Have you heard? Kuala Lumpur’s latest hotel – Hotel Stripes, an Autograph Collection property has just opened its doors to guests a few days ago. There’s a distinctive vibe about this YTL Luxury Hotel – old-world charm mixed with chic contemporary touches exuding a unique character which is iconic on its own.
We were privileged to be invited to experience one of its F&B outlet – Brasserie 25. This French-style restaurant, located just to the right of the hotel’s reception, impresses with its rustic charm. The red brick arched arcades and dark wood floors light up with a warm glow from the copper sputnik chandeliers hanging elegantly from the ceiling.
Some warm bread & excellent butter to start off
The menu is simple, offering simple French fares inspired and prepared with fresh, locally produced ingredients. We started off with some appetisers like Baked Burgundy Escargots and Pâté et Rillettes. I must say those big plump escargots were really good, having been baked with chopped garlic and herbs with a good measure of butter.
Baked Burgundy Escargots (RM40/6 pieces) with garlic herb butter
We decided to have chicken and duck and found the perfect choice in the Pâté et Rillettes. The chicken pate was really smooth – it made a great combo with the duck rillette, especially when eaten with some toasted baguette slices. As for the smoked duck breast, it’s best eaten on its own to savour the full delicious smokiness.
Pâté et Rillettes (RM40) -chicken pate, smoked duck breast and duck rillettes
Saumon Fume (RM40) – home-smoked salmon, iceberg lettuce and pommery dressing
We knew we wouldn’t quite leave the restaurant without trying the foie gras so we teased our palates with its Foie Gras Poêlé. Perfectly cooked, silky smooth texture, exquisite flavour – I wished the portion was bigger!
Foie Gras Poêlé (RM50) – pan-seared foie gras with warm onion marmalade and spice bread
For mains, DL had the Pan-roasted Black Cod Fillet with Ratatouille while I decided to check out the Ribeye. DL made a good choice – the black cod was amazing: fresh sweet flavours oozed from the smooth flaky fillet. The ratatouille was refreshingly tangy and paired well with the delicate cod.
Cabillaud (RM80) Pan-roasted Black Cod Fillet with Ratatouille
My medium-cooked ribeye was decent, nicely charred at the edges yet retaining a juicy tenderness within the meat. The brandy cream sauce served with it was delicately flavoured and didn’t overwhelm the steak. While the flavours worked, I was disappointed with the sloppy presentation. I’m not sure if the correct plate was used but it wasn’t appealing at all when everything was crammed onto a too-small plate. The fries were hanging over the rim and the small saucer holding the sauce shouldn’t be placed on the saute’ed mushrooms-mixed-with-zucchini.
L Èntrecôte de Boeuf (RM120) Chargrilled 200-day grain-fed Angus Ribeye with French fries and brandy cream sauce
Our desserts of Crêpe Suzette and Grand Marnier Soufflè were just average. Again here I felt the presentation can be improved.
Le Soufflè au Grand Marnier (RM30) with vanilla ice cream
Crêpe Suzette (RM30)
Overall, the ambience was lovely, service very attentive and food was decent despite some shortcomings in the plating. Being still so new, I’m sure every feedback will be noted and improved upon.
BRASSERIE 25
Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur
Autograph Collection
25 Jalan Kamunting
50300 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2038-0000
They have some great opening promotions – do check out their website for more details!