Foodies, let us introduce you to your new favourite hangout – SkyAvenue at Resorts World Genting.
Since its founding 50 years ago, Genting Highlands has always been one of Malaysia’s major entertainment and travel destinations. And now, it is transforming into an international food hub with the addition of its new lifestyle mall.
“We are a Malaysian brand, so of course we have to feature the best of Malaysia cuisine. After all, Resorts World Genting chefs have been winning and setting food records in Malaysia and beyond for a long time (…) But for the guests whose cameras eat before they do, and who make it a point to document every meal they have, SkyAvenue offers a lot of Instagrammable dining experiences, including a few that have not been available in Malaysia before,” said Dato’ Edward Holloway, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations of Resorts World Genting, who recently won “Personality of the Year” at the HAPA Leadership Award.
We were invited to a media review of 3 international-based restaurants. Our visit started off with lunch at Motorino, followed by an afternoon tea at Cafés Richard, and lastly, a filling dinner at Burger & Lobster.
Motorino
Dubbed the “best authentic Neapolitan Italian pizza restaurant in New York” by the New York Times, Motorino is set to wow Malaysian tastebuds with their tasty wood fired pizzas. This casual joint is owned and operated by chef Mathieu Palombino who opened his first pizzaria in Brooklyn. The franchise also has outlets in Hong Kong, Manila, and Singapore.
The shop in SkyAvenue is decorated with shades of green, burgundy-coloured metal chairs, and white marble topped tables. With 2 large wood ovens imported from Naples, Italy, Motorino offers over 20 toppings including Brussel sprouts, anchovies, fresh arugula, buffalo mozzarella, and pepperoni. They also have a large selections of wine.
Having tried 6 types of flavours, we felt that Motorino’s pizzas are best eaten hot as its crunchy crusts turn tough over time. Some of its pizzas are topped with thinly-sliced chilli padis, giving it a spicy kick (which we love!). On top of that, their chicken meatballs, which are topped with freshly grated parmesan and basil, are to die for.
Must-try pizzas:
- Del Popolo (exclusively in Malaysia, contains mozzarella, parsley, olives, onions, and cured anchovies), RM54
- Aurugula & Bresaola (contains mozzarella, air dried beef, arugula, and parmesan), RM64
- Heirloom Tomato Pizza (contains mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, and basil), RM61
Tip: Wash those pizzas down with a glass of Gragnano Cantine Fedeticiane 2015, which is identified as the perfect pizza (red) wine.
Cafés Richard
Want a taste of France? Cafés Richard is a stylish Parisian-style café that serves authentic espresso, an extensive collection of coffees and teas, and French food. As the #1 coffee roaster in France, the café also offers creative coffee and tea cocktails.
The staff of Cafés Richard were trained and educated by Michael McCauley, a barista trainer and certifier. They were also taught basic French phrases in order to elevate customers’ French café experience.
“Cafés Richard gives customers a very real taste of the Parisian café ambience in an accessible location. We bring the world to them,” said Dato Edward Holloway.
Customers are encouraged to choose their preferred coffee beans and brewing method. From Perle Noir (black pearl), to Ethiopian Moka Yirgacheffe, to Sumatra “Orang Utan”, coffee lovers will be spoilt for choice. We highly recommend our readers to try the Chemex brewed coffee because of its light taste and fragrant aroma.
That’s not all, Cafés Richard’s Parisian High Tea Set (RM143 for 2, served from 2:30pm to 5:30pm) is a treasure “cabinet” filled with both savoury and sweet treats including Blini with smoked salmon and chive dressing, cheese cakes, and crème brûlée. We’re not too fond of the savoury snacks but we enjoyed eating the desserts, especially the mini chocolate éclairs. Yum!
For those who want a full meal, the café serves a variety of main dishes like Saumon Rôti (oven-baked Norwegian salmon), roasted French duck, and spaghetti aux escargots.
Must-try drinks:
- Mocha, RM15 (It’s cheaper that Starbucks in Genting!)
- Espresso Martini (Alcoholic), RM35
- French Genting (exclusively in Malaysia, Alcoholic), RM32
Burger & Lobster
With fresh lobsters imported from Canada every week, it’s no wonder Burger & Lobster has become the most talked-about restaurant among local foodies. The restaurant in SkyAvenue also marks the franchise’s first ever Southeast Asian outlet.
Founded by 4 school friends in 2011, the idea behind Burger & Lobster was to set up a restaurant where the focus was perfecting the craft of just 1 or 2 main ingredients. The first outlet started out in a small Irish pub in Mayfair, London. Since then, the franchise has expanded its business to Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, New York, and Stockholm.
True to its name, the restaurant has a fairly simple menu – burger, lobster (grilled or steamed), and Japanese-inspired lobster roll. But as a tribute to Malaysian culture, chilli lobster has been added into the menu. While other dishes are served with chips (skinny fries) and salad (served with vinaigrette dressing), chilli lobster comes with 4 slices of toasted brioche.
From the menu, we decided to go with the chilli lobster and the original burger. Truth be told, we were pretty pleased with our meal.
Sweet, spicy, and a little tangy, the chilli sauce goes well with the firm and chewy lobster meat as well as the toasted brioche. Though it’s not the typical Malaysian chilli sauce we were expecting, it’s definitely worth a try. On the other hand, the burger, which is made up of 100% Australian beef and topped with beef bacon, tasted like McDonald’s cheeseburger to us. No offence.
The London-based food chain also offers Malaysian-inspired drinks that are served in a plastic bag. You know, the “ikat tepi” kind. For those who enjoy strong cocktails, they have a sharing cocktail tower called The Heaven, which consists of 4 different types of rum.
Must-try dishes:
- Chilli Lobster (exclusively in Malaysia, 650-700g), RM173
- The Original Lobster (650-700g), RM153
- The B&L Burger, RM153
- Seven Samurai Lobster Roll, RM105
Besides the aforementioned restaurants, SkyAvenue is set to introduce a Malaysian Food Street sometime this year. The food hall will have 5 distinct zones – Little India, Malacca, Teluk Intan, Kuching, and Chinatown. Currently, the mall houses over 20 eateries, ranging from fast food to desserts.
Here are what you can find at SkyAvenue’s dining floor (level 1):
- Kyochon Chicken
- Morganfield’s
- Inside Scoop
- Absolute Thai
- Street Churros
- ACME Bar & Coffee
- Qaffles
- Llaollao
- Tokyo Secret
- Gong Cha
- Eight Ounce Coffee
- Just Heavenly
- Gindaco
- Tampopo Ramen
- Canton-i
SkyAvenue is open daily from 10am – 10pm. Bon appetit! 😉
For more information, visit Resorts World Genting’s website.
