Journey of Moments with Greenet

At Greenet, each table has a padlock
for guests to inscribe their names and lock
onto the Love Ladder!

The tradition of love locks that started from a Serbian tale in World War One has caught the imagination of lovers the world over and spread to various locations.  Sweethearts from Paris, New York, Moscow, Vancouver and Las Vegas to Seoul, Beijing and Toowoomba in Australia, have embraced this tradition to write their names on a padlock and lock it onto to bridge, fence or gate.  By throwing away its key, it symbolizes their unbreakable love and commitment to each other. 

                        

In Johor Baru, Greenet Bar & Restaurant gives guests the opportunity to declare their affection on a similar Love Ladder.  The stairway to their upstairs premises is dedicated to sweethearts, best friends and families who wish to inscribe their names and secure their love locks on the metal railings.  A padlock is provided for guests on each table and instead of throwing the keys away, they are invited to drop them into a bowl in the front porch that’s already full of keys!

A section of the Love Ladder festooned with padlocks!

From the number of love locks fastened to the Love Ladder, it appears that Greenet is a popular destination for guests who wish to make special memories together.  

Designed with sheet glass panels for its roof and walls, there is a sliding canopy to shield from the day’s heat and glare, and by night, guests can enjoy an intimate dining experience in air-conditioned comfort under the stars.  On the far wall, a sideboard is decorated by framed photographs, mementoes from couples and families who created their special moments here.

Framed photographs are part of the decor in Greenet, which
is designed with glass panels to welcome in natural light

“We are in the business of helping our guests capture every special moment,” said Ben Low, a business partner involved with the marketing and branding of Greenet and who also manages their Facebook page with a record of guests’ “Journey of Moments.”  

With a reputation as a destination for special occasions like marriage proposals, birthdays and anniversaries, Low and his team are working with customers to accommodate the quirkiest ideas to make their special moments more uniquely memorable.  “While our premises are small and the food served is simple, we use premium quality ingredients to create elegant meals that match with these special moments,” he added.

Greenet Pasta is created with a secret green sauce

The menu has a neat selection of appetizers, soups and salads, pasta and main course items as well as desserts and a range of coffee and tea.  

Two of their popular signature soups are the Mushroom Truffle Soup and Pumpkin Soup while the Greenet Pasta is an interesting signature dish.  Tossed in a secret green sauce that hints of a mild mint flavour, this delicious pasta is served with seafood like fresh scallop (still in its shell!), prawns and mussels.

A serving of Classic Glazed Roasted Chicken

“We also do our best to accommodate guests’ taste preference and will tweak our recipes to adapt to the Asian palate,” said Low who often arranges customized menus for special occasions with dishes that are tailored to their tastes.  

Many guests organise special events with friends and family members in a wide age range and Greenet will try to meet their catering requirements.  “We understand that some Asians prefer less cheese or cream – particularly the elderly folks,” he added with a knowing smile.

Fillet of grilled Cod Fish in tangy orange tomato salsa

Main course dishes are created with fine cuts of beef, lamb, fish and poultry and popular choices include the well-marinated Classic Glazed Roasted Chicken in chillie marmalade, orange and balsamic sauce served on a bed of fondant potatoes, and the fillet of grilled Cod Fish served with tangy orange tomato salsa.  

The meal is not complete without a sweet ending and desserts like Chocolate Mousse and Blueberry Cheesecake, each served with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream, are among the favourites here.  

Crack through the chocolate coating to reach a
delightful Chocolate Mousse, served with a side of ice-cream

With a versatile menu, convenient location and the helpful service team, Greenet is poised to make every special occasion a little more meaningful and memorable.

Greenet Bar & Restaurant at No. 28, Jalan Maju, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Baru, is open daily from 12 noon.  For catering and reservations, Tel: 016 – 7101580.  For more info, visit Facebook page Greenet Restaurant and Bar.  No pork products are used.

A version of this article was published in The New Straits Times, Streets Johor on 9 December 2014