The Gastro Project,
Jalan 17/56,
Section 17, Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 03-7931 6465
or visitwww.facebook.com/TheGastroProject
Business hours: 11.00am to 11.00pm (Monday to Thursday);
11.00am to midnight (Friday);
8.00am to midnight (Saturday, Sunday and public holidays).
Located in Section 17, Petaling Jaya, the eatery provides good food and entertainment.
The restaurant was emulated after the bistros in different parts of Europe by four brothers and a sister-in-law.
This is where you get to watch free Hollywood movie screenings on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 9pm, Saturday and Sunday afternoon at 2.30pm on level one.
The Babylon Retreats Sdn Bhd managing director Rajendran Ponniah said its initial concept was based on his and his sister-in-law, Dr Roshini Menon’s, dining experience mostly in London.
“The bistros in London were known for affordable pricing, good service, nice ambiance and a place to relax and enjoy good food and drinks,
“We were intrigued by the Gastro pubs in the UK. The main focus there is that the food and alcohol come secondary. We wanted the same for our restaurant,” said Rajendran.
Dr Roshini said the Gastro Project was aimed at providing a similar dining experience, just like in the UK, for locals.
The menu was catered to match the local taste buds.
Dr Roshini was the driving force behind the menu and the interior design of the restaurant.
The walls of the restaurant is decorated with horizontal portraits of A-list movie stars such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Jack Nicholson and Courteney Cox.
Dim yellow lights, checkered floors and wooden chairs and table add a cosy touch to this place.
Among the more interesting food lined up here is the Slow-Cooked Lamb Stewed with Carrots and Apricots served with Couscous and Salad.
I enjoyed the juicy Lamb Stew which was cooked with Indian spices. The dish was less hot and spicy and is perfect for those who enjoy Indian food.
An interesting fusion dish here is the Flash-Fried Tiger Prawn cooked in Butter Cream Sauce added with bird’s eye chili, served with Fried mantau buns.
Most locals find the original Italian pasta dishes bland in taste.
However, at The Gastro Project, one of the pasta dishes is prepared with chilli flakes and crabmeat.
As for the salad option, diners can try the Japanese Style Salad.
The mixed salad leaves are generously added with pine nuts, pomegranate, avocado and tossed in sesame dressing. It is also served with tempura prawns.
The dessert choices are limited but satisfying in taste.
Among them is the Vanilla or Cardamon Pannacotta, English Trifle with layers of fresh cream, custard, fresh strawberries and strawberry sauce and Chocolate Ball with Chocolate Pudding in the middle coated with walnuts.
The Gastro Project also has its very own mixture of beverages such Hmmmm – a mixture of fresh strawberries, brown sugar, midori, dark rum and almonds.
The Ginger Swizzle drink is a combination of whisky, lime, apples and ginger beer.
Asia – is a combination of fresh lemongrass, cane sugar syrup, cranberry juice, vodka and sake.
This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.
