Merry Christmas from Uncle Chilli’s

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I’ve been to Hilton PJ a couple of times before for their buffet and a few more times to buy birthday cakes at Caffe Cino. But little did I know that there’s actually a hidden private dining area within the Cigar Lounge that offers Western specialties in a fine-dining atmosphere. That private dining area, my friends, is where Uncle Chilli’s is. With just limited tables, it gave us the feeling of exclusivity just by being in the restaurant. Couple that with the current Christmas season, each table was donned with gorgeous Christmas ornaments and huge red candles that added to the festive dining ambience.

Playing Jenga?

Apart from the private dining area, there was also a private lounge just next to it that provided a comfortable area to sit back and relax with a glass of cocktail or two, while listening to the music from the band. The live band starts playing at 9pm, so if you prefer a quiet dining experience, I’d advice for you to reach there by 7.

Lovely Christmas decoration on the table

The huge red candle

We were there to sample the Christmas Eve 4-course dinner that includes a glass of complimentary Champagne. The champagne was really easy on the palate and had enough bubbles to keep a girl happy. But if you don’t fancy alcoholic beverages, there are special mocktails designed for the special occasion too – a Red mocktail or a Green one.

Bubbly for the night!

Complimentary Gosset Grande Reserve Champagne

Red mocktail

Dinner started with the complimentary bread and butter, served warm and soft.

Warm bread and butter

#1: Amuse Bouche – Goose liver terrine with port wine reduction

The first course to arrive was the Amuse Bouche, something to whet our appetite before the real appetizer. Don’t be fooled by the simple appearance of the Goose liver terrine. According to Chef Denis Vecchiato who hails from Italy, the terrine took at least 48 hours to prepare! This was dense and velvety smooth, nice to eat on its own or with the warm bread.

Goose liver terrine with port wine reduction

#2: Appetizer – Ravioli filled with Alaska Crab in Lobster Bisque

Even though they considered the appetizer and the Amuse bouche to be part of the same course in this 4-course dinner, I treated it as an entirely different course because of the outstanding taste and texture of the Ravioli. It was filled with delicate Alaska crab meat that oozed out juices with every bite, yet the ravioli maintained its al-dente texture that was chewy and nice. And don’t forget the pool of bright orange lobster bisque that complemented the ravioli so well! This dish was executed perfectly such that I didn’t leave a single drop of the lobster bisque behind, thanks to the refillable warm bread.

Ravioli filled with Alaska Crab in Lobster Bisque

#3: Soup – Porcini Mushroom and Truffle Soup with Melted Camembert

When the soup came, it was undeniable that the earthy mushroom aroma filled the room while tickling our senses. This was prepared with porcini mushrooms, which are the best type of mushrooms available from the Alps, with a bit of truffle and a dash of melted camembert. The soup was, without a doubt, one of the nicest mushroom soups that I’d tasted – it was rich, smooth and had a slightly nutty flavour. The added camembert was just enough to make it all the more creamier without being too cheesy. Well done!

Porcini Mushroom and Truffle Soup with Melted Camembert

#4: Main Course – Turkey Roulade with Brussel sprouts, baby carrots & Rosemary potatoes

If I were to rate the presentation of the dishes at Uncle Chilli’s, I’d give it a 10/10. Every dish was prepared with attention to detail – the composition, the colours, as well as the 3-D effect, they were all there. The pinnacle must have been the main course, arranged like Jenga blocks and topped with glistening gravy that looked oh-so-ravishing! There were two pieces of thick turkey roulade placed on top of rosemary potatoes, surrounded by brussel sprouts, asparagus and baby carrots. The turkey roulade was a tad dry, but thankfully the gravy (refillable) managed to the mask off the dryness to make this a delectable dish. You know there’s always the misconception that fine-dining dishes are always small in portion? Well at Uncle Chilli’s, they certainly make sure you get stuffed to the brim, for the portions here were huge!

Turkey Roulade with Brussel sprouts, baby carrots & Rosemary potatoes

#5: Dessert – Chocolate Bomb with Wild Berries

Last but not least, dessert! Kudos to Chef Denis for yet again impressing us with this gorgeous presentation of chocolate bomb with wild berries. Just look at the details – the reindeers pulling a sleigh decorated the empty part of the plate, making it all the more interesting and festive. The chocolate bomb was chocolatey and smooth with a little something buried within. Try it to find out what it is.

Chocolate Bomb with Wild Berries

Need we say more?

After dinner, it was just about time that the live band started singing outside the dining area. It would be perfect to adjourn to the lounge nearby for a drink or two, while counting down to the Christmas day. With such good quality dishes and fantastic service in a private dining environment, I’d think that the price of RM120++ is well justified and reasonable. Do reserve early to avoid disappointment as there are very limited places in the dining area.

The comfortable lounge for drinks after dinner

Uncle Chilli’s at Hilton PJ

Christmas Eve Dinner: RM120++ per person (including a glass of champagne)

Uncle Chilli’s Restaurant
Hilton Petaling Jaya
No. 2 Jalan Barat,
46200 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia.
Tel No.: +603-7955 9122 (ext 4063)
Website: www.zestpj.com