Accompanying her is co-owner and friend, businessman Geoffrey Leembruggen.
It has been 16 long years since this Kepong-born songstress won the hearts of Malaysians with her melodious voice with its amazing range. Now she is the co-owner of a swanky new restaurant in Bangsar called Bar At Telawi Street or BATS for short.
FMT was told the previous BATS was originally located two doors down the road and it was more of a live band-entertainment hub.
“I met Geoffrey last year and we became fast friends. He asked me if I would like to jump into giving BATS a new lease of life and I have always been thinking of what other options I should explore besides singing,” Jaclyn says.
Geoffrey is full of praise for his partner, saying, “Jaclyn’s a natural. She gets along with people really well and enjoys what she does.”
At the corner of the restaurant, stands an elegant mini grand piano and a mike. According to Jaclyn, the intention is to have people come in to dine with family or friends and listen to good music by the resident singer.
She said this added feature is what separates BATS from other restaurants in Bangsar. And because most patrons expect it anyway, Jaclyn obliges and sings a song or two – she takes requests as well.
It took two weeks of hard work and long hours for the entire team to completely gut the place and re-design it.
Jaclyn and Geoffrey say they were there bright and early with the rest of the crew, getting their hands’ dirty with the jobs of painting, sanding and shellacking from 7:30am to 10pm every day.
And then on June 29, the fresh-faced BATS was finally ready for its grand debut.
The interior décor of BATS is stylish and stunning. Displayed on the walls are works of art by the pair’s talented friend and photographer Sanjitpaal Singh.
FMT is told these stunning pieces of artwork featuring various wildfire are for sale. At a recent auction, 80% of the proceeds from the sales were donated to the NGO, Rimba.
The remaining funds were channelled towards Jacyln’s newly established foundation that trains and grooms up-and-coming singers.
Beautiful décor aside, the main puller of any restaurant worth its salt is its food.
When asked what her favourites on the menu are, Jaclyn says, “Among my favourites are the lamb cutlets and mutton varuval – can you tell that I love lamb?
“Also, the mee goreng mamak and nasi goreng kampung – can you tell that I eat a lot?” laughs the 42-year-old.
The Mushroom and Asparagus in Cream Sauce is a perfect way to start your culinary adventure at BATS.
Featuring white button mushrooms and asparagus as the main acts, this starter is tasty, creamy and best enjoyed with a crisp slice of garlic bread.
For the carnivores among you, the Braised Lamb Shank is delightfully meaty, cooked to perfection until fall-off-the-bone tender. A luscious and hearty brown sauce makes this already flavourful slab of protein all the more heavenly.
If you’re the kind who doesn’t normally like to share at the table, guard this beauty with your life. Hands off everyone or risk losing a few fingers!
If a spicy, carb-filled plate of comfort food is a must for you no matter which restaurant you’re dining at, then dig into BATS’s Mee Goreng Mamak.
As the chef described it in his own words, it is, “cooked like how an Indian mum would cook it.” Ask for the Geof and Jac special – that comes extra spicy.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the sambal belacan and cili padi served as sides will knock your socks off.
Even if you are inclined towards Italian food, if you are Malaysian, you probably like yours super spicy and bursting with exciting flavour.
The Linguine Oglio with Chilli Flakes and Olive Oil at BATS is served with sauteed tiger prawns that are to-die-for. And to ensure you get full-on seafood flavours, the chef cleverly infuses the pasta with the essence of the prawns.
This is one dish you’ll probably go to bed still dreaming of and wake up next morning wishing for another go at it.
Who doesn’t love to indulge in the odd fast food, right? And over here, the BATS Classic Burger elevates fast food to fine dining.
Served with an extra thick grilled beef patty, you’ll be sinking your teeth into a juicy, flavourful slab of protein so, take a deep breath, close your eyes and just savour each bite.
The accompanying fries too deserve some time in the spotlight, fried as they are to golden perfection, crispy on the outside, hot and crumbly inside.
What’s a night out without an alcoholic drink or two to put you in the right mood for great conversation and a touch of rowdy laughter.
Wannabe sommeliers are likely to have a field day perusing the drinks menu, with its large selection of wines from France. There are also cocktails galore – all the usual suspects and then some more.
It’s 6.30pm and customers are already streaming in, eager for a slice of what BATS has to offer and to simply say “hi” to the famous, beautiful and ever-pleasant Jaclyn.
So, if you’re in the mood for a little indulgent food, some easy listening tunes and to meet your favourite artiste in person, make your way to BATS in Bangsar today.
BATS (Bar At Telawi Street)
14, Jalan Telawi 2
Bangsar
Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 4pm till 12am
Contact: +6012 969 8557
Website: https://www.batsbar.com/