Let's Jazz Things Up A Bit? (Denis Jazz Bistro, Ipoh)

Happy Monday Y'all !!!! ..... But seriously, who embraces gloomy, dreary Mondays anyway? Argghh .... I miss the comfort of my bed as I'm typing this !!!

DENIS JAZZ BISTRO (With NO signboard bearing the shop's name, you'll just have to look out for the NON-illuminated saxophone icon at daytime)

Previously operating from their premise in Greentown, at the same row with Assam House, Denis Jazz Bistro has since moved to this rather obscure spot, away from the main roads and traffic, directly behind Ipoh Garden's Aneka Selera (Tung Koo Thing).

The homemade chocolate chip cookies are complimentary, and act as appetizers rather than desserts. Something to munch on to appease the roaring hunger pangs?

Probably due to its hidden location, the crowd may not be overwhelming even on a Sunday's afternoon. But of course, this translates to peaceful requeim for the battered (and hungry, obviously) souls, relishing one's meal without the hassle and noise.

They do not cover everything under the sun, as in the case with most outlets serving Western fare, but their specialties include the homemade pies, pasta, stews etc. Safe choices, but work wonders.

Spaghetti Carbonara (RM13.90)

One thing's special though. Most, if not all, of the items on the menu can be "up-sized" to a LARGE portion. Yup, even the pies, the stews and the lamb chops. But a regular serving should be sufficient if you're not one who's been famished for days. Seriously.

The desciption of the Carbonara on the menu proudly proclaime REAL PORK BACONS. Yup, with the capitals and all. And who can resist juicy, fatty, and smoked pork bacons?!!

The egg and cream sauce was not overly rich, just sufficient to create that sense of indulgence, but it was the sauteed pork bacons and garlic that proved to be ... the FATAL combination. No pun intended. Bite into those fatty portions with smoky flavour, and paired them with the creamy spaghetti cooked al dente, and you'll polish off that plate in no time. The sides of freshly baked and crispy garlic bread, and green apple, cucumber, raisins and lettuce salad complemented the dish very well.

Shepherd's Pie (RM14.90)

Of course, being famous for their English-style traditional pies and stews, one can't help but be tempted by the sheperd's pie, lamb pie, beef pie, lamb stew, chicken stew and so forth. I had a regular portion of the Shepherd's, with minced lamd, vegetables, and a 'topping' of mashed Russett potatoes, generously doused with brown sauce. The gamey flavour of the lamb may have doubters having second thoughts, but I like them strong and gamey anyway. =P

But the mashed potatoes layer was nothing to shout about. It was a bit hardened at the top. The corn-on-cob and sides of fruits+vegetable salad, and boiled vegetables were good though. Least we're not getting the average crinkle cuts, or shoe strings.

All in all, a place to sit back, enjoy your meal, away from the maddening pace of city life. Or as hectic as Ipoh can get anyway. =P

Location : DENIS JAZZ BISTRO @ 26, Pesara Ipoh 1, Taman Ipoh, 31400 Ipoh, Perak.

Got MAP !!!