November 30th, 2011
Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the opening of the original SOULed OUT cafe in the Kuala Lumpur residential area of Sri Hartmas, the owners have embarked on the expansion of the concept of the neighbourhood cafe with the opening of a second SOULed OUT outlet in the upmarket Jalan Ampang district of KL. Fronting onto the busy Jalan Ampang, and the in heart of the embassy and high end residential area of KL- and with close proximity to the downtown office towers, the outlet caters for a new group of customers. The concept remains the same as the original SOULed OUT– a casual, inviting atmosphere to enjoy meals and drinks with groups of friends- or office colleagues.
The new SOULed OUT occupies a large ground level space within a modern office tower- and comprises both indoor dining and bar, and an outdoor terrace zone fronting onto Jalan Ampang. The interior is spread over two levels, with the kitchen and main bar area on the ground, and two dining rooms on the upper, mezzanine level. The design has been created by international designer Ed Poole who has also worked on other projects for the SOULed OUT group- the ultra-popular WIP restaurant & bar in the Bangsar district of KL, and the stylish restaurant & supperclub- 7ATENINE . For the new outlet, the designer has created an attractive contemporary style, with added elements of sophistication- combinations of designer furniture and natural materials- to provide a visually engaging experience within a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. The full height glass facade is dominated by two towering pillars that stand either side of the glass doorway entrance to the interior. Constructed from a multitude of individual rectangular cuts of timber, pieced together by hand onto the pillars in random pattern, the texture and appearance evokes the towering native tree trunks of a tropical rainforest. Inside arrangements of “bakau” timber poles are cut and suspended from the ceilings. Large sliding chalkboards- both at the ground level of the entrance lobby, and on the upper mezzanine level graphically display the specials of the day from the kitchen and bar.
Looking out over outdoor terrace from upper level dining room
Upper level rooms- with poles of bakau timber suspended from the ceilings & sliding chalkboards along the passageway
Dining room on upper level
The outdoor terrace at SOULed OUT extends for the full length of the restaurant frontage and is protected overhead by large extendable canvas awnings. An open pizza kitchen is prominent on one side, with the bar area opening onto the terrace at the other end. Solid timber “butcher’s block” tables are complimented by bright orange molded chairs, with ample air circulation provided by overhead fans. A large white wall screen at the bar end of the terrace is used for projection of sports events at night.
The main bar is located in a separate room at one end the interior. The bar counters are constructed from long lengths of “butcher block” solid timber, and the bar is faced with blue glazed tiling. Interesting use of individual reading lamps along both stretches of bar counter to focus lighting in front of the customer. Ceilings have the same suspended bakau timber poles, adding a warmth and contrasting texture to the bare slate tiled floors. Molded aluminium bar stools line the counter tops on both sides of the bar, and some table and chair seating is also provided. Full height glass opens out onto the outdoor dining terrace at the front- overlooking the streetscape beyond.
The main bar room
The beverage selections at SOULed OUT are centred around fresh, cold beers, and complimented by signature cocktails, wines and spirits, and specially mixed detox juices.
Signature cocktail highlights include the following:
Apple Mojito– Havana Club rum, monin apple syrup, fresh lime juice, sugar, mint leaves & fresh apple juice
Cosmopolitan- Vodka, Cointreau liqueur, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice
Apple Martini– Vodka, monin apple syrup, fresh apple juice
Strawberry Margarita– Sauza Gold Tequila, Triple Sec, strawberry puree, fresh lime juice, syrup
The popularity of SOULed OUT with KL diners for the past 15 years has very much grown from the consistent quality, and good value, of the servings emanating from their kitchens. The new Ampang outlet is offering an enticing selection of cuisines from four kitchens- encompassing Western, Asian, Northern Indian and a pizzeria. From the extensive menu,the WESTERN dishes includes salads and soups, gourmet sandwiches, pastas, meats and seafood. Highlights include- Lamb Shank – Slow cooked to perfection, complemented with home mademashed potato and chunky vegetables; Beef Espetada (for 2 pax)- 400g charbroiled ribeye meat skewers marinated with garlic,laurel leaves and rock salt, served with roast vegetablesand baked potato; and Chicken Cordon ‘BLURR’ – Boneless whole chicken leg wrapped around sausage,cheese and chicken ham with coleslaw and golden fries.
From the ASIAN kitchen- home style favourites such as Singapore Fried Noodles -Rice noodles fried with shredded vegetables, prawns andchicken in tomato sauce; Curry Laksa- Thick curry gravy with chicken, beancurd, egg,fresh cockles and beansprouts; and Hainanese Chicken Rice -Aromatic rice served with poached chicken and fried shreddedginger on a bed of siew pak choy.
The NORTHERN INDIAN kitchen is serving Chicken Makanwala Tikka – chicken stewed in spicy onion gravy; Sizzling Lamb Cutlet- Lamb cutlet marinated in special Indian herbs, served ona sizzling plate; and Chilli Fried Prawns – Tiger prawns sautéed over high heat with chilli and onions.
Popular 11 inch PIZZAS- Mushrooms All The Way – Shitake, button, oyster mushrooms, a touch of basiland mozzarella; and Sake San – Salmon slivers, roe, cherry tomatoes, Japanese mayo,lollo rosso and a hint of wasabi.
There is also a menu of LIGHT BITES- for snacking and sharing over a few drinks. Some of the popular choices are photographed below-
Garlic Chicken Tikka – Chicken chunks coated with chopped garlic and chilli,skewered and grilled in a tandoor oven
Fried Calamari – Crispy squid rings with secret home made ‘sambal’
Chicken Fajitas– Flour tortillas filled with roasted chicken, guacamole, jalapeno, salsa, sour cream and cheese
SOULed OUT Ampang
Address: Ground Floor, Menara HSC, 187 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Car Parking: Valet parking
Reservations: +603. 2181 1626
Website: http://souledout.com.my/
Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/pages/SOULed-OUT-Ampang/143277979091194
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 07:00 am ~ 1:00 am
Promotions: Refer to SOULed OUT Facebook Page for regular updates on events and promotions
Related venues– the SOULed OUT group also operate other popular KL restaurant/bars:
SOULed OUT Sri Harts ; WIP in Bangsar and 7atenine on Jalan Penang in central KL.
