November 2013
Chic, whimsical yet cosy describe not only the interior of this all-day dining restaurant at the luxurious Macalister Mansion but they describe the food offered here as well. From their breakfast menu such as scrambled duck’s eggs served all day, thick good mood-restoring smoothies to delectable high tea, you will be undoubtedly satiated, if not addicted.
Always looking for ways to step up, Macalister Mansion’s executive chef Lance U’ren has thought of delicate and equally irresistible bakery fare made in-house from scratch to add onto their menu of local and western food. What’s available ranges from all sorts of bread, pastries, cakes, jams and savoury spreads that are perfect to accompany a cup of their freshly brewed coffee or a pot of premium TWG tea.
Miniature cakes and pastries
While it’s simply lovely to eat in and enjoy charming miniature cakes at RM3+ each or RM10+ for four after an order of one of Chef Lance’s enticing meals or their dainty but sumptuous hightea at RM69+ for two, we have a different idea on how to truly enjoy their new bakery offering – a picnic!
Our picnic idea: Takeaway from their bakery shelves the lightly sweet malt baguette, focaccia or dense-textured sour dough bread that’s simply perfect with any of the freshly prepared savoury spreads with no preservatives. We recommend the chunky seared yellowfish tuna with horseradish mayo and also the elegant black olive tapenade at RM16+ per jar. While breads are from RM3.50+.
Jars of sweet and savoury spreads
A touch of sweet can be had for your picnic basket with a jar or two of their preservative-free homemade jams of unique flavours such as five spice and ground nuts that gives a twist to the good ol’ peanut butter. There are also chamomile and honey spread, jackfruit jam and our favourite, the velvety salted caramel spread that gives our local kaya a run for its money at RM16+ per jar.
Ready-to-go pastries on display
To fill up your picnic basket further, there are dainty smoked duck with leek or spinach with homemade ricotta cheese quiches at RM7.50+, ready-to-go sandwiches such as cheddar cheese with sundried tomatoes and smoked salmon between freshly baked white or sour dough breads. These sandwiches can be lightly toasted too.
Our surprise find is the natural red velvet cake made out of beetroot with no artificial colouring. It holds a substantial texture and an opaque, pleasing flavour. Believe us when we say you’ll never settle for shop-bought red velvets after this one! Watch out for more additions to this bakery fare at Living Room. You won’t be disappointed. Oh, and all breads and pastries are at 50 per cent off after 7pm, daily. Su Aziz