Review: Susan's Bistro @ Bandar Mahkota Cheras

**Pork Free**


I've blogged about Calabria Cafe & Restaurant way back in 2007. Not long after that it seems that the people who ran this cafe went over to Bandar Mahkota Cheras and opened up Susan's Bistro, I gather so since it's the same few faces who served us. Anyway, Calabria Cafe has been renamed not too long ago, can't remember what since I only passes by there.

Susan's Bistro stuck out like a sore thumb between the many Chinese food courts, Mamak shops and dai chow (stir-fries) restaurants around Bandar Mahkota Cheras' commercial area. However, there is a steady stream of patrons visiting this Italian cafe from around the neighbourhood. We tend to drop by whenever we ran out of options or when BoiBoi decided that he wanted to have pasta or pizza. Considering the prices in the menu and the stuff churned out from the kitchen, it's not a surprised that they're still standing strong amidst all the competitions around here.

So far their food has been consistently good except for a couple of times when Capt'n Hook was there with just the kid. We visited again not too long ago, seems to be ok this time round. For this occasion we have a Golden Garlic Escargot (RM16) as starter. Half a dozen of escargot complete with shells came on a bed of light and creamy sauce and topped with some croutons. Loved the sauce which is not rich at all and great if you're a garlic fan, great when soaked them up with the croutons! The texture of the escargot was firm and bouncy unlike another place we have been recently that was all too soft.



I asked for a Wild Mushroom Soup (RM7) since I know very well BoiBoi won't be able to finish up his dinner. BoiBoi loved mushroom soups and he did not hesitate to ask me to have some. Served with a crunchy garlic toasts, this soup packed with mushroom bits and it's certainly not the instant kind. Again it's not overly creamy that will overwhelm your entire dinner.



BoiBoi ordered a Smoked Salmon Spaghetti (RM17.50) which according to him is his favourite *roll eyes*. If I remember clearly, he had ordered this each time we're here and he's not someone who fancy fish unless they're deep fried! The spaghetti here is done al dente and you can just look at the pic how much smoked salmon slices are in there! The creamy white sauce is thickish and peppered with capers.



I need to get this out of my system - Capt'n Hook always order rice with cheese be it at those Hong Kong style cafe or Italian cafe!!! Ahhh that feels better :p This time, not his first either, he asked for Beef Doria (RM18). Ehhh... we were surprised they have changed the dish served to us. The portion has grown large due to a larger dish used! Still cheesy and tasty!



At the end of dinner, our "boss" requested for dessert and he picked a Creme Brulee (RM8.50). I raised my eye brows when it arrived as it was topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Hmmm... but it doesn't really matter as the boss likes ice cream. Digging into the creme brulee, it's not cloying at all, not too bad to end the meal.



The other times we have tried other stuff such as Cioppino (RM8) which is a tomato seafood based soup packed with seafood. Pardon the pics cos they're taken with my trusty W800i.



Seafood Doria (RM19) is delicious and packed with seafood as well. Guess who had this???



Gamberi Aglio Olio With Linguine (RM18.80) is a prawn filled linguine, just check the amount of prawns versus linguine. It's light and not laden with oil.



As for dessert we have the Tiramisu (RM7) which is quite all right and served in a teacup. Not sure why they don't serve the alcoholic version anymore :( which was of course better.



This cosy Italian-style family bistro also serves set meals for both lunch and dinner. Menu varies and it's noted at a blackboard outside the cafe. I've had them before and it's really value for money with a main that comes with a glass of iced lemon tea, best when it's below RM20! If you're around the area, mark this down!


Susan’s Bistro
No.6 Jalan Temenggung 3/9, Seksyen 9
Bandar Mahkota Cheras
Selangor
Tel: (+603) 9010 4588
Click here for map