GRAZE, SIP AND SING AT SARASTRO KL BY MILLENNIUM

 

Much as I'd like to refrain from using the term ‘hidden gem’, Sarastro KL at Millennium Lounge is exactly that. Ensconced inside a loft-like space atop Tribeca KL, the initial impression we had of Sarastro KL was it’s one of those speakeasy bars people enjoy discovering.

Exuding the vibes of a gentleman’s club meets posh library, the sedate feel is alleviated by some whimsical Harry Potter-ish touches: owl figurines perched from book-filled shelves, clusters of decorative candles, and vintage bric-a-bracs. The cloak and dagger element is a hidden door leading into the inner sanctum, camouflaged as a sturdy bookshelf.

Inside a raised stage for live performances – currently a solo guitarist entertains Thurs-Sat 8pm-11pm – take pride of place. Overhead is the outlet’s name picked out in Hollywood-style lights.

The banquette seating beside a bank of glass picture windows accords a nice view of the city skyline dominated by the Merdeka 118 Tower. Orderly clusters of dark wood tables and upholstered chairs in neutral tone can easily fit small and large dining groups.

In addition, there are two other private rooms: one can accommodate 10 persons whilst the other can fit up to 20. Karaoke systems are available in-room so songbirds can warble to their hearts’ content.

As a prelude to dinner, the resident mixologist rustled up cocktails for us, complete with billowing misty effects using dry ice. He shook, rattled and poured the concoctions into glasses and voila, two cocktails were created. It was a toss between Cherry Blue comprising Bombay Sapphire gin, Bacardi, Cointreau, blackcurrant syrup and blue curaçao garnished with lime wheel; and Purple Rain mixed from vodka, blue curaçao, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, and lime juice.

Both drinks were a tad sweet IMO but they were more agreeable when paired with nibbles. Right off the bat, we raved over the Whitebait (RM36). Deep-fried until crisp in feather-light batter then tossed with togarashi (Japanese spice condiment) and nori strips, the delicate sweetness of those little fishes dipped in an invigorating herbaceous aji verde (Peruvian cilantro sauce) were excellent.

The meaty Portobello Fries (RM34) also scored highly. Drizzled with balsamic glaze and served atop wholegrain mustard aioli, we love chomping on the battered chunks amidst sips of cocktails.

Zingy, punchy flavours from the spicy hot sauce coating of Sriracha Chicken Boxing (RM32) left us ooh-ing and aah-ing over the dish. Spiked with dried chilli, curry leaves and a drizzle of honey, we polished off the lot instantly.

With smoked paprika, lemon juice and Italian chilli flakes accentuating the scrumptious Garlic Prawns (RM46), we barely had time to talk and were more intent on wiping the plate clean.

Lightly torched and served with edamame and mushroom mix, the tender Smoked Duck Breast (RM36) proved on-point. The Soft Shell Crabs (RM58), deep-fried and tossed with in-house seasoning, were equally good accompanied by some Vietnamese dip.

House-made Spanish Meatballs (RM34) with herbed tomato sauce and goat cheese were tasty albeit a tad dry, whilst the sautéed Baby Octopus (RM36) with chilli flakes, bonito and nori strips passed muster.

We found the Seafood Croquette (RM28) underwhelming. The deep-fried seafood patties accompanied by mojo picante (Spanish-style spicy-garlicky red pepper sauce) were too pasty for our liking. We reckon actual bits of seafood for better mouthfeel could dial up its appeal.

Possibly the simplest dish of the evening, the Okra Thai Salad (RM38) emerged as a show-stealer. Topped with tobiko, the tender okra, sautéed white pearl corn, long beans and beef bacon, the cohesive ensemble of varied textures and delicate nuances was irresistible when tossed with Thai dressing.

Stuffed with sun-dried tomato pesto and mozzarella, the golden deep-fried Chicken Piedmontese (RM56) with angel hair pasta was on-point. This crowd-pleasing dish should be a hit with cheese and pasta-loving youngsters.

Sour and spicy, the Soft Shell Crab Sambal Pasta (RM59) was unexpectedly agreeable. The slippery strands of linguine slathered with sambal oelek piqued our interest; matching nicely with the crunchier texture of fried soft shell crab.

Another noteworthy option was seared Lamb Rack (RM99). Deftly prepared at medium rare doneness and served with truffle mash potato and creamy dijon aioli, we picked the bones clean.

A voluptuous parmesan pepper sauce enhanced the tender Beef Wagyu Flank (RM139) along with crispy fries. The juicy beef was sumptuous when relished with the rich savoury sauce.

Decadent Brownies (RM36) with strawberries and salt flakes along with delightful Sago Mango Panna Cotta (RM28) layered with Thai mango and sago pearls heralded a sweetly satisfying ending for us.

For reservations or more information, call Sarastro KL by Millennium, tel: 014-327-3889. Address: 8th Floor, Tribeca Serviced Hotel, Jalan Imbi, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. Business hours: Wednesday-Monday, 5pm-1am.

CLUB FLOOR STAYCATION AT SUNWAY PUTRA HOTEL KL

The city skyline graced by the iconic Twin Towers and KL Tower is one of the most compelling when viewed from The Club Lounge, up on the 34^th floor of Sunway Putra Hotel.

As Club Floor guests, we had the privilege of checking in and out at the secluded 272-sqm private lounge. Staffed by a professional and personable team, The Club Lounge is spacious and welcoming. Open daily from 7am to 11pm, the light-filled, serene haven is ideal for dawdling over complimentary breakfast (7am-1030am) whilst perusing the day’s news.

 

Breakfast can be partaken at the Coffee House but we found greater appeal revelling in the exclusivity of The Club Lounge. Quality over quantity is the maxim, with hot cooked breakfast of eggs or noodles made to order. The breakfast fare changes daily too: nasi lemak was on the first morning menu; fried noodles was served the next day.

Suffice to say, the overall selection is more than ample to satisfy finicky eaters. During our stay, we were spoiled for choice by the good variety, ranging from smoked salmon and mixed leaves and condiments for salads, to fresh fruit and breads with different spreads.

  

Two mini island countertops proffer snacks are served throughout the day alongside complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Light refreshments and cocktails form the main highlights at dusk. Entry is restricted to registered Club Floor guests and to maintain its business traveller-friendly stature, no children below 12 are permitted.

 

Besides the city skyline view, some of the lounge’s expansive picture windows look out to the verdant vista of the Bukit Tunku enclave. It was too easy to make ourselves at home amidst the comfy settees and plush armchairs set within the polished marble and wood-clad ambience.

Such understated luxury prevails inside our Club Suite too. The suite is one of the 6 room types (the others being Superior, Deluxe, Family, Club and Junior Suite) available at Sunway Putra Hotel. We were stoked to discover the spacious accommodation boasts the necessary mod-cons: complimentary WiFi connectivity, LED Smart TV, electronic safe, coffee/tea making facilities, mini fridge and microwave oven in the kitchenette.

 

Besides the sectional sofa, we found the executive desk and ergonomic swivel chair to be a boon for work purpose. The armchairs are equally comfortable for lounging in and reading. Catching forty winks throughout our two nights’ stay was a breeze thanks to the fluffy yet firm bed.

I like the roomy en-suite shower and vanity area too. Complimentary laundry and pressing of 3 garments and late check-out (subject to availability) are part of the perks for Club Floor guests. For the convenience of business and leisure guests, Sunway Putra Hotel also offers a scheduled shuttle service that plies the business, shopping and tourist spot routes including Bukit Bintang, Suria KLCC and Kuala Lumpur Tower.

 

Having undergone a RM123million refurbishment programme in 2016, the 650-room, 5-star Sunway Putra Hotel — managed by Sunway Hotels & Resorts — is part of the Sunway Group’s mixed development integrating the hotel with the Sunway Putra Mall and an office tower.

Our attention was drawn to its atrium glass dome which serves as the focal point in the Lobby, atop the Atrium Lounge on Level 9. A sweeping marble staircase dominates the sprawling lobby whilst a wide corridor leads to the hotel’s meetings and events space.

Much as we wanted to make use of the huge outdoor swimming pool, the unfavourable weather kept us indoors during our sojourn. The 24-hour fitness centre with assorted weight and exercise machines is adequate to keep fitness buffs happy.

We naturally didn’t go hungry throughout our staycation in view of the surfeit of food served at the all-day dining Coffee House restaurant. Also onsite is The Atrium Lounge and Gen Japanese restaurant to level up Sunway Putra Hotel’s F&B offerings. (Note: Separate blogpost on Sunway Putra Hotel's F&B outposts coming soon).

 

For reservations, please call Sunway Putra Hotel, tel: 03-4040 9888. Sunway Putra Hotel is located at 100, Jalan Putra, Kuala Lumpur.