Feeling melon-choly? Head up to KL’s sparkly, vista-studded Cantaloupe for uplifting French sets and fab pours.
Don’t fancy bustling with the shellsuit-sporting coachloads at the tired, overdone Skybar for a prime view of the iconic Petronas towers? Well, we have just the thing. Gussy up glam and slink into luxe condo Troika, then swish on up to the 23rd floor for wine and diner Troika Sky Dining, set against a backdrop of knicker-melting city vistas.
Heading up the main attraction, Cantaloupe, is locally revered chef Chris Bauer (formerly of long-time LUXE fave Frangipani), laying out a phenomenal French degustation including Fine de Claire oysters with anchovy cream and Japanese cucumber jelly; scallops with chorizo, caramelized onions, wild mushrooms and parsley foam; and 24-hour-cooked pigeon breast with a luxuriant chicken and foie gras terrine, roasted chestnuts and Waldorf salad.
There’s no doubt that Cantaloupe is fast emerging as one of KL’s sceniest haute eats, but if the prices cause you to break out in a cold sweat, nip next door quicksticks to fun and fast Italian kitchen Strato for exquisite house pastas, pizzas and equally knee-weakening views.
The floor-to-ceiling windows across the venue ensure that everyone gets a good gawp at the glittering skyline, but if you haven’t booked well ahead for Cantaloupe’s ring-side view, adjoining sis Claret offers window-flanking perches, a small balcony, baby grand plus crooner and top-shelf bottles ranging from Bolly to Valpolicella Ripasso to Cremant d’ Alsace. Bums down and bottoms up!
Cantaloupe, Troika Sky Dining, 23/F, Tower B, The Troika, 19 Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, +60 3 2162 0886, troikaskydining.com
