A small restaurant housed in a 2-storey shoplot in an unfashionable corner of Jalan Cantonment is a place that can set your appetite ablaze with its marvelous Italian cuisine.
Markus, just next to DHL office Pulau Tikus has been churning out Italian delicacies in semi-fine dining concept for years under the leadership of chef Markus. He got the name "Markus" with a "K" originated from Germany when he worked in the 3 Michelin Starred Amador Restaurant by Juan Amador, where his colleague had trouble pronouncing his Chinese name and thus giving him a more localized name. Apart from Amador, he also had experience as chef in Shook @ Jw Marriott in Kuala Lumpur and Garibaldi, a 1 Michelin Star restaurant in Singapore.Â
As what you would have expecting from a classic Italian restaurant, Markus uses fresh ingredients specially imported from selected suppliers or handpicked from local produces. The Ala Carte menu changes very few months, with seasonal ingredients brought in almost every week.Â
The dining begins with a complimentary bread basket consists of homemade Foccacia Bread & Homemade Gluten Free Bread), served with Balsamic Vinegar & Extra Virgin Oil. The breads were served warm, and we thoroughly enjoyed the chewy soft bread texture.Â
This month of dishes majority revolved around truffles, one of the most priced ingredients in any kitchen in the world.Â
 |
| Pan Fried Scallop with Spinach & Truffle Emulsion |
 |
| Roast Beef with Tuna Sauce, Borlotti Beans and Freshly Shaved Italian Black Truffles. |
Starters included Pan Fried Scallops with Spinach & Truffle Emulsion, and Roast Beef with Tuna Sauce, Borlotti Beans and Freshly Shaved Italian Black Truffles. The scallop was cooked perfectly, offering a firm outer layer with a slightly soft flesh that carries a buttery texture. Seasoning was on point, which makes the scallop is something that you wish for second piece after finishing the first.
The roast beef was creatively paired with tuna sauce, which created a rich and creamy feeling. It was generously topped with freshly shaved Italian Black Truffles. Best to share it among a group of friends considering its relatively large portion.Â
 |
| Lobster Bisque |
Lobster Bisque is served in front of you by pouring the warm broth and milk foam into the fine herbs and lobster tails. The bisque offers a very rich and creamy taste that has a pleasant seafood aroma.Â
 |
| Cheese Block Pasta |
Next up is the signature item of the restaurant - Cheese Block Pasta. Upon ordering, the pasta will be cooked in front of you in a hollowed cheese wheel. The cooking process involves scrapping the cheese from the cheese wheel, and then torching the pasta several times to infuse an unique char scent. Finally, it is topped with homemade truffle (depending on season), crispy Parma Ham and crushed Pistachio nuts.Â
The resultant fettuccine was amazing in taste. On top of the al-dente pasta texture, the cheese coating the pasta was unparalleled in both quality and taste. The various topping also introduce a dulcet salty sensation.Â
Cheese Block Pasta is something that you should not miss in Markus.
 |
| Gnocchi Tomato Base |
If you prefer a more conventional pasta, Gnocchi Tomato Pasta is a decent option. The homemade potato dumpling is served with tomato sauce and Buffalo Mozzarella, giving it balanced taste between acidity and creaminess.Â
 |
| Eel and Foie Gras Risotto |
Another lovely dish is Eel and Foie Gras Risotto. The rice is cooked perfectly, which paired well with the buttery eels and foei gras.Â
 |
| Duck Breast |
 |
| Pork Tenderloin Saltim Bocca |
Although Italian cuisine is renowned for their pasta, Markus also serves a range of proteins. A few exemplary protein dishes here are Pork Tenderloin Saltim Bocca, which has pounded pork tenderloin topped with sage, Parma Ham and served with mashed potatoes or Smoked Duck Breast.Â
Pork Tenderloin Saltim Bocca is one of the signature dish in Markus that many returning customers would come for.
 |
| Souffle with Ice Cream |
 |
| Classic Tiramisu in Double Glaze Glass |
Those having a sweet tooth will be delighted at the choice of dessert available at Markus. If you have time to spare, order the classic Limoncello Souffle served with Vanilla Haagan Dazs Ice Cream. It is made using homemade lemon liqueur, giving a tricky mild acidity that well balanced with the sweetness from ice cream.
Another popular dessert here will be Classic Tiramisu with Italian Amaretto Liquor & Italian Mascarpone Cheese. It is light in taste, offering a well rounded finish after a pleasant dining here.
All in all, Markus restaurant is the ideal option in Penang for you to enjoy authentic and delicious Italian cuisine. Do visit their wine cellars as they house a range of wines, which you can ask the in-house sommelier for the best wine option that goes well with your dinner choices.
04-226 1443
Operation hours:Â 12pm - 2:30pm ; 6pm - 10pm (closed on Monday)
Follow us for latest Crisp of Life updates at Facebook & Instagram.
Check out Shirleen & Ee Pin's Instagram for more beautiful photos we have taken.
Check out Shirleen & Ee Pin's Instagram for more beautiful photos we have taken.
~End~
No comments