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Ben’s @ KLCC – More Than Just A Cafe

August 4, 2011 | 19,136 views

Home-Made Salt Beef Sandwich (RM23.90/USD8) – A warm, tummy-filling fare that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your weary face. TGIF in a few hours already … persevere, dear gluttons.

“Ben’s KLCC was launched April 15^th 2011 and is modelled after a Manhattan townhouse. The menu concentrates on international cuisine, ranging from refreshing appetisers and yummy salads to hearty East and West main courses, delicious snacks and luscious desserts.”

(Excerpt from http://www.suriaklcc.com.my/dining/restaurants/bens/)

Ben’s; the flagship cafe under the BIG group (responsible for various popular outlets, ie: Plan B, Ben’s General Food Store, T Forty Two, etc) reminded me of Delicious by Ms Read the most. From the warm lighting, rustic setting with plush sofas, the cakes counter that’s bound to break a diet or two, and the overall marriage of Eastern and Western influences in the dishes offered.

“It is a place that entices people to visit with their friends and families, sharing good food and precious moments; building rituals.” (from their official website)

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Categories: Kuala Lumpur/Selangor Food
Tags: Asian Food, Ben's, Bistro, Cafe, Fusion Cuisine, KLCC, Pasta, Sandwich, Soft Shell Crab, Western Food
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Chili’s Grill & Bar @ KLCC

November 4, 2008 | 5,367 views

Alternating between Ipoh and KL posts, let’s dig something up from the stash of backlogs …

American-style diners are not really catching on in Malaysia, aren’t they? Ipoh has none, that’s for sure. And only Chili’s and TGIF are reaping some sweet success in KL, and Penang. Of course, there are various other “Grill & Bar” restaurants in the Klang Valley, but relatively unknown to residents from other states.

Dark, smoky, and slightly shady. A tad comfortable for a drink or two, but sitting on those stools while relishing one’s meal may prove to be rather …. tiring.

Arriving late for a dinner (at 9pm, mind you), we were surprised at the turnout at Chili’s in KLCC. Half-expecting an empty outlet, we were stumped as the place was packed, and a queue was forming. All non-smoking seats are taken, and we had to wait.

Hungry brain cells marred rationality, and I quickly opted for an available table right smack in the middle of the smoking area. With only tall stools, and little back support. Ouch.

The guacamole, sour cream, cheese shavings and tomato salsa for the Fajitas

Not one to lament bout the ambience, we soldiered on and browsed the menu in record’s time. Not much modification, but they do offer some new delightful options, namely White Chocolate Molten Cake, and crispy honey chipotle chicken. Can’t remember the rest, but rather appetizing nonetheless.

Mushroom Jack – Grilled chicken and beef (or chicken only, or beef only), smothered with melted Jack cheese, and sauteed fresh mushrooms, bell peppers and onions (RM36.95)

At Chili’s, the portions are never stingy. You can share if you do not wish to start on Statins sooner than later, or you can hoard the whole damn serving and contribute to the pharmacists’ revenues. 🙂

I’ve an aversion to Fajitas. Soft, warm tortilla bread to be smothered with lots of sour cream (low fat, I pray), guacamole (mashed avocadoes), and sprinkled with cheese and tomato salsa. Then stuff some grilled chicken breast meat (less tender than desired, I admit, but fat-less!) and beef (too tough and cooked though) and indulge away. My gripe? Only 3 pieces of tortilla were served. Hmmm … Dough very expensive ar?

Bacon Burger – Beef patty topped with smoked bacon, aged cheddar cheese, mayo, shredded lettuce, tomato and pickle. Served with homestyle fries, with skins intact. (RM20.95)

Their burgers are another of their specialty, much alike Friday’s. Have them medium, medium-well or well done. Go for medium, as my medium-well beef was slightly overcooked. Dry, and coarse, you may need chilli sauce with this one. And the supposedly smoked til crisp bacon was rendered tougher due to the heat? Or carelessness? Hmm … at least the fries passed with flying colours. Lightly salted, just like I dig them.

Perennial favourite of many sweet-toothed – Molten Chocolate Cake (RM19.95)

Still longing for more, we shared a Molten Chocolate Cake, a dessert so laden with calories and sins, you’ll be forgiven to think your heart skipped a beat! Warm chocolate cake, with oozing chocolate fudge filling, and topped with vanilla ice-cream hidden under a crunchy chocolate shell. If this does not satiate your sweet cravings, I don’t know what else does. Numbs the teeth, I tell you …. !!! =P

With 4 outlets in Klang Valley, and another in Penang, don’t you think it’s fine time for soul-less Ipoh to get one of her own?

Location : Chili’s Grill & Bar @ Lot 346B, Level 3, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumput City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur. Tel : 603-2164 1400