Laila's

Alfresco dining at Kelana Jaya's lakeside is a placid, mosquito-free affair, mercifully.

Laila's might sound like a Malay restaurant, but booze is abundant here. Salsa classes and live musical performances are also a regular feature.

The menu's highlights are family recipes. Vee's Devil Curry was mild-tasting, without the spicy kick associated with this recipe. But that's not a terrible thing for those of us who aren't die-hard admirers of chillies.

Madam Lee's Chicken Pongteh. Worth ordering if you like Peranakan food. Seemed authentic, but not all that flavorful; like most of the pork-free dishes here, this is basic enough to be replicated at home.

Anni's Lamb Stew, cooked with Sarawak spices. Reasonably tender and robust-tasting meat, served with baked potatoes, carrots & coleslaw. But nope, Vee, Madam Lee & Anni weren't personally toiling in the kitchen.

All main courses come with rice. Helpful, since there's so much gravy.

Lake Dance (whisky, cherry brandy, cranberry juice, soda) & Galway Gray (vodka, creme de cacao white, triple sec, lime juice, whipped cream).

Sex On The Beach (vodka, monin peach, creme de cassis, orange, cranberry juice) & Chocolate Coated Kisses (vodka, monin strawberry, chocolate, whipped cream).

Ribena-based fruit punches.

Laila's Cafe & Lounge,

Plaza Kelana Jaya.