Despite its opulent French decor, Cafe Ame Souer serves pretty standard Western fare, writes Ewe Paik Leong.
THE small foyer of Cafe Ame Soeur (which translates to soulmate in English) is fitted with two ornate gilded mirrors and a pair of swing doors with long pull handles and glass panels. The decor hints at what one can expect on the inside. I pull a swing door open, enter the hall and sweep it with a glance.
The decor is indeed opulent.
From the recessed ceiling hangs two downlight chandeliers. The ceiling itself is painted with intricate patterns, curves and straight lines, and the floor features a herringbone design.
One wall is fixed with four enormous mirrors embellished with floral garlands and interlacing ribbons made of gilt bronze. The muted colours convey a lively yet soft mood.
STANDARD DISHES
I take a seat and a waitress places a large menu in front of me.
Consisting of only two beautifully designed pages pasted on heavy cardboard, it lists dishes that are pretty standard; the luxurious decor is not reflected in the prices.
Photos are absent and items are grouped under All-Day Breakfast, Pasta, Rice, Sides, Pasta & Pancake and Dessert. Under beverages there are coffee, espresso, tea, milk tea, summer drinks, infusion milk and chocolate.
The summer drinks comprise non-alcoholic concoctions with fancy names such as Ecstasy, Blue Sizzle, Lavender Bliss, and Princess Punch. After placing my order, I head to the toilet for a look-see. Great balls of fire! The toilet paper dispenser is made of ceramic and gilded with arabesque designs, and the ceiling is adorned with cornices and a colourful mural.
When my Squid Ink Pasta lands on my table, my heart skips a beat as the pasta looks very oily. A few pieces of squid sit atop the pasta, with slices of cherry tomatoes encircling it. The tender pasta bursts through with a light salinity, infused as it is with squid ink.
In delightful contrast, a sweet freshness ricochets in my mouth with every bite of cherry tomato. After several mouthfuls, however, my oil-drenched taste buds seek comfort in the rose tea. Though the pasta is not a great dish, it is good.
Next I feast on the Marinara Bay, spaghetti with marinara sauce and seafood. My senses get an initial jolt from the sweetish-tang of the sauce and, then, the fresh flavours from the prawns, squids and mussels rush forth like a ripple, making my taste buds go oo-la la! The prawns should preferably be de-shelled, though.
The third dish is Roasted Stuffed Chicken which is described in the menu as “chicken stuffed with marinated minced chicken sides with garlic sweet potato, sauteed vegetable and black pepper sauce.”
I find it odd that minced chicken should be stuffed in a pocket of chicken breast meat. One bite reveals that the flavour of the bird differs from the minced counterpart as the latter is deep-flavoured. The mild black pepper sauce, with a herbal overtone, provides the necessary moisture to the breast meat.
Fruity French Toast marks the end of my feast. The pieces of toast don’t exactly gravitate towards being classic French as the hallmark cinnamon flavour is weak.
Like a reliable sidekick, the honey saves the situation, however. The various fruits chime with bright notes here and there, contrasting well with the honey.
Fast Facts
Cafe Ame Soeur
20, Jalil Link Block 2, Jalan Jalil Jaya 2, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Tel 03-8999 0738
Website facebook.com/cafeamesoeur
HOURS 11am-9pm (Mon to Thurs), 9.30am-10.30pm (Fri to Sun). Closed on Tuesdays.
FOOD French and Western fare
PICK Roasted Stuffed Chicken, Marinara Bay. Chef’s pick: Grilled Salmon Fillet Rice, French Baguette Croquet Madame.
PAY From RM15-RM33 per dish
MOOD Opulent decor, cozy and quiet
SERVICE A tad over-casual
I SAY Go give it a try