Kalinka-Malinka, A Culinary Serenade
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Authentic Russian comes to Tudor CourtKalinka-Malinka , named after Russia’s best known folk song, is renowned for its sophisticated dining experience and traditional Russian fare. Like the song, it’s a culinary declaration of love!
Opened in Mid-2005 by debut restaurateur Mr. Leslie Tan and his Russian business partner Kocheva Natalia, the restaurant is tucked away on the second floor of a quaint but Victorian-style charming Tudor Court – a shopping centre situated in an antique specialty shopping belt along Tanglin Road.
Reminiscent of rustic Europe, where the best eateries are located atop family-run shophouses, easy access to the restaurant (look for their signboard) is granted via a side staircase next to a street florist – also a handy stopover for Romeos yearning to impress their Juliets on Valentine’s Day.
Inside, be awe struck by a designer décor taken straight from a page out of Interior Design Weekly. The interior of this small, but intimately cosy restaurant is cleverly designed in the style of a country wooden cottage. The warm lighting, burgundy walls, framed alcoves and timber rafts provide unfussy hints of Russia, all true to her architectural heritage.Fellow diners range from well heeled business types to small families all manifestly enjoying this unique and fine dining experience.
A noteworthy mention is the exceptional quality of service presided over by
their ever-helpful waitresses who are happy to steer you through the menu.
Another traditional offering on the menu was Borsch – oxtail soup with cabbage, sour cream and dill pesto ($10).As a true icon of authentic Russian cuisine, the Borsch did not disappoint. Chock full of chopped vegetables and delightfully aromatic shredded beef, this clear soup was wonderfully robust and comes in a generous portion.
The highlight of the meal was the Beef Stroganoff – beef tenderloin stew with paprika and mashed potatoes ($30). This hearty dish is a dream come true for meat-lovers. With paprika as the main ingredient, it adds a wonderful colour to this visually appealing dish. The beef tenderloin slices, stewed to perfection, were extremely sweet and tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth. Topped by a rich, velvety and addictive cream sauce, each mouthful was a sensual, culinary experience.
Other worthy menu mentions include the Beef Shashlik (beef tenderloin marinated in wine, onion and lemon, $32), Chicken A La Kiev (classic chicken dish with butter, $29) and the Golubsty (cabbage rolls filled with pork and tomato sauce, $26).
A little pricey at parts, two could easily push the bill into treble figures with unrestrained indulgence in the wide variety of dishes. Judicious menu hopping should still see you at around $60 per person, a reasonable price for excellent service, food and exclusive ambience.
OCBC credit card holders enjoy a 15% discount, so Robinson's and Titanium card holders may wish to take note.
Other worthy menu mentions include the Beef Shashlik (beef tenderloin marinated in wine, onion and lemon, $32), Chicken A La Kiev (classic chicken dish with butter, $29) and the Golubsty (cabbage rolls filled with pork and tomato sauce, $26).
A little pricey at parts, two could easily push the bill into treble figures with unrestrained indulgence in the wide variety of dishes. Judicious menu hopping should still see you at around $60 per person, a reasonable price for excellent service, food and exclusive ambience.
OCBC credit card holders enjoy a 15% discount, so Robinson's and Titanium card holders may wish to take note.
Smacznego! (that’s Polish for Bon Appetit)
*Note: This is an old review. Sadly to say, the owners of Kalinka Malinka have ceased business since mid-2006.
Labels: authentic russian cuisine, kalinka malinka, restaurant reviews, russian cuisine, russian eatery, russian restaurant
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