NOT a food blog
Tortellini of basil and cheese, clear tomato and Earl Grey broth, heirloom cherry tomato and soft herbs
I visited Ultimo last month upon an invitation from Chef CQ, the proprietor (via Jek Tan of theQguides.com), to sample their degustation menu, and intentionally timed the publishing of the post a month later to coincide with the definition of Ultimo (so kindly explained by Fatboybakes in his post), i.e. “occurring in the month preceding the present”. As for its relevance to food, one can only imagine how it could take the slow food movement to a new level. Reeeeaaaal slowwwwww. In the Malaysian context, Ultimo brings to mind talented hip hop singer, Altimet (remember Chantek?), although Altimet is far from Australian. Or slow.
It was an evening of discovery for me. Not only was I introduced to Modern Australian cuisine, a result of the confluence of the specialties of different races, all cooked using French techniques, but I also met a cutie who turned out to be (sorta) related to me. I suppose, if I were to trace my roots back far enough, even Fatboybakes would be related to me somehow, possibly when the animals went in two by two (hurrah hurrah) and there was little to do in the ark.
As for the food, I have two words to describe it – simply amazing. A total of 9 dishes were served that evening, and each one was good in its own right.
Salmon Tataki, Confit and Roast, paired with Bosca Verdi Spumante – Italy
Salmon prepared three ways. All three styles still managed to maintain the moistness of the dish despite the varied preparations. I was impressed with the tataki, coated with sesame seeds and quickly seared, which provided a nice crunch to the dish. The confit was cooked to a semi-raw state, thus retaining its flavour, while the roast was delightfully crisp on the outside, possessing a peppery taste, and still moist inside. The wine paired with this dish contained 5% alcohol, and balanced the fattiness of the dish.
Scallop and Prawn Ravioli & Bisque, paired with Peter Lehmann Semillon 2005, Barossa Australia
I expected a bisque, as in soup, but the definition was stretched a little further here. The ravioli was the main star of the dish; the skin was of the right texture and the filling was substantial. The accompanying shellfish (lala) was pickled in lemon, white wine vinegar and orange zest, and this provided just the faintest citrusy flavour to the entire dish. The wine complemented the dish with its bouquet of lemon and grapefruit.
Steamed Eastern Star Coral trout Mousseline, bab bok choy, leek butter and caviar, paired with Katnook Founders Block Chardonnay 2005, Coonawarra Australia
This white fleshed fish with low oiliness was superbly paired with a butter sauce, while the chardonnay with its hint of melon and peach extended its flavour. A long finish wine.
Day braised Pork Belly, Seared Scallop, Cauliflower Puree, paired with Dr. Loosen Riesling 2007, Germany
A sight for sore eyes. The knife sliced through the pork belly like butter and the quivering fat literally melted in the mouth. The sauce was a tomato and raisin puree, providing sweetness to the preparation. The Canadian scallop, perfectly seared, was fresh.
Quail – Crusted Breast, Leg Farci, Chestnuts, Confit Shallot, Cognac Jus, paired with Beaujolais Village Joseph Drouhin 2007, France
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I imagine that quail is a difficult meat to cook, simply because of its size. Overcook it just a little bit, and it will end up dry. Not in this case, though. The quail still retained its tenderness, and the flesh was moist and succulent. The crisp skin was also very enjoyable.
Lamb – Saddle of Lamb, fondant potatoes, garlic puree, mint jelly and pepper coulis, paired with Chateau Franc Cardinal Bordeaux 2003, France
The chef succeeded in getting the texture perfectly tender with none of the harsh gaminess. The mint jelly was served creatively in tiny little cubes but was an explosion of flavour with every little bite.
Wagyu, Galette Potato, Mushrooms and Sauteed Vegetables, Red Wine Jus, paired with Evan & Tate Gnangara Shiraz 2007 Margaret River, Australia
A cut from the rump with little marbling, I was surprised that it wasn’t tough at all. At this point, I was surprised that I was even able to eat anymore. I must have heard a button pop from Aly’s direction.
Trio of Desserts, Strawberry white chocolate tart, Chocolate Bavarian, Classic Creme Brulee
The creme brulee, which contained a hint of rosemary, passed the test, although it didn’t quite match the creme brulee at Mandarin Grill and Third Floor. I’ve always loved white chocolate (although some say it isn’t really chocolate) over other types of chocolate (does this mean I’m not a chocolate snob like the delectable Eiling?), so I ravaged the strawberry white chocolate tart as well. There was also a very good home made earl grey ice cream.
Ultimately, Ultimo impressed simply because of the care that went into the preparation of each dish, the thoughtful matching of ingredients and their belief in everything homemade, from breads to ice cream. Bravo, Ultimo!
Ultimo
13A Jln Solaris 4
Solaris Mont Kiara.
Tel: 03-6204 0887
You may also make reservations via theQguides.com.
Food, for me, is a means to an end and not an end in itself.
Food, for me, represents the love of family, the fellowship of friends, and the community and communality it brings.
Fatboybakes
May 18th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
thamby, you took notes ah? ask me to describe anything i’d eaten more than a week ago oso i cant remember, let alone ultimo (the preceding month, not the place) …..
and none of it looks familiar. oh, that’s right, its the superior photography, compared to my grotty pics. chis. some people have all the talent in the world.
Lyrical Lemongrass
May 18th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Tangechi, when you come to my age, you have to take notes. Soon after, long sightedness will befall you, and then, your bones will crush thanks to the lack of milk in your diet. It’s downhill from there. As for the photos, what you tok ar? Your photos are GORGEOUS, my li’l sister. One can only aspire to be like you.
wyyv
May 18th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Fine dining 🙂 Great post there! Keep it up~ I like your pictures, your photographing skill is good! 🙂
J
May 18th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Mmmm.. What a lovely (but heavy) meal! 🙂 🙂
*drooooool*
Life for Beginners
May 18th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Oh love the pictures… everything looks so white, pristine and serene. 🙂
Lyrical Lemongrass
May 18th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
wyyv: Thanks dear! You’re very kind!
J: Hahaha…yes, quite heavy, I agree!
LFB: Yup, I like the clean presentation. Very attractive.
Sean
May 18th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
white chocolate is my absolute favorite too. toblerone creamy white chocolate with honey and almond nougat!!!
btw are u suggesting that many centuries ago, a chimpanzee consummated its forbidden love for an antelope in the ark, and you and fbb might be their descendants, a thousand times removed?
Fatboybakes
May 18th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
chis, sean, are you calling us the illegitimate spawn of chimpanzees and antelopes? is that where chipolatta comes from?
Lyrical Lemongrass
May 18th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Sean: you and I are like two peas in a pod, except that I’m the better looking one. You mean the gazelle and the antelope right? (Notice the resemblance to our agile and graceful movements?)
FBB: LOL…you’re hilarious!
mystic
May 18th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
it looks so lovely…to good to even pop it into your mouth!!!!
thule aka leo
May 18th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
HAHAHAHAH… was laughing just by reading friendly debate between Sean, FBB and u.
Anyway, laughter aside.. how much is the degustation menu?
Lyrical Lemongrass
May 18th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
mystic: eventually, you gotta! hehe.
leo: they’re such witty people, aren’t they? the degustation menu costs approx RM200 per head without wine.
Frat Mustard
May 18th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
I keep saying it again and again but I absolutely love your photos… I am sitting next to Lisa and she’s asking me why I can’t take photos like that… *sigh* I am an amoeba hear me roar!
FBB, let’s ask her for classes… this is getting quite embarrassing.
Lisa
May 18th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
When Jek told me Ultimo post is up, I anxiously went in to read. Believe me, I had to scroll up twice to check the header if it’s really Ultimo coz I don’t remember the Tortellini looking like this! hahaha….simply amazing shots!!!!! Of course, food’s superb (oh not sure if it was Aly’s button you heard, probably could be my belt snapping! LOL)
Lyrical Lemongrass
May 18th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Frat Mustard: Are you implying that FBB takes lousy pics? @_@
Lisa: You don’t remember the Tortellini coz you were busy gawking at Shawn and Stephen…remember? 😀
Nigel
May 18th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Who’s Shawn and Steven and why wasn’t I invited to gawk? 😉
Lyrical Lemongrass
May 18th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Ah Nigel, you’ll have to visit Ultimo and ask for Shawn and Stephen. 😀 In fact, they’re all cuties!
KY
May 18th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
zomg why wasn’t i there??? PORK BELLY!!! INVITE ME!!
cumidanciki
May 18th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
wow meens! the presentation is truly spectacular and your photos gorgeous!!!
LOVE.
Lyrical Lemongrass
May 18th, 2010 at 5:18 pm
KY: Ya lor. I could eat just the belly alone. 😀
ciki: Thanks babe!
via
May 18th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
thanks for ur compliments on the coffee…got photoshop a bit to make it bright and adjust the exposure. will be nicer if taken with dslr…yeah, they are opening a few branch for franchise …. few $M involve for 10 branch to be opening soon….if want to open coffee place, better apply now before getting expensive….kekeke…like papparich and oldtown.
wah, i like the coral star trout…never try this before…expensive o not?
Manggy
May 18th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Oh goodness, it’s just one dish after another I’d love to eat… Though the trout and the pork are on top of the list 🙂
Bangsar-bAbE
May 18th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
You take such good pictures of food…I should hire you as my photographer and take pictures of me. I’m pretty damn sure you’ll make me look as good! Or better!! 😉
borneoboy
May 19th, 2010 at 5:04 am
Wow the food looks amazing. And fantastic photography ! Wish I was there.
Pureglutton
May 19th, 2010 at 10:01 am
Love love all your pics – i can drool over them again & again! Looks like a good place to impress 😉
lotsofcravings
May 19th, 2010 at 11:35 am
drooling already..
bow bow, the queen of photography strikes again!
gfad
May 19th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Do you do something to your photos wan ar? They look so dazzlingly surreal. (Kinda like what fake eyelashes would do to my chinky eyes. But of course I will appear nowhere near as gorgeous as your exquisite photos lar..)
I’ve read other reviews about this place, and while I expect your usual articulate and eloquent prose, your pictures really nudged your review a notch above the rest. It didn’t even seem like the same restaurant, let alone the same meal! Unlike some other posts where it was obvious the same group of people attended the same food review.
This is why, dahlink, you are a finalist in the Asia-Pasific Blog Awards.. Bravo!! 😀
eiling
May 19th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
eeee… your pictures put mine to shame! It’s so delicious! I’m salivating as I type. Nice to meet you Meena!
Lisa
May 19th, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Oi! Who was the one who’s gawking at Shawn huh huh??? hahahahaha. I have my witness! heh heh heh :p
Ravenous Rabbit
May 20th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
What a fantastic menu! You must bring me there one day! 🙂
via
May 20th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
cant wait to c ur next food review…hehehe
Quirky
May 20th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
The spirit essence of the food assimilated into my being just looking at the pictures.
jason
May 20th, 2010 at 10:44 pm
Gorgeous pix as usual 🙂
unkaleong
May 21st, 2010 at 9:30 am
Itu burung puyuh nampak manya bes! Kambing jugak. Jom kita pigi makan sama-sama….
little fish
May 21st, 2010 at 4:54 pm
I must say you took better photos compare to fatboybakes, sorry fatboy: (
CQ
May 22nd, 2010 at 2:33 am
Thanks for the excellent write up! We’re glad you picked up on the ‘slow food’ approach… most would shrug it off and expect sauces to come from a packet in the form of dessicated granules. It was a pleasure having you.
Simon Seow
May 23rd, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Don’t tempt me with fine dining so near my place. I am very broke at the moment T_T
thenomadGourmand
May 25th, 2010 at 5:40 am
All that for RM200???
ladyironchef - Singapore Food Blog
May 25th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
i will never say no to pork belly 😀