[Food Review] T.G.I. Friday's Valentine's Day Set Menu

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.”
George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright (1856-1950)

February 14 marks a very special day (for some at least) in the year. St. Valentine’s would have wanted it differently I’m sure, but this is when love is at its most commercialized and commodified. Things are especially expensive, couples are especially lovey-dovey and some individuals are especially depressed! Jokes aside, love is, without a doubt, in the air at this time of the year.

Not to be left out of Cupid’s celebrations, I was invited to get a taste of T.G.I. Friday’s special Valentine’s Day menu, together with two other bloggers and members of media. We were met by Vijay David, Regional Manager for T.G.I. Friday’s and Sheila, Marketing Manager at T.G.I. Friday’s outlet, The Gardens. The exclusive one-day-only three-course love set consists of a choice of appetizers, main course and dessert, with an optional glass of wine.

The Gardens’ outlet houses about 200 pax and is expected to be packed to capacity on February 14. The outlet will be serving the Valentine’s Day Set Menu exclusively, meaning no ala carte.

First to arrive was a selection of appetisers. Strawberry Field Salad is a refreshing salad consisting of fresh lettuce leaves, strawberries and roasted, glazed pecan nuts and a sprinkle of parmesan, dressed with a light balsamic vinaigrette. I thought the inclusion of pecan nuts was unusual, in a positive way. I liked this salad, which Vijay revealed, would be making it into their new upcoming menu.

The other appetiser was Stuffed Mushrooms, which was a popular dish during their previous Small Plates promo. Mushrooms were stuffed with mozzarella and minced beef, served over a bed of bruschetta-type mix of chopped tomatoes, basil, lots of garlic and olive oil. I found the beef stuffing a little dry and fatty for my tastes but overall well-seasoned. I enjoyed the bruschetta mix.

There are a total of 8 mains to select from we were served four to try. First up was the Tennessee Salmon with Shrimp. The salmon was nicely-cooked if a little salty. The famous Tennessee sauce (sauce-formerly-known-as Jack Daniel’s) was sweet and appetising. It worked fantastically with the fish, counter-balancing the saltiness.

New York Strip with wild mushroom butter sauce

For meat lovers, there is a New York Strip with Wild Mushroom Butter. The beef strips were grilled to perfection, medium-rare, the way I like it. Well-seasoned, juicy with a slight crisp top. The wild mushroom butter was fragrant. Very good. I especially liked the accompaniment of mash potatoes and broccoli. I’m pretty fussy with my mash, and this one does not disappoint. The source, of course, is none other than US of A. Top quality potatoes, seasoned with cheese and pepper. Yums!

Don’t fancy beef? Don’t fret. There’s also Championship BBQ Chicken as a main. The chicken was barbequed golden brown, accompanied by mash potatoes and broccoli. The chicken was a tad salty but again worked well with the special Championship sauce which was sweet and tangy.

I’m a self-confessed pasta lover, so the final main course option was much welcomed – Shrimp Diablo Pasta with Chicken, which is a seafood and chicken mix. The pasta was lovely, al-dente, flavorful and light. The tomato-based sauce was almost arrabiata-ish but less spicy. I enjoyed this and would definitely be something I’d personally order.

We were at this point, stuffed out of our minds. However, a meal is never complete without dessert and coffee, right? How about a Brownie Obsession – warm brownie served with a big dollop of vanilla ice cream topped with caramel sauce and pecans? Sounds delicious? Well, it is.

Overall a very satisfying meal, with notables being the Strawberry Field salad, salmon and pasta dishes. At RM75++ and RM85++, you’d be hard-pressed to find a Valentine’s Day set menu that’s this good value for money. Don’t forget the reasonably priced glasses of wine at RM28 per pair. If you’re looking for an unconventional, fun Valentine’s, T.G.I Friday’s is definitely an option!

The Full Menu Selection

Appetisers
Strawberry field Salad, Fried Mac & Cheese, or Stuffed Mushrooms.

Main Course RM75++ menu
Tennessee Chicken & Shrimp, Key West Tilapia Fish, Championship BBQ Half Chicken or Chicken & Shrimp Diablo.

Main Course RM85++ menu
Garlic Marinated Lamb Chop, NY Strip with wild mushroom butter sauce, Braised Short Ribs or Tennessee Salmon & Shrimp.

Dessert
Brownie Obsession or Eton Mess.

Valentine’s Day Contest

T.G.I. Friday’s is also running a Valentine’s Day contest starting now, where you stand to win a Spa Getaway package by Mandara Spa at Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa worth RM400. All you need to do is spend RM100 and above, and describe why you want to win the spa getaway package. The winner will be announced after Valentine’s Day.

Book early to avoid disappointment. The three-course dinner is available from 6pm onwards, only on Valentine’s Day at all T.G.I. Friday’s 14 restaurants in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor Bahru. Operating hours are from 11am to 11pm daily.