De Classroom: still lots to learn

Eating out for valentine is not an easy task. Fine dining? Some are fully booked, most would only serve their special designed set menu. And with the crowd, I doubt the dishes would be worth the price. Call me cheap skate but I would still enjoy the dinner with my wife no matter what the food may be. So, we decided to try some new places which we have not been.

Ipoh old town boast of many newly set up eateries, including pubs, boutique restaurants, cafe and even fine dining. And one can even have a nice dessert here, all within walk-able distance from each other. We actually came across De Classroom many times, mostly while catching pokemon last year. Situated opposited Happy 8, it is in one of the side roads in old town area of Ipoh, within the vicinity of Plan B.

Entering the restaurant I was pleasantly surprised. Despite the cheesy name, the place appears comfortable, with a tinge of class. Ample space occupying 2 shop lots, with high seats providing some privacy to most of the tables. There is even a small electronic bell on each table to ensure attentive service without waiters/ waitresses hovering around.

Obviously with the setting, we can easily guess the menu would be mostly kopitiam derived eastern and western offering. We were happy with the selections but had mixed feeling about the food though. The first dish to arrive is our all time favourite mashed potato (RM5.90). The potato is obviously pre-mixed, as most restaurant would use, for convenience. We would not fault that, but what differentiate some from others would be the gravy. Here, the mushroom gravy has a heavy taste of umami inside, coupled with the sesame on top, it boast an oriental feel to it. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I would say it is quite pleasant. My creamy chicken pesto pasta (RM17.90) is a huge surprise. The portion is humongous, even for someone my size. The whole dish is too heavy on the cream which is a double edge sword. The first few bites was heaven, but finishing the last half was a tedious task. At the end, there was this feeling of "jelak" and I do not think I would touch any creamy dishes for the next few weeks. Lyn's garlic creamy butter chicken (RM16.90) was a contrast to my pasta. The chicken portion was just right. The butter garlic sauce, however, also felt heavy. There was adequate garlic taste to it, but the butter cream taste was too overpowering. I missed this small stall in the old Astrol hawker centre in Ipoh which made the best chicken chop with golden sauce.

Although with all my criticism, eating here is still a pleasant experience. The price is really affordable with the this type of menu and settings. The ambiance is truly comfortable, but in the food department,there are more to learn.

ratings: 3 half poink~!
comments: worth a try. at least the food is better than some so call fine dining which burn a hole in the pocket and the stomach as well.

De Classroom Restaurant and Cafe
55-57, Jalan Market,
30000, Ipoh
05-2412140