Review: Fuego South American Tapas and Cocktails

Irresistible strains of South American fever have spread this month to the upper reaches of Troika Sky Dining, where few customers will be immune to the culinary contagion unleashed by Fuego, Eddie Chew & Chris Bauer’s latest establishment. It’s one of 2014’s best new eateries, certain to capture extensive notice in the weeks to come.

Fuego, July 11, Review

This alfresco bar on The Troika’s 24th floor _ part of the family that includes Cantaloupe, Claret & Strato _ has been two years in the planning, inspired significantly by ‘asado’ barbecue-style feasting. But it’s evolved into even more than that, thanks to a menu that comprises some of KL’s most cunningly creative tapas & cocktails.

Guacamole

Fuego’s selection seems to have been created with a twinkle in its founders’ eyes. No fewer than five types of guacamole are prepared fresh to order by a ‘specially trained guacamole chef’ (!!!); this one is mixed with Italian parsley, red chillies, tomato, garlic & lime, topped with salmon roe & partnered with veggie crisps of sweet potato, yam, banana & lotus root (RM25++). Other variations include spicy guacamole, olive-&-caper guacamole & anchovy guacamole.

Smoked Quail Eggs

It’s smoke, not smog: Smoked quail eggs on crispy nests of seaweed strips & veggies, topped with spices & herbs. RM25++. Extraordinary eggs-tasy; the combination proves nicely nuanced in its savoury flavours & part-soft, part-crunchy textures.

Smoked Snails

This kitchen truly loves its smoke (no surprise, since Fuego’s tagline is ‘flamed & grilled’). What lies beneath this lid?

Ravishingly presented snails with parsley salsa, garlic crisps & pickled garlic. RM30++. A top-flight recipe.

Churros

Cinnamon-dusted churros secure a very special twist here too, partnered with a creamy-crispy, sweet-savoury accompaniment of salted caramel espuma & dulcey cremeux that’s a knock-out for some of us. RM35++.

Leche Frita

Leche frita, traditional fried milk croquettes embellished elaborately with coconut pudding, lime jelly & fresh mango. RM25++.

Beverages

Don’t skip the inventive cocktails. The Mojito sees a makeover: ‘Instant rum’ with lychee & chilli. RM40++ (ouch for our wallets).

We ordered a Negroni (RM38++), but we received a glass with an ice ball & a Barbara Taylor Bradford novel?

Secrets of the book: ‘Act of Will’ conceals a flask of bourbon. Aha! Wish we could keep this book; it could prove mighty useful.

Mixed with Carpano Antica Formula sweet vermouth & Campari for several satisfying sips.

Other outlets offer still & sparkling water, but Fuego insists on doing things differently. The water here’s laced with options of either cucumber & thyme or strawberry & basil. RM8++ per bottle, nevertheless.

Final Thoughts on Fuego’s

Note: Fuego’s still in its soft-launch stage, so its furnishing will change & further renovation is being planned (expect a small lounge to surface above the bar). But it might be wise to head here soon before the crowds come (& before the haze returns).