Friday, December 04, 2015

LaRisata, Christmas Special (Like Downton Abbey's Annual Encore Episode)

Like all good movies and TV Series, there has to be a sequel, and a special.... much like Star Wars, or Downton Abbey, true, two very different genres, but much highly anticipated events, by fans of either.

So, actually, I was surprised to be invited again so soon back to Larisata, albeit with all and sundry this time, (as opposed to a lovely private dinner with the owners), and competing with more photographers than you find at a Lion kill at the Masai Mara, (as in when the lion hunts), to capture a shot of that rare bird called a turkey, albeit a dead one....

Anyway, in keeping with the festivities, Larisata also has their special Christmas menu, with lovely offerings as we embarked on this yummy yuletide yextravaganza.  (one must yalliterate as much as possible).

To start, the same mozarella pizza I was privvy to earlier, with homemade smoked mozarella, anchovy and marinated peppers.



I never knew this before, nor never thought to ask, what Larisata meant...It actually means Laughter in Italian.  "The sound of my larisata resounded through the restaurant after a few drinks".


An ornament to remind us, just in case we forgot which season we were there for...

The grilled blue fin tuna with that fabulous squid ink gnocchi in lemon butter sauce, obviously the gnocchi is a universal hit, as everyone was picking on those lovely gobules of black goodness...

The conversation revolved around how everyone loved brussel sprouts, and different ways of cooking...who knew that Malaysians were so atas these days.  They're not cheap you know.  But looking at this platter of roasted vegetables did make me feel I was at a real Christmas dinner somewhere in wintery London.  Anyway, these mixed vegetables come as an accompaniment with the Christmas turkey... and are very good.


The Traditional Roast Turkey at RM338++ , is a hot chick that is served with an amazing giblet sauce, Larisata's homemade cranberry sauce, and a chestnut stuffing.  I used my "old friend" trump card to ensure I got a choice slice of thigh meat, which the lovely Selena willingly obliged.

My personal plate of turkey thigh, giblet sauce, cranberry ...


The stuffing is really good as well.  In fact, I'd have been happy with just the stuffing, giblet sauce and cranberry sauce, and the brussel sprouts.  I am a simple eater afterall.

Everyone loves a cheerful turkey carver...


The Roast Leg of Lamb With Root Vegetables and Rosemary sauce...RM228++

That amazing char of the meat from the outside belies the tender moist interior of the lamb leg, as can be seen below....

Succulent lamb, a bit on the rare side, but can easily be done up more if required...  whereas if it's overdone you cannot undo it...


 A platter of Rocket and Pear Salad with Lemon Dressing and shaved parmesan..My absolute favourite of the night, and could not get enough of it.  The sweet pear counters the slight bitterness of rocket, encapsulating the mood at year end....bittersweet...


I've always been fascinated by the Italian style cakes like Zucotto, and I love the crunch of the nuts, namely almond and hazelnut, and that delicious vanilla cream...surprisingly light,...

Zucotto

To me, the star of the night was this pumkin pie, RM80++...a nice twist on the traditional topless pumpkin pie, the layer of crumbly pastry and slivers of almond on top gives it a nice finish.  Clearly very popular...as there was a tussle for seconds.

Always the star because of its fame and good looks, the quintessential Tiramisu (sponge finger version) is available at RM160++.  However, as I mentioned before, tiramisu, gorgeous as it may be aesthetically, to me, is rather pedestrian.  But well, you can't fight the tide of popularity, and I have to be content with being a persecuted minority.

As gift packs, we were given a choice of chocolate log or red velvet log, from the sister restaurant, The Daily Grind, ....


A 1kg Red Velvet log is available for RM65, and a 1kg salted caramel log is RM85.  DRAT, I chose the cheaper one....#loseliao lor...

From the Daily Grind, the OMG burger at RM380 is also available, a 10" diameter burger, weighing 12lbs.  12 POUNDS??!!!!! OMG indeed!!!

All these are available from 5th Dec to 10th January 2016 at all LaRisata outlets.

Ampang : 16 Persiaran Ampang, Tel : 03-4254 6269
Damansara Heights: 128 Jalan Kasah Medan Damansara Tel: 03-20959572

www.la-risata.com

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