Choices: Congratulations on launching an thrilling new F&B idea. Inform us slightly concerning the new L’Atelier by Cilantro. We consider it’s lunch-only for now.
Tan Ken Meng: L’Atelier is the thrilling new providing from Cilantro that includes Tremendous French Bistro delicacies — and, sure, this can be a lunch-only affair for the time being. Whereas not differing from the well-known setting of Cilantro, the house and desk preparations have been reimagined to replicate a cosier, extra informal environment through which visitors could really feel relaxed, in distinction to the same old superb eating expertise. Our intent in introducing L’Atelier was pushed by the will to supply visitors an opportunity to expertise a style of traditional consolation French dishes, from onion soup and escargots to Coq Au Vin and Steak Frites — at costs which might be pleasant and approachable. French eating institutions in Kuala Lumpur are additionally few and much between, and an excellent smaller variety of them serve French classics within the model that L’Atelier does. From this, we noticed a chance to see whether or not there was an urge for food for the sort of informal delicacies in our a part of city.
So, what is going to occur to Cilantro’s celebrated Friday Lunch?
This has been requested many occasions! [Laughs] Followers of Cilantro’s Friday Lunch will probably be joyful to listen to that they will nonetheless benefit from the units. L’Atelier will probably be in operation Tuesdays to Thursdays, in addition to Saturdays and Sundays, from 11.30am to 2pm.
Who would be the chef in cost and what are a number of the menu objects the diner can anticipate?
When the thought of L’Atelier happened, [long-standing Cilantro chef] Takashi Kimura was very enthusiastic and excited concerning the venture. His interpretation of the traditional dishes is what diners can sit up for, however we’re regularly tweaking the style to swimsuit our native palate and preferences. We launched L’Atelier at first of July and a few of our hottest orders are the Duck Confit, Steak Frites and Crepes Suzette. Additionally on provide are bigger pre-order dishes together with Complete Roasted Rooster, Fish and Rack of Lamb, splendid for many who are available a much bigger group. We plan to additionally introduce weekly specials based mostly on the seasonal elements accessible.
What impressed this resolution to open Cilantro up extra throughout lunch hours?
Cilantro’s Friday Lunch has been effectively obtained by our visitors ever because it was first launched and its reputation has continued to at the present time. I needed to inject that very same power and life into our on a regular basis lunchtime fare however in a format completely different from what individuals have come to anticipate from Cilantro. Because it has been in operation for greater than 20 years, I’m conscious of and really grateful for the loyal following that Cilantro has constructed up. I purpose to deliver a contemporary perspective, new concepts and an open thoughts to the staff, particularly within the extremely aggressive and quickly evolving F&B setting of KL, the place decisions are more and more ample. From my conversations with household and associates, in addition to my very own observations, eating developments, particularly amongst these within the youthful technology reminiscent of myself, are shifting in direction of casual-fine eating — institutions that provide nice worth, high quality meals and comfort on the expense of a number of the formalities and repair degree of superb eating. L’Atelier is our method of expressing these concepts whereas including one thing new to Cilantro’s repertoire.
When did you be part of the household enterprise?
In early 2022, simply as issues have been starting to open up in Malaysia after two lengthy years of Covid-19 restrictions. Rising up, I witnessed firsthand the dedication, arduous work and values which were the cornerstones of our household’s legacy. My resolution to affix is not only a mirrored image of my ties but in addition my deep admiration for the enterprise’ mission and potential for progress. Whereas I could lack direct business expertise, I’m approaching this chance with an open thoughts, a willingness and dedication to study from the various expert people within the firm.
You come from a household of well-known foodies. What have been your most memorable household meals and why?
With mum [Low Yat Group executive director Low Su Ming] and pa [IGB group CEO Tan Boon Lee] recurrently cooking for us since we have been youngsters, naturally my siblings and I have been contaminated with the identical love and fervour for meals. All of us like to prepare dinner, and the meals we make as a household are at all times the very best and most enjoyable. This even impacts the locations we select to vacation in, which find yourself being strongly motivated by meals. A few of our greatest meals to date have been in Italy and Japan, however I’m certain there are numerous extra to return.
What food-centric books would you advocate?
Matt Abergel’s cookbook Rooster and Charcoalbased mostly on Yardbird, his yakitori restaurant in Hong Kong, is one which I loved and nonetheless revisit every now and then. The Modernist Delicacies sequence is one other good one I wish to learn in the case of cooking methods and in-depth recipes. However more often than not, I get my recipes from YouTube or from watching cooking or food-related reveals on Netflix.
Many stylish eating places now even have their very own Spotify playlist. In the event you may create one for Cilantro, what songs would you choose?
It’s humorous you ask that as a result of after I first got here in, I used to be stunned to seek out we have been nonetheless utilizing an outdated MP3 participant and stereo system, together with a playlist I’m undecided I need to know the age of! Whereas I don’t have any specific songs in thoughts, I believe music ought to replicate and complement the setting and identification of the restaurant. Within the case of Cilantro, this may imply one thing classical and chic with a barely jazzy ingredient to maintain issues attention-grabbing.
What are you listening to proper now?
Quite a lot of French, as I’ve been engaged on placing collectively the playlist for L’Atelier, which I really feel ought to assist to create a vigorous atmosphere within the restaurant.
What do a few of your upcoming journey plans appear like?
With the renovations of IGB’s accommodations in Kota Kinabalu and Ipoh progressing effectively, I’ve been travelling backwards and forwards between these places extra regularly. It’s a very good cause to go attempt the native meals, which I’ve been totally impressed by to date. After I do discover the time, nevertheless, I hope to go to Bangkok, Singapore or possibly even Australia to maintain up with their vibrant and evolving F&B scenes.
Describe your concept of an ideal weekend.
I wish to spend my weekends enjoyable after a protracted work week. I lately discovered myself enjoying extra golf, as it’s a great way for me to unwind and meet up with family and friends. A spherical of golf, a pleasant meal to comply with, and drinks at a bar to high issues off. I’d additionally go to the cinema if any good motion pictures are on or simply spend time at house attempting out new recipes.
This text first appeared on Aug 21, 2023 in The Edge Malaysia.
