Jarrod & Rawlins, or J&R, has come a long way since they opened their first deli bistro (now defunct) in Desa Sri Hartamas, selling British style grub: sausages, English breakfasts, bacon sandwiches, steaks etc to hungry (and thirsty) Malaysian public. Their menu has evolved to be more sophisticated, and now you can find their outlets in Ampang, Damansara Heights, Jalan Bangkung (Bangsar) and even Kota Kinabalu.

Mr Denis Rawlins, who puts the “R” in J&R, is definitely passionate about his craft. In fact, Denis started out as a sausage maker, catering for just friends and family but the production eventually outgrew his home kitchen. Now, you can see his products even in our local supermarkets. At their establishments, he is mostly responsible for the menu with many dishes inspired by his day-to-day homecooking. Most recently, their menu has been refreshed to provide even more delectable dishes and we were invited to sample some of them at their newly renovated Ampang outlet.

The Ampang outlet is relatively easy to locate, situated at Ampwalk Mall right on Jalan Ampang. The most prominent feature here is the large screen TV playing your favourite classic hits, and a cute children corner. Tasteful art decorated the wall and a long bar provides plenty of room for those with liquid needs.

We started our party with a decadent Whole Baked Camembert Cheese. The melted cheese oozes, scooped up by torn pieces of baguette. Sinful delicious.

There was already a plate of J&R’s popular Char-grilled Pork Belly going around the table disappearing like hot cakes. Hard to go wrong with Pork Belly and these are seasoned perfectly with a smoky edge. Very moreish.

Of the dishes listed on the blackboard, I most looked forward to tasting the Liver, Onion & Bacon with mashed potato, Onion Gravy and Crispy Steaky Bacon. It was exactly like I expected, the distinctive metallic hint of the liver is balanced by the sweetness of onion and umami chopped up bacon. Their mash is buttery and smooth, Frank approved it. This is my favourite dish of the night for sure.

Denis told us he often cooks this for his children and it’s a household favourite. We agree too, the meatballs are tender, tasty with thick gravy and sweetened by the berries jam. Give me a side of vegetables and this is a complete meal for me. Yum.

The impressive display of carnivorous delight hit the table, inducing pangs of “Oohs” and “Aahs”. The ribs are slightly charred with slight bitter note, characteristic of the smoking method but backed by hint of sweetness. They are also sufficiently tender, best enjoyed with fingers, caveman-style. The coleslaw is decent too.

And we didn’t finish there. The aromatic spices accompanying these Lamb Skewers drown out the otherwise gamey meat. I don’t normally like lamb, but enjoyed this very much. It’s even better topped with some raita. You might have noticed that there were not a lot of greenery so I appreciated those rocket leaves.

I didn’t snap a pic of their Creme Brulee as I often skip desserts these days at food reviews, but the rest of the gang approved it. There were also plates of Crispy Bacon with Apple Sauce, and their famous Chili Dynamite Sausages going around the table to feed those who couldn’t get enough of meat. Needless to say, we enjoyed ourselves feasting, drinking, and singing along to the Rock n Roll tunes. What a night!

Jarrod & Rawlins Restaurants
Ampang
AMPWALK Mall, Jalan Ampang
Lot G08B, Grd Flr
The AMPWALK, 218 Jalan Ampang.
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2166 0708
Bangkung
No 63, Jalan Bangkung,
Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2095 1608

Damansara Heights
No. 32-M, Jalan Medan Setia 2,
Plaza Damansara
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2093 5830

Kota Kinabalu
Times Square, Kota Kinabalu
Lot 29&30, Block E
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tel: 088-231 890

Website: http://jarrod-rawlins.com