Claret, Troika Sky Dining, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Malaysia

Located in the iconic Norman Foster building The Troika, Claret is one of the most fashionable wine bars in the city. With a westerly outlook, KLCC Park and a panorama of the city skyline are viewed from the chic setting. Come after work for a tipple with the golden sunset as backdrop and, stay into the evening for the allurement of shimmering city lights.

An eclectic shuffle of smooth jazz tunes, cheery beats and crooning female vocals sound the air and uncomplicated, yet stylish architecture fills it. Low lounges, bar stools and an al fresco patio comprise the space which links Cantaloupe and Strato restaurants, making it ideal for pre or post dinner drinks but sufficient for an evening of fun all on its own.

A huge spiral staircase is both functional and decorative leading to a dining area above. The bar and tables are topped with cool white marble grounding the mood and evoking feelings of strength and a first-class experience. Vintage exposed-filament light bulbs hang in a line above the bar, and funkily shaped plaid and aquamarine chairs wink at retro design, but the overall ambience is essentially contemporary.

When asked what they had hoped for when dreaming up the composition of the space, playful co-owner Eddie replied, “we were hoping for some customers.” And… that might sum up their menu too – it’s classic but imbued with hints of jest in both recipes and descriptions.

An ample cocktail menu is aptly titled, “Twisted Classics,” with most concoctions costing around RM36 and partnered with commentary that will put a smile on your face before you’ve even had a sip. Now, what to drink? Perhaps a Vesper Martini – “shaken, stirred or you just don’t give a damn?” or a Lorraine – “possibly France’s least favourite holiday destination.”

Vesper Martini

It’s a mature menu, made for seasoned drinkers. You’ll find no watered down sugar syrups here. Ingredients are high quality and preparation traditional. Hubby loved the Hemingway Daiquiri –“ forget about that frozen fruity drink. Papa was a thirsty guy, make no mistake,” a traditional daiquiri with a dash of grapefruit and maraschino liquor. I was torn between the Vesper Martini with vodka, gin, Lillet and an orange twist and, the Espresso Martini blending Matusalem rum, Espresso and palm sugar (gula Melaka), with three coffee beans floating on top.

Keep an eye out for interesting specials where bartenders clearly give thought to the many liquors stocked in this bar and in turn carefully construe drinks to highlight the distinct qualities of each. This month, twists on the classic Gin and Tonic are on offer. Accentuating the uniqueness of each gin label, we found the Caorunn version lovely with thinly sliced red apple, Schweppes Indian tonic, apple juice and cinnamon sticks served in a sizable red wine glass. But the Tanqueray 10 with Fentimans tonic, a dash of chamomile bitters and twist of grapefruit sounded intriguing too, as did the Seagrams with Fentinmans tonic, pineapple slices and basil leaves. There are seven to choose from priced at RM30++ each or you can try them all for RM180++.

Sunset Happy Hours run every Monday to Friday from 4 pm – 7 pm. The standard red and white wine and, draught beer are priced at RM18++ per glass. There are daily specials too such as Tuesday’s Champagne deal where every subsequent bottle you buy costs less each round. If you drink enough, it might just become free?

You’ve probably guessed by now not to expect any cheap fried peanuts or greasy barbecue chicken wings as bar snacks. Think more along the lines of oysters, gourmet bruschetta, cured meats (turkey, duck, beef) and pizzas with lush toppings.

Crispy thin-crusted pizzas with big, bold trimmings hover between RM30 – RM45. The Portobello Mushrooms, Cheese Sauce and Egg (RM30) version featured meaty slices of mushroom with a wonderfully savoury sauce and a runny egg. The Carbonara, Broccoli, Asparagus, Gorgonzola and Smoked Duck Breast (RM45) was another hit – this time a mouthful of garden greens with asparagus
and broccoli dominating. Unexpectedly the wallflower was the duck breast – it looked pretty and tasted nice, but allowed the veggies to shine.

Check out Troika Sky Dining’s Facebook page for monthly pizza nights. Free flow pizza, wine and beer runs for two hours from 6 – 8 pm for RM98++, in the Italian restaurant Strato located at the top of the
staircase.

Sweet tooths are not forgotten. Dessert is served at Claret with some mouthwatering options such as the Banana and Coffee Tiramisu (RM25), Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake (RM25) and, Cherry Almond Tart with Vanilla Chibouste (RM20). Any number of liqueurs would pair well with any of these desserts but we went with a traditional Sambucca and Dow’s Tawny Port 10 Years (RM28).

For a memorable treat try a degustation pairing of three Michel Couvreur Whiskies and delicately matched desserts (RM65++). Start with Michel Couvreur “Overaged” partnered with poached pear, ‘dulcey cremeux’ Valrhona chocolate and a torched ginger meringue. Follow it up with Michel Couvreur Pale Single Single accompanied by almond milk pannacotta, redcurrant sorbet and cinnamon milk crisps. Finish the plate by slowly sipping on the Michel Couvreur ‘Single Grain’ and, savouring the crème brûlée, torched brioche, stewed figs, crème chilbouste and hazelnut crumble. Each sweet was unfaultable, but the finale with its fired up ingredients pitched the image of campfire fun toasting marshmallows and drinking a drop of something strong to warm you up – an exemplary ending.

Reason to visit: elegant setting and views, personally curated lists of wines predominately from France, daily happy hour specials, yummy bar snacks

Level 23A, Tower B

The Troika, 19 Persiaran KLCC

50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

+6 03 2162 0886

Open 4 pm – 1 am daily

Pork-free