Lunching Above The City. Sky Bar, Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

(no pork served, Invited Review)

 

"When you realize how perfect everything is, you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky..."

~Ancient Saying~

View of the Twin Towers Sky Bridge

Even in the absence of perfection in one's life, it is easy to tilt back the head and laugh at the sky especially when you are at the Sky Bar. Perched on the 33rd Floor of the Traders Hotel, it offers a beautiful, unobstructed view of the sky via the openings of the high walls, framed like a beautiful impressionist painting. But more exquisite than any Degas or Monet, one can witness the cloud being chased by the winds and the colour of the sky unfolding in different hues according to the time of day. A living, evolving, organic feast of shapes and palette that is beautiful visually as it is calming spiritually.

Beautiful view of the "framed sky"

The Clouds and Sky appear so much nearer at that height and the architects have cleverly accentuated the feeling of space with the high ceilings and lots of natural light. Coming from the moribund environment of the office with the awful fluorescent lights and air conditioning, the Sky Bar was an instant relief. There are several sitting arrangements available there from comfortable couches, sunken poolside seats to high tables and bar chairs.

High Ceilings and a Power Blogger cum Celebrity Baker

The Sky Bar is disarmingly charming and casual. It seems like an ideal place to have a casual lunch or an informal discussion in a beautiful environment. There is a new Chef, Alan Wong and he has come up with a very interesting concept of a cross between a Sandwich and a Burger (?Sandburger? ?Burgwich?) which of course comes with more proteins than a regular portion of sandwich.

Grilled Free Range Chicken Sandwich, Melted Brie Cheese and Black Pepper Sauce served on Turkish Bread. RM23++

Unlike most hotel poolside restaurants which serves the usual Burger or Club Sandwiches more as a perfunctory obligation like like a frigid wife, the Sandwiches at Sky Bar are unrelentingly passionate. The interesting pairing of ingredients should pique even jaded palates and when served on some of the most beautiful bread found in KL, it is exemplary.

Grilled Minced Lamb Loin Burger, Pesto Mint and Sour Cream served on Sesame Bun. RM 23++

Take for instance, the Grilled Free Range Chicken Sandwich I had. It was a blissful union of moist chicken and cheese. Like any successful marriage, the Brie was unabashedly compromising and not aggresively dominant. It complemented the salinity of the Meat with it's sweetness and lushly smooth creaminess. Lovingly fondled with some gossamer light Black Pepper Sauce, it was served with delicious Turkish Bread.

Vegetarian Spring Rolls from the Snack Menu

The delightful Lamb Burger came miraculously devoid of gaminess associated with Lamb Patties probably by masterful seasoning. It offered an playful twist to Pesto Sauce with the addition of Mint which complemented the meat exquisitely.

Grilled Black Angus Sirloin, Beef Bacon, Caramelized Onion and Blue Cheese served with Door Step Rye Bread. RM 42++

Just a small note about the glorious brute sized French Fries that came with  sandwiches. Those who firmly believe that Fries are evil Sirens who lure dieters sailing to the island of  Sylphic Proportions shipwrecking them to drown in the sea of Obesity, please tell the kitchen to omit them.

One look at the mutants, you will delve into them with careless abandon. I succumbed, and carry a message from the evil side.

A state of euphoric, Nirvanic bliss is easily attainable by ingesting the right proportion of fat and carbohydrates in the form of potato starch. More so if you are 33 floors above ground.

Grilled Australian Sirloin, Beetroot and Eggs served on Freshly Backed Ciabatta. RM 32++

Of the two beef based sandwiches, I preferred the grilled Australian Sirloin. Served with some lightly pickled beets and eggs, it was a lively ensemble of flavours and textural contrasts.

Caesar's Salad from the Snack Menu

The Angus Sirloin, caught bringing home the Bacon was too intensely grilled by the ICAC, who should have subjected the heat treatment to dubious politicians and underworld figures if they were interested in finding out who was skimming the fat from the cream.

Having said that, poor Angus survived the interrogation pretty unscathed save for a slightly overdone meat.

Pan Seared Cod Fillet, Green Pea Puree served with Sesame Bun. RM 28++

The Slices of Salmon were served on perfectly scrambled eggs together with some truffles. It would make the perfect brunch sandwich. Light, sinfully opulent and healthy.

Scrambled Eggs, Black Truffle, Smoked Salmon Sandwich served on White Bread. RM 23++

Belonging to a strange Oriental Cult which believes that Funeral rites of a regal piece of Cod should not involve Sesame Buns and Green Pea Puree, I refrained from participating and will leave the Cod's eulogy to Fat Boy Bakes and Aly.

Chef Alan Wong

The most surprising thing about the lunch besides the lovely vista of KL was the price, which I found to be reasonable.

The Sky Bar is reputed to have a beautiful Sunday Cocktail Buffet, which I hope to try soon if I can escape from my weekly Sunday obligations.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Theresa Goh, the Communications Manager of Traders Hotel for hosting beautiful lunch, and to FBB and Aly for the invite.

Fat Boy Bakes aka FBB

Slim Girl Eats aka Aly

Aly and the affable Theresa Goh from Traders Hotel

Waterfall at the KLCC Park, just in front of the entrance to Traders Hotel

Sky Bar
Level 33
Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur City Centre
50088
Malaysia
Tel: +6.03.23.32.98.88

Parking is easily available at the KL Convention Centre.

Disclaimer: The cost of the meal was entirely borne by Traders Hotel. There was no coercion for me to do a favourable write up nor did I receive any other compensation in cash or in kind.