Antipasto Lunch Buffet @ Senja Italian Restaurant, The Saujana Kuala Lumpur

Often reflected with the old Malay expression 'sejauh di sana' which means 'As far as eyes can see', The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur is nestled amidst lush tropical gardens, fringed by two 18-hole world championship golf courses. A place of tranquility, comfort and scenice beauty, it is only 30 minutes away from KL city centre.

I have numerous encounters with Senja Italian Restaurant, this is my blog entry back then: Christmas with Senja Italian Restaurant with Chef Giovanni Ricci. Now we bid him adieu, and begin the new Sicilian culinary adventure with Chef Filippo Giunta's newly-introduced Antipasto Lunch Buffet.

Built on stilts above a scenic lake overlooking the beautiful tropical garden, Senja Italian Restaurant has a very romantic setting, with classy, exquisite seats and a bar with live band performance at night. Now that it is opened to all, for the daytime dining.

And today I get an opportunity to sample the Antipasto Misto Lunch Buffet: 3-Course Meal. 

STARTER 

#1 Starter: Pizza Bianca and Walnut Raisin Bread with 4 Condiments

I'm greeted with the complimentary fresh, house made bread with ricotta dip, sun-dried tomato tapenade, balsamic vinegar dip and olive oil. The flat wooden chopping board adds a rustic feel to the soft bread with decent crust.

ANTIPASTO 

Antipasto--- meaning "Before The Meal" is a traditional first course of a formal meal. It caters the needs of corporate diners who are tied with tight schedules to walk-in and dine on the light items while waiting for their mains. These 10 varieties of antipasto signify the beginning of the Italian meal.

 #2 Green Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese

#3 Roasted Artichoke Roman Style

Cooked with herbs and garlic, these artichokes are so succulent with the concentrated flavours through the method of roasting. A great side dish which goes well with salad too.

#4 Polenta with Fennel and Gorgonzola Dressing

Being a staple food of the north, this elegant mush is made from finely grounded maize, sprinkled with grilled fennel and light cheesy gorgonzola. Full of health goodness, it is soft, slightly sweet and creamy in texture.

#5 Sauteed Oyster Mushrooms with Olive Oil 

It is so simple-looking that I can't believe it tastes so good! The Italian herbs and spices add a fresh twist to the mushrooms. Light, crunchy and of slightest saltiness, it is simply delicious!

#6 Grilled Vegetables 

#7 Marinated Pumpkin with Lemon and Thyme 

#8 Potatoes and Carrots with Mayonnaise and Italian Parsley  

#9 Tomato Mozzarella

The mozzarella is just heavenly, so light yet creamy and I enjoy the moment it melts in the mouth!

#10 Fresh Salad 

#11 Assorted Italian Condiments 

MAINS 

The antipasto buffet is priced at RM35++, and you're entitled for one main course with a top-up of RM30. 

#12 Spaghetti Alla Pescatora in Bianco @ RM60

The tomato-based spaghetti aglio e olio seafood is so light with its pasta cooked al dente. The seafood is chunky and succulent, well-infused with the rich tomato sauce, so perfectly seasoned!

#13 Risotto Ai Frutti di Mare @ RM35

The Italian's signature is definitely not a miss. This plate of soft Italian rice is steamed into perfection before drizzling with tomato livorno sauce. The upscale twist of the dish comes from the asparagus cream which thickens the risotto while retaining the juicy, fresh scallops. Very appealing and flavoursome!

#14 Pizza Diavola @ RM45

What's better than biting through the cheesy pepperoni and chunky beef salami from the excellent burnt chewiness of this firewood pizza? The devillish pizza is less spicy with the good balance of sweet sauce.

#15 Pizza Mediterraneo @ RM45

Chef Giunta displays his culinary skills on this combination of seafood, tomato, mozzarella and bread. Served piping hot from the kitchen, the coverage of melting cheese and fresh seafood is solid.

#16 Filetto di Branzino con Spinaci Saltati Salso Mediterraneo e Bucce Di Arance Candite @ RM 75

Alternatively, you can order from the ala carte menu. Two thick fillets of sea bass is moist and pretty well-balanced up with the spicy seafood sauce and orange zest. I enjoy its firm yet flaky texture, thumbs up!

DESSERT

#17 Mascarpone Soffice alla Delizie del Cafe @ RM29

Then with an additional RM10, you're entitled for one choice of dessert. I'm delighted to meet this classic Chef Filippo Tiramisu. Served with blueberry sauce and fresh strawberry, it has creamy tiramisu layered in between the soft, spongy cakes. 

#18 Tortino Morbido al Cioccolato con Caramel Croccantine e Gelato @ RM29

Forget about French, in English it is simply dubbed as "Snickers Version 2009". Well, it is a piece of hot chocolate cake served with a strike of crunchy caramel biscuit topped with a scoop of chocolate ice cream. A double chocolate sensation it is, I shall call it the star of the day!

The best moment arrives when the rich chocolate lava oozes out from the cake. A simple mixture of egg, butter and chocolate, in the hands of Chef Giunta, can be so rich and thick with the melt-in-the-mouth feel! What's more about it is the deep chocolate flavour pairs wonderfully with the Häagen-Dazs ice cream.

#19 Parfaits Siciliano con Lamponi @ RM30 

A popular dessert from Sicily, I am elated with Chef Giunta's creative pairing of vanilla parfait and chocolate ice cream. The firm and milky parfait, when stuffed with dried tropical fruits, are really creamy with perfect texture!

I'm truly amazed with Chef Giunta's artistic dishes which please me in terms of textures, colours and layers of ingredients. Then, I get to understand that he started his career as a chef at a tender age of 13!

Chef Giunta has worked in London's best- Dolado, Number Twelve, Zaffereno after the years of European training with a great influence of Mediterranean flair. He was the head chef at renowned The Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi, until he joins The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur in April 2012. 

The Antipasto Misto Lunch Buffet is available from now at the below price tags:

RM35++ : Antipasto buffet

RM65++ : Antipasto buffet + Choice of main course 

RM75++ : Antipasto buffet + Choice of main course + Dessert
(Ala carte menu is available at separate charge)

Verdict:

1. I'm totally smitten with the whole homemade rustic Italian meal. Highly recommended for its intimate ambiance, quality of service and authenticity of food. 

2. Recommended: Snickers Version 2009

3. Despite of the upper mid range price, I'd go for its quality. Good option for romantic dining, family gathering and business meet-ups. 

Senja Italian Restaurant
Lower Ground Floor,

The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur, 
Saujana Resort, 
Jalan Lapangan Terbang SAAS, 
40150 Shah Alam, Selangor. 
Contact: 603-7843 1234 ext 6122 / 4717
Website: www.thesaujanahotel.com
Operating Hours: 12noon to 2pm and 7pm to 10.30pm daily (Closed on Mondays)