An apple a day

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It was evident throughout the meal and photo shoot that the two sisters have excellent chemistry ever since they were young. The two of them, however, have very different tastes in just about everything, from outfits to men. “It is really fun being sisters with this one,” said Agatha. “We are very thankful that we have always had a very good relationship.”

“I think some of that can be attributed to the fact that I used to be afraid of her,” replied Aurelia, much to Agatha’s delight.

“Case in point: even in the 90s where there was no shortage of boy bands, Aurelia was not allowed to like the same boy band that I had come to like,” said Agatha. “I made her choose another band.”

“And I will always reply with an emphatic ‘okay’,” smiled Aurelia.

An undeniable fragrance wafted across the dining room as the server approached our table with the Peri Peri Baked Chicken with Fried Rice. Prepared with local spices and South African chilies, the dish is new yet also comfortingly familiar. Like the classic nasi goreng, the rice was flavourful, fragrant, with just the right amount of heat.

Barbecued Wagyu Short Rib with roasted potatoes and garlic confit was yet another mouthwatering main course. The process of preparing the dish is a long, yet worthwhile one. The ribs were first marinated for six hours, then chargrilled, before being finished in the oven. Baked to medium well, the meat was tender, and full of flavours.

Rounding off the meal was a dessert of the highest technical mastery that uses the minimum amount of ingredients, yet packs an assortment of flavours. Apple is done four ways—pureed, compressed, sorbet and jelly—that magically complement one another perfectly. A sphere of white chocolate dyed green to resemble an apple was the highlight of the dish. Crack open its exterior and find the most decadent ball of apple cheesecake. Make your way to its centre and find a trove of sweet caramelised apple that will have you wishing the centre was bottomless.

Monty’s Restaurant

Jalan Raya Senopati No. 84, Selong Kebayoran Baru Tel: (+62) 21 7279 2323

“It is really fun being sisters with this one. We are very thankful that we have always had a very good relationship.”