One of Publika's most photogenic restaurants, Episode strives to be worth an entire series of visits for customers seeking cross-border cooking that spans Eastern & Western imprints. It's a calm, casually elegant destination for both lunch & dinner.
Episode is relatively unique because it has two head chefs helming two separate kitchens, one tackling Chinese fare while the other takes care of a European-focused menu. Patrons can order from either selection or both, delivering a sense of diversity that starts from the complimentary snacks - Oriental-style crackers & Italian-inspired breadsticks.
Episode's Chinese chef has a wealth of experience - his confidence shines in crustacean creations like silken steamed eggs made luxurious with lobster meat (RM28) & Aussie king prawns prepared with mounds of minced garlic & Hua Diao wine (RM58). The menu is impressively extensive; you'll find no fewer than four types of lobster dishes (such as stir-fried in superior stock), nine prawn recipes (we almost ordered 'em with longan) & seven for crabs (milk, butter & peanuts sounds tempting).
For fans of fish, check out the very striking garlic golden pomfret (RM58), its crispy-savoury, aromatically garlicky exterior concealing tender, chunky flesh. We also like the sakura chicken braised with walnuts & veggies (RM28), the kind of claypot concoction that merits labels of comfort food. There's still much more, from scallops with black bean sauce to tofu in hot sauce.
Moving on to the Western section, beef might steal the spotlight - 230-gram Angus Pure chilled tenderloin steaks (RM118), pasture-fed & antibiotic-free, come with a choice of sauce (we picked red wine) & two side dishes (try the lovely pumpkin puree & potato scallops); the meat is char-grilled with ecologically responsible Kuala Sepetang charcoal. There's also an Angus beef striploin burger that can be served with a topping of foie gras (RM108) on a big platter for hearty appetites.
Clear hints of Italian & French inspirations complete Episode's repertoire, with intriguing items like cavatelli pasta with anchovies & mint (RM35) & tart tatin made with slow-roasted plum tomatoes on a rosemary short crust (RM19). On a menu this extensive, some dishes nonetheless fare better than others, though everything we sampled showed redeeming qualities.
Diners won't go thirsty at Episode - there's no lack of cocktails & mocktails, with a full bar that never runs dry of wine & a wider-than-anticipated assortment of liquor. Many thanks to Episode's team for warmly hosting us for a very pleasant evening.
Episode
A4-UG1-1, Solaris Dutamas, Outside Publika, Kuala Lumpur. Same zone as Nando's & Tonkatsu by Ma Maison
Open Tues-Sun, 11am-3pm, 6pm-10pm. Tel: 03-62010787
This restaurant is available for bookings under TABLEAPP, which enables customers to make instant reservations at Malaysia's top restaurants, while saving time and money in the process. Reserve your table at this restaurant by clicking here.
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