites either. Of course, where bacon and sausages are mentioned, only the real McCoy (porky ones) is served here, so don’t worry about counterfeit versions. It’s also quite safe to say that almost every dish listed in the Brunch Menu contains at least one porky delight.
Now, if I have enticed you well enough, let’s get down to the porcine elaborations. I think most of you will agree with me when I say that eggs and bacon go hand-in-glove like no other. If you believe in that mantra, then absolute must-orders are the Deep Fried Soft Poached Egg (RM23), Baked Eggs in Cocotte (RM29), Croque Madame (RM28) and the English Big Breakfast (RM35).
Croque Madame
So, think bacon, think eggs and throw in a bratwurst and some cheese and you are all set for a totally indulgent brunch. How can anyone resist a gently poached, delicately breaded egg which is then deep-fried till golden and when it’s pierced, the golden runny yolk runs a trail down the bacon and roasted onions by the side? To mop all that up, there’s the buttered English muffin and for more flavours to go, there’s Hollandaise sauce on the side pot.
Deep Fried Soft Poached Egg
If you must have one dish only here, go for the English Big Breakfast, which is really more than sufficient. To satisfy the most ravenous tummy, scrambled eggs, bratwurst sausage, bacon, sautéed button mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, baked beans and milk toast should do the trick.
Slightly less hearty and simpler are the Baked Eggs in Cocotte where 2 eggs are baked in a spiced tomato puree with chorizo sausage and parmesan cheese and the Croque Madame where an egg, bacon and wine-infused cheese are baked in the middle of a thick milk toast.
Baked Eggs in Cocotte
Personally, I like the Rosti & Bratwurst (RM26), an uncomplicated golden pan-fried grated potato pancake served with bratwurst sausage, bacon and arugula. Yes, that bunch of arugula does help to assuage the guilt a teeny bit.
Rosti & Bratwurst
Silly reasoning aside, Ante’s Gnocchi Napoli (RM24) is not as heavy as the rest of the porky dishes. The beautifully-made potato pasta dumplings (lightly spongy in the middle) are cooked in a tomato sauce that’s gentle on the cream, delicately flavoured with some parmesan cheese and topped with a bunch of those life-saving arugula.
Gnocchi Napoli
If you don’t have a guilt issue, just throw caution to the wind and go for the Ultimate Pork Belly Sandwich (RM29) and the Real Bacon Carbonara (RM28). I’m not a fan of creamy pasta but all my dining companions could not stop raving about the carbonara here – if the photo here is anything to prove that, I think it has made a valid point, don’t you agree?
Real Bacon Carbonara
I actually prefer the Caramelised Garlic Olio (RM25) – al dente pasta tossed with streaky pork bacon, button mushrooms sautéed in olive oil and a dash of white wine, garnished with crunchy caramelised garlic.
Caramelised Garlic Olio
Oh let me tell you about the Ultimate Pork Belly Sandwich with its unorthodox fillings of tender pork belly and crunchy pork ear confit sandwiched with tomato salsa puree and arugula sandwiched between grill-toasted milk-loaf slices. Served with fries and a side salad.
Ultimate Pork Belly Sandwich
If you can’t have enough of those crispy crunchy pork ears confit with soft cartilage and all, you can order them as a separate serving at RM15 a portion. These go very well with beer, I was told.
Pork Ears Confit
These Pork Nuggets (RM15 for 8 pieces) are great appetizers!
On the lighter side, Ante’s salads are fulfilling, like their Caesar Salad (RM21) and Garden Duck Salad (RM25). The bacon bits in the former do wonders to the crisp romaine lettuce, hard boiled egg slices, croutons and parmesan cheese.
Caesar Salad
My favourite is definitely the Garden Duck Salad – just look at the generous amount of smoked duck in that pile of greens, cherry tomatoes, watermelon and best of all, crushed cashews giving that extra crunch. Yes, all my favourite things in one bowl!
Garden Duck Salad – just look at those luscious smoked duck slices
Desserts to end your meal… choose from these (RM9 each) – honest, no-frills sweets…
Bread and Butter Pudding
Apple Crumble
Another thing… don’t forget to enhance your brunch with a selection of exceptional coffees by Espressolab.
Starting from 1st September 2014, Ante’s Brunch Menu is available from 11.00am to 4.00pm daily. Reservations are encouraged by calling +603 6206 3364.
Ante Kitchen & Bar
Publika Shopping Mall
A2-G1-09, Solaris Dutamas
No.1 Jalan Dutamas
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-6206-3364
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