EATme @Level 32, Romantic Meal with Views, KL

Words: Monica Tindall
Photos: Rich Callahan

Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur is renowned for having one of the best club lounges in the city. The views are fabulous and service attentive but up until now, you had to stay at the hotel to benefit from its fantastic position. Recognizing that KLites and visitors love a good view, and making the most of the club lounge that usually wraps up by around 8 pm, the chefs have begun serving a special EATme @Level 32 menu.

EATme @Level 32, Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Located in the private meeting room of the club lounge, romantic tables for two are dressed with white linens and strewn with red rose petals. Two flutes of bubbly prosecco, Sanfeletto from Valdobbiadene, connect our glasses with the twinkling lights of the twin towers, viewed through floor-to-ceiling windows, announcing the weekend and time to let loose.

Amuse Bouche

Smoked salmon with capers, caviar, pink peppercorns and a swirl of crème Fraiche kicks off the meal. Sprigs of dill freshen the dish, peppercorns give a great bite and there’s a crusty piece of toast to scoop it up. It does its job as we’re hungry for more.

Appetizers

A choice of two starters provides a veg and non-veg option with Tuna Carpaccio and Buffalo Mozzarella. The fish is a pretty arrangement of pink shavings of tuna elegantly adorned with semi-dried cherry tomatoes and orange segments. A fresh and mildly tangy yuzu dressing gives a nice zap to the starter and sesame and coriander contribute an Asian touch. In the salad, the slices of soft, white cheese are contrasted in both colour and texture with vibrant rocket leaves, fresh and dried grape tomatoes, and a drizzling of balsamic reduction adds a pleasing bite.

The two glasses of prosecco are long gone but Friday night beckons so we order a bottle of Petaluma Hanlin Hill, Riesling from Clare Valley (RM273.60) to pair with the rest of the meal. Citrus and lime on the nose lead to a light minerality in the mouth and a welcoming crisp finish. This wine does well with our veggie and seafood choices.

Soups

Soups again gift guests a duo from which to choose: Wild Mushroom Soup or Lobster Bisque. The former is thick and creamy, with pieces of mushroom donating luscious texture and the flavours are boosted with truffle essence. A halved baguette of garlic bread is great dipping. The partner from the sea offers an additional level of robustness with tarragon cream, prawn ragout and brandy. It’s a fine rendition of a bisque: showing strength but at the same time a smooth round finish.

Main Courses, EATme @Level 32

The land and the sea provide three mains: beef, lamb or fish. The braised beef short rib is almost clique in its fall-off-the-bone tenderness and a sumptuous red wine reduction is perfect sopping material for the side of garlic mashed potatoes. New Zealand supplies the meat for the braised lamb shank, which too is succulent in texture and well deserving of the pomme puree to soak up the tasty au jus. Liking lighter meals and not being a big meat eater, the pan seared cod with seafood broth, cocotte vegetables and white wine is my top pick. Flaky, fresh and moist, it’s all things fish should be. A choice of veggies side the mains and for responsible reporting, of course, we try them all: roasted potatoes, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, garlic mashed potatoes and pomme puree. The vegetables are cooked maintaining their crispness and the portions are generous.

Dessert

Rounding up the meal, Confection Connection brings red velvet, chocolate cake and cheesecake into a sweet trio. Displayed on black slate it’s a pretty presentation. It’s fun sampling a little of each but by the end, it’s clear what is our favourite: the cheesecake as it’s all gone.

Coffee or Tea

A hot beverage completes the set but for us, the night is just beginning. Skybar is just above us and with a new cocktail menu and magnificent views of the KL city centre, we still have much to explore.

Reasons to visit EATme @Level 32: spectacular views, warm Traders’ service, great spot to take a date.

The EATme @Level 32promotion is priced at RM460 per couple for the four-course menu inclusive of two glasses of prosecco. If you call in advance the menu can be customized to individual dietary needs such as gluten-free or vegetarian. The experience is available Friday and Saturday evenings from 8:30 pm.

EATme @Level 32
Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
Persiaran KLCC
Kuala Lumpur City Centre
50088 Malaysia
+6 03 2332 9888
www.shangri-la.com/kualalumpur/traders/