New at Tosca, DoubleTree by Hilton JB

 

With two long years of lockdown which inevitably resulted in an economic slow-down, I made the choice to order-in or buy from local suppliers and merchants in an effort to support and help them stay in business.

 

Entrance to Tosca on Level 13 
DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Baru

Then when I received an invite to experience the new menu at Tosca, I was so intrigued by its description, “A refreshing new menu that focuses on sustainable sourcing and healthy plant-based options,” that I did not hesitate to accept and went to check it out.

 

I remember being introduced to Chef Hassan Mohammed, the hotel’s Executive Chef, and was keen to see him again to find out how the menu at Tosca has been refreshed with healthy plant-based ingredients, gluten-free options and quality dry-aged meats to prepare authentic Italian cuisine.

 

It was always good to be back at the DoubleTree by Hilton. One of the many reasons was because the hotel is located on the same road as where I grew up in our grandfather’s house (across the road!) on Jalan Ngee Heng.

 

A live cooking station in full
view of diners at Tosca

The previous time I was at Tosca in December 2021 was to welcome General Manager, Linda Giebing, to Johor Baru, and this time when I arrived at Tosca, I was delighted to be welcomed in by her.

 

In our conversation, I was more than pleased to learn from Linda that she had already read my books.

 

I was still smiling (behind my mask!) when she declared that she must read My Johor Stories again, especially now that she had grown more familiar with the city and could better relate to the names and places mentioned in my books.

 

While a great deal may have changed after the global pandemic, the hotel stays focused on to welcoming back regulars who are familiar with their Italian fare.

 

Tosca is also ready to interest diners who are keen to explore their new menu which features gluten-free pasta, dry-aged Wagyu meats and vegetarian dishes that uses the finest and freshest ingredients.

 

Chef Hassan Mohammed,
the hotel's Executive Chef

In line with Hilton’s Travel with Purpose initiative, the hotel remains fully committed to reducing its environmental footprint by half and doubling the social impact investment by 2030.

 

Chef Hassan and his culinary team have curated a new menu that includes a range of appetizers, main course items, pasta and pizza as well as desserts.

 

It features seasonal local ingredients in range of dishes that are created from fresh ingredients and are made from scratch.

For instance, fish fillets to make the Local Seabass dish are freshly cut from fresh whole fish that arrived in their own kitchen.

 

Locally sourced, fresh ingredients like giant sweet water prawns, soft-shell crabs, sea-bass and a fisherman’s soup filled with local seafood selections, are among the recommended dishes.

 

Appetizer of Buffalo Mozzarella

“At the heart of good food is the quality of the ingredients,” said Chef Hassan.

 

“Locally grown food creates important economic opportunities, provides health benefits and helps to reduce the environmental impact,” he added.

 

Tosca is taking on a more sustainable approach by fully supporting the local farming community with its new menu made up of 80% of locally and sustainably sourced ingredients.

 

A serving of Local Seabass served on a 
bed of quinoa salad

“Using local produce also helps bring the community together and gives people the opportunity to make a difference,” said Chef Hassan, with reference to Hilton’s Travel with Purpose initiative.

 

Tosca also has a refreshed Kids’ Menu that includes their signature pasta and pizza choices where pizzas are prepared at the live-cooking station for the kids to enjoy a hands-on and educational experience.

 

Tosca's signature 
Wagyu Beef Burger

As travel was only recently reopened, an experience at Tosca also offers diners the opportunity to taste the world here.

 

In addition to the Scottish Salmon, there is also Tosca’s signature Wagyu beef burger to enjoy.

 

For a sweet ending to a memorable Italian meal, dessert choices include classic Tiramisu, tangy Panna-Cotta with berries and Apple Crumble made with fresh apples from Cameron Highlands.

 

Tosca also presents Seasonal Menus that feature seasonal supplies offered by local farmers as well as Chef’s Choices, so check out this information which is regularly updated via Facebook and Insta-stories.

 

Berries Panna Cotta

Tosca Italian Trattoria is on Level 13 of DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Baru located at No. 12 Jalan Ngee Heng, 80000 Johor Baru, Johor.

 

The restaurant offers options for indoor dining with private dining rooms or alfresco at the poolside. Open for lunch on weekends from 12pm to 2pm, snacks from 2pm to 5pm and daily dinner from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.

 

For reservations, Tel: +607 268 6868 or email: JHBDT_FB@hilton.com

For more info, visit webpages: www.takeus-home.com or www.eatdrinkhilton.com