This lively resto-lounge offers an easy-going setting that's energised by positive vibes, endowed with a spacious interior that comprises both a cheerful dining hall & a chilled-out wine deck, plus a semi-alfresco terrace with a sunshine-blessed view of PJ's verdant suburbs. Plus, complimentary parking is offered here after 5pm daily, with plenty of spaces to cater for patrons.
The menu boasts a ton of temptations, with East & West equally represented - for recipes of an Asian persuasion, the bean curd bites are a surefire should-try, with juicy chicken fillets rolled in crackly deep-fried tofu, served with Thai chilli sauce (RM15) - tasty enough for us to order a second helping. The char kuey teow is respectable, with enough of the smoky flavours & the lip-smacking textures for which CKT is beloved (RM13). You'll also find everything from nasi lemak to mutton varuval.
Carnivores who favour Western classics will likely relish the roasted spring chicken, successfully tender & crisp-skinned, with can't-fail couplings of garlic mashed potatoes, sauteed mixed mushrooms & rosemary sauce (RM30). If you're having red wine, the logical pairing would be the grilled rib-eye steak, clocking in at a reasonable RM49 for 220 grams, partnered with all the expected & essential accompaniments, as well as a choice of conventional sauce (port wine, peppercorn, mushroom or garlic).
Pizzas & pastas are also worthwhile - for the former, try the one topped with Lavo's own-smoked duck breast, robust in its savouriness, balanced by rocket leaves, mozzarella cheese & tomato sauce for a lower-than-anticipated RM24. We also like the soft-shell crab pasta, which is available in a choice of pasta that includes angel hair, bolstered by fresh clams for a fun brininess, lightly tossed with salted egg yolk bits for a solid entry into the Klang Valley's canon of pasta pleasures (RM33).
Wine hunters should take note of Lavo's impressive repertoire of more than a thousand labels, with an emphasis on a curated range of French bottles specially brought in by Lavo's team - 2012's Saint-Emilion Grand Cru by Château Tour des Combes was Lavo's sommelier's excellent, elegant recommendation, capably versatile to complement our wide-ranging meal. The selection includes many vintages not often spotted in the Klang Valley - Lavo's wine menu even lists a Bulgarian wine or two.
Save space for sweets; textured butter cake layered with fruits & butterscotch sauce & vanilla ice cream is our best bet (RM12), but the Gula Melaka pandan cheesecake (RM13) & choc brownie (RM15) will be catnip for fans of baked desserts.
Lavo is part of Menara Lien Hoe's family of F&B destinations that includes Chaze & Maze - all three pride themselves on cocktails, so it's a breeze to linger here over a slew of potent potions such as Smoked Sweetness (RM29; Hennessy VSOP, red & green grapes, elderflower syrup, thyme, Peychaud's Bitters), Kokomo Caipirinha (RM23; rum, malibu, strawberries, pineapples, house-made pandan syrup, molasses brown sugar), Lychee Longan Mojito (RM26; Sailor Jerry spiced rum, sour rhubarb liqueur, lychee & longan nectars), Watermelon Slammer (RM28; Smirnoff, Midori, Kwai Feh, watermelon) & Chilled XO-Tini (RM29; Patron XO Cafe, kahlua, espresso, roasted hazelnut syrup). Thanks to Lavo's very friendly team for having us.
Lavo
Menara Lien Hoe, Persiaran Tropicana, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Daily, 12pm-1am. Tel: 010-311-1888
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