Saturday November 15, 2008
Pasta perfect
By FEI YONG
Modesto’s serves up a taste of home for Italian motorsports stars like Valentino Rossi and Jarno Trulli whenever they have pit stops in Kuala Lumpur.
Fifteen years ago, an enterprising Italian chef joined forces with Bob Wong, the “king of clubs”, to open Modesto’s. Their unique all-in-one concept which incorporated a trendy bar with dining and clubbing facilities under one roof became a hit with the city’s trendy crowd.
Today, the restaurant, known for its signature wood-fired pizzas and hearty pasta dishes, has four branches in the Klang Valley. According to outlet manager, Christopher Dinesh, the Grand Modesto’s in Kuala Lumpur attracts a mixed clientele comprising tourists, office executives and expatriates residing in the vicinity.
The very tasty Bavette Gamberi. “We are also popular with the various Italian motor racing teams whenever they compete in Malaysia. Modesto’s is also the only restaurant where you can find Formula One driver Jarno Trulli’s range of wines.”
Executive chef Sonny Teh ensures that the various Italian specialities are replicated to his boss’ exact specifications.
“Some of the perennial favourites that have kept customers returning for more are Spaghetti Aglio Olio, Bavette Gamberi, Fettuccine Salmone and Pizza Cappriciosa,” he says.
Simplicity is the key to classic Italian cuisine where “less is more”, and the Spaghetti Aglio Olio is an excellent example of this pared-down approach. The pasta is perfectly al dente, firm to the bite. Extra virgin olive oil, lightly roasted garlic and red chillies give the noodles a pleasantly smoky, spicy and garlicky flavour.
“Diners have the option of adding fresh shelled prawns or smoked salmon to the spaghetti,” says Dinesh.
The Bavette Gamberi — flat spaghetti cooked in a tasty white wine sauce with prawns and zucchini — encapsulates the simple, rustic essence of Italian cooking. If you are tired of the usual cream or tomato-based pasta dishes, this dish, lightly scented with herbs, will revive your jaded palate.
The Fettuccine Al Salmone with its bright orange sauce is a departure from the lighter dishes we had earlier. Fresh cream, plum sweet tomatoes and smoked salmon make this a hearty meal. The accompanying sauce is so rich, that the dish is best enjoyed in moderation.
The interior of Grand Modesto’s. Artichokes are not something that Malaysians encounter regularly. The vegetable, which resembles a gigantic flower with thick petals, is prized for its tender, edible “heart”.
Most Europeans boil them in salt water and then dip them in melted butter before eating. Admittedly, this is the first time I have eaten artichokes as a pizza topping but they turn out to be surprisingly agreeable — their tender texture meshes well with the toppings of sliced button mushroom, melted mozzarella cheese and tomato puree.
What makes this thin-crust itself pizza even more scrumptious is the addition of smoked chicken ham.
Despite being stuffed to the brim, our dining party has no problem polishing off the lusciously creamy Tiramisu. It is simply the best “pick me up” to end the evening with.
> Citibank credit card holders will enjoy 50% off pastas and pizzas at Grand Modesto’s, Jalan P Ramlee (Monday to Friday) and Modesto’s at Sri Hartamas, Klang Centro Mall and TTDI Plaza (daily). They will also be given 50% off any soft drinks (lunch only) and 20% off Jarno Trulli white, red and rosé wines (house pouring only). This exclusive offer is applicable for all Citibank cards and is valid from Sept 15 to Septr 30, 2009 except on eve of public holidays and any motorsport week. Please note it is not valid with other on-going promotions, Modesto’s membership cards and other members’ discounts.
Grand Modesto’s
Pork-free
Jalan P.Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (03) 27132333
Branches:
Modesto’s @ Sri Hartamas Kuala Lumpur; Tel: (03) 62017898
Modesto’s @ Klang Centro Mall; Tel: (03) 33438446
Modesto’s @ TTDI Plaza Tel: (03) 62016979
Source:
RSS
