Have you noticed the stylish purple and silver INDULGE in TGV Cinemas in 1-Utama? It does look a bit “intimidating”, purely because the reception cum private ticketing counter looks so posh through the glass doors. Step inside and you will be transported into a whole different world of cinema entertainment and impeccable dining. There’s the lushly carpeted lounge where comfortable sofa seats are available for you to chill before dinner or the movies. Soft lighting and jazzy tunes add on to the warm cosy ambience.
The dining tables are arranged nicely against the ethnic-themed walls on parquet flooring and care has been taken to ensure that each table is illuminated by individual hanging lamps. I just love such attention to details!
Indulge @ TGV 1-Utama is TGV Cinemas’ pioneering foray in creating a whole new luxury cinema experience. For the discerning cinema goers, here’s an exclusive venue for a bit of exclusivity in a very comfortable and elegant setting. Indulge is of course open to the public and even if you are not opting for a movie there, the restaurant is open to all.
Before I share on the food, let me tell you a bit more about the cinemas in Indulge. There are 2 exclusive cinema halls fitted with reclining chairs and personalised call-waiter service with just the touch of a button. The 2 luxuriously-appointed cinema halls can accommodate 32 and 40 paxes respectively. The reclining chairs are so comfortable that you run the risk of dozing off on them, seriously. Blankets are provided for that extra snug feel and any time during the movie if you feel like having a drink or snacks, just press the call button and a wait staff will attend to you. For a mess-free experience, food is served in compartmentalised bento boxes.
Given the classy ambience of Indulge, you may think that the food prices would be above average but I was pleasantly surprised at their very reasonable pricing. Soups, salads and entrees are priced from RM5-RM18; pizzas, pastas and mains are from RM15-RM30 while desserts are from RM10-RM14. Beverages are listed from RM7-RM14 for teas, coffees, fresh juices, smoothies and mocktails.
Their Smoked Duck Salad and Pumpkin Salad are both at RM15. I love the slices of savoury smoked duck breast tossed with a tangy balsamic dressing over mesclun greens, capsicum and kiwifruit. Despite the contrasting flavours, everything on that plate comes together in a very appealing way.
Likewise, rocket leaves are good together with roasted pumpkin, cherry tomatoes, capsicum and sprinkling of light balsamic dressing.
For some light bites, the Stuffed Potato Skins (RM12) and Lamb Koftas (RM14) are good choices as they are easier to handle in bento boxes. Just be careful not to drip the melted mozzarella in the potato skins stuffed with turkey bacon.
Grilled meats are decent in Indulge and affordably priced, too. Portions are adequate – the Grilled Salmon (RM28) is served with seasonal vegetables and a smooth lemon butter sauce. The salmon skin is nicely crispy while the insides remain pink and moist.
The Grilled Lamb Rack (RM28) is cut up into 3 thick slices served with vegetables and a fragrant rosemary sauce. This is an instant hit. The lamb is marinated just right and grilled perfectly with warm pink juices oozing with every bite. A definite must-order item here.
At RM30, I think the Grilled Ribeye Steak is good value-for-money. Wedges of baked potatoes and crisp seasonal vegetables are served on the side, with a simple black pepper sauce accompanying the steak. Nothing fancy, just a nicely grilled piece of steak and it’s satisfying in its own simplicity.
Another good dish to order is the Cajun Chicken (RM20). The boneless chicken thigh is mildly marinated with Cajun seasoning and served with fried potato wedges and vegetables. A barbeque sauce is served separately – this will be a hit with kids… easy-to-eat boneless chicken and which kid doesn’t like fried potatoes?
For desserts, I find the Nutty Tortilla Banana (RM12) pretty interesting. It’s a crunchy affair with tortilla wrapping peanut butter, freshly sliced bananas and cornflakes! For something more familiar and sedate, check out the Panna Cotta (RM12).
Indulge is open from 11.00am with movie tickets priced at RM45 (meals not included, of course). Oh by the way, you can also consider Indulge for a private or corporate event with catering provided and you can book it with or without a movie screening.
For more information on Indulge, go to www.tgv.com.my