Thursday, October 30, 2008

Benvenuti! @ Avanti

My family and I used to dine in Sunway Hotel quite often last time, during Sunday that is. Their restaurants are quite famous and the food were pretty good. Singing chefs in Avanti going round customers' tables, eat-all-you-can buffet at Nagisa, delicate Chinese cuisine at West Lake. Now Nagisa's gone, no more singing chefs. I used to enjoy the weekend lunch buffet a lot at Avanti, when Chef Federico was working there, somehow I think he's super talented, and I enjoyed his food a lot.

Dad had some expiring vouchers worth RM300 (members benefit) that need to be used up quickly (typical lah, always wait until expiry only use one) and so we made a trip there to have our dinner at Avanti two days ago. Due to some jam up area, dad called to postpone our reservation and we were told that they don't accept guest after 9.30pm. Way too early rite? New system konon.

Anyway, we made it at 9pm. Upon entering the dim restaurant, few tables of family-of-four were munching on pizzas and pastas. The beautiful sound of piano echoed around, the pianist playing medleys of jazz, making the environment so calm and relaxing.


There weren't many tables occupied but somehow I only see a couple of service crews walking around. And a bit disappointingly, I would have expected the server to take our order without us waving our hands up.

After taking the orders, I made a trip down to the bakery in front of Sun 'n' Surf Cafe, whether I can chance upon a beautiful loaf of bread to bring home. I remember they used to have 50% on bakery items after 7pm or 9pm, not sure whether they still have it I asked the staff at the counter who was sitting down, shaking his legs. Again I would expect a smile on the face and the answer 'yes, ma'am' but no smile, no ma'am, he continued shaking his leg and answered 'yes of course'. (If I know I wouldn't be asking right?) Fine.

Appetizer was a salad consists of tiger prawns, avocados, mesclun and grapefruit (RM30+) (but I didn't see any grapefruit nor lemon nor orange). But the prawns were really fresh, juicy and sweet on its own
Thumbs up for the mushroom soup. It was really nice. Sunway's mushroom soup is quite a signature dish. Came out piping hot, with a slice of crouton drizzled with pesto, bits and pieces of mushrooms instead of just pure blend of liquid. Nice nice!



Variety of bread. Prefer the breads last time, served in a 'bucket'. Maybe now cut cost so lesser bread ler.

Olive oil and vinegar dip

Dad's main course - beef tournedos with a king prawn, served with jacket potato, corn and roasted tomato. (RM80+) Nice nice, tender and juicy but a bit too bloody, dad ordered medium doneness.

I was feeling 'beefy' that day so I ordered the Cajun Angus sirloin. Looks dry on the outside, but inside is okay. I ordered medium as well, but it was slightly towards medium well already.

Mom's lamb cutlets. Nice!

Brother had pasta, as usual. Carbohydrate kiddo. And being the cheesy, creamy fella he ordered cappelini (a type of thin pasta similar to angel hair) with bacon and carbonara. We would expect that he won't be full cuz the portion wasn't big, but he said the cheese made him very full. I forgot to take a photo of his dish.

Overall, satisfying meal. But can't go often cuz it's so 'cheap'. No wine, no dessert, our total bill came to RM462+. Thank god for the vouchers.

Avanti Italian Restaurant,
Sunway Resort & Spa,
Petaling Jaya.

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