Beast by The BIG Group, Bangsar Shopping Centre

Beast by The BIG Group, Bangsar Shopping Centre

Words: Monica Tindall
Photos: Rich Callahan

Beast by The BIG Group has just found a new home in Bangsar Shopping Centre. Once at The Intermark, then in Jalan Batai, we think the contemporary steakhouse has found its nicest residence to date.

Beast by The BIG Group

It’s an intimate and surprisingly small setting with flowy white curtains that make the space more like a living room than a formal restaurant. The clean, crisp, and organic atmosphere presents a modern aesthetic complemented by strategically placed plants. The overall ambience exudes a comforting feeling reminiscent of a welcoming home, heightened by the fantastic natural lighting streaming in from the skylight. Tables, draped in white cloth, are adorned with single flamingo lilies, adding a touch of elegance. The subtle background of soft jazz completes the dining experience, facilitating an upbeat vibe.

Steakhouse BSC

Beast by The BIG Group serves classic steakhouse dishes with a global twist. The chefs are experts at cooking premium steak cuts, but there’s plenty for non-beef eaters, too. A compact wine list, alongside fresh juices and quality coffee support the menu.

Wine List

The wine list begins with a quote by Ernest Hemingway, “My only regret in life is that I did not drink more wine.” Who are we to disagree with the world’s greats? Of course, we’ll follow Ernest’s advice. Beast by The BIG Group’s wine list is dominated by French wine mostly from Bordeaux and Burgundy. Two whites and two reds are available by the glass and a nice selection of Chablis, Pinot Noir and Bordeaux blends by the bottle.

We begin with a glass of 2022 Belle Vignes Chardonnay Viognier from the South of France (RM 33 glass, RM 130 bottle). It captures the essence of summer with its golden hues, refreshing crispness, and delicate floral notes. It would make a fine aperitif and also matches well with our veggie and seafood dishes.

Later we try the Chateau Du Cedre’s 2021 Blandine Le Blanc, hailing from Cotes de Cascgone (RM 30 glass, RM 125 bottle). It’s a blend of 60% Colombard and 40% Ugni Blanc, aged on lees. The unpretentious nose exhibits a hint of spice, accompanied by delicate floral and fruit nuances. The palate offers a refreshing crispness with prominent flavours of apple and citrus. It’s higher in acidity than the last white, better suited to food than as a drop on its own.

I appreciate a good GSM, so for our steak we move to the 2021 Belle Vignes (RM 33 glass, RM 130 bottle). A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Marselan grapes, it’s a dark ruby red colour with an intense nose filled with berries and blackcurrant. It delivers a lively, powerful and round mouthfeel. The absence of oak aging allows the wine’s rich fruit character to shine through. They also have a Malbec that is a little dryer in the mouth with structured tannins. It would do well with fattier cuts of steak such as the wagyu.

Beast by The BIG Group Menu

Light Bites

Pretty little Grape & Zucchini Burrata Tarts (RM 30) and Amaebi & Bresaola Toast (RM 58) are the perfect bites to begin. Not only gorgeous, but perfectly balanced, these snacks showcase the care that goes into every dish. In the former, a paper-thin shell is filled with balls of zucchini, topped with creamy burrata, pine nuts and green grape slices. Yuzu essence sprayed over upon serving adds a hint of citrus. The latter, is a fantastically creamy, soft prawn topped with bresaola with a citrus kosho butter on a crisp round of toast. The Chardonnay Viogner blend is magical with the last bite, making the flavours of the sea fill the mouth. “Wonderful little bites,” says Rich. “It’s a party in my mouth and I’m invited,” adds Margarita. The first round is a win!

Entrée

The round of entrees further confirm the kitchen’s commitment to using the freshest ingredients. The Prawn Cocktail (RM 48) is a modern deconstructed version with perfectly cooked shrimp and vibrant seasonal vegetables – turnip, lettuce, radish, carrot, cucumber – are arranged around a bowl of fermented shrimp (budu) mayo under a layer of grated cashew nuts. The local take on pink cocktail sauce is brilliant! It’s a wow.

Pretty as a picture, the Beetroot & Raspberry Salad (RM 46) is a colourful plate of goat’s cheese snow surrounded by beetroot, orange segments, pickled shallots, pine nuts, rice pearls and yoghurt. The textures and flavours balance making a deliciously naturally sweet and cleansing salad.

The next two entrées are both prepared tableside providing some old-school service that pairs perfectly with the upbeat jazz tunes. The Charred Caesar Salad (RM 46) has the most decadent pieces of veal bacon partnering with crunchy croutons and a generous shaving of Parmigiano Reggiano balancing out the crisp romaine lettuce heads. The Beef Tartare Yukke (RM 58) is a vibrant red from the fermented Korean chilli, gochugaru, dressing mixed through. Slices of crisp nashi pear and thin bread chips supply freshness and crunch to the moist meat.

Mains from the Grill

Chargrilled Whole Turbot (RM 288) is our first main and it’s an absolute delight. This fish is treasured for its robust white flesh and delicate, sophisticated taste. Sides of new potatoes  seasoned with garlic and thyme, and caviar cream sauce are carby, creamy complements.

Getting the best of both worlds, the whopping Australian Black Angus Porterhouse Steak (RM 45 per 100g) delivers steaks from both sides of the bone, the top loin and the tenderloin. It’s a thick juicy cut (850 g) cherished for its tenderness and flavour. The chef recommends it to be cooked medium, and it’s visually appealing when delivered. The charred edges hold a juicy pink middle, and the chef has kindly sliced it for us, making devouring it oh so easy. Beef jus, asam salsa (their local twist on chimichurri – great on its own but too much for the steak), whole grain and English mustard allow guests to spice up their steak as much or as little as they like. The sides are ordered apart and ours are just as decadent as the prime cut of meat – truffle mashed potatoes, and sauteed asparagus with black fungus.

Dessert

I don’t have a sweet tooth but can never so no to Sticky Date Pudding (RM 38). It’s a family favourite, and Beast by The Big Group’s version is so moist. The toffee sauce is a dream and the clotted cream is a final blob of velvety indulgence.

Lastly, who can resist a good flambé? Crepes Suzette (RM 38) are the final jewel in the crown set alit tableside by the skilful hands or Beast’s service staff. It’s a generous serving of four folded crepes with brandy orange butter sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. While it’s tasty, we’d like to see it cooked a little longer, and we’re too enamoured with the sticky date pudding to fall in love with anything else. And guess what? All desserts come with complimentary tea or coffee! Now that’s something to smile about.

Reasons to visit Beast by The BIG Group: gorgeous and comfortable setting; sticky date pudding; we love the prawn cocktail, especially the budu mayo; beetroot & raspberry salad; amaebi & bresaola toast; great steak expertly prepared; value-for-money wine by the bottle.

Beast by The BIG Group
Lot – T-06, Level 3 Bangsar Shopping Centre
285, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar,
59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+6 010-265 9539

Beast by The BIG Group Opening Hours
Monday: Closed (BUT, Open for Christmas!)
Tuesday & Wednesday: 6-10 pm
Thursday to Sunday: 12-3 pm & 6 – 10 pm

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