Monica Tindall
Keeping the French art de vivre alive, l’aperitif at Le Bar, Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara, runs from 6 pm to 8 pm daily. The stylish lounge bar on the lobby level of the hotel is surrounded by wall to ceiling windows that look out onto a peaceful water feature. Inside you can take up a stool at the bar or one of the communal tables, or get a little more snug on one of the lounge sets and coffee tables.
We’ve dropped in for a drink before dinner upstairs at the Cantonese restaurant, Wan Chun Ting, so this is just a quick look at what they have to offer.
Daily happy hours not only come with adjusted prices, but a small complimentary sampler of canapes also accompanies the first drink order. These change depending on the inspiration of the kitchen, but we refuse the snacks as we know we have quite a meal ahead of us.
Le Bar Signature Cocktail
The first drink you must try here is Le Bar Signature Cocktail (RM30). A dehydrated orange slice garnishes the cocktail in a tall, sensual Champagne coupe. Hendricks gin, brown sugar, hand-pressed lemon juice, St-Germain and a dash of Champagne are shaken over ice before serving. Beautifully balanced, the house signature is magnifique.
From the Cellar
Red, white and rose wines are available during happy hours from RM20 per glass and Champagne from RM66 per glass. We try a refreshing Gerard Bertrand Cotes Des Roses, Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah from France (RM27). It smells of summers in Europe reminding me of just-picked fruit in the markets and flowers in bloom. It carries through to the palate with a hint of sugar but remains fresh, full and balanced.
Spirits
Spirits with mixers on the rocks or as a cocktail start at RM18, which I think is a bargain! We have a Caipirinha, the national cocktail of Brazil, made with Cachaça, sugar and lime. It’s a simple recipe but surprisingly easy to mess up. Luckily the bar team here have it mastered and our Latin taste buds are very happy.
Beer
I’m not a beer drinker, but I believe the prices for a hotel are reasonable: RM15 for Carlsberg and Kronenbourg and RM20 for 1664 Blanc. What do you think?
Le Bar Snacks
Happy Hours last longer when you snack and Le Bar has some great bites to keep the tummy from complaining.
Le Bar Sliders (RM65) feature a trio of flavours: grain fed Angus ground beef, crispy soft shell crab with a fantastic wasabi mayonnaise, and grilled chicken breast. Soft white buns hold the tasty fillings. All are available full-size in the a la carte menu, so this is a good way to sample the range before committing to a bigger portion.
Spicy Shrimp Skewers (RM45) with lime, chilli and soy smell of the grill as they are delivered. Beautiful plump specimens are perfectly cooked and served on skewers alongside pineapple and green and yellow capsicum.
We have to refrain from eating (and drinking) any more. As I mentioned, we’re heading upstairs to visit, Wan Chun Ting, but more on that tomorrow.
Reasons to visit: good happy hour deals; trendy setting; Le Bar Sliders; Le Bar Signature Cocktail.
Lovely hanging chair! I wonder if it can stand my weight. 😀
Prices are decent for the beers, at least for a 5 star hotel
Hmmm delicious food.
I really like the decor! Tough I am not crazy about shrimps, I find myself very attracted to the spicy shrimp skewers!
I like the Le Bar Sliders and Spicy Shrimp Skewers!
Like this place.
Feels rather Scandinavian.
Hello, looks like a neat place for cocktails and delicious food. I like the hanging chair. Happy Tuesday, enjoy your day!
As usually very interesting! Thanks a lot for the post!
Beautiful place!
It looks like a fun place to visit 🙂
It looks like a cozy & relaxing place
Great place!