Pigging out at Elcerdo, Changkat Bukit Bintang

I've heard so much - all good things about El Cerdo, a Spanish restaurant in Changkat Bukit Bintang that I decided that it was time to check it out myself. So, despite the rain, J & I, together with two of other "makan" buddies made our way to the city centre for a pig-out. After all, Elcerdo specializes in all things porky!

To start off our gastronomic journey, we ordered the Spanish Ham Platter, an assortment of Jamón Serrano & Jamón Iberico ham with a Variety of Chorizo Sausages and Condiments - salad, nuts, cheese and rock melon balls. The ham eaten with the rock melon balls combines the salty and sweet beautifully.


Next, we had ribs, which is supposed to be black pig ribs, if I'm not mistaken. The grilled ribs had a wonderful spiced flavour, very different from the American ribs we've eaten before. Whilst, it was a little tough to get off the bone, nevertheless, it unique flavor makes this a worthwhile dish to order.


We then moved on to the reason we came to El Cerdo - the famous roasted suckling pig - so tender, you can even cut it with a plate...I kid you not. When the waitress served us the suckling pig, she would tell us the story behind the chef who came up with this dish. Then she would demonstrate how to cut the pig with a plate and invite one of the patrons to cut. And then for good luck, you then break the plate into the wooden barrel (I suppose it helps reduce the cleaning up). So, when you eat at Elcerdo, be prepared for a little bit of fun and lots of plate breaking!


Our next main was our only non-pork dish for the night - paella with king prawns and scallops. Cooked just the way I like it, moist, but not too runny, the paella was also a winner.


Finally, for dessert, we ordered their homemade tiramisu with mango sauce and their special, off the menu raspberry ice-cream cake. The tiramisu, was light and fluffy, whilst the layered tangy raspberry ice cream complemented the sweet cake. All in all a good way to finish off out meal.

Our verdict?
We were as happy as the pigs on our doggy bag.


The food is fantastic - the bill for an appetizer, three mains, which included a 1/2 suckling pig), two desserts, two sangrias (the white wine pear sangria was delicious), two juices and two bottled water came us to close to RM500. It's worthwhile to save up to dine here for a special occassion!

Elcerdo
43&45 Changkat Bukit Bintang
50200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2145 0511

The simple spirit of Muhibbah

It sometimes amazes me how simple unity or Muhibbah can be. It's not a trumped up call by the politicians or a slogan/propaganda that every Ali, Ah Kow or Raju latches on for personal gain. Instead, it's simply appreciating, respecting and enjoying each other's culture.

On the eight night of every Chinese New Year, one of our neighbours will host a lion dance performance - a troupe that performs amazing feats on stilts. When we walked over before the start of the show, a young Malay boy was already sitting outside the house, waiting eagerly for the troupe to start the dance. Later, more neighbours start trickling in - young and old, Malay, Chinese and Indian, all out to enjoy the lively and loud performance. More than that, it was a great time catching up with each other, people whom we may not have time to talk to apart from the occasional "Hi".

And really, that to me is the best example of Muhibbah.