Opened a couple of months ago, The Eighth Avenue is one of the latest kids on the block known as Solaris Dutamas. Owned by Vanessa and Raj Takkar, The Eighth Avenue is a place you’d feel comfortable downing a couple of drinks after work or simply have a good meal with the family. Diners can choose to chill-out at the al fresco space in front of the restaurant or sit back in the cool cosiness of the interior.
A wall mural of two prancing flying horses would have your attention riveted for a bit, even before you open the menu. The menu has a wide selection of local and western dishes that would cater to even the most finicky palate. From Bar Nibbles/Appetizers to Mains and Desserts, diners can easily pick several favourites.
The Eighth Avenue is a porky joint, so porcine lovers would rub their hands in glee. We got right down to it by trying out a few porky starters.
First on the table were the Lemongrass Skinnies (RM15.90) – grilled marinated minced pork skewered with lemongrass stalks and served with blackberries onion reduction. These went down easy as you can’t really fault any grilled pork that’s scented with lemongrass!
Lemongrass Skinnies
Next came the Sticky Piggy (RM19.90) – a crowd favourite, I was told. The pork ribs had first been stewed and then grilled so they were really tender. They could do with a stickier sauce, I felt. The topping of julienned caramelised apples and coriander leaves did well to give the dish some crunch and aroma.
Sticky Piggy
According to Raj, their Caramelised Roast Pork (RM22.90) was another best-seller as this item went well with drinks. However, on the day I was there, this dish was sadly lacking. The roast pork was hard and bland and didn’t quite live up to its reputation.
Caramelised Roast Pork
On the other hand, the Phatboy Squids (RM19.90) were good. Cooked perfectly, the squids stuffed with minced shrimps and fish were succulently tender and flavoured nicely with squid ink on the side.
Phatboy Squids
We proceeded to try several meaty mains – BBQ Pork Ribs, Steak Gaucho and Rendang Pork Ribs. My favourite was the steak – the striploin was grilled to a perfect medium. It was flavoursome in its own juices and tender to the bite.
As for the pork ribs, well, the BBQ ribs were fine, though not spectacular. They were tender and bathed in a sauce with smokey BBQ flavours.
The slab of rendang ribs was a letdown. It was rather dry with no distinguishable rendang flavours. It’s a generous portion though – the big chunks of “nasi impit” together with the peanut sauce would have made a hearty meal.
BBQ Pork Ribs
BBQ Pork Ribs (RM39.90) – with garden salad, sweet corn and spiced potatoes
Steak Gaucho (RM34.90) – grilled striploin with charred broccoli and spiced potatoes
Steak Gaucho
Rendang Pork Ribs (RM37.90) served with charred nasi impit
To counter the disappointment of the rendang ribs, their New Orleans Catfish (RM30.90) was a good choice. The grilled catfish was fresh and sweet, enhanced by the special peri-peri sauce. I wasn’t wild about the deep-fried risotto balls but I’m sure risotto lovers would love those crispy bites.
New Orleans Catfish
Both the desserts I tried were good. The Chocolate Lava Cake (RM23.90) with vanilla ice cream lived up to its name – there was more than sufficient flowy chocolate oozing out from the cake!
Chocolate Lava Cake
Their Phatboy Slim (RM18.90) – soft buttered tortilla wrap with bananas and apples filling, lightly crisped and served with caramel condense milk was comfort food with a decadent touch.
Phatboy Slim
The Eighth Avenue’s menu is extensive – lots more to try. I like the casual contemporary ambience, prices are decent for this neighbourhood and service warm and friendly.
THE EIGHTH AVENUE BAR & RESTO
D2-G3-3 Solaris Dutamas
1 Jalan Dutamas 1
50580 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 012-407-7045
Open: 12.00pm-12.00am
*Non-halal