Food + Drink

2OX @ The Row: A classic French fare

Bistro gem

07.03.2016

By Su Fen Tan

2OX @ The Row: A classic French fare

Nestled in the middle of The Row—the revamped 1940s shophouses in town (formerly known as Asian Heritage Row)—2OX is a chic French bistro and bar serving up classic French favourites and an exquisite selection of wines. There is a quaint Parisian charm about it, giving off relaxed, welcoming vibes that resonate within the restaurant’s simple and modern rustic interior décor.

The setting may be of a comfortable and informal bistro, but Chef Thierry Le Baut doesn’t pull back on the punches, staying true to his roots by drawing up a menu of classic French dishes that he grew up with. My meal here started with fried squid rings with delicious tartare sauce, and fussili pasta with rocket salad, tomatoes, peanuts, and pesto as appetisers. I’m usually not a fan for fried squid rings, preferring them grilled, but those served here had the batter done just right. Light and crisp, they went really well with the tangy tartare—perfect for snacking on before a meal.

The fussili pasta starter was a refreshing combination of greens, with the peanuts providing a slight crunch in texture while the pesto and rocket salad leave a pleasantly fresh aftertaste to the palate. For mains, I was presented with the Chicken Ala Basquaise, a recipe that Chef Thierry has inherited from his mother—warm, hearty, and flavourful, it was a filling dish that leaves one well satisfied.

Finally, desserts. My taste leans towards the sour end of the spectrum, thus it comes as no surprise that the lemon tart meringue en verrine became a fast favourite. It was a pretty sight to behold—graze the top and what you get is creamy sweetness, but dig deeper and you’ll be greeted with a pop of lemon, tangy delight. The crème brûlée was also on the table that day; sweet and creamy with a beautiful caramelised crust, it was a classic dessert done right. 

A gem within the hustle and bustle of KL, 2OX is well worth a visit on the occasions where you long for a good ol’ classic French meal in a comfortable, welcoming space.

 

2OX is located at 56G, The Row, Jalan Doraisamy, Kuala Lumpur.

 

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