Gastro Bar By Burgeon

Gastro Bar by Burgeon used to be “Ribs at the Burgeon”. However, after just two months of
operation, the owners decided to shift the business to something closer to their hearts and vision. After a significant change in the decor and branding, Gastro Bar by Burgeon unveiled its identity last month.

The premise is now fitted-out with a row of floral-printed seats against two sidewalls and this floral theme is repeated in the high stools accompanying cocktail tables in the centre.

Lower sofa seats are placed at the front for those who prefer to watch the world goes by as they chill-out and relax there. The ambience is now dimmer , the music more upbeat and the bar boosted for a more conducive environment in line with its new direction.

So, as the name suggests, it is a bar (the drinks menu is far more extensive than the food) but at the same time, tapas-like food is also available. The food menu has been carefully curated to offer dishes that are unique and differentiated. In keeping with the modern trend of preference for small bites in the evenings, Gastro Bar by Burgeon’s portions are pretty substantial.

There are 9 entrees on the menu and 2 desserts for customers to choose from.

We tried a few of their popular cocktails. My favourite was the Genesis while I found the quaintly named “Win Liao Lor” and “Fairy’s Advocate” a bit too sweet.

Fairy’s Advocate (RM48) – rambutan, ginger, lime, mint, rum, absinthe

Our experience at Gastro Bar by Burgeon got off to a great start when three hefty sticks of Satay (RM38) made their way to our table. Well-marinated and tender, the huge chunks of pork cheeks were grilled perfectly, with bits of charred sides and topped with a spunky spicy pecan sauce spiked with bourbon. How irresistible is that?

Imperial Prawns (RM32) were named as such for the lovely porcelain bowl used to serve this dish. It reminded me of the blue Ming bowls used in ancient imperial China.

Deep-fried spring rolls with fillings of grilled prawns and century eggs nestled on a bed of rocket leaves jived with ginger and scattered with walnuts encrusted with poppy seeds. While I found the filling to be a bit salty, the combination of textures in this bowl was intriguing.

A smooth wooden bowl holding some Choplets (RM58) came next. The quaint name was actually for NZ lamb cutlets marinated with tequila, encrusted with walnuts & cranberries and dipped in a zesty jalapeno hot sauce. And the bed of fried crispy popiah skin strips was a bonus.

I liked the unconventional presentation of Beef Tartare (RM68). Balls of chopped raw Black Angus tenderloin were perched on slices of herbed baguette separated by sundried tomatoes. The right way to enjoy this was to eat the raw beef with confit yolk of quail eggs which were served daintily by the side.

The Ikan Bakar (RM48) evoked mixed feelings in me. I felt there was too much going on in that platter of grilled stingray topped with a truffled black pepper & caper sauce together with sweet coconut flakes. In the process, the flavour of the fish got lost in the strong overtones of the truffle and I wasn’t quite sure fish and truffle were the best partners.

There’s a vegetarian dish on the menu – Mushroom Medallions (RM28). Spotting a pretty and colourful presentation, the King oyster mushrooms, curried parsnip crisps, pumpkin puree and Brussels sprouts tasted good too. It’s best to dip the parsnip crisps in the pumpkin puree as parsnip tend to have a slight bitten aftertaste.

We tried both the desserts. My favourite was the Mushroom Cake (RM28), something I’ve never tried before. The eggy spongey cake had a lovely earthy fragrance to it, thanks to the blended shitake mushrooms in it. The rosemary gel and toasted walnuts by the side completed the picture. The accompanying coconut & white chocolate sauce was delectable but I actually preferred eating that fluffy cake sans sauce.

The Pear & Chardonnay (RM38) was interesting. A poached Peckham pear was served crusted with banana & parsley crumbs, propped with thin wafers of meringue and a scoop of apple chardonnay ice-cream. The meringue crisps were really good but I could hardly discern much chardonnay in the ice-cream.

So yeah, Gastro Bar By Burgeon is a place to head to if you are looking for a new hip place to chillax with some drinks and premium fusion tapas. The recipes have been well thought out and executed with creative flair. Service was excellent – thoughtful, efficient and the crew, especially their maitre’d Brian Schnabel was quick to articulate their dishes as they were served.

 

GASTRO BAR BY BURGEON
8 & 10 Jalan BM 1 / 2
Taman Bkt Mayang Emas
47301 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7497-5373

Operational hours:
Monday-Thursday @ 5pm-12am
Friday-Saturday @ 5pm-1am
Sunday & Public Holiday: Closed