Two years ago I've visited Sapore and it has been one of my favourite restaurants. Sapore is one of my go-to/recommended restaurants for my friends, whenever they are looking to have Italian or Spanish food.
This time round, we are back to Sapore to try out their new menu!
Cold Cut Platter (RM 88). We started our meal with an array of cold cuts - Chorizo Pork Sausage, Salchichón Spanish Sausage, Parma Ham, Capocollo Salami, Porchetta Pork Roast, Mortadella with rockets and olives. They are generous with both the selections and portions of the cold cuts, and you can choose to pair it with bread or have it just as it is.
Focaccia (Complimentary) / RM 5 (additional). The homemade Focaccia has a perfectly chewy texture and slightly crispy salty crust. It is a perfect pairing with the cold cuts.
Greek Salad (RM 18). I absolutely love salad, especially when it comes with feta cheese. The bowl of Greek Salad is well-marinated with tuna bits and creamy feta cheese. The salad is a perfect option if you are looking for something refreshing yet pack with a punch of flavour to start off your meal.
Mushroom Potato Croquette (RM 18). I love potatoes, but I'm never a fan of croquette. However, if you are, you'll definitely enjoy this, as they are generous with their fillings.
Roasted Octopus (RM 128). The Roasted Octopus is one of my favourite dishes at Sapore! The octopus was tender and well-seasoned, and goes very well with the roasted potatoes at the side. I could have this dish all to myself! On the other hand, if you have very low tolerance in salt, you might find the Roasted Octopus to be a tad too salty.
Pork Tortellini with Mushroom Sauce (RM 38). The moment the dish was served, we were hit by a very subtle truffle scent. I wasn't quite sure what to expect as most of the tortellini dishes I've had, the pasta was either too thick or you could barely taste the fillings in it. However, Sapore does theirs just nice. The ratio of pasta to fillings is just nice, and I like the earthy flavours of the mushroom sauce that binds the dish together.
Grilled Iberico Abanico Loin with Salad (RM 52). I love a good tender pork loin, and this just hit all the right notes for me. The meat is tender and juicy, and the mustard work perfectly in cutting down the fattiness in the meat.
Vanilla Creme Brulee (RM 16). Thin crispy crust with smooth and silky custard, the Vanilla Creme Brulee is a nice way to end our meal of the day!
Apart from your usual wine selections, Sapore offers a variety of cocktails too. What better way to spend some girl times than sipping on some cocktails!
Sapore Italian Spanish Restaurant & Bar doesn't have extravagant or beautiful interior design, but they certainly compensate this with the quality of their food. Regardless if you are looking for a quiet spot to have a meal with loved ones or to have a private space for you event, Sapore will be a good option.
You can visit their Website to know more of their menu. To know more updates on Sapore Italian Spanish Restaurant & Bar, check out their Facebook and Instagram.
Address: 18. Persiaran Ampang, Desa Pahlawan, Ampang, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Monday - Friday (11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 11.30pm) | Saturday & Sunday (!1am - 11.30pm)
Contact: +603 4266 6362
Email: sapore18my@gmail.com
Do you love Italian cuisine? I do. I love how simple the dishes can be yet they are always packed with flavours. Not necessarily comes with beautiful plating, but the cooking technique and layers of flavours are undeniably amazing.
However, dining in an Italian restaurant here might not be cheap. And today, I would like to recommend a gem I've found hidden in Faber Towers at Taman Desa - Bru Cafe.
After the success of Michelangelo's, they have now expanded to a cafe concept with Bru Cafe, which is strategically located at Faber Towers.
Bru Cafe serves authentic Italian cuisine too, but compared to Michelangelo's, it has a more casual vibe - just like something you would expect from a cafe. Walking in from the main entrance, Bru Cafe is situated at your one o'clock.
Deep Fried Calamari (RM 19.90). A plate of crispy calamari served with garlic oil to start-off the meal.
Oven Baked Snail (RM 21.90). These are my favourite! Served in shells with garlic-herb butter and homemade garlic bread. I can finish 6 of these all by myself!
Linguini Marinara Seafood (RM 34.90). Linguini with tiger prawns, mussels, clams and squid cooked in special Tomato sauce and served in a hot sizzling pan. The pasta is cooked till al dente, while the sauce is rich and thick. I was surprised to find the sauce wasn't too acidic, like how most of the tomato-based pasta would be; but rather, the acidity from the tomatoes was very subtle. Oh, not to forget the seafood is a plus point too!
Chicken & Mushroom Risotto (RM 30). It is so difficult to find good risotto and I was really looking forward towards this dish, especially after the risotto I had at Michelangelo's. Using Carnoli rice, the risotto is served with chicken, mushroom and Parmesan cheese. Creamy yet not too heavy, and I love the earthiness of the mushrooms in the risotto.
Lamb Shank (RM 52). OK, red meat lovers, you really have to give this one a try. Braised till fork-tender, the lamb shank is generously coated with rich brown sauce along with mash potatoes and vegetables.
Calzone Pizza (RM 29). Calzone is an oven-baked folded pizza that was originated from Naples. When served, I thought it would be very doughy - as the dough do looked quite thick, but it turned out to be soft and chewy. Originally, the Calzone Pizza is stuffed with spicy beef pepperoni, but we requested them to change it to chicken as one of our friends couldn't eat beef. I love the mild spiciness of the fillings, and by drizzling the warm tomato sauce served by the side, it totally elevated the entire dish.
Affogato (RM 12.90). Smooth and creamy ice cream with aromatic espresso, what a way to wrap up our meal.
Italian Cannoli (RM 13.50 - 3 pcs). Tube of crispy pastry filled with custard cream of your choice - Chocolate, Vanilla Custard, Lemon Curd.
Passionate Mango (RM 12.90). Not too sweet, the smoothie has a nice rich and creamy texture yet quite refreshing at the same time.
Cioccolatino. A special collaboration with local chocolatier, Cocoraw.
The iced chocolate is rich and chocolaty.
Fairies (RM 11.90). If you are looking for something light to wash down all the savoury food and desserts, Fairies would be a good choice. A combination of pear, strawberry and everlasting flower, Fairies is a lovely green tea with hint of fruity and floral note.
Having a meal at a proper Italian restaurant would most probably cost you a bomb; on the other hand, similar dishes served at most of the cafes are too disappointing. Personally, I felt the pricing at Bru Cafe is not too steep yet you'll still be able to get authentic Italian food. If you are looking to have nice Italian food but doesn't want to burn a big hole in your pocket, I would certainly recommend you to try out Bru Cafe.
To know more updates on Bru Cafe, check out their Facebook and Instagram.
Address: Lot G3A & G-OS-4 Ground Floor, Podium Block, Faber Towers, Jalan Desa Bahagia, Taman Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur
Operation Hours: 10am to 10pm DAILY
Contact: +603 7980 5088
What's the first thing that you'll do when you visit a new neighbourhood in a new country? For me, it's the local mom and pop stores and deli. Rather the touristy places, I'm more interested to know where the locals go and what do they love.
In Malaysia, we have A LOT of these places all over the country, thanks to our multi-cultural society and the amount of expats in the country. So, on top of the locals stores, we get to have a peek of the culture of the other countries through these stores - well, at least the food culture.
Bottega Mediterranea is one the delis in KL offering fresh products and authentic ingredients imported from all over the Italian peninsula. Located along Jalan Ceylon, the deli can be a little tough to locate. Look for Bijan, and the deli is right next door - a white colour double-storey house.
Bottega Mediterranea reminds me a lot of those local delis I've been to in overseas. The place is very cosy and "homey" - something you would expect from your neighbourhood deli.
From olive oil, truffle oil, pastas, vinegar and many more - everything you need to prepare a delicious meal. They have cold cuts, cheese, wine and beer too!
You can check out the dishes served at Bottega Mediterranea on the wall.
I love cold-cuts and cheeses. So, you can only imagine the excitement in me when I saw this Charcuterie Platter (RM 51.95 - 2pax). Served with 3 types of cured meats (Parma, Porchetta, Bresaola), 2 types of salami (Salame Napoli, Spicy Salami), 3 cheeses (Grana Padano, Provolone, Toma), with pickles & sauces at the side (Sun-dried Tomatoes, Gharkings, Red Pesto Sauce). Honestly, I can't decide which my favourite was because I really really do love all of them!
These cold-cuts and cheeses reminded me of my school days, where I used to have them with bread. It was so simple and delicious!
If I have to choose, the sun-dried tomatoes and red pesto sauce would be my favourite. But then again, I'm never a fan of pickled food.
Parma Sandwich (RM 23.30). This is what I was talking about - cold-cuts and bread! A simple sandwich comes with Parma, Fontina cheese and artichoke - total delish and perfect for breakfast or lunch!
Croissant with Ham (Lomo Iberico) & Cheese (Asiago Cheese) (RM 18). Flaky, buttery croissant served with savoury Lomo Iberico ham and Asiago cheese. Wish I had more of this!
Cold-pressed Juice - Green (L), Scarlet (R) (RM 15.90).
Green: Cucumber, celery, bittergourd, green apple, Himalayan rock salt
Scarlet: Beetroot, green apple, white chia seeds
Green was light and refreshing, but I still couldn't accept the taste of celery and bittergourd. On the other hand, I really like the hint of sweetness and earthiness of beetroot in Scarlet.
Mebabrea (RM 23.32). This Italian beer was light but smooth. Seriously, I could use one of these recently, thanks to the hot weather!
Compared to beer, I prefer wine more. Sadly, we did not get to try any of the wine at Bottega Mediterranea. Maybe next time.
Though is a deli, there is a small corner at the back of the shop with 4 tables for those who like to sit back and relax, while enjoying their food. Bottega Mediterranea might not have a wide variety of grocers, but you'll find good quality products at the shop.
No matter if you want a cosy place to chill or looking for a place to buy quality products & products, this friendly neighbourhood deli might just be the place for you.
To know more updates on Bottega Mediterranea, check out their Website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Address: 1A, Jalan Ceylon, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Operation Hours: 9am to 8pm (Monday to Saturday) | Sunday CLOSED
Contact: +603 2070 4222
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