Bar Italia, Jalan Berangan: The Sweet Escape

While my country heats up with religious tensions, hatred and confusion, I can't help but think back of the blissful Sunday I spent idling around the streets of Kuala Lumpur. I felt safe, free and still high from all the new year revelries. It's hard to believe that was just 7-days ago. Unfortunately, today, I can only wish that I was singing the same tune. Suddenly, my new year isn't all that happy anymore.

International eyes are upon us this weekend. Read news on Malaysia as it appears on the New York Times or watch this youtube report by the Associated Press and you'll see what I'm saying.

Lest we forget, He is watching us too.

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I enjoy a good lazy Sunday afternoon, as you already know, doing nothing more than just hanging out with some friends at a cozy joint. Last weekend was no different despite it being the last day of my 17-days break from work. Loved every minute of it, but at the same time I was also looking forward to get back to work. I was running out of things to fill up my days with. So, sue me if I'm a workaholic. And as a tribute to the end of my hiatus, I had the privilege breaking bread, or in this case desserts, at Bar Italia with the two Queens of the food blogging world, Lyrical Lemongrass and Boo_licious.

Located just a row behind Changkat Bukit Bintang, and as Queen Lemongrass eloquently puts it, "Bar Italia is Paolo Guiati’s latest venture – a restaurant, gelateria and bar thrown into three floors encapsulating spiral stairways, clean geometrical lines and down-to-earth, modern furnishings." Expect no big words from me, I just like the ambiance here. It's rustic, authentically Italian, and most of all it exudes warmth. I feel easy here.

While the food are much hyped about, the three of us were here that late afternoon for one thing only - desserts. More specifically for their selection of mouthwatering gelato. Standing in front of the big freezer-showcase at the bottom of the spiral stairway, we had some difficulty deciding what we want. It was a colourful affair with tubs of gelato overflowing and calling out for us. Each flavours were identified by flavour cards handwritten in their original Italian name. Whenever in doubt, the waitress serving us was happy to explain what the flavours were as she hands us a spoonful to try. We liked her and made mental notes to tip her good. It took awhile more but we finally settled on a scoop each: Pistacchio (pistachio), Nocciola (hazelnut), and Bacio (dark chocolate + hazelnut).

As we sat at a charming hardwood table right at the bottom of the 3-storey high sun roof, we let out little moans in appreciation of our desserts paired with heavenly cups of espresso. For a moment, it felt like we were actually basking the afternoon sun in the streets of Rome. If it wasn't for the sudden Hi-NRG song that interrupted my little idyllic dream, I could have sworn that I was about to toss a coin over my shoulder into the Trevi Fountain. Oh well, it was a lovely afternoon nevertheless.

Now, looking forward, I hope carefree days like these aren't gone forever. If you believe in a higher power, please join me in a silent prayer for peace to restore in our country soon enough so we can enjoy endless days of dining out.

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BAR ITALIA

29, Jalan Berangan

50200 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 03-21444499

Business Hours: Open daily, 7.00am till late, except Mondays 5.00pm till late.