When Les Bouchons Le Roi Du Steak Frites opened in neighbouring Singapore, steak-lovers in Johor Baru have been crossing the border to dine regularly at their two restaurants over the past 18 years.
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| Facade of Les Bouchons at Puteri Harbour, by night |
Now
fans of French steak and fries no longer need to brave the border crossing to
savour premium steaks in the charming ambience of a French bistro because a
leisurely drive from JB city center will lead you to Les Bouchons in the heart
of Puteri Harbour.
I
found my way to the restaurant entrance, just a walk up a flight of steps after
I had parked my car in the basement of Menara Teega.
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| A wall mural to welcome you into Les Bouchons |
The glass windows designed along an entire wall of the rotunda allowed natural light to pour in during the day and the restaurant's lofty position commands a panoramic view of the private marina
Surrounded
by the merry strains of an accordion playing typical Mediterranean
music and the sight of the décor designed in wooden panels and leather backed
circular benches, I was instantly transported to a bistro somewhere in France.
I
was welcomed at the door and ushered in to join my friends at a table that
could comfortably seat eight guests.
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| A charming decor reminiscent of a French bistro |
A
glance at the Menu reminded me that while Les Bouchons is a Steakhouse, in
addition to their premium beef steaks, they also offer lamb, seafood and
poultry dishes, as well as typically French Entrées like Onion Soup and
Escargot with Garlic Butter.
We
are introduced to Executive Chef Geoff (pronounced Jeff), short for Geoffroi
Herin, who explained that the Menu here mirrors that of their sister
restaurants in Singapore.
Experienced
in French Michelin Star Cuisine and Modern European Cuisine, Chef Geoff, who
hails from Lyon, garnered valuable work experience while he worked with
restaurants in cities like Lyon, Paris, Annecy, Geneva, London and Kuala Lumpur
before he came to Johor.
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| Chef Geoff presents their signature Double Chocolate Lava Cake |
We
learn that at Les Bouchons, the kitchen will bake the baguette or French loaf –
that comes complimentary with the meal – according to the number of diners
seated at the table and serve it freshly baked with soft unsalted butter.
When
the basket of freshly baked baguette was served, I did not hesitate to break
its crusty outside to taste the soft insides with a dollop of butter.
The
baguette was served with a set of four different sauces that comprised their own-made
Bearnaise Sauce, Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard and Whole-grain Mustard, to savour, spread
on the baguette and melted on the meats.
Then
we were asked, “How do you like your meat done?”
This
was the polite query to ascertain the diner’s preference for the doneness of
meat served.
While
most meat-lovers may prefer their steaks served Rare or Medium Rare, I replied
with my choice for Medium Well, the choice of the majority in our group.
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| The Merdeka Platter served with a side of French Fries and individual portions of fresh Mixed Salad |
To
celebrate National Day with diners, Les Bouchons will be presenting a Merdeka
Platter served from Friday to Monday, only from August 28 to August 31.
This
platter was made up of 300gm Angus Beef Steak, 500gm Australian Lamb Rack, two
own-made Duck sausages and two Chicken sausages served on a bed of roasted
lettuce and garnished with chunks of roasted vegetables.
Priced
at RM388, the portion of the Merdeka Platter which serves two to three diners,
comes with individual servings of fresh Mixed Salad and a side of Les Bouchons’
signature French Fries.
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| Slicing through the Ribeye Steak in the Surf 'n Turf platter |
Served
in a deep basket, I was not surprised when these deep-fried USA potato sticks
disappeared quite quickly as we munched them along with the juicy chunks of meat.
There
was more tender meat to savour in the Surf ‘n Turf platter (RM255) that
comprised a 300gm Ribeye Steak served with two grilled Jumbo Tiger Prawns and
two Merguez sausages.
To
strike a balance with the meat, Sauteed Mushrooms and Creamed Spinach are recommended
vegetable dishes while sauces that diners may choose to savour with the meats included
Black Pepper Sauce, Mushroom Sauce and Blue Cheese Sauce.
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| Smooth texture of Creme Caramel Maison |
As
I nibbled the tender lamb off its bone, the soft-spoken Chef Geoff patiently
explained that the taste of their quality meats was carefully maintained while
the meats were skillfully grilled in their lava-stone grill.
Diners
who enjoy their steaks with sips of wine may select their choice of wine from Le
Bouchons’ well-stocked wine cellar and as an after-dinner treat for cigar
smokers, there was also a range of quality cigars to choose from.
Chef
Geoff explained that just as they baked the baguettes when diners arrived and sat
down, their desserts were also prepared ala minute when the orders were
received.
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| Chocolate oozing out of the Double Chocolate Lava Cake |
While
the selection of freshly made desserts may not be extensive, their signature
desserts like Crème Caramel Maison, Crème Brulee Maison and Double Chocolate
Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice-cream, were not to be missed.
So,
it was a welcome interlude as we anticipated the sweet ending to our hearty
meal.
And
when the desserts were served, we took our time to savour the sweet and smooth
textures of these creamy desserts.
It
was unanimous. We all agreed that it was indeed worth the wait.
Les
Bouchons French Steakhouse [with a Halal Kitchen] is located at Lot R-GL1
Menara Teega, Jalan Lebuh Laskamana, Puteri Harbour, Iskandar Puteri, 79250
Johor Baru, Johor.
Open
for Lunch 12pm to 3pm, Afternoon Tea from 2pm to 5pm, and Dinner from 6pm to
11pm. Closed on Monday. For reservations, Tel: +607 – 585 2310.
Book with Promocode LBAUG20 to enjoy a Free Dessert when you dine in during August 2020. Book online: https://lesbouchons.wasap.my
For
more info, visit website: www.lesbouchonsmalaysia.com and Facebook:
facebook.com/lesbouchonsmalaysia
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