Werner Kuhn has closed La Vaca at Changkat Bukit Bintang, replacing it with two new outlets: Carmen's Vinothek opened this week, while The Whisky Bar should be ready soon.
Enomatic wine dispensers, similar to the ones at Hakka Republic Wine Bar, are the highlight here, enabling customers to sample nearly two dozen wines in tasting portions of 25ml (about one-sixth of a regular glass) that cost below RM10 each.
Food-wise, it's non-halal at Carmen's (thankfully!), though there's nothing unusual on the menu. But since good service is always worth noting, Carmen's staff members deserve praise for their friendliness and efficiency.
Complimentary starters of Jamon Serrano (cured Spanish mountain ham) & pastries.
Coffin Bay Pacific oysters with red wine vinegar. Fresh and brimming with flavor.
Oysters Kilpatrick (baked oysters with pork bacon) & Oysters Rockefeller (oysters with creamy spinach & breadcrumbs). Basic recipes, perfectly prepared.
Pork liver pate. Soft, creamy and exceptionally aromatic.
BBQ pork ribs. Messy to handle, but marvelous to sink our teeth into.
Luis Filipe Edward Carmenere Gran Reserva, Colchagua Valley, Chile '07 & Los Vascos Grande Reserve, Cab Sauvignon, Colchagua, Chile '07.
Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Blanc Aquarelle, France (2005) & E. Guigal Cotes Du Rhone Blanc, Viognier, France (2008).
Domaine Antoine Ligeret Chablis, France (2005) & Yarra Yering Chardonnay, Yarra Valley, Australia (2005).
Kaesler SGM Shiraz, Barossa Valley (Australia, 2007) & Villa Maria Cellar Selection, Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand (2007).
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz, Margaret River (Australia, 2006) & M. Charpoutier La Bernadine Chateauneuf du Pape (France, 2006).
Carmen's Vinothek,
Changkat Bukit Bintang.
