SOULed OUT Ampang @ The Linc KL

I was very kwai (obedient) throughout Chinese New Year (as it was during the early days of my restrictive diet), refraining from all sweet stuff, cookies, crispy snacks (other than prawn/fish crackers :P), kuih kapit, bak kwa, pineapple tarts and the works, including Mandarin oranges.

So, on an invitation from my sister-in-law, I had my one and only (proper) cheat meal (during the last CNY) at restaurant + bar, SOULed OUT Ampang @ The Linc KL.  It was a beautiful evening, so we chose to dine al fresco taking in the breezy evening and scenic views outdoors in this modern and charming venue.  But as night fell, do note that it can get quite dark and maybe not so suitable for dining but certainly gives off that intimate charm for drinks, snacks and conversation but can also be a buzzing atmosphere from watching sports or music on the big screen.

SOULed OUT with branches in Desa Sri Hartamas, Nexus Bangsar South and Pavilion Bukit Jalil in KL (plus outlets in Genting Highlands and Kota Kinabalu) turns 27 this year (wow, since 1996!).  They serve an array of international cuisine and local classics which includes western (a bit of Spanish & Mexican too), Asian (with Japanese, Indonesian & Thai influences) and local favourites (of Indian, Malay & Chinese flavours).

We started our dinner, when the horizon was still bright, with a dish that's suited for our climate, a very refreshing Tropical Tango Salad @ RM28.  When the salad has such a colourful presentation, it's a win already.  This is a salad of pineapple, orange, dried cranberries, mango, avocado, beetroot, cherry tomatoes, red & green coral leaves and spinach leaves tossed in a honey & lime dressing.  I would say that the salad was more unique (in terms of ingredients like beetroot, avocado and cranberries) in an appetite-indusing light dressing (rather than the usual leaves overly tossed in a thick dressing).  I liked that they use a lot more fruits which I absolutely adore (something I've not be able to have due to my restrictive diet).

Next to arrive was the ultimate crowd pleaser pizza of Mushrooms All The Way @ RM28 filled with earthy and juicy portobello, button and shiitake mushrooms together with briny and delicate oysters (though I can't remember biting into one...hehe).  My brother-in-law mentioned that my choice of a mushroom pizza was the right call coz its familiar and comforting flavour is always a hit.

This was followed by another familiar dish of Seafood Aglio Olio @ RM46 which presented itself with al dente spaghetti cooked with garlic and chilli flakes (the heat was rather subtle though, wished there was more for a spicier effect) together with fair-sized juicy prawns, tender mussels, fresh squid rings served with a piece of crispy, garlicky baguette.  I thought the pasta was quite ordinary though the seafood was fresh.

From their local favourites, my sister-in-law ordered the Railway Mutton Curry @ RM38 which she had enjoyed before.  The mutton curry was slow cooked in a blend of spices, dried chillies, curry leaves and coconut milk till super tender and delicious.  It was served with sides of curried chickpeas, cauliflower, naan and crispy papadum.  Both my husband and I were in agreement that it was the best dish of the night (and that says a lot coming from me, someone who doesn't fancy mutton).  I thought they would be more capable with western dishes (from the name of the place) but it turns out they've got a very capable chef who can cook Indian cuisine rather well (which was a surprise).

We also got an extra order of Plain Naan @ RM6 (to mop up the mutton curry) though it was accompanied by a dip of dhall curry itself.

We completed our meal with the final dish of Chicken Pot Pie @ RM30 which had tender chunks of chicken along with mushrooms, garden fresh vegetables of carrots, peas and onions encased in a flaky, golden brown pastry.

Breaking into the flaky, crispy crust of the pie, I was greeted with a hot filling of tender chicken chunks and softened vegetables in a creamy sauce that mimicked the taste of a chunky mushroom soup.  Sorry for the not-so-clear photo as evening turned to night as we were tucking into this dish that arrived last at our table.

I got myself a fresh juice of Green Apple @ RM13 (the safest choice and my first juice since I went on a restrictive diet).  As night fell, the servers will come round to light the candles on your table.  That's why I say it gives off that intimate vibe ideal for couples on a date...hehe.  It's especially great for those who like to dine al fresco (that's why you see a fair bit of expatriates dining here).

My Personal Opinion

In the end, my cheat meal was well worth the calories (of carbs and probably a wee bit of sugar in the cooking) that I was ingesting...lol! ;)  I would single out the mutton curry as the standout dish of the evening.

Seeing that they have quite a lot of Indian dishes on their menu like Malabar fish curry, classic butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, achari grilled eggplant, prawn varuval, vegetable pakoras, mamak mee goreng and lamb shank biryani (this one is specially for a certain lamb lover who adores this dish) among others, I guess their expertise in cooking Indian cuisine is not a coincidence.

Their menu is quite extensive and their western menu is pretty impressive too with dishes like open-faced beef wellington, all sorts of steaks (from ribeye to chateaubriand to Angus tomahawk), naked burger (that's breadless...ooo, perfect for me!) and lamb shank again (take note lamb lovers!).

A dish that caught my eye from the Asian section was their fried beef noodles as it came with a 'so lip smacking!' symbol (which means highly recommended lah) for I love a good beef hor fun.  When I do revisit, I will surely want to explore some of these dishes further.

SOULed OUT Ampang

G-12-AF Ground Floor The Linc

360 Jalan Tun Razak

50400 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 016-655 7622