by KL Lifestyle "Dining Ideas",
March 2019 Issue Magazine
By JACQUELINE BENITA PAUL
The Naughty Duck group expands its Italian influence from Desa Sri Hartamas to Bangsar with the opening of its latest casual outlet, Eatalia by Bravas. The group owns various notable F&B portfolios such as Vantador, Naughty Babe and Dirty Duck and Pizza Brava Express. Riding on the success of the Desa Sri Hartamas outlet, Eatalia brings comforting Italian delights with a focus on wood-fired pizzas, and handmade and dried pastas.
Catering to the upscale demographics in Bangsar, Eatalia’s interior features urban glamour meets vintage old-world elements. Upon closer observation, we found various personal features from the owner’s travels, from the colourful striped vespas parked outside the outlet and oak railway sleepers that now adorn the wall which is the centrepiece of the outlet. The interior gave us a glimpse of what to expect from the menu, a modern and personal interpretation of authentic Italian cuisine.
We began our gastronomic journey to Tuscany with a Caprese Salad with generous cuts of buffalo mozzarella, whole cherry tomatoes and basil with extra virgin olive oil from Italy. Then, we explored the dark side with the Risotto Al Nero Di Seppia. The presentation implied a balance of dark and light with the tinted risotto from the squid ink and squid slices that brightened the dish. Taste-wise, we were not disappointed with the al dente risotto seasoned with an explosive umami flavour and dense texture, comforting our palates like we were being fed by an Italian mother. The only way the experience could be any better is to pair the dish with a glass of Shiraz.
Just when we thought that the Risotto was the climax of our dining experience, the Pappardelle Al Ragu D’Agnello proved that we spoke too soon. We thoroughly enjoyed the glorious meat sauce that enveloped the thick handmade pasta which captured bits of meat and small cubes of carrot to give us more to enjoy. There was a striking balance of savoury and sweet with an inexplicable richness. We highly recommend this dish for your first visit.
If crisp, thin crust and incredulous variety is what you’re looking for when you hunt for pizza, then Eatalia is the spot for you. You can choose to enjoy any of the 22 pizza varieties on the menu with two sizes to choose from that will be made from the houseprepared dough right before your eyes. You also have the option to see the whole process take place at the wood-fire oven area located at the front of the restaurant. This time, our choice leaned toward the meatiest option, Trio for Meat Lovers! We were right to not underestimate the thin crust that kept all the goodness of the beef bacon, beef salami and beef pepperoni intact. The hint of spice from the cut chilli was a welcomed contrast from the savoury flavours of the meat and creaminess of the cheese.
For those who prefer a more carnivorous option, the Stinco D’Agnello (Lamb Shank) 25, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur. promises to satisfy you. Do keep your eyes closed after you have easily cut through the meat to savour the taste as it melts in your mouth along with the perfectly seasoned mashed potato. From the Dried Pasta menu, we ordered the Spaghetti Con Arrogosta. The dish came with slipper lobsters that gave a natural sweetness and underlining seafood flavour while the texture of the delicate lobster meat complemented the al dente pasta stirred in tomato sauce.
Somehow we still had room for dessert and we were recommended to try something off the menu – Gula Melaka Deconstructed Apple Pie and the Magnum Explosion. Both were equally enjoyable. Eatalia offers an interactive experience that allows you to play with your food, speaking of which, it is currently hosting complimentary pizza-making classes for children. The session provides a fun experience to play with their own dough, the ingredients and put any toppings they like. So, if you have a child aged 4 to 12 years, give the restaurant a call to book a seat and enjoy an unforgettable experience together. While you’re there, be sure to try out any of the dishes highlighted here.
There is an elegance to Eatalia, but zero pretension. And regardless of the occasion, a meal here will always feel special.