THE latest addition to the Jake’s Charbroil Steaks family is a restaurant that brings continental and Mediterranean influences to a neighbourhood in Petaling Jaya better known for its cafes and Asian offerings.
Casa Seventeen at Jalan 17/45 in Section 17, is an extension of Casa Rosa in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, but with a warmer tavern-style ambience.
Wooden accents, soft lighting and an upstairs event hall further set it apart from its steakhouse-style siblings.
For founder and chef IJ Lau, who has been behind Jake’s since its beginnings, Casa Seventeen is positioned as a cosy gathering place for families and small groups, and represents a return to hearty, unpretentious cooking.
“Real food for real people,” he said, when asked about the philosophy behind Casa Seventeen, which opened in middle of this year.
“Nothing comes out of my kitchen without me approving it. If I don’t like it, customers don’t get to taste it.”
The Dancing Garlic Prawn (RM38) was suggested as a starter during StarMetro’s visit, while the Baked Salmon Strudel (RM57) was a personal choice.
The prawns were firm and juicy, with their natural sweetness lifted by garlic aioli and basil pesto sauces.
The six whole prawns were generously topped with fragrant finely diced garlic.
Eaten whole, each piece came bursting with aroma and texture, and is a must-try.
The salmon strudel proved to be the surprise of the evening.
It featured a single sheet of pastry wrapped around moist salmon, cooked just right, with the light pastry holding its form.
A light pesto cream sauce complemented the fish with a hint of nuttiness, without being overpowering.
Seafood and meat were also feature prominently in the menu, from Escargot Baked with Walnut Garlic Butter (RM42) to Hungarian Lamb Shank Braised in Mushroom Sauce (RM68).
Steak remains central, with Australian Wagyu Tenderloin (RM356) and Jake’s Original Barbecue Spare Ribs (RM248) listed among the signature dishes.
Casa Seventeen’s menu also offers pastas, pizzas and set lunches, including a two-course weekday menu at RM28, which Lau described as a way to introduce first-timers to the kitchen’s cooking.
Casa Seventeen’s prices place it in the mid-premium range, but Lau insists on providing value.
He shared that regulars include both long-time Jake’s customers and younger diners drawn by the restaurant’s tapas, slow-cooked meats and European-inspired specials.
“Weekends are busiest for us; weekday bookings are easier to secure,” said Lau.
He added that choosing Section 17 as the location of his latest restaurant was straightforward.
“I own the building,” he remarked with a laugh, adding that the upstairs event space gave Casa Seventeen a unique edge for weddings, family gatherings and corporate launches.
If there was one drawback to the visit, it was not being able to sample more.
The menu is wide and varied, but there was only so much space left after the salmon and prawns.
It is, however, reason enough to plan another visit.
CASA SEVENTEEN, 41 and 43, Jalan 17/45, Section 17, Petaling Jaya. (Tel: 017-326 8029) Business hours: Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 11pm. Closed on Mondays. Pork-free.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
