Magna Carta

I was cruising through the city when I decided to have a magna cenae.  Now, where could I go for a realllll magna one?  Why not try Magna Carta, the little voice in me whispered.

Magna Carta (Latin for 'The Great Charter'), the fusion cuisine restaurant is owned by Dino Bidari, the owner of previous Magenta (the wooden restaurant hidden along Jalan Nanas which is now history).  Located strategically at the Old Court House overlooking the Kuching Waterfront and the Dewan Undangan Negeri, Magna Carta is surely a force to be reckoned with by those in the F&B industry.

My friend and I ventured into this restaurant for a Raya Eve celebration.  I find this place quite captivating in its simplicity.  The space within is well-used, and it's accentuated by pieces and pieces of antiques.

We chose to sit outside at the courtyard as it was a warm night.  This place is not air-conditioned.  Just a few ceiling fans to keep you cool.  Ordering our food was quite an experience.  Steps away from the entrance was the blackboard menu.  Standing in front of the blackboard menu, eyes moving keenly, we placed our order.  And we were momentarily transported back to when we were in school.  O memories of yesterdays flooded back.

We settled for the Magenta Lamb Shank, Salmon Mango Salsa, Caesar Salad, Honey Dew Juice and Watermelon Juice.

The Honey Dew Juice and Watermelon Juice...highly refreshing and light.  Just what you need on a very warm night.

Honey Dew Juice & Watermelon Juice

Not long after our drinks were served, came the Caesar Salad.  (Yes, service was fast, I must say)  Freshness is what people look for in a salad.  And that's what we got.  My verdict:  Good! (Just that I think the pricing was a tad on the high end for something as simple as Caesar Salad *smiling sheepishly*)

Caesar Salad

Next came the Salmon Mango Salsa.  "Here, salmon is called Sulaiman", said one of the staff who served us, jokingly.  The salmon was rather overcooked.  That was the first impression I got when I took a bite of just the salmon.  But eating it together with the mashed potatoes was a different story.  Just one word to describe it: Perficio!  And don't you think it was quite artfully garnished?  My verdict:  Recommended.

Salmon Mango Salsa

The Magenta Lamb Shank made its grand entrance next.  Just look at the size of the portion.  Big enough to satiate our appetite.  And the lamb was tender and juicy.  The gravy was thick and flavourful.  For a while, with every bite came "Mmmmmm...".  My verdict:  Highly recommended.

Lamb Shank

We left feeling full and satisfied.

Glossary:

Cenae - dinner

Perficio - perfect