Refusing to rest on his laurels, Millesime's Max Chin has opened Petite Millie, a 1 Utama brasserie to complement his fine-dining venue in Solaris Dutamas.
Various types of "tarte flambee" are among the attractions _ crisp French-style pizzas topped with everything from Iberian air-dried beef to hand-harvested mushrooms. We loved the one loaded with succulent crab meat, avocado, creme fraiche, thyme-lemon oil & chives (RM19.50+).
Quebec's exports aren't confined to Celine Dion; the Canadian province's fast food specialty is "poutine" _ sauce-smothered fries. These chunky, piping-hot potato strips can be enjoyed with egg mollet, ratatouille & truffle oil (RM20.50++) _ comfort food inspired by Daniel Boulud.
Max isn't manning the kitchen at this casual eatery, but expect his influence to infuse its recipes, which explains the use of some of his favorite ingredients _ beetroot & haloumi cheese _ in this light salad tossed with mizuna leaves & champagne vinegar (RM18.50+).
Wine is available by the glass at prices far lower than Millesime's.
Not far from Petite Millie, another business has launched a new branch; in Artisan Roast's case, it closed its Ampang alfresco cafe & moved to Taman Tun Dr Ismail, where business is bustling on a street of popular pubs.
Entry on Artisan Roast @ Ampang: March 6, 2011.
Open daily (through midnight on Fridays & Saturdays), this is a cheerful hangout for friends to chomp on cheesecake, a family recipe that's sumptuously creamy, enriched with a sticky-sweet, caramel-like layer of chocolate.
Coffee is made more marvelous with chocolate to create an iced mocha.
Red espresso, essentially flavorsome Rooibos tea brewed in a coffeemaker.
What's next for Artisan Roast: Savory snacks & breakfast platters.
What's next for Petite Millie: Another branch, at Penang's Gurney Paragon.
Petite Millie @ 1 Utama,
Tel: 03-7732-0395
Artisan Roast @ TTDI,
4, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14, Taman Tun Dr Ismail.
