True to its name, Modern Society strives to carve a contemporary edge in everything from its design to its dishes - its founders have envisioned a habitat for social creatures to mingle over two levels called The Gallery & The Loft (comprising the main space & a lounge upstairs), with the centrepiece of a bar built of Greek marble beneath a light display hovering from on high.
Modern Society is primarily a watering hole, with a complete liquor selection to prove it, including the sort of signature cocktail selection that we gravitate toward, ranging from choices like the absinthe-fuelled Ach Tung to the siphon-crafted Scientist, served hot with a base of gin, Manuka honey, cinnamon, orange peels & more. We craved cool refreshments for a sultry Saturday night, so we sought out Shenanigans (RM39; beetroot, whisky, Parfait d'Amour, pineapple-&-chilli syrup, lemon) & Rum Runner (RM38; a house mix of rum with nutmeg, lime sherbet & juice), both of which proved nicely nuanced; knock back a few after checking out the kitchen's specialities, which comprise mirthful twists on familiar comfort fare - Scotch eggs are studded with salmon belly, fish roe & beef bacon, coupled with chipotle aioli & tomato salsa (RM10.90), while chicken burgers come with ramen buns that sandwich a miso-spiked patty, cheddar & caramelised onions, plus plenty of fresh fries (RM26.90).
Fish & chips also secure a makeover via Modern Society's Zesty Sea Bass, which surfaces with two tail-on fillets, strikingly crisp in a thin coating laced with Sichuan peppercorns, complemented by a house-made tartar sauce (RM25.90). For those of us who relish our grains, the menu's top temptations might be risotto with buttery foie gras in a goji berry broth with apple chutney sauce (RM45) & Peruvian-inspired rice mixed with cheese & egg, encircled by a gravied beef rump stew (RM25.90). All in all, Modern Society has the potential to evolve into an interesting venue. Service is welcoming & sufficiently proficient.
Modern Society
L1-10, Level 1, Damansara City Mall, Jalan Damanlela, Kuala Lumpur.
Currently open Mon-Sat, 1130am-230pm, 5pm-3am. Tel: 03-2771-9710
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