Hacha Mecha, IKKI & Glenmorangie

We’d heard a lot recently, about Hacha Mecha, a contemporary Japanese gastrobar located at the current and most happening strip in TREC, KL.

Of course we were thrilled to be invited to a Glenmorangie food-whisky pairing event at the place last week.

Trio of Salmon (super yum!) and Chicken Tsukune

Mint Julip Glemorangie cocktails paired with pleasurable foil of canapes for starters, up at IKKI bar, before heading down to Hacha Mecha for dinner..

A rather swanky, sophisticated bar, with massive comfortable chairs and opulent sitting areas. I really liked the non-stuffy ambiance, of the place.

Downstairs at Hacha Mecha, there were more pleasurable delights in store for us..

Wagyu Slider, and Foie gras served on Brioche and some delicious sweet chutney paired with the Lasanta. My burger was done just perfect though I overheard my neighbour’s one was overcooked. The foie gras was succulent and unctuous and paired well with the Oloroso sherry finished whisky from Glenmorangie. Apparently the word ‘Lasanta’ is derived from the Gaelic word for warmth and passion.  Tons of caramel notes in the whisky that was the perfect match for the foie gras and meaty wagyu.

Actually this is the correct way to eat your Wagyu slider. Just pop it in your mouth in one swift mouthful!

Chef putting the finishing touches on the next course.

Shichimi Crispy squid and salmon ceviche paired with the Glenmorangie 18-year-old. There isn’t much to complain about really in this 18-year-old whisky – melting honey, aromatic florals come to mind. It definitely had a deep smoky fig aroma that did the crispy squid and ceviche justice. The squid was fresh and crispy with a great brittle texture. In contrast the ceviche was smooth and succulent. Loved it.

Enter my favourite whisky of the night. The Signet. Wow, I was super impressed with the bottle – everything, even the cork top is made with glass. Sexy & classy, it is referred to as the “dark side” of Glenmorangie. Some of the spirit in Signet has been made using a unique heavily roasted chocolate malt that really beefs up the rich flavours. This is a smooth and elegant tipple to say the least.

The signet was paired with some sort of chicken, rice, cheddar cheese gratinated number called the Tori Tare Gratin Donburi which reminded me of that Hong Kong style, Char Chan Teng cheese rice dish. Not really impressed with it. They could have chosen a more luxurious pairing for the Signet.

Dessert saved the day with this one called the Miso Chocolate Sins and it was actually rather sinfully good.

Loved the white chocolate miso ice-cream, macerated strawberries and the ‘coral’ looking chocolate – this was a pretty chic touch I thought. It also paired fabulously well with the peaty 10-year-old Ardberg. Though not a big fan of peaty whiskies, this one actually tasted better with the dessert, than drunk in its own.

I wanted to ‘walk away’ with the Signet bottle. It’s that cool!

A fantastic dinner with Glenmorangie – I didn’t know what to expect, but Hacha Mecha & IKKI are currently top venues on my must-visit list come weekends.

Add:
IKKI Bar
E-01-08, First Floor, Electric Boulevard, TREC KL, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur. Tues-Sun, 4pm-3am
Hacha Mecha
Electric Boulevard, TREC KL, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur. Tues-Sun, 6pm-2am.