Ficelle Boulangerie & Patisserie @ Taman Danau Desa

While everyone is blogging about Levain Boulangerie & Patisserie, and realising that the famous outlet at Jalan Delima, Kuala Lumpur is always crowded during breakfast, early lunch and dinner hours, I have decided to seek a similar type of experience in another restaurant.

Where else could have been so similar to Levain Boulangerie & Patisserie 

other than its sister company named Ficelle Boulangerie & Patisserie?

Finding a park there on a weekday and even weekends is hellish but surprisingly it was quite ample for me that Sunday I visited this restaurant. Officially opened on the 6th of May 2011, I still failed to notice it whenever I visit RT Cake House to buy cakes for most celebrations.

Does the main entrance of the restaurant look familiar? Since Ficelle is under the same management as Levain Boulangerie, so the similarities in the setting and servings are easily explained. The place is not as spacious as compared to Levain, with a less varied and narrower selection of food.

It is very unnoticeable from the main road because they are located in the corner of a quiet street.

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Nice decoration is the restaurant's signature as always. 

Ficelle only provides outdoor seatings which mix both smoking and non-smoking zones, 

but I feel it's cooling and cozy in fact!

To my delight, the prices of most items are less than at Levain, mostly around RM 0.30 cheaper. On top of that, there is no extra service charge or tax for the meal! 

#1 Tomato Seafood Soup @ RM 7.00

A small serving of rich tomato soup is perfect to kickstart your day! The squids and prawns in it are so fine in quality as the broth is boiled fresh daily. 

#2 Ham and Mushroom Carbonara @ RM 11.80

It is not the ordinary shiitake mushroom here, but I see my favourite button mushroom with sliced ham which tops the plate of spaghetti. Of course, the key component of the carbonara is the sauce itself. Neither too thick nor mild, the sauce is creamy enough with a strong milky and cheesy taste. Oh how can I resist it!

#3 Duck Comfit Salad @ RM 8.90

Well, this sounds a little special for me because a bowl of salad normally consists of lean chicken meat. I'm surprised to find this in the menu, featuring sliced duck meat. 

Despite of the lean meat, you can see the meat is completely covered with oil. 

That's certainly not so good for a bowl of healthy salad.

#4 Ginger Muffin @ RM 3.90 each

I'm attracted by its frosty appearance, but reluctant to get any because I'm phobic of the word 'ginger'. After a few rounds of persuasions, I make myself to have one whole muffin and am surprised that the ginger tastes good and fairly sweet here! 

#5 Top: Fresh Orange Tart; Bottom: Cream Cheese Tart;

 Both @ RM 4.90 each

Both cheese and orange custards here are soft, with crispy, firm skin. Although the freshly-baked tarts are slightly overpriced here, I think it is worth the value for the premium ingredients used.

#6 Apple Pie @ RM 5.80 each

Well, I'd call this as apple danish because it doesn't look very much like a pie. I'd keep this in my list during my next visit to try it out!

#7 Caramel Brioche @ RM 1.50

It's a really cute-looking cube, topped with icing sugar and filled with caramel cream. The skin is baked into a dark, golden and flaky crust. So rich and tender it is! 

When it is cut half, it looks similar to a bread, but it has extra additions of butter, egg and milk. The thick caramel makes this a highly-sweetened pastry, but I'll give it a go for once in a while.

#8 Almond Apollo Brioche @ RM 2.80

Interestingly, I notice a sign saying "BEWARE: The Apollo sauce will ooze out!" on the bakery tray and would love to try some.

True enough, the caramelized apple gravy oozes out once I cut this brioche. That's another craving of a sweet tooth. I hope my sugar level doesn't boost too high upon finishing this.

#9 Choux a La Crème @ RM 2.00 each

This puff pastry is very popular in Japan. Light and crispy with a smooth creamy filling, it is absolutely made to perfection! Try it and you’ll fall in love with it.

#10 Kyarameru Banana @ RM 2.80

The banana-flavoured muffin is awesome, not too sweet with a tinge of bitterness. So good that I could have had a few more of this but I have to give way to other varieties as well.

#11 Golden Chocolate Chips @ RM 3.80

#12 Tuna Hawaiian Pizza @ RM 4.50

This slice of thin-crusted pizza is topped with pineapple and tune chunks. This is good because I prefer to taste more of the sauce and toppings, and don't want to be filled up too quickly.

#13 Crispy Walnut @ RM 2.50

The appealing, star-shaped walnut bread looks like a ring of doughnut. But surprised with the filing, the cookies crust is really crunchy and rich in the nutty taste. 

#14 English Breakfast Tea @ RM 4.80

What perfects a healthy breakfast set is a cup of English tea. It is indeed a good companion to go along with the pastries. 

Verdict:
1. The variety of food and ambience in Levain is slightly better than Ficelle, but it's fine for me as long as the food is still as good and fresh.
2. But Ficelle worths a try for a lazy, relaxing brunch.
3. The pastry is so good that I will come back for the next visit.

Ficelle Boulangerie & Patisserie,

11-0-12, Jalan 3/109F, 

Danau Business Center,

Taman Danau Desa, 

58100 Kuala Lumpur.

Contact: 03-7982-2210
Fax: 03-7982 2210

Business Hours:  8:00 am to 9:00 pm daily

Website: www.ficelle.com.my