KUALA LUMPUR: DINERS at J&P Magic House Bar & Restaurant were in awe as the Japanese magician moved his hands to cast magic onto a table and, unbelievably, the table started to levitate and float around in the air!
Later, another magician covered his hands with a piece of cloth before pulling the cloth off to reveal a real dove!
The restaurant is unlike any other in Malaysia as its owners aim to capitalise on a niche market by providing guests with good food and world-class magic shows.
The new Italian-themed fine dining restaurant is owned and managed by an enterprising Japanese couple who now calls Malaysia home.
Taeko Hasegawa said her husband Hiroyuki Hasegawa retired early from his telegram company in Japan and the couple decided to settle down in Mont Kiara last year.
“The initials J&P stand for Jewel & Planet. We wanted to offer Malaysians a really interesting dining experience where guests can relax and tuck into good Italian food while enjoying a magic show performed by some of the world’s best magicians,” she said in Japanese.
“This two-storey restaurant offers guests a chance to sit down and enjoy food while watching the magic shows on the ground floor,” said Taeko.
“Those who don’t want to pay an extra entertainment surcharge can opt to relax at our lounge and bar upstairs. We operate from 7pm to 3am daily.
“Guests who want to enjoy a five-course set meal should opt for the RM188 per pax set meal which includes a salad, soup, pasta dish, main meal and dessert plus two drinks, be it alcoholic or non-alcoholic, with the magic show thrown in.
“If you go for the RM88 per person deal, you can enjoy the magic show, two drinks of your choice and one finger food dish such as pizza, pasta, nachos, canapes or French fries. Each magic show runs for half an hour at 9pm, 11pm and 1am.
“Alternatively, if you want the a la carte options, but want to see the magic show downstairs, you will have to fork out an extra RM50 surcharge fee for the magic show.
“Generally, soups cost between RM18 and RM24, appetisers between RM18 and RM55, main course dishes between RM32 and RM70, pizzas between RM20 and RM36 and pasta between RM22 and RM42.
“We welcome guests to hold dinner functions, birthday parties and other social functions here.
“Companies can also hold corporate functions here.
“Currently, our Japanese line-up of magicians include Taka, Hiro, Yuki and Kazu. The four of them are among the world’s best magicians. We wanted to bring in the best magicians in Japan to give guests a world-class magic show every time they step foot in our restaurant.”
The whole establishment exudes opulence and class. With plush velvet chairs and a retro classic bar look, the ambience is rich and comforting.
Diners just have to sit back and relax on the luxurious chairs and indulge in the fine selection of food and drinks.
During the media preview, the four magicians visited each table and wowed guests with their sleight-of-hand tricks as waiters served a three-course meal and a welcome drink made from a concoction of mango, orange, pineapple and pink guava juice.
The feta cheese salad (antipasti) which featured a mixture of green salad, carrots, olives and balsamic dressing followed by linguine chicken bolognese pasta and panna cotta creme pudding with mixed berries sauce were all nothing to shout about. Luckily, the breathtaking magic show made up for it.
The restaurant is located at 19, Jalan Berangan, here. For details, visit www.jpmagichouse.com.