RENDEZ-VOUS @ Bangsar for decent affordable French food

French food is never cheap, well at least not here in Malaysia. But of course it’s not cheap because cheap things are seldom good. And also there’s nothing cheap nowadays, given the sorry state of our Ringgit and the pathetic state of the state. Now, putting our misery aside, it’s a good thing that there still establishments like Rendez-Vous in Bangsar (no less) that serves affordable French food. Yes, decently affordable.

This French restaurant occupies a corner shoplot in Bangsar Park – you can’t miss its yellow walls and dark brown bamboo shades. It spots a casual ambience with its open concept – no glassed-in walls, the shades were halfway up with ceiling fans whirring but thank goodness they also had the air-conditioning on as it was a blistering hot afternoon. I did secretly wish they had walls to enclose the air-conditioning though – it was like such a waste of the cold air. But I do understand that the owners want to create an open breezy bistro concept here. With lots of al fresco seating space
by the side verandah, it is a nice place to chillout on a cool breezy evening.

Once we settled ourselves at the table, we were served an amuse bouche of cold smoked salmon rolls. That, and the ensuing starters of Escargots sandwiched between layers of crispy buttery vol au vent calmed my frazzled perspiring skin.

By the time the Foie Gras Terrine came, I was feeling pretty relaxed and at-peace-with-the-world. Especially when that terrine was marinated with white port and fig sauce which I happily piled onto the pieces of toast.

At this point, a tureen of Fish Soup was served which DL gleefully lapped up with the Rouille sauce. Frankly, I didn’t pay much attention to that as I was busy with my terrine and DL was happy enough to finish every last drop of that bright orangey soup.

Now maybe most of you know that I’m not a great fan of cheese, more so goat cheese! Nevertheless, I was game enough to try, especially when I was told by the service staff that their Goat Cheese Toast Salad is one of their signature dishes. So this bowl of glorious greens and reds (tomatoes) came, sprinkled generously with bacon (yes, real bacon!) beneath a thick toast and a big portion of golden-edge cheese. It’s an interesting combo, so I proceeded to break the toast, smeared some toasted goat cheese and piled on the vegetables and bacon and oh my god, there was this beautiful explosion of flavours in my mouth! So, ok… I think I can love goat cheese, as long you pair it with bacon for me.

Every French restaurant worth its salt would have Boeuf Bourguignon on its menu and Rendez-Vous’ version came served in a claypot. Now, isn’t that a nice localised touch? Taste-wise, it’s gorgeous. The thick sauce was full of beefy goodness enhanced with red wine reduction and every piece of tender beef and potato was pure comfort food.

We also tried their signature Filet Mignon de Porc – medallions of pork tenderloin smothered with a thick creamy sauce made all the more fragrant with the addition of French cepes mushrooms.

As stuffed as we were, we found ourselves thoroughly enjoying the Salmon Fillet which came next. The salmon was cooked perfectly – with a moist pink centre. The butter lemon sauce was well-balanced and not overpowering (thank goodness – you know how some chefs love to go overboard with the butter?!) and we mopped it all up with the delicious salmon.

There are flexible lunch sets for those opting for quick no-fuss meals on weekdays. For dinner, guests can either order from the a la carte menu or opt for the dinner sets listed. The set dinners are priced from a modest RM62/pax (3 courses) onwards.

Although we didn’t have any wine with our lunch (it was a super hot day!) but the wine list in Rendez-Vous offers some very decent French wines at reasonable and affordable prices. In fact, the whole dining experience here was one that won’t bust your wallet. You get decent traditional French fares in a casual and unpretentious environment and service was attentive and friendly.

 

RENDEZ-VOUS
100 Lorong Maarof
Bangsar Park
59000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2202-0206