Special thanks to Platform 9 3/4 Fine Dining & Cellar for extending this food review invitation.
Harry Potter fans will be pleased to know that there is a new restaurant called Platform 9 3/4 Fine Dining & Cellar at Magazine Road (Jalan Magazine). It is named after the magical platform at King’s Cross railway station, at which Harry Potter boards the train to Hogwarts. Indeed, the fine dining establishment is designed to resemble Hogwarts’ Great Hall. Flying books above the floor present an almost mystical setting.
Wine cellars are usually built underground to reduce temperature swings. However at Platform 9 3/4, the wine cellar is defiantly placed at the lightwell. A living tree in the cellar is supposed to provide enough shade for wine bottles. But since the tree has not grown enough foliage, the ceiling must be covered during the day.
Besides à la carte dishes, Platform 9 3/4 offers 6-course dégustation menu. This season, the dishes revolve around earthy elements. The course meal is priced between RM220.00 and RM280.00 and includes a glass of wine. The actual dishes will be revised from time to time as the season progresses.
Our meal begins with Tomato Texture, a unique mixture of tomato gazpacho and watermelon granita. Also included are dehydrated tomatoes, basil seeds and mint. A lemon sphere is meant to be punctured to provide sourness. This sweet-and-sour starter truly keeps the appetite up.
Next, Mushroom Texture delights the palate with earthy flavors of portobello mushrooms. Topped with Béarnaise sauce and truffle foam, this gratifying delicacy is also garnished with dehydrated shimeji mushroom, onion confit and truffle aioli. The aroma is further enhanced with truffle oil.
Beef Cheek is served au jus and with roasted sesame seeds, sour cream and beef cheek bacon. Meanwhile, ravioli are filled with braised striploin. Two types of ravioli skin are used: spinach and sweet corn. Thanks to excellent cooking, the beef cheeks are exquisite indeed.
Cream Of Cauliflower Soup contains a fair amount of crispy croutons. In addition, the presence of truffle oil elevates the soup to an entirely new level. But perhaps most important of all, the soup is presented with a piece of foie gras, which literally melts in the mouth like butter. Last but not least, dehydrated cauliflower is added for a light texture of crispiness.
Duck Confit is one of the main course options. This French delicacy is cured with salt and poached in its own fat for several hours. To compensate for dryness, port wine reduction is added to lend a degree of sweetness. Served on the side are onion chutney, mashed potato, sautéed vegetables and dehydrated zucchini.
Cod Fish is arguably the most well received choice for the main course. Grilled to perfection, the fillet is truly succulent in its entirety. The fish is also served with mango sphere, mashed potato, sautéed vegetables, quail egg and black caviar.
An alternative choice for the main course is Burned Salmon. The salmon fillet is seasoned with balsamic vinegar, honey and soy sauce. The dish comes with mashed potato, sautéed vegetables, charred onion and herb aioli too. Shrimp roe is added for aesthetic appeal.
Moving on to the dessert, Apple Crème Brûlée comprises of sweet custard with caramelized sugar on top. Being rich in eggs, the crème brûlée is creamy indeed. Meanwhile, buttermilk apple chutney on the side is the chef’s special creation.
For customers who are on a limited budget, the restaurant also offers a 4-course chef tasting menu with fewer starters and choices for the main course. The restaurant’s menu is entirely pork-free.
Platform 9 3/4 is a popular venue for birthday celebrations and marriage proposals. Diners who prefer more privacy may request to be seated in a small dining room upstairs. The restaurant closes at 11:00pm, but if the night is young, you may head for the bar at the front for a round of drinks.
Name: Platform 9 3/4 Fine Dining & Cellar
Address: 61, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-251-9223
Business hours: 6:00pm-11:00pm
Website: Click here
Coordinates: 5.41199 N, 100.33199 E
Directions: Platform 9 3/4 is located at Magazine Road (Jalan Magazine), approximately 200 meters from the junction with Jalan C.Y. Choy. The restaurant is located on the left side of this one-way street. There is an outdoor parking space on the opposite side of Magazine Road. The parking fee here is RM3.00 per entry.
