Albion, Changkat Bukit Bintang: Old Blighty, This Is Not!

You could probably tell from the lack of new posts or twitter updates that I've been rather busy of late. For the last couple of week, work has been excruciating and tiresome. I hardly have time to shit, let alone update this blog. I apologize for not being able to supply you with your weekly dose of monkey comics.

However, despite my hectic schedule, I managed to take some time off and participated Cumi&Ciki's Japanesey Friday contest while taking a breather off work. And just before I could scream "F.M.L!", I got a message from Ciki telling me that I've won and I was to keep my weekend free to claim my prize. But as luck would have it, I wasn't free to join them for a grand Japanese feast. But Ciki being the sweetie that she is, asked me out the day after and brought me to Albion KL - she knew I've not been there. And the joyous afternoon eat-out was just what my psychiatrist would have recommended to save me from the brink of insanity.



The restaurant, which adopted the ancient Greek name for the island of Great Britain, is anything but ancient. In fact, it's one of newer restaurants within the Changkat Bukit Bintang area and it is one where you can find Modern English cuisine in the city.

We started our meal with the soup of the day, Crab Meat Bisque (RM14). This rich and well-prepared dish was absolutely immaculate and a great pick-me-up, especially for my palate which has been tortured with an entire week of salty and greasy fast food (no offense, they're nice but too much of a good thing is torturous). I could hear my taste buds singing "Hallelujah!" the moment I slurped a spoonful of this soup. I know I sound exaggerated but try being in my shoes. This would be heavenly to you too. The complimentary basket of fresh bread with butter and sun dried tomato sambal pesto was an interesting combo and a great companion to the soup.



Like I said earlier, the week leading up to this was filled with junk food, so naturally I gravitated to ordering something healthier. The Ricotta and Spinach Dumpling (RM18) was my appitizer-du-jour. Served with thick tomato and basil sauce, the dumplings were chewy and starchy. Not the best choice of dish here but taste wise it was alright nonetheless.

Across the table, Ciki was enjoying this insanely beautiful Eggs Benedict (RM16) from their Breakfast Menu. The combination of poached eggs and bacon stacked on a halved English muffin never looked better. I gotta say that it was a sight for sore eyes. Good news was that it tasted as good as it looked. I love how they were very liberal with the Hollandaise sauce. But don't let that turn you off, as it was not the least sour at all.



Guess who ordered the Prawn & Spicy Mango Salad (RM19) as mains? It is no wonder how the girl stays gorgeous and slim all the time. The salad was a riot of colour and reminded me of a Thai dish. Totally refreshing for a hot afternoon.

While browsing through the mains section on the menu, I couldn't quite make up my mind. So our friendly waiter recommended the Ballotine of Chicken (RM26). He deserved a clap (and a fat tip) for the excellent recommendation and impeccable service too I must add. The ballotine was beautifully constructed and look very much like a - forgive my crassness - a fat Penang lobak. I guess that's what Modern British food's all about. The chef did an excellent job in deboning and skinning the chicken meat, chopping it up and marinating it with herbs, spices and a whole lot of stuffings, wrapped it round with streaky bacon and finally stuffed it all back under its original skin. It's art I tell you.



To be honest, I've had my doubts about the restaurant before my visit. There has been a mixed bag of reviews since their opening. But now, based on these few dishes I've tried, I'm intrigued to return and try the rest of their menu. I'm sure the Queen (of England that is) would certainly approve of this chic and stylish restaurant too.

The afternoon ended with a nice gelato dessert and a cuppa brewed coffee next door and followed by retail therapy in Pavilion soon after. The weekend may have been short, but I'm so glad I've managed to savour every little minute of it before starting week again. Thanks Sista Banana!

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Albion
31, Jalan Berangan 
(the street parallel to Changkat Bukit Bintang)
50200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2141 928
Business hours: