Art Jamming, Cocktails and Comfort Food – Date Night at Publika, Solaris Dutamas

Miss Manners once said, “There are three possible parts to a date, of which at least two must be offered: entertainment, food, and affection. It is customary to begin a series of dates with a great deal of entertainment, a moderate amount of food, and the merest suggestion of affection. As the amount of affection increases, the entertainment can be reduced proportionately. When the affection IS the entertainment, we no longer call it dating. Under no circumstances can the food be omitted.”
The Yum List can’t guarantee the affection part of the equation, but we can set the scene by giving you ideas for fun entertainment and fabulous food. Here’s the sixth in a series of suggested itineraries for taking your loved one, or someone you’re hoping will soon become your special person, on a Date in Kuala Lumpur:

An Arty Date At Publika

Words by Kirsten Durward
Pictures by the Yum List (Monica Tindall)
This series is based on actual experiences in Kuala Lumpur but written with a little whimsical embellishment to enhance the date night concept…
Our creative couple is exploring a new venture of creative expression, which each secretly hopes may be the blossoming of a fresh passion to explore together. Today they’ve planned a perfect pairing of artistic afternoon and delicious dining at Publika.
A row of blank easels strikes a chord of trepidation but our budding artists are soon set at ease by the friendly staff’s reassurance and encouragement. A selection of pictures is offered to stimulate ideas, and soon they’re relaxed and ready to ‘jam.’ Popping the cork on a bottle of bubbles puts the seal on the start. Decked out in a paint-splattered apron, he chuckles, ‘Ooh sexy!’ before wandering over to peruse the range of colourful acrylics.
Art Jamming, The Studio KL, Publika
Art Jamming
Pencils waver, brushes swoop and sponges splatter, colours mix, textures build and palettes clatter. Each is intent on their own expression, but from time to time they pause for breath to glimpse the other’s growing creation and whisper gentle encouragement.  The uplifting music creates a wonderful atmosphere, such that she wonders if she can buy the mix. Backwards and forwards they trot to refill palettes from the ample assortment of paints.
Three hours pass in joyful companionship, until… ‘I’m no artist!’ eventually he whispers, ‘but you’ve caught something there,’ as he wipes the paint from her cheeks with a gentle swipe of a towel. She laughs and plops a blob on his nose. A slight clean up and our happy creatives find their tummies rumbling, and ready for a taste of something good, then amble hand in hand through the rising afternoon throngs to find a table at Ben’s.
Soaking up the lively atmosphere they sit out side in the warmth of the afternoon, enjoying the hatter of happy voices, and general upbeat buzz of the terrace. Perusing the Drinks Menus – ‘Naughty or Nice?’  A smile – ‘Oh let’s be naughty…’ A pitcher of Watermelon Margarita arrives, cool and refreshing, to loosen their tongues. Not that they’re needed but Conversation Cards amuse, with the question of, ‘If you were to serenade someone, what song would you sing?’ breathed through her lips. ‘Truly, Madly, Deeply,’ comes the answer, with the lyrics; ‘I want to stand with you on a mountain, I want to bathe with you in the sea. I want to live like this forever…’
Ben's Publika
Jug of Cocktails
The arrival of two generous salads stops the serenade at this point. Her Burnt Butter Wild Mushroom holds subtle flavours of Roquefort, coriander and truffle oils with a sweet treat of caramelized walnut hidden within. His Deconstructed Thai Beef Salad features shredded green mango and a good deal of thick cut beef. Both munch contentedly as another special day draws to a close. The creations perhaps not heirloom material, but the joyful memories will last a lifetime.
For a complete look at Ben’s menu, follow this link.
Ben's Publika
Burnt Butter Wild Mushroom Salad
The Studio KL
Block D1 G4 Lot 9
No. 1 Jalan Dutamas 1

 

Solaris Dutamas, Publika
50480 Kuala Lumpur

 

Art Jamming at The Studio KL is Art Therapy in the most fun way. Open daily 11am – 6pm, an adult session lasts three hours and cost RM120 per person. Participants are welcome to bring their own beverages and nibbles.
Ben’s
Lot 37A and 37B, Level G2

 

No. 1 Jalan Dutamas 1
Solaris Dutamas, Publika
50480 Kuala Lumpur
+ 6 03 6205 2768


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2 Comments

  1. weather here very hot , i need a glass of cocktail.

  2. i've actually not visited the art sections of publika, so this is a terrific tip! 😀

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