From Breakfast to Brunch @ Schokolart, Solaris Mont Kiara

Solaris Mont Kiara is an up-and-coming hotspot (or probably already is), overlooking the PLUS highway, but far from public transportation-friendly. Driving to the place may require some knowledge of its location in advance, given the fact that the place is so near to the toll exit, a few wrong turns may alter your plan of dining at any of the restaurants there (and there are plenty, believe that!), and instead lead you to a Rawang tilapia run (HERE and HERE for the lost ones).

The new town of Solaris

Mont Kiara is the place for the elites, the 'tai-tais' (no translation, hehe), and the hungries. OK, two out of three, probably. From KL, go towards the Jalan Duta toll (correct me if I'm wrong), but take note of the green signboards indicating turning to Penchala Link, with Mont Kiara, Seri Hartamas, etc printed on them.

Schokolart (Chocolate + Art) - How tacky, but aptly named.

This outlet is located directly opposite Tenji Japanese Buffet, that Japanese buffet restaurant which started the 50% off craze, sparking some tough competition amongst the other Japanese diners; creating ripples, waves and howls among the foodies community in the Klang Valley and beyond (in the case of Motormouth here).

The ambience itself speaks volume on Schokolart's targetted patrons : The chic, young and trendy looking for a decent desserts bar, or a light meal while mingling with the yuppies

Google Schokolart and you'll find reviews after reviews of this chocolate boutique, priding itself on its grand selection of pralines, chocolate desserts, and sinful beverages. With Theobroma and Godiva as pioneers in outlets specializing in chocolate products, the addition of Schokolart to the scene adds fuel to the revival in the desserts industry in Malaysia. (Further prove? Look at the bountiful doughnuts chains, and ice-cream parlours mushrooming all over)

The Temptation @ RM12

We were expecting breakfast at Schokolart, arms akimbo and all, only to be duly disappointed as they only open from 11am onwards. Ouch, another half hour to go. But thanks be to the ones above, (or at least the management of Solaris), Cold Storage's one floor below. So you can browse at possible the largest array of imported goods at any Cold Storage, spanning 2 floors with a cafeteria to boot.

Sweet Child Of Mine @ RM15.90

As expected, we were the first customers that morning. The staff waitering our table was Barry, a friendly chap who was accomodating, yet far from intimidating. You get my drift.

Sadly, most mains were not available at that unGodly hour, (yup, nobody comes for breakfast it seemed!) owing to the previous night's heavy traffic/patronage, being the eve of Labour's Day. Well, OK. Since we were not in the mood for something heavy anyway.

The menu does not cover a lot of entries, mains, nor desserts for that matter. But worth mentioning is the various chocolate beverages being served, an impressive few pages of them.

Berner Roesti @ RM13.90

The Temptation (RM12) is their signature hot chocolate drink, made with 62% dark Cacao chocolates. Came piping hot in a mug (their own creation; a Hugga-Mugga - you're supposed to wrap your fingers around the mug, warming your palms as well as your heart). Or so ideally. But I can't even fit in my fat stubby fingers, rendering holding the mug a stunt in disguise. But the dark chocolate drink was thankfully not too sweet, but rich and creamy, and perfect with any savoury dishes. The accompanying homemade cinnamon marshmallow completed the whole experience. Sans a good book by the fire, but beggars can't be choosers.

Sweet Child Of Mine (RM15.90) is listed in the section Schokolart Hurricanes, ie Ice-Blended Chocolate Drinks. Consisting of caramel fudge latte ice-blended, topped with the customary whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce, the cold drink lacked oomph in my opinion, slightly diluted and a notch below chocolatey heaven. Should've gone for Barry's recommendation instead, named Soulmate - A wacky take on dark choc + peanut butter blend.

De La Mer @ RM24.90

The Roesti was VERY delicious, surprisingly. Didn't cross my mind a dessert lounge specializing in Swiss chocolate could whip up such lip-smacking roesti. Oh wait, roesti's a Swiss dish right? Ooooh .... ok. No wonder .....

The roesti at Schokolart are served with sides of house salad (VERY sour, no thanks to the generous drizzles of vinaigrette), and your choice of Creamy cheese or Mushroom sauce. Crisp on the exterior, and brimming with flavours on the inside, the serving was just enough for a light meal, or for a hearty breakfast. I chose the Berner, which is panfried roesti with diced bacon and drizzled with fresh milk. Words can't describe the scrumptious-ness of the simple pan-fried grated potato dish, but me being a 100% potato lover, I was in 7th Heaven. By the way, you can add a piece of gourmet sausage at RM5.50, in three flavours : Jalapeno Hot Smoked, Bratwurst with Mushroom & Cheese, and Bratwurst with Garlic Chive & Onion.

We had another main, the De La Mer (RM24.90) which was pan-fried salmon fillet and roesti served with the same 'grimace-worthy-sour-house-salad' and hollandaise-wasabi sauce. The sauce was a good complement to the slightly fishy & briny fillets of salmon, which were pan-fried well, though nothing spectacular. The accompanying roesti was another winner though, obviously.

For Love, Life & Chocolates

No chance to sample the other desserts on their menu (they revamped theirs recently, but most not available yet), nor the chocolate pralines; Their hand-crafted creations. A lot of varieties, from the usual to the erm .. paranormal ones (think wasabi and Szechuan pepper!). 6 pcs at RM27 for takeaway, but a sampler plate at RM32 with a drink for dine-in.

On the whole, the place has potential, but to reach out to the masses, they have to think of branching to other easily accessible areas in Klang Valley, as well as shopping malls and business centres. My two cents' worth, anyway. :)

Location : Schokolart @ Block K-01-05, SohoKL @ Solaris Mont Kiara, 2, Jalan Solaris, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. Tel No : 603-6203 0968. Site : http://www.schokolart.com/main.html