If
you often drive along Johor Bahru’s Tebrau Highway, you may have noticed how
residential properties that border the road at Taman Melodies and Taman Kebun
Teh were gradually being turned into commercial use.
Passers-by
observed as a three-level bungalow steadily took shape here, paying much
attention to its stylish architecture and building façade that featured arched
windows and doorways, completed in a calming cream colour.
Facade of Moonierena restaurant by night
I
was among those who were curious about this building, so when I received an
invitation for a preview of the premises at the soft opening of Moonierena
Restaurant, I did not hesitate to accept.
I
drove slowly, careful not to miss the entrance to the slip road that runs
parallel to the Tebrau Highway. And when I turned into the slip road, I was
directed to the open carpark located adjacent to the building.
As
I paused to admire the building façade, I thought that diners will agree with
me that convenient carparking is a plus point to any restaurant.
A separate wing of the dining hall
on the ground level
I
was still admiring the Moorish inspired Islamic architecture when I was warmly
welcomed inside to the cool, air-conditioned interior.
From
the lobby, a glance around gave me the impression of opulence created by elaborate
ornamentation that featured panels of complex geometric patterns and arabesques
in Islamic inspired trellis designs.
The
horseshoe arches I saw outside were repeated in a series of smaller arches
indoors, bordered by intricate designs throughout the ground floor and around
the balcony in the upper-level dining hall.
When
I looked up, my eyes locked onto the chandelier, a centerpiece that hung from
the ceiling of the upper floor that showed off a shimmering cluster of lights
in the shape of beautiful butterflies.
A shimmering cluster of beautiful butterflies
in the chandelier, hung from the upper floor
The
furniture and fittings, designed in wood, cane and cream-coloured fabric, were
a perfect foil for the charming, earthy theme in the decor throughout.
There
were separate wings in the ground floor dining hall that accorded more privacy
for small groups or families, and a choice of private dining rooms that were
named Moon and numbered as 666, 777, 888 and 999.
I
guessed the rooms were named after Moonierena but I did not have the
opportunity to find out more about the inspiration for such a name. 
The wide staircase with handrails
When
I was invited to my table located upstairs, I was pleased to step onto the
lighted staircase designed with handrails and was told that an elevator was
also available for the convenience of those who were physically challenged.
The
elevator was also a plus point because their event hall was on the third and
top level of this building so it will be more comfortable and helpful for moving
both, people and equipment for events.
While
I was seated at a balcony table that overlooked the dining hall downstairs, I
saw that the indoor section of the upstairs dining hall has some tables that
enjoyed more privacy created within archways and cosy alcoves, separated by
panels of geometric patterns.
From
where I was seated, I observed as a music entertainer prepared to present live
music entertainment, playing on his violin.
More privacy within archways and cosy alcoves
When
I looked through the glass window panels, I saw that there was also an outdoor
dining space arranged in a wide corridor that overlooked the Tebrau Highway.
As
more guests arrived and were shown to their tables, we were served a chilled and
refreshing welcome drink before the start of the event programme. This included
a brief video presentation followed by an introduction to the owners and the
executive chef, and a tour of the premises.
Then
we were introduced to the inspiration behind this restaurant, Madam Lera. Her dining
experience of Xinjiang cuisine during her travels was so memorable that she
wanted to share the taste of bold spices, rich aromas and deep layers of
flavour of this Chinese-Muslim cuisine with the people in Johor.
Outdoor dining section that
overlooks the Tebrau Highway
With
a tagline which reads as, Where culinary art meets unforgettable flavours,
I was more than keen to sample the much-touted cuisine served here.
After
the words of welcome from their Chinese-Muslim business partner and Chef Harun from
Xinjiang, guests were invited to visit the event space on the third level of
the building.
At
the top of the staircase, the outdoor section of the top floor event space boasts
of a decorated gazebo which presented an ideal spot for photo mementoes. 
A section of the event hall
on the top level of the building
Designed
with glass walls and interesting lighting, the bright and airy indoor event
space is best suited for hosting special occasions like engagement or wedding
receptions, and graduation or anniversary celebrations.
Then
it was time to savour the food. While there was a tasting menu with items from
appetizer to dessert, the items served were not according to the list and the
fish dish was changed from Steamed to a Fried version of fish. I understand
that it was a soft opening event so it was not uncommon for this to occur.
It
was encouraging to know that Madam Lera wishes to present Moonierena as a
destination where everyone, especially Muslim diners, may enjoy genuine Chinese
cuisine and the true taste of Xinjiang with complete peace of mind and without
compromise in taste and authenticity. 
Inside a private dining room
The
restaurant aims to offer casual dining from a quick-service menu of ala carte
dishes that included dim sum on the ground level of the restaurant.
Meanwhile
diners in the upstairs dining hall or in private dining rooms will savour items
from a Xinjiang cuisine menu, rooted in Chinese-Muslim heritage.
Enveloped
in such elegant and opulent ambience with live music entertainment from a talented
violinist, it was indeed a pleasant first dining experience at Moonierena.
Moonierena Restaurant is at No. 375, Tebrau Highway, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor. Opening hours (soft launch), from 12.30pm to 3pm and from 5pm to 11pm. For enquiries and reservations, Tel: +6011 5920 2084
