A change in space rejuvenates outlet

By The Star

In recent years, stand-alone restaurants have been mushrooming along Jalan Dungun in Bukit Damansara and these restaurants have been generally well received by nearby residents.

These restaurants are appealing be-cause they provide privacy and exclusivity without requiring any formal dress code. The restaurants also have their own inherent personality that is the result of a blend of the exterior and interior, lending a charming ambience to the whole set-up.

Another plus point is the possibility of extended hours, where patrons can appeal for a dinner to be extended well past closing hour to round off a party with a light supper before bidding final goodbyes.

One such restaurant is The Courtyard Garden, a contemporary restaurant in a resort setting.

Spacious: There is a warm ambience that can be found throughout the outlet.

Recently bought over by a new company, The Courtyard Garden has been rejuvenated with an enhanced menu and a change in space usage, all adding to the charming ambience.

The extended space now allows for a terrace lounge, additional private rooms, two bar counters and a glass-fronted display wine cellar.

Other amenities add to the aesthetic appeal including air mist devices, more air-conditioning, plasma screen at strategic corners and a state-of-the-art sound system. In short, the restaurant now delivers an all-out sensory experience that caters to all five senses.

The two-storey building is also located on spacious grounds, providing ample parking for patrons.

Comfortable: The Lounge offers a more casual dining experience to patrons.

As patrons enter through the timber-panelled entrance gates, an entrance foyer designed to heighten the feeling of arrival will greet them. A generous amount of space has been allocated for the foyer and a flight of pebbled stones leads towards the restaurant's reception area.

From the reception area, patrons have access to the indoor dining area of the Long Bar.

The Long Bar is a popular spot for Sun-day family gatherings and is great for interaction. Located along a terrace lined with dining tables, the Long Bar also sports plasma screens to complete the area.

This is one of the new additions to the restaurant, allowing patrons the choice of Lounge or Terrace dining. I enjoyed the terrace, as it was cosy and inviting, encouraging patrons to relax and unwind, soaking in Mother Nature, which surrounds it.

Upstairs, the owners have kept it simple and reserved the space for two private rooms. The larger one can comfortably seat about 20 people while the smaller on caters to about 10.

Cozy: Even the silverware and the table decorations have been chosen to blend in with the overall feel of the outlet.

Both rooms come complete with plasma screens and Courtyard Garden has actually used them for karaoke functions in the past.

While dining may be the main focus of the outlet, the private rooms also lend themselves perfectly for meetings and seminars, when the rooms can be tailored to fit more people in. Projectors are also available.

Apart from keeping in touch with its customers needs, the new management has upgraded the restaurant's facilities to five star standards, allowing them to cater to everything from individual diners to large parties and events, all without compromising personalised service, efficiency, quality and attention to detail.

The Courtyard Garden is located at 10, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara.

By Catherine Lai, a trained Interior Con-sultant, reviews interesting commercial space and can be reached at esca@tm.net.my.fnb@corushotelkl.com