Zest Cafe & Restaurant @ The Sphere, Bangsar South

 #1 Welcome to Zest Cafe 

When Zest Cafe first opens its door in July 2011, it holds on a tagline "Food for the Body & Food for the Soul". Not only satisfying the most discerning palate, but it also shows its passion in serving healthy and delicious Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

The restaurant is brightly lit with a contemporary cosy setting which allows me to relax, unwind and enjoy the meal. They only use olive oil in cooking, with low salt, low sugar and totally no deep-fried food. Now I can eat happily without worrying about my waistline!

STARTERS

 #2 Mushroom Soup 

Served with the buttery bread, a spoonful of light yet hearty soup is good to start off the meal. Made with saute button mushroom, it is simple, rich yet not creamy at all!

 #3 Pumpkin Soup

The pumpkin soup is slightly thicker than the former one, simply more savoury with a refreshing sweet taste. The creaminess is best enjoyed with a dip of bread into the warm broth.

 #4 Zest Salad

Next comes the signature salad, which is a colorful healthy mixture of grilled vegetables crowned with three succulent pan-fried prawns. The balsamic dressing is quite light yet very appetizing for the palates.

 PASTA & GRAINS
  

#5 Vegetarian Fresh Spaghettini

If you notice, the texture of the spaghetti looks different because it is homemade. Softer, more delicate but of course nutritious! Between a choice of anchovies or pure vegetarian, I opt for the latter one, with a hint of fragrant olive oil.

#6 Prawn Spaghetti in Pesto Sauce

The three succulent pan-fried prawns are quite fresh and very satisfying, but it is the pesto that has us on cloud nine. This traditional Italian sauce is so thick and it goes well with the al dente spaghetti.

 #7 Seafood Aglio Olio  

#8 Aubergine-Spinach Lasagna

I skip the usual lasagna suffused with rich chicken bolognaise, and opt for a healthier one with thick layerings of grilled aubergine and spinach. The tomato sauce is quite light in flavours and I enjoy every mouthful! 

#9 Seafood-Chicken Paella

Then I discover another traditional dish--- the toasted short-grain rice on pan which turns out soft, creamy and not sticky at all. Chicken is only as good as what it is cooked with, quite firm in texture and very flavourful with sweet savoury taste.

POULTRY, MEATS, SEAFOOD  

#10 Rosemary Roast Chicken

The biggest applause is saved for the delicious, tenderly roasted chicken. Marinated with herbs, each bite reveals the moisture and aroma within the meat itself. I love rosemary sauce because the spiced part is able to keep the chicken succulent.

#11 Pan-grilled Salmon on Potato Gratin

Thick and creamy, the combination of fresh salmon and salty hollandaise sauce is superb. The sliced potato adds natural sweetness to the light, smoky flavour of the salmon slice. 

#12 Beef Rib-Eye

#13 Tubers-Bean Kofta

Another vegetarian dish which pleases my soul is the soft patty of crushed beans, potatoes and carrots, simply crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside. The salty and sweet mushroom sauce and spicy chilli paste have totally livened it up.

#14 Stewed Beef In Tortilla Wrap 

The thin slice of tortilla is thin and crispy while the beef remains moist and succulent inside. I truly enjoy the tortilla wrap as a light bite with the very tender meat in it. 

#15 Stewed Mutton with Pilav Rice

DESSERT

#16 Pancake with Pineapple Cocktail Compote

For dessert, we're entranced with the latest creation of the chef which will be made available in the menu soon. The thin slice of pancake is very soft, and delicious to go with a sweet tangy cocktail of fruits.

#17 Cucumber Lime (Cold) and Honey Lemon (Hot)

We meet the owner of Zest, Mr. Ong Beng-Chung, who employs the following food philosophy: "For the body, it's about answering your needs for balanced nutrition through delicious food. For the soul, it's about rejuvenating yourself in participating in our events that enriches the human spirit."

Speaking of that, Zest has been actively involved in charity programs as part of their corporate social responsibility.

GOOD NEWS FOR YOU!

Bangsar South will be organizing a Foodilicious Campaign on Facebook. Each day, RM50 Food Voucher will be given out. After reading my blog, just answer some simple questions at their Facebook Apps Page and you can walk away with the voucher! 

For more info, visit HERE now.

Verdict:

1. Among the many dishes, the overall taste is very pleasing along with the selected premium ingredients.

2. Recommended: Rosemary Roast Chicken and Pan-grilled Salmon on Potato Gratin

3. The price is rather mid-range but it has good value for money, considering the good food and excellent service. 

Note: Delivery and package deals are available. 


Zest Cafe & Restaurant
Unit 1-2, 1st Floor,
The Sphere,
1, Avenue 1,
Bangsar South,
8, Jalan Kerinchi,
59200 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: 603-2242 0389 (Beng Chung)
Fax: 603-2241 1899
Website: www.zestcafe.com.my
Facebook: fb.com/ZestCafeRestaurant
Operating Hours: 8am to 10pm (Weekdays) and 10am to 10pm (Weekends)