For a Japanese-inspired restaurant serving small portions, it is only logical that these dishes are called japas, not tapas. Perched on the 11th floor of Work @ Clearwater in Damansara Heights, Babe by Jeff Ramsey offers discerning diners, three seasonal set menu culinary journeys, a curated wine list, engaging service and some of the most amazing panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. The restaurant is helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Jeff Ramsey of Japanese and American heritage and who honed his skills at the Mandarin Oriental in Tokyo before locating to Malaysia. The restaurant’s elegant understated interior encourages diners to admire the forested foreground and city skyline that reaches ever skyward. The front is open enabling patrons to become part of the landscape while there is an enclosed dining space for those who need a cooler dining scene. The view dominates up until the dishes arrive and then the focus is completely on the meticulously curated and artistic plating of each dish. Set menus of seven, eight and ten dishes are offered with four seasonal menus per year that follow the temperate seasons.
The spring menu has just been introduced and, as with all others, offers the finest premium produce mostly sourced from Japan but also from niche global artisanal producers. Diners should expect the unexpected as every dish is creative and playful; so artistic in presentation that it begs to be photographed. Not surprisingly, the menus are named – The Excursion, The Journey and The Voyage to encapsulate the sensory dining experience. The experience commences with a test tube presentation called Rabbit Hole with a liquefied variation on a dish, which could well be chicken rice. Being broken down, blended and coloured, it presents a challenge for many diners but is the perfect start to introducing guests to what is to come and to breaking down inhibitions. Only premium produce such as A5 Japanese Wagyu beef, foie gras, imported oysters and truffles is used to create balance, harmony between rich powerful flavours with those that are more subtle and fragrant. Wines and sake by the glass, bottle or flights are available with some impressive labels such as AIX Rose Provence, Max Ferdinand Richter Riesling, Boschendal Chenin Blanc, Disnókö Tokaji Late Harvest, Heartland Shiraz and Poggerino Chianti Classico.
