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Its name translating to ‘The Laughter’ in Italian, La Risata serves up comfort food in a rustic environment.
La Risata’s existence for 13 years in the upmarket Damansara area is a testament to its success in the KL dining scene. A charming quaint neighbourhood restaurant, La Risata serves up classic Italian dishes amidst a décor made primarily out of wood, cement and brick. A brick wall was built in the middle of this restaurant to separate two dining sections: the private dining area at the back corner of the restaurant and the more public dining area where high tables and chairs are placed near a bustling bar.
After your orders are placed, a basket of warm bread and accompanying olive oil arrive at your table within minutes by your attendant.
Prep the palate for the onslaught of rich flavours essential to Italian cuisine with a starter that strikes a good balance between appetising and filling. The Burrata con pomodoro (burrata cheese and sweet cherry tomatoes with an Italian dressing) does this very nicely. The burrata cheese’s intriguing texture melds its inherent milky taste with the dressing of tomatoes, pesto and olive oil nicely.
With a starter out of the way, now you are ready for some heavy dose of carbs. While the pizza offerings at La Risata has never disappoint its loyal fans, do give its Christmas-themed pizza a try. Pizza Tacchino has a topping of roast turkey meat, tomato, mozzarella, cranberry and tomatoes. It certainly tastes as good as it sounds; the thin crust and careful moderation of cheese ensures the pizza slices are not overwhelming in flavour so you can eat as much as you want without feeling overloaded.
Moving on to the pasta, the tortellini d’anatra e porcini (tortellini pasta with duck and porcini mushrooms with sage butter and truffle oil) is an excellent choice. The minced duck meat stuffing within the well-pressed pasta is seasoned delicately with pepper as to not overpower the meat’s natural flavours. When mopped together with the accompanying sauce combining luxurious ingredients (sage, butter and truffle oil), the result is decadent.
Agnello Alla Griglia (grilled chilled Australian lamb tenderloin with mashed chickpea and vegetable caponata, finished with red wine reduction)
For meats, a highly recommended pick is the agnello alla griglia (grilled chilled Australian lamb tenderloin with fennel and black pepper crust served mashed chickpea and vegetable caponata, finished with red wine reduction). Served medium, the tenderloin is juicy in the centre and crispy on the outside from the black pepper crust. The sides and vegetables – prepared with refreshing sauce and seasoning – go well with the strong flavours of the meat. This December, go for the brasato di tacchino al caperi (braised turkey shank with mashed potatoes). Braising the turkey meat guarantees moistness and tenderness at every piece of meat you slice. Do savour the cranberry sauce on the side of the meat for an authentic Christmas meal.
For dessert, the torta di cioccolato deserves a special mention. The flourless dark chocolate cake with a melting chocolate centre is heavenly at every bite, especially once eaten with a bite of the accompanying vanilla ice cream. Alternatively, opt for the cannoli (Sicilian fried pastry shell filled with a sweet ricotta cream dipped in chocolate & pistachio bits). Crunchy, creamy and nutty, the symphony of flavours and texture in this dessert is memorably moreish.
La Risata, 128, Jalan Kasah, Medan Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur; 603-2095 9572
Her 11 years at Malaysia Tatler has helped Lily level up from a shy introvert to a pseudo extrovert. She thinks the best thing about being the publication's Generation T and features editor is that she gets to meet inspiring individuals who represent #lifegoals to her. Lily's down time activities include geeking out on console games, devouring a good book (and some dark chocolates!) and singing karaoke. Indoor cycling is her new obsession at the moment. Follow her shenanigans on Instagram at @lilyongsl
