Love sometimes strikes when least expected. We've never been smitten with salads and sandwiches before, but we're hopelessly devoted to the ones at Toastina now.
A brief introduction: ensconced at the entrance of Sheraton Imperial Hotel's office block, Toastina comprises two outlets in one venue _ a bright, breezy deli that operates between 7am-7pm and a casual, comfy lounge that stays open past midnight.
Toastina's menu is compact, but that makes choosing much easier. For fresh, clean flavors, this mix of fennel, prawns & lime can't be bettered. Fun fact: in medieval times, some believed fennel could ward off witchcraft and devilry.
Basque potatoes & honeyed carrots with pickles & toasted rosemary bread. Not afraid of carbs? This is absolutely ambrosial _ a mushy, baby-food blend of the creamiest potatoes possible and fragrantly nectarous carrots. Who needs meat anyway?
Waldorf salad with crab meat & micro cress. Here's one that packs a protein punch, with heaps of sweet, succulent crab meat. Toastina's salads cost RM12-22; reasonable enough.
Who knew our favorite recipe this year would basically be a hot dog? Take two thick, luscious sausages, then slather them with guacamole & olive tapenade, rest everything on a bed of ripe avocados and sandwich it in soft, fresh bread. The result is some kind of miracle _ comfort food to enslave us eternally. Note: this 500-gram, 38-ringgit behemoth should be shared.
Customers can customize their sandwiches with a nice range of bread (baguettes, ciabatta, focaccia), fillings & toppings. Here's our personal creation, served warm and juicy: charcoal bread stuffed with turkey, cranberry, arugula & brie cheese, topped with jicama salsa.
Alas, not everything is exemplary here. These beef ribs from the bar menu sounded brilliant, coated in a coffee-&-orange glaze. While they were meaty and flavorsome, it's impossible to relish ribs that are only marginally less tough than leather.
Colorful desserts are an attraction too. This Linzer tart proved to be a pleasure, boasting buttery pastry that oozed with rich raspberry jam.
Zurich cookies. Those are pistachio crusts at both ends, right?
Boiled cookies. Sugary treats, laced with coconut, nuts & dried fruits.
Toffee hot chocolate & vanilla honey ice-blended. Excellent.
Wine is available of course, as well as cocktails & hard liquor.
Toastina,
Faber Imperial Court,
Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.
