La Cuisine @ Kampung Baru

La Cuisine is a big open air eating place with various dishes offered from "stalls" that rings the perimeter of the place. High ceilings and well ventilated. Situated amidst dilapidated buildings in Kampung baru with the majestic KLCC in sight. Nice, clean with acceptable ambiance. I was invited to join an after work binge by my office mates.

We start with a basket of otak-otak Kempas - RM12.00 for 20 pieces, essentially fish paste mixed with herb and spices, wrapped in coconut leaves and grilled over an open fire. The ones offered here smack of mass production, not bad but I had better from rural Mak Cik's who hand made these themselves.

The drinks were a bit too sweet that we ended up asking for iced water to tone it down.

The Laksa was so-so according to Yamin. Coming from up north, he would know what he's talking about. To me it lacks colour and presentation, the garnishing looks measly.

The grilled lamb set. This is carved from a spit roast. Its good, the BBQ sauce that came with it is excellent but the black pepper sauce lacks pepper. Served with slices of pita bread and coleslaw, it made a reasonable meal.

The mean looking oxtail soup. It is mean, though not in the looks department, in taste it excels. Best taken piping hot as the congealing fat when it cools down is definitely unappetising.

This would have to be my favourite dish. Kai lan fried with salted fish. A tad oily but the leaves are crunchy and well complemented by the chunky salted fish. I really appreciate that they make sure only the flesh of the salted fish and not the bones are used.

Sambal sotong. Squid in a fiery chili sauce. Lacks the fire and taste that I was looking for. One of the items that we did not finish. Also, looks like it has been re-heated once too often.

Another good dish, Siakap tiga rasa - triple flavored fish. A tad too oily but tasty none the less.

The piece de resistance. Ikan marbuk. sliced, spiced, deep fried fish on a bed of crispy kangkung.

Overall, the food is not bad though most tend to be a bit oily, makes you wonder if they also own a cooking oil refinery somewhere. Not a bad place with the right company. There were 11 of us and we were all fully sated by the end of the meal. The bill came to slightly over RM200.00. Very reasonable. Parking may be a hassle especially during peak hours but if you are in the vicinity, its worth a try.