Looking for something a little unusual at Solaris Dutamas? Coco Bar's offerings fit the bill, though they might prove an acquired taste.
Coco Bar tackles the exotic adventure of West African cuisine; the kitchen's commandeered by at least one person from that region. Imported ingredients purportedly feature in this 'egusi' soup, a much-seasoned stew of melon seeds & leaf veggies.
Egusi can be enjoyed with 'ponmo' (RM10 nett), the rubbery hide of a cow, & internal organs like 'shaki' (tripe) & what-not. Probably not something we'd want to eat everyday.
To make the meal more filling: 'Eba,' starchy-grainy balls of dried grated cassava. A serving of the soup with this costs RM30, not exactly cheap but not excessively costly.
We like the African-style grilled fish at any rate: Whole sea bass, well-marinated, moist & meaty, served with fried plantains, onions, mayo & green chili sauce.
The fish is packaged with two glasses of wine (the white's better than the red) for RM85 nett.
No African cocktails, but two Mojitos come for the price of one (RM28 nett) during happy hours that stretch well past 8pm. Slightly more sweet than intoxicating, but perfectly fine for this price.
Coco Bar & Kitchen,
D4-G4-09, Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur.
Open 4pm through late. Tel: 03-6211-0708
