Seven's luckier than ever: Replacing Ascott's 7atenine, Tujo heralds a triumphant revamp of this venue, now branded a "bar-serrie" where customers can "eat, play & live."
It's been seven years since 7atenine first became a landmark in the city's nerve center; this space has since seen multiple face-lifts, but this name change & refurbishment constitute the sleekest polishing so far of the Soul Society Group's crown jewel.
Lit with Modo chandeliers, Tujo looks impressively even lovelier than 7atenine, thanks to the prowess of Poole Associates, which says that simple-but-stylish Danish designs of the 1960s inspired this vision of a comfortable metropolitan hangout.
Tujo's cuisine forges further with the East-meets-West playful flamboyance for which 7atenine became beloved. Patrons will have plenty of fun sharing this Chicken "Stinger" Satay, partnered with pineapple salsa, nuts & spicy shrimp paste for a sauce reminiscent of rojak.
Venison rolls (RM28++), a perilously addictive snack featuring minced deer meat marinated in fiery Indian spices & wrapped up in warm, fresh chapati bread.
Tujo's mushroom soup (RM18++) purees seven types of edible fungi, including enoki, shimeji, shiitake, oyster & button, topped with hot milk froth.
Liver terrine (RM23++), a fine, flavorsome blend of foie gras & chicken liver, mixed with sultanas & chives to impart extra texture.
Tujo's pizzas boast a twist: the crispy-thin crust is infused with either spinach or squid ink, then topped with the likes of more spinach & the runniest of eggs (RM25++).
Beef bourguignon (RM30++), an aromatic stew with braised grass-fed meat & shallot confit.
Grilled seafood, steaks, lamb & chicken are a cornerstone of Tujo's menu. The affably efficient service team will probably push the lobster (RM160++ for 500 grams), rubbed with the customer's choice of Montreal salt, herb butter glaze or coriander lemongrass.
The top dessert's the salted caramel tart, hot & sticky-crumbly with apples, guava & dragon fruit (RM20++), coupled with Haagen Dazs vanilla ice cream.
Tujo's cocktails are fun too: note the lit-cinnamon/cigarette flair/flare of The Funeral For Jack (bourbon, passion fruit puree, maple syrup, apple juice, basil), alongside The New Fashionista (tequila, watermelon juice, lime juice).
Fruity herbal concoctions: Eden Melon (gin, galliano, vanilla syrup, watermelon juice, thyme) & Assam Boi Mojito (with added apples).
Rosemary Martini & Blueberry Margarita, each hovering over RM30 (inclusive of taxes).
White chocolate vodka shooters (RM45++), a wonderful way to bring this evening to a close.
The "Play" component for Tujo comes in table games that are supposed to be offered here, including the likes of Five Stones, Bottle Caps & Pick Up Sticks.
Tujo is touted to open everyday, 7am through late. Head here for a beer perhaps before work.
Tujo Bar-serrie & Grill,
Ascott The Residence, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2161-7789 or 03-2162-7789