Mention Al-Amar and you’re likely to have visions of hummus, grilled lamb and baklavas. And that’s good. The award-winning restaurant, located at Level 6 of Pavilion KL, is known for its fine and delectable authentic Lebanese Cuisine. Unknown to some, exists Al-Amar Express, a more casual version, located at Fahrenheit88. I was invited to sample concoctions from Al-Amar Express’ newly upgraded bar, as well as be enticed in more ways than one at Circus, the newest concept eatery also at Pavilion KL.
Al-Amar Lebanese Cuisine, Al-Amar Express and Circus belong to a portfolio of brands under The Eatertainment Group.
Elegantly Lebanese
The flagship Al-Amar Lebanese Cuisine restaurant is one of Kuala Lumpur’s highlights, garnering numerous awards and accolades including MIGF 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, Time Out KL Best Middle Eastern Restaurant 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013; as well as being part of Malaysia Tatler’s best restaurants since 2009.
Its uniquely elegant ambiance with smooth clean lines and plushy red chairs is chic and unmistakably Lebanese, albeit a more modern version. Serving popular hot and cold mezzos, grills, salads and traditional desserts like baklava and mohalabieh, the popular Lebanese dining destination also has an extended wine menu including its collaboration with Chateau Musar and Chateau Kefraya – renowned wineries from Lebanon.
Part and parcel of the Lebanese experience includes live performances by Lebanese singers from Wednesdays to Saturdays. And how could one exclude belly dancing, a standard feature on Fridays and Saturdays. For big eaters, Al-Amar offers an exclusive indulgent Buffet Lunch every Sunday.
Lebanese Hip
The hip and happening Bukit Bintang Walk is an apt location for Al-Amar Express, the hot hangout place with tasty quick bites, premium authentic flavoured shishas, hot and cold beverages and seriously good cocktails coming out from its upgraded bar.
The casual dining concept with two terraces and an aquarium-style indoor dining area serves a variety of Lebanese wraps, healthy sandwiches, chawarmas and traditional manakeesh at prices ranging between RM8 to RM25 per dish.
Al-Amar Express even serves up a hearty Breakfast Buffet at RM25++ and has launched a ‘Let’s Meet Up’ campaign to encourage people to get together on any occasions, at any time of the day.
Impressions
Joseph Sabeh Afaki, Managing Director of The Eatertainment Group, I suspect, was bent on getting us drunk at Al-Amar Express before we got to Circus. Not that we were complaining. There was tasty little bites to keep us distracted while the bartender served up delicious Mojitos, Margheritas and beer. My favourite was the Mojito and Peach Smash – dangerously refreshing but with zing. The tasty bites including hummus and chawarmas were good too.
