SETTING

Ploy sits on top of a hill, but the view is somewhat blocked because of its building configuration. The interior design speaks of trendy casual dining, suitable for the younger generation and the young at heart. There is a room catering specially for groups. Illumination is deliberately set to dim, providing for a somewhat romantic atmosphere.

FOOD

A healthy opener of pomelo salad is refreshing and tasty with its vibrant mix of pomelo, lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach and canned tuna. The saucy scallop is a unique small serve that’s well presented and tasty, whereas the black rice convincingly demonstrates the creativity of the chef with its raw egg sitting atop black rice colourfully surrounded by greens and semi-raw prawns.

A creatively named platter, the 3 Musketeers consists of three different but complementary small bites of emperor, crab and chicken karaage mantaos (Chinese-type buns). It is inventively plated and each version is delicious in its own way. Moving to the main course, another quirkily-named dish awaits in the guise of Sheep Thrills, a roasted New Zealand baby lamb rack that is nicely cooked, yielding a tender and delicious finish.

The creative naming convention spills over to dessert, with the Bloody Cendol taking the cake. Rest assured, it is so named for its beetroot content that turns the refreshing concoction into a rose-coloured solution.

DRINKS

There is a quite a range of wine, cocktails, sake and spirits available that are adequate but not extensive, covering a variety of price points, particularly the better known and popular wines from European countries.

SERVICE

Guests are greeted and seated promptly upon arrival, and they will find their tables properly set. Water glasses are filled and refilled regularly, meaning the waiters do pay attention to the customers. Wait staff comprise mostly of young people who appear to enjoy their job. They are sufficiently well-trained to be able to recommend and adequately explain the different types of food in their menu. On the drinks side, wait staff need to know their wines and spirits better.

PRICE

The bill amounted to RM328, inclusive of two glasses of wine costing RM51, which are reasonably priced. Ploy offers guests a dining experience of what a creative chef could do in preparing food that’s above the norm. Hence, all things considered, a value for money experience. Plus, it is a restaurant that’s great for dating couples and groups.