GravyBaby @ Pavilion

No, I've not dined out yet (at least not at malls, enclosed air-conditioned environments or anything like that yet) but yes, I've dined out already (at mostly non-air-conditioned shops...hee..hee...baby steps!) ;P  So, this is obviously an old (but hopefully not stale)....post! :D  This was some time before Chinese New Year when I was out and about doing some last minute shopping...and was ultimately attracted by the bright lights of stardom GravyBaby @ Pavilion.

I'm not sure how many bulbs were used in the making of their bar and restaurant or what their monthly electricity bill is like but I do know that there are people who are attracted by bright lights! ;D  Well, I know of at least one such person....more on that side story a little later.

Touted to be "famous for cocktails & pies", I obviously went for one of their infamous gravybaby pies since it was only late morning and too early for a cocktail (though some might disagree)...lol! 

I had my pie with an invigorating Fresh Pineapple Juice @ RM13.  It was really good, no complaints at all as it was nicely sweet and lightly sour.

Their extensive menu encompasses a selection of toast, eggs, gourmet breakfasts, tacos, sandwiches & wraps, chicken wings, burgers, pizzas, rustic flatbreads, pastas, steaks, roast chicken, Sunday roast, fish & chips, hot dogs, soups, salads, a grazing menu of light bites, waffles, ice cream, cakes, sweet pies and pudding.

But pies are their speciality and they have a few on their menu like Chicken, Mushroom & Tarragon Pie, Braised Steak & Ale Pie, Lamb Shepherd's Pie, Creamy Fish Pie, Pumpkin & Apricot Pie and Steak & Wild Mushroom Pie.  All pies are priced at RM24 for just Pie & Gravy and RM32 with a choice of Buttery Mash, Chunky Chips or Fries + Peas or BBQ Beans + Gravy.

I chose the Steak & Wild Mushroom Pie @ RM32 with sides of buttery mash and minted mushy peas.  For gravies, you have a selection of Original British Meat Gravy, Traditional Vegetable Gravy or Traditional London East End Parsley Liquor.  This was a much easier choice...I went with the first one as liquor is a no-no (for me) + who wants vegetable gravy, right? ;P

When my food arrived, I was a bit disappointed by the size of the pie in proportion to the mash and peas (which were in bigger portions in comparison to the pie).  The pastry dough of this pie is of a thicker, denser version.  If you're one who prefers a lighter, crisp, flaky pie crust....this one's not for you.

The flavours of the tender, shredded beef/steak wasn't too bad, with bits of carrots and onions, though I found only one piece of fresh button mushroom inside (I can't remember if it was only half or a whole mushroom but I obviously wanted...and needed more!).

The buttery mash wasn't all that buttery...and also not quite as fine and smooth as some I've had before while the minted mushy peas had this unappetising green taste to it.

The Original British Meat Gravy wasn't a standout either with flavours failing to impress.  Worst still was, as the meal progressed, the gravy congealed as it cooled, the gelatinous texture of which made me feel like the sauce had been thickened by some sort of thickening agent and not properly reduced like a good sauce should be.

For the price paid (RM32), I was expecting a little bit more from the pie in terms of portion and taste.  It was as if they were trying to bulk us up with gigantic portions of mash and peas to make up for the size of the pie.  In the end, I left both the mash and peas unfinished as it was just too much + they weren't all that pleasant-tasting (especially the peas!). >_<

Now for my little side story.  When I was seated waiting for my food to arrive, I noticed a young lady walking in to the front of the restaurant.  She whipped out her handphone and took some photos of the place (nothing weird at this point + like I've said before, the bright lights were captivating).  Then she asked one of the service staff to take a photo (maybe photos) of her in the surroundings.  What did you think happened next?  Well, she walked out of the restaurant after that! O_o  I was expecting her to at least sit down and dine there (or have a drink at the minimum) after what transpired.

When I walked in, the place was deserted at that time (except for one other table) and I felt the eyes of the service staff fixated on me, so I was too shy to even take a proper frontage photo of the place (and I was dining there!).  Would you be thick-skinned enough to do something like she did?  Obviously there are people who could and would, especially those who want to be 'seen' at cool and happening places to post on their Facebook and Instagram accounts but too 'cheapskate' to actually dine there...haha! :D  Why not, there are even people who would dice with death just to take a hip photo for social media.

My Personal Opinion

As their menu is so extensive and I've only tried one thing (which, incidentally, is the one thing they're famous for), it's only right that I should reserve my judgement on them but I'm sure of one thing though...I won't be coming back for their pies...or their gravy, baby!

I wonder if they bit off more than they can chew with such an elaborate menu and lost focus in their speciality.  Well, they have four other branches in KLCC, Bangsar, Damansara Heights and Melaka (besides the one in Pavilion and with some overseas outlets due to open in the pipeline) which prove that they're doing something right at least.  Perhaps, my tongue is the odd one out!  So, don't take my word for it, try it out for yourself. ^_~

GravyBaby
Lot C3.10.04 Level 3
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
168 Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2113 0133