MAIO, the newest dining destination in M Suites Hotel, is like icing on the cake for the recently-refurbished all-suites hotel here.
Housed in a charming old mansion in the hotel’s rear compound, Maio is set amid a lush garden and is easily accessible from Jalan Straits View Six, either through Jalan Skudai or Jalan Straits View.
From this entrance, a private driveway will lead you directly to the parking lot at Maio’s doorstep.
Even as you park your car, your eyes will be riveted to the fascinating facade of this hidden gem.Painted in pale yellow, this mansion has a foyer bordered by a wallwhich incorporates a series of attractive arches.
Terracotta floor tiles and lazily whirring ceiling fans above add to the charming Mediterranean feel.
In the lobby, one can get a clear view of the chefs working in the kitchen and also the stone oven where breads and pastries are baked.
Here’s where Chef Ahmad Zaim Abdullah and his team are busy whipping up a range of Mediterranean and Italian food for connoisseurs of their innovative culinary creations.
From complex concoctions to plain flatbreads seasoned with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, meals at Maio are scrumptious because they are freshly-made with quality ingredients.
Since its soft opening three months ago, Maio has been attracting a steady stream of customers who appreciate good food served in an elegant ambience.
Diners can enjoy their meal in a tastefully-appointed dining room that boasts a cosy corner complete with dark leather armchairs, reminiscent of a traditional gentleman’s club in old England.
A marble chess set, laid out in an alcove, is ready for players to pit their skills.
Out in the garden terrace, a glass wall is designed to bring the garden almost up to your table while inviting natural light for an airy atmosphere.
Just ask for Maio’s daily specials and Chris, short for Christian Bernard De Mello, the outlet manager, will give you his recommendations.
If you have any preference, feel free to discusswith him and don’t be surprised when the versatile chefs are able to whip it up for you – if they happen to have all the ingredients.
The restaurant has also successfully hosted several private parties with specially-designed menus.
While waiting for the Calamari Ai Ferri antipasto to be served, my appetite was whetted with freshly-baked ciabatta bread dipped in olive oil and balsamic syrup.
The Calamari Ai Ferri waschargrilled squid lightly flavoured with spicy lime and chilli dressing.
TheMaio Caesar Salad is another refreshing appetiser created with a choice of grilled sliced beef bacon or tender chicken meat, tossed in romaine lettuce, garlic croutons, topped with parmesan cheese and a light Caesar dressing.
If you are a fan of French Onion Soup, you will be delighted that it is served here topped with a layer of freshly-baked puff pastry.
Gently lift the pastry to release the aroma from the piping hot soup which is thick with slivers of sliced onions. There are no hard and fast rules, so you can choose to dip the pastry into the soup or set it aside to separately savour the flaky puff.
Coffee lovers can end the meal with a cup of Affogato made with a tiny scoop of Haagen-Dazs vanilla ice-cream topped with a shot of hot espresso, as well as taste their tantalising Tiramisu.This halal version of Italian cheesecake certainly lives up to expectations, but if you are not into coffee or chocolate, there’s a range of desserts to choose from, including the delectable baked cheesecake with strawberry sauce.
“We get many repeat customers who just want more of the same food,” said De Mello.
“Our signature pizza is also popular for takeaways.In fact, a corporate client whose employees are long-stay guests in M Suites are not moving them to another hotel because they don’t want to miss their meals in Maio.”
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