Birthday Lunch

Her birthday was tomorrow, but today being Sunday, seemed like a good idea to celebrate it now. So, my brother took us out for lunch at Sagano, Renaissance. Haven't been there for quite some time, but the Japanese buffet spread there was quite decent. The restaurant being on the quiet side with a nice ambiance helped.

My in-laws also came. We had a pleasant lunch although I joined up late as I had a long ward round this morning, having to go across to Ara Damansara to see a referral as well.

They were close to having dessert by the time I finally made it across town. But the place was still relatively empty and the sashimi platter was still full. I never looked back ....

Was the place really that good?

There, Idlan especially rediscover his love for all things teriyaki and promptly ate a full meal. He could hardly walk after that and we decided to have coffee at the front lobby before heading home.

After 45 minutes of sitting, Idlan then ordered a couple of macaroons. Oh boy! His energy level recharged full of sugar and he just couldn't sit still. It soone started to rain, which further delayed our departure. More excuse to just sit around and order another cup of mocha.

Time to hang around at the lobbyIdlan was full!I had to finish his macaroonsIt was almost 4 in the afternoon when we finally made it home.

Lunch at Sagano

My Dad-in-Law was entertaining a business associate from South Africa this afternoon, and asked if we could join along. The last time we met the couple was when Anita was still carrying Idlan. That was more than 8 years ago now.

Dad asked where we should have the lunch. The boys actually quite liked Sagano, or alternatively Double Tree. In the end, we decided for Sagano at Renaissance Hotel, and managed to get a booking. we set off there after my ward round and the traffic this afternoon in KL was super light. We got there in under 20 minutes and we had a lovely lunch.

Sagano has became popular since we first visited it three years ago. It was a gem, as the food was very nice and the price was reasonable. It was still a notch below PJ Hilton when it came to Japanese buffet, but getting a booking at the Hilton was becoming more difficult lately. I noticed in the last couple of visits that the restaurant was getting packed most of the time. We would always call in for a booking the day before, as there was a risk of being turned away.

So, after the lunch was done - the boys going gaga on the teriyaki - it was time for a trip to KLCC for their haircut.

Lunch at Sagano

It was not often that I was pleasantly surprised. Especially when it comes to food. My brother-in-law was right in the middle of his two weeks in Malaysia before returning again to Turkmenistan. The perils of working for the oil and gas industry I supposed. Good thing that he was not married. But this being the only weekend he had to spend with the family, he decided to treat us for lunch.

We love Japanese and Razak, my brother-in-law loved his oysters. Usually we went to PH Hilton for the Japanese buffet. They do a really good spread for weekends. Very popular and unfortunately by the time we rang them yesterday, they were already fully booked. There was alternatively Marriott Putrajaya. But in Sunday, the Japanese outlet there do an alternative spread. We decided to about that. We opened our trusty KL Food Guide and there it was. Sagano at Renaissance KL. Never been there, but they had tables available. So that was where we had lunch.

We were surprised. The spread was what we wanted, sashimi, oyster, tempura, tappenyaki, chicken teriyaki and even my unagi kabayaki. They were also children friendly, with special plates and cutleries for the boys. And the best part was - with adults, two kids can have the buffet free of charge! Only on Sundays mind you!

A quick peek at one of the private roomsWe definitely went for everything. The staff were friendly - all Malaysians, who understood exactly what we ordered for. I grabbed a whole rack of sashimi - twice. Razak got his oysters. The boys got their teriyaki. Nobody complained. The staffs were super-friendly. Apparently there were private rooms for an extra charge if one wanted privacy and a more personalised service.

Before long, the boys have gone hyper on miso. The started running around the place. Good thing that the place was not packed. Maybe, we better get the private rooms next time we come.

Compared to PJ Hilton, the outlet may lack the finesse in terms of the extra quality of a five star hotel, but to be honest, the reasonable food selections, friendly staffs and the kid-friendly atmosphere will definitely make us return. Apparently, if we wait a bit longer, there will be activities for children at the main hotel lobby - face-painting, games etc from 2.30pm, in time for patients to have hi-tea. Maybe we would try that in the future. In the near future.

SAGANO JAPANESE RESTAURANT, West Wing, 1st Floor, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel, corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-2162 2233