The owner Willow Tree, Aidi, has always thought about opening up a food and beverage establishment, and when he was shown the location in Hartamas, he got a good vibe. Aidi is a semi retired Malaysian who spent 25 years living abroad. The cuisine served at Willow Tree is British with a Mediterranean twist, much like the passionate Chef El Hadi who moved here from Morocco last year.
The staff is friendly and helpful and the high back booths are inviting, adding to the true cafe experience – complete with richly roasted coffee. Willow Tree is one of the few outlets where you can purchase fresh roasted Indonesian specialty Arabica coffee beans. The bar carries a standard list of beers and wines, as well as cocktails. A day at Willow Tree starts with Chef El Hadi baking bread in the kitchen. The chef sources the finest local and international produce in order to create his culinary delights.
The starter was enough to delight with its glazed topping of goat cheese; the creamy garlic mushroom tart was served on a bed of lettuce and was definitely a dish that truly impressed. Simplicity is the key when it comes to Willow Tree’s cuisine.
The chicken breast cooked in saffron leaves and served with stuffed spinach mousse egg and oven-cooked pilau rice had a strong Indian influence. The whole dish was generously spiced with herbs like cardamom. This dish was the “Special of the Day”. What’s unique at Willow Tree is their frequent rotation of main specials as well as a series of dessert specials.
Seafood lovers should take note of the excellent salmon fillet and king prawns that were served with a cream spinach sauce and French beans. We were also treated to the flavourful vegetable soup which was Willow Tree’s Soup of the Day.
Dessert was the delicious chocolate cheesecake that was light as well as creamy and the creme brulee had a silky texture that was a great end to the meal.
Willow Tree is highly recommended for their freshly made dishes and coffee.
Fact File :
Willow Tree
Lot 22 Wisma Rapid, Jalan 30/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480.
Tel: +603.6201 2330
Business Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-12am
For more restaurant reviews visit: www.DineMalaysia.com
This article was written by Milan Sadhwani
Source: The Expat March 2012
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This article has been edited for ExpatGomalaysia.com
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