These days, traffic along Persiaran Bandar Utama, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings, has become more congested. If you don’t already know, Petaling Jaya’s latest entertainment hub – The Roof has been jiving up the scene. Opened since last November, everyone has been flocking to this happening place as The Roof, with its 5 outlets, caters to almost every lifestyle indulgence. There are 3 exclusive bars, a super club and of course the dining venue – Signature by The Hill.
Branding itself as a trendy premium gastro-lounge, Signature by The Hill is impressive with its suspended curved wooden ceiling, polished wood-grained tables and wicker-backed chairs. Oh, don’t forget the view from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows! If you are looking for a quiet place to dine, this is not the place. The pulsating music from the bar reverberates across to Signature, perhaps even amplified by the raw tiles on the floor.
Helmed by Chef Gopi, the menu lists quite an impressive array of dishes. I like the salads here as the chef injects some fresh elements into some common salads. For the Summer Duck Salad (RM23), slices of smoked duck breast are served with cubes of watermelon, longan, feta cheese and tossed with a peach dressing. The colors are vibrant with a bunch of crisp lettuce and purple cabbage leaves.
Summer Duck Salad
Leaning Tower of Caesar
The Leaning Tower of Caesar (RM22) consists of premium air-flown Italian air-dried beef, mango, romaine lettuce and homemade Caesar dressing.
Seared Maguro Akami
My favourite is the Seared Maguro Akami (RM26) which has slices of thick-cut seared red tuna placed next to a pile of Brussels sprouts salad and quail eggs. The crunchy sprouts are perfect with the thick juicy maguro which are just lightly seared – the pink tuna remains exquisitely tender and sweet.
Signature Grilled Salmon Pasta
Co-owner Dax Lee recommends one of his favourites – the Signature Grilled Salmon Pasta (RM45). A thick slab of perfectly grilled salmon sits on a bed of al dente spaghetti coated with a mildly spicy creamed tomato sauce and a heap of arugula.
King Prawns Linguine
The presentation of the King Prawns Linguine (RM49) is bound to stop conversation for a while. The jumbo prawns, slathered in a thick creamy slightly spicy sauce are served in a cookie jar. The bundle of pasta is adorned with some black caviar and arranged prettily within a square bordered by asparagus. All you have to do is pour the prawns out onto the pasta and enjoy!
Scallops Black Aglio Maki
The Scallops Black Aglio Maki (RM45) is another stunning-looking pasta dish. For a moment I couldn’t figure where the scallops were. They are disguised as “maki”, having been wrapped with seaweed and topped generously with tobikko. These makis are scattered all over the squidink pasta and served sizzling hot on a black hotplate.
Black Cod
The mains listed in the menu all seem pretty good and we checked out a few of them. The Black Cod (RM55) at Signature did not disappoint. The pan-seared cod fillet is bouncily fresh and I like the bed of squishy sweet braised leek and fennel. However, I did without the tomato jam as it’s too cloying and sweet for me.
Black Angus Tenderloin
Black Angus Tenderloin (RM88) served with pumpkin mash, garlic chocolate, arugula and saute’ed seasonal vegetables. The chef was insistent that I eat my medium rare tenderloin dipped in their special garlic chocolate. Garlic and chocolate and steak seem like the most unlikely combo but I was pleasantly surprised by how good they taste together! There’s something deliciously iniquitous about this trinity but it works.
Rack of Lamb
I love the Brussels sprouts fricassee that’s served together with the Rack of Lamb (RM58) – the chunky chicken ham and crunchy sprouts really had me going. The char-grilled rack of lamb is a bit overcooked though.
Imperial King Prawns Noodles
There are a few local dishes on the menu to please the Asian palates. The impressive-looking Imperial King Prawns Noodles (RM42) is their version of sang har meen – a very deluxe version, I must say. Not only are fresh king prawns used, there are seared fresh scallops and squids in the thick egg gravy.
Charred Seafood Noodles
I was told that many of Signature’s regular customers do not bat an eyelid to pay RM38 for a plate of their Charred Seafood Noodles, which is their take on char kwayteow. A very lavish char kwayteow this is – just look at the king prawns, fresh oysters, calamari and scallops and you’ll understand why! With such rich ingredients, needless to say, this plate of noodles is to die for with its super moreish tastes and enhanced with smoky “wok hei” flavor too.
Romeo Y Juliet
Desserts are pretty regular here – you get the usual western types. If you still have stomach space, check out their Romeo Y Juliet (RM24) – tangy strawberry jelly with cookie crumbs and lemon curd. For a bit of sting, the Spicy Chocolate Lava Cake (RM22) has Kahlua infused mascarpone, berries compote and a small burst of chilli fire in the lava.
Spicy Chocolate Lava Cake
Signature by The Hill
The Roof
1 First Avenue
Bandar Utama
47800 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 603-7725-3588
Website: www.theroof.com.my
Love the colours of the Signature Grilled Salmon Pasta,,,but ya…they shud have incorporated the tomato jam in the Black Cod dish…perhaps as a salsa instead of serving it as a separate =)
Ya I think the Black Cod doesnt need any sweetish embellishment at all!