Good Morning :)
It's been almost one month since my last post.
Before I proceed any further, I would like to wish Selamat Hari Raya to everyone.
I'm sure everyone is enjoying their Hari Raya Aidilfitri (or Eid ul Fitr... depends on which country you're currently living in) by gathering with their family and friends while enjoying on special treats and delicacies to celebrate their victory after fasting for a month during Ramadhan. During this festive season, people host gatherings from small parties to open houses.
Sure enough, everyone is having a good time regardless of religion, race and social status :)
This is me after every open house. Hahaha~!!!
In this entry, I would like to introduce you to Olive Garden. Olive Garden is actually an American-based, casual dining restaurant chain that specializes in Italian-American cuisine; both classic and modern dishes. After being successful in America, Olive Garden has expanded its franchise globally. Up until now, Olive Garden has about 800+ restaurants worldwide and still counting. Yay~!!!
In Malaysia, there are currently two Olive Garden restaurants; the first one is in Midvalley, Kuala Lumpur and the second one is in Shah Alam, Selangor.
Olive Garden Malaysia (Midvalley, Kuala Lumpur)
There are two seating areas; outside and inside the restaurant. These seating areas can cater from solos, couples to families and even small parties. So there's plenty of room for everyone. Since Olive Garden is inside a shopping mall (Midvalley), smoking is not allowed. As for the decor, elements of wood and simple modern lighting gives the restaurant a rustic feel of classic Italian charm. :)
Seating area inside the restaurant
Let's check out the FOOD!!!
As mentioned earlier, Olive Garden specializes in Italian-American cuisine ranging from pizzas, pastas, soups, main dishes (chicken, fish, seafood and beef), classic recipes, desserts and drinks (they also have bottomless drinks too).
All dishes at Olive Garden Malaysia are ALCOHOL-FREE and PORK-FREE and this makes it Muslim-friendly. :)
I really love the main dish promotion; free soup or salad of your choice whenever you order a main dish. The best part is... IT IS ENDLESS! *It's kinda like free refills*
This promotion not only satisfies your appetite, it even makes you spend less on your meals.
For example: if you order a Salmon Risotto as your main dish, you are entitled to an endless free soup or salad of your choice from the menu or you can ask the friendly waiter for suggestions.
They are glad to be at your assistance :)
Below are the menus of Olive Garden Malaysia. Furthermore, you can even check out their menu via online at their website.
The current menus of Olive Garden Malaysia
The menu
It is CLEARLY stated in the menu that NO alcohol is used in their food preparation :)
Since this was my second visit to Olive Garden, I just ordered the same dishes because they are my favourites :) So, what have I ordered?
Salmon Risotto
Perfectly-cooked Seafood Risotto topped with grilled salmon and succulent sauteed shrimp and garnished with fresh tomatoes and basil pesto. This is a rich and creamy dish but it is well-balanced with the liveliness from the fresh tomatoes and the basil pesto. The seafood elements adds extra savory notes to the risotto.
As for the grated Parmesan cheese, it will be added upon your request. In my case, when my risotto is served, he asked me whether I wanted extra cheese on my risotto. I said yes and he will add the cheese until I'm satisfied. FYI, the cheese is grated freshly at your table ;)
When Olive Garden first opened in Midvalley, I think that I should give it a try especially its Risotto. I've been longing to try one since I watched Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen. However, it's hard to find a Risotto without any alcohol in it. But at Olive Garden Malaysia, all of its dishes are ALCOHOL-FREE. So I can finally try its Risotto without any doubts. Please note that this is the only risotto option available in the menu... for now...
Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
A creamy soup with juicy chunks of roasted chicken, gnocchi (traditional Italian dumplings) and spinach. Served with a warm Parmesan bread stick. I enjoyed this soup because it is light and still full in flavour. The gnocchi absorbed the flavours of the other components from the soup. As for the bread stick, it is warm and fluffy - a perfect accompaniment for a lovely soup.
As for the grated Parmesan cheese, it will be added on your request just like the risotto. I enjoyed this cheesy addition as the nuttiness from the Parmesan cheese brings out the flavour of the soup :)
Since I ordered my risotto as my main dish, this soup is free and I can get seconds of it due to the promotion. :)
Lasagna Fritta (Sharing)
Parmesan-breaded lasagna that is fried to a perfect golden brown and served over a creamy alfredo sauce, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and tangy homemade marinara sauce. The crispy outer layer of the fried lasagna gives a difference in texture and the two different sauces compliment each other nicely. There are two options for this dish; solo and sharing.
I did try one of Olive Garden's desserts. :)
Dark Chocolate Caramel Cream Dolcini
Layers of dark chocolate mousse and caramel mousse are combined together in this delightful confectionery creation and topped with shaved dark chocolate. It is sinfully scrumptious and it is not too sweet, just the way I like it.
There are 5 types of Dolcinis altogether; Chocolate Mousse, Almond Tiramisu, Lemon Mousse, Strawberry & White Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Caramel Cream (pictured above). Each of these Dolcinis are different in terms of flavour and textures. You can even choose whether to sample them all in a set of 5 or three of them in a set of 3 or just simply try one Dolcini. Apart from the Dolcinis, you can even try Olive Garden's cakes; the classic Tiramisu, chocolate-lovers' Black-Tie Mousse Cake or the artsy White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
Overall, I really, really enjoyed my dining experience here at Olive Garden. The food is really tasty and fulfilling. The pricing is a bit pricey but it is really worth it as it is reasonable with the quality of the dishes. The staffs are very friendly, helpful and they are always concerned about their customers. The service is very efficient. Love the ambiance of the restaurant; calm and soothing.
Olive Garden is a cool place to savor classic Italian food with your friends and family regardless of occasions. Do note that Olive Garden will be crowded during lunchtimes.
Thank you Olive Garden Malaysia for the wonderful experience.
I will definitely visit you again. Definitely :)
Side Notes:
- This restaurant is Pork-free
- This restaurant is Alcohol-free (No alcohol is used in any of their dishes)
- This restaurant may be crowded during lunchtimes
- Take-outs are also available
Interested in going to Olive Garden Malaysia?
Here are the addresses:
[Midvalley Branch]
Lot No F-051, First Floor, Midvalley Megamall,
Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200, Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 11AM-10PM (Mon-Sun)
[Shah Alam Branch]
G-08 & G-09, AEON Mall Shah Alam,
No.1, Jalan Akuatik 13/64, Seksyen 13,
40100 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Operating Hours: 10AM-10PM (Sun-Thurs), 10AM-10.30PM (Fri-Sat)
Check out their Facebook page :)
Or their website :)
That's all from me now.
Time to catch some Zs now 'cause I kinda stayed up the whole night hahaha :D
*please don't stay up late ya, it's bad for your health
See you again in the next post. Till then, cheerio~
