Rendez-vous French Dining & Upstage Lounge @ Bangsar, KL

French cuisine and Italian food often share many similarities but it seems that the latter gains more popularity in Malaysia due to its relatively lower price point. What if now you can enjoy the fine French offerings at pocket-friendly prices?

I just found one in Bangsar, where you can tuck into a wide selection of traditional French meaty and seafood dishes, accompanied with premium wines from around the world to pair with.

Rendez-Vous, tucked at the corner just across the busy Telawi streets in Bangsar, is a French food haven on its own. Its location along Lorong Maarof is quieter, with ample parking right in front of the outlet and easily noticeable once you turn in from the main road. 

Cosy and warm ambiance suitable for couples, family and group dining.

Complimentary warm house-made bread with a slab of butter. 

My very first visit there is welcomed by attentive and chatty staff who will make sure that our table never runs out of French bread, our glasses are always filled, etc. Great effort from the knowledgeable staff too, to educate the customers who are keen on finding out more about the French dishes.

Top-notch service and beautiful romantic ambiance aside, the taste of each dish is also exceptional! From appetizers to mains and desserts, I'm totally smitten especially when each of them is paired with the right wine.

PRE-DINER DRINK

Left: French Kir Classique @ RM34
White wine and Creme de Cassis (Sweet blackcurrant liquor)
Right: Le Cognac Mojito @ RM42
Original mojito served with Polignac Cognac
Middle: Soup of the day - Creamy roasted pumpkin soup

Our wine pairing dinner kicks off with the apéritifs to open the palate before we sink our teeth into the preserved tuna dish. While both the cocktails exude strong fruity flavours, I personally prefer the classic French Kir as it is sweeter and more easily acceptable than the cognac mojito. 

STARTER

“Thon confit” @ RM25

Candied tuna, cauliflower puree, refreshing cabbage and rouille sauce

The tuna confit starter is a feast for the eyes, and the unique combination tastes even better than it looks. The texture of the tuna is pleasantly dry and firm, exuding savoury flavours close to smoked fish. A zest of lime would help to lift the overall taste of the oceanic goodness.

Wine pairing: Chateau Los Boldos 'Cuvée Tradition' Sauvignon Blanc 2014 from Chile

And the accompanying wine is a thirst quenching white wine, because of its tangy feel and citrus apple flavours, softened by hints of guava. It is juicy and refreshing on its own! 

SOUP

“Oeuf Parfait et gnocchi” @ RM22

Half cooked eggs with Parisian style gnocchi and cheese
Wine pairing: Bonpas Côtes-du-Rhône Don Alfant from France

Moving on, our soup has very thick and creamy consistency, thanks to the gooey eggs, melted cheese and gnocchi (mini soft dough dumplings) well-hidden in the broth. Best paired with the French Syrah wine although the flavour is not as bold but nice to balance the richness of the dish.

The taste? Tummy comforting, with strong cheesy aroma and hints of spices. We love the fried samosa skin surrounding the dish for an added crisp texture. As sinful as it may sound, the soup is worth every calorie because it just tastes so good! 

MAINS

“Fillet de daurade en croute” @ RM62

Sea bream in crust, potato and truffle oil risotto, “bouillabaisse” sauce

Wine pairing: Golden Kaan Chardonnay 2013 from South Africa

If you are into fish, the sea bream served on a bed of chunky potato risotto is a must-try here! Flaky fresh boneless fish, aromatic risotto, creamy Provencal stew base;  Everything falls in place perfectly in one dish, nothing overdone. 

Take a bite of the fish, followed by a sip of the vibrant Chardonnay which goes exceptionally well with this seafood dish. This intensely flavoured white wine adds a delicious, fruity mineral character to the seafood and cuts through the rich bouillabaisse sauce.

“Tranche d’agneau au jus” @ RM62

Pan seared lamb, pissaladière and smoked herring cream

Wine pairing: Cheval Quancard Baron Monbarduc 2014 from France

Next up is the lamb rack dish which seems very elaborated in terms of the presentation. Slow-cooked then pan-seared, the medium pink lamb rack shows nicely balanced layers of lean and fatty meats which take its succulence to the next level.

Smoked herring cream is a welcoming change from the usual mint sauce, and we truly enjoy the unique touch of smokiness to the lamb. Plus, the bold, structured Merlot red wine just can't go wrong with the richness of red meat.

The pastry, "Pissaladière", served with the lamb, is definitely worth a mention. This crispy bread crowned with anchovies, black olives and tomato base is delicious and savoury too.

DESSERTS

“Crème brulée” @ RM19

French vanilla custard topped with crackling caramel
Wine pairing: Le Contesse Prosecco D.O.C Treviso (Extra Dry) from Italy

French desserts at Rendez-vous are definitely not to be missed. We are on cloud nine when treating our sweet tooth with the creamy rich custard and chocolate mousse dessert, followed by the Prosecco sparkling wine. The pairing works well on the palate as the Prosecco further enhances the overall sweetness of the desserts. 

“Delice au chocolat et caramel” @ RM22

Sinful chocolate and caramel dessert

While Rendez-vous has an excellent setting for casual meals and after-work drinking with family and friends, it is also a party-friendly place to celebrate your special occasions. 

Located one floor above it is the Upstage Lounge where you can unwind with drinks and comedy show happening on 21 and 22 October 2016 at 9.30pm. Be prepared to be entertained by Marcus Birdman from UK and make your tummy laugh! 

Don't forget to book your seats now:
Contact: 03-22020206
Whatsapp: 016-6009185
Email: bookings@rendez-vous.com.my

Rendez-Vous is located at the corner of Lorong Maarof, just few minutes walk away from the Telawi Bangsar area.

Don't forget to stalk Rendez-vous for more updates!

Rendez-Vous
100, Lorong Maarof,
59000 Bangsar,
Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: +603-2202 0206
Email: bookings@rendez-vous.com.my
Facebook: fb.com/rendezvousbangsar / fb.com/upstagebangsar
Instagram: @rendez_vouskl
Business Hours: 12pm-3pm / 6pm-Late everyday