Morganfield’s

Brought to you by Comforting Southern Food

Thought I call Colorado home, as I spent nearly all of my adult life there until moving to Malaysia, I was actually born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, so I’m probably more of an “authority” than most people here in KL when it comes to the cuisine of the American South. I was raised on this stuff – Cajun food like jambalaya and gumbo, BBQ ribs, cornbread, and more.

In years past, there were very limited options in KL for authentic BBQ pork ribs. Happily, there are a few places today where you can satisfy your carnivorous cravings, but Morganfield’s surely ranks as one of the top choices. Located on the fourth floor in Pavilion KL, this two-year old establishment has an ambiance that both industrial – thanks to liberal use of metal and brick – yet rustic, cosy, and inviting, as the iron and brick motif is complemented by lots of warm wood. It’s a great atmosphere, and during a thriving, busy lunch during the week recently, I got to experience what all the fuss was about. The food here is just terrific, and there’s plenty of it.

The appetizers feature a wide variety of starters, from mushrooms sautéed in Merlot butter to such delights as crispy potato skins loaded with cheese and crumbled bacon, crab and spinach dip (served with tortilla chips), a delicious pork sausage platter, and what were probably the best spicy chicken wings I’ve had in Malaysia. Made with Morganfield’s own habanero hot sauce, these wings are spicy, perfectly cooked, and full of flavour. Choose your heat level and enjoy!

Plenty of other food options compete for your attention – salads, soups, sandwiches, a selection of delicious burgers – but of course it’s those signature plate-covering slabs of mouth-watering pork ribs that bring the crowds in. Morganfield’s offers half and full slabs in three different varieties: Garlicky BBQ, Smoked Peppercorn, and my personal favourite, good old-fashioned Hickory BBQ, with a sauce that’s savoury, tangy, and quite frankly, left me wanting more! Dubbed “Sticky Bones” – also the tagline of the restaurant – these juicy pork ribs are slow-cooked, smoked over real wood and presented at the table hot, succulent, and tender. The meat falls easily from the bone and, served with French fries and Southern-style cole slaw, these ribs make an outstanding, delicious meal.

For a fun change of pace, go with two or three hungry friends and order one of Morganfield’s sharing platters. These massive platters, loaded with a variety of food, will fill you up and definitely inspire great sharing and memories with your friends. We tried the Ocean Madness platter, one of three varieties available, which complements a full slab of ribs with crunchy beer-battered fish, grilled prawns, sausages, fries, corn on the cob, cornbread, and even a generous helping of garden salad. It’s an avalanche of delicious food, and for only RM150 to easily feed four people, represents good value, too.

A full bar is available at Morganfield’s and they offer a number of beers and ciders on tap. Few things accompany a plate full of juicy pork ribs better than a pint of ale or crisp cider. I know I’ll be back for more and encourage you try it, too! Check their website for ongoing promotions, too.

First published August, 2013