Perhaps our expectations were a lil too high?
It was a beautiful Saturday evening and we looked forward to dining in the very much hyped - The Chow Kit Kitchen & Bar.
The Reservation
We made a booking of table for four on 1st October 2020. Reservation was made 72 hours prior and it was done via online.
The Welcome
Friendly smiles greeted us as we stepped in.
We were all in awe with the interior transformation of what was once Tune Hotel.
It definitely felt like we walked into a 1950’s movie set in New York City. The dimmed yellow light created a sexy, cozy environment.
The Table
We requested for a table near the wall as we know that we will be a tad loud.
There were many tables available when we walked in.
After being declined twice based on “These tables are reserved”, we settled with a table right in front of the open-concept kitchen.
We thought to ourselves – “Didn’t we reserved too?”
I supposed we wouldn’t be a lil upset if we were being told nicely or at least, like we mattered.
The Order
Menu selection was wonderful.
We decided that we want to order some snacks from their Happy Hour promo – 3 bar snacks for RM40 to munch on first while deciding on the rest.
We ordered The Nachos, Handcut Fries and Sambal & Cracker from this gentleman whom we believed to be the restaurant manager. He was very nice. It was a shame that I did not get his name.
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We were ready to order our pre-dinner drinks/cocktails to kick off the evening.
We were interested in the same promotion - 3 cocktails for RM80 before 8pm. This time round, Ms Yoishi took our order. She mentioned we can only order the said promotion provided we purchase 3 bottles of spirit priced at RM990.
We were shocked to know this as we ordered the earlier snacks from the same Happy Hour menu – the exact same page.
We asked for the restaurant manager immediately and he came to clarify that we can order the cocktails.
It will be a better experience for us should the service team for that night were briefed properly.
The Food – Quick review
Chow Kit Fish & Chips – Highly recommended if you dine there!
Kambing Kuzi – This was nice but not WOW.
Ikan Assam Pedas – Can do better.
Pucuk Paku – I can taste the sadness in this dish, stir fry in tears.
Ayam Kampung Emas (which was highly recommended) – It was so salty I thought I was drowned in the ocean for a second. We shared this information with the server to let kitchen staff try if they felt the same and it was taken off from our bill because they felt they were licking salt too I supposed?
Another disappointment with this dish was it was to be served with Chow Kit’s signature house-made sambal.
Chicken came but no sambal and when we asked for it, Ms Yoishi said “It’s the same sambal as the Cracker.” (the bar snacks we were having).
Perhaps the menu should read “Crispy kampung chicken, served with our signature house-made sambal hijau & sambal merah ONLY IF YOU HAVEN’T HAD OUR SAMBAL &CRACKER BAR SNACKS”.
Do note that we were given side plates (sharing plates) only AFTER we request for it.
More disappointment right there.
Overall food taste/experience: 4.7/10
The Salvage
The hotel did a great job in hiring Ms Rachel whom has been a God-sent to us that evening.
She speaks clearly and very polite and knows exactly what she was doing.
And I thank her for that.
Final Words
I do not usually write reviews because what/how does it matters? Or what do I expect out of it. Or perhaps I just don’t care.
But The Chow Kit, I am rooting for you. Please improve.