Cold pasta, chilled seafood & cool cocktails constitute the hottest attractions at Suria KLCC's M Marini Caffe, one of two new venues unveiled this past month by the people behind Marini's On 57. For a look at Marini's other fresh offspring, the beef-loving Marble 8 Steakhouse & Bar at Binjai, click here.
M Marini Caffe takes up space amid big-ticket businesses like Versace, Cartier & Georgio Armani, so it might cater best to shoppers at those stores; the first page on the menu here features a selection of caviar, ranging from the roe of Petulama ocean trout & pike to top-flight Sevruga, Ossetra & Beluga that'll cost as much as plane tickets.
A crustacean bar occupies a place of pride here, with lobster & shrimp taking centre stage. Crudos are available, spanning raw servings of fresh Hokkaido scallops, tuna & more.
A variety of cold pasta comes recommended; this one features delicate strands of capellini mixed with 'ama ebi' spot prawns, salmon, avocado, yellow tomatoes & salmon roe (RM42).
Other pasta options can be crowned with the likes of momotaro tomatoes & burrata cheese; patrons willing to splurge can order a RM228 pasta with Sevruga caviar, oysters, truffle oil, chives & creme fraiche.
Irish native oysters come at RM8 per piece, a worthwhile choice, served with raspberry shallot vinaigrette & horseradish cocktail sauce. The pricier oysters include French Fine de Claire & Belon ones.
Salads prove more affordable: The signature recipe comprises roasted free-range chicken, poached organic eggs, sliced apples & 23 types of veggies from Australia, tossed in a kitchen-made sweet dressing (RM28).
The main-course list is compact; keeping in line with the healthy theme, this sous-vide Petaluma ocean trout with crisp fennel salad & trout eggs (RM68) probably works well as low-guilt nutrition.
Here's what we found pretty memorable: Espresso & soy milk combined with Bailey's & truffle oil (!). It succeeds; the earthiness of the oil supplies a discernible aroma that complements the rest of this lightly sweet coffee cocktail.
All in all, M Marini Caffe is an interesting addition to Suria KLCC, with a menu that's tantalising to browse, though this ultimately is the type of establishment where the water is sold as still or sparkling, nothing less.
M Marini Caffe
LCG04, Ground Floor, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur
LCG04, Ground Floor, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur
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