Lush hill views on one side and seascape glimpses on the other, Gravity rooftop bar, is the latest and greatest in Penang’s bar scene. Perched atop the newly opened G Hotel Kelawai, on the 24th floor, the sky bar promises a night to remember.We arrive just as the sun is setting so see it fit to begin with a sundowner. The Gravity Sunset
(RM26) cocktail is perfect sipping as day fades into night. An icy cold mix of Tequila, berries and crushed ice makes a refreshing beverage, and our perch at the bar allows us not only a spectacular view, but too a chance to chat with the bartender.
(RM26) cocktail is perfect sipping as day fades into night. An icy cold mix of Tequila, berries and crushed ice makes a refreshing beverage, and our perch at the bar allows us not only a spectacular view, but too a chance to chat with the bartender.
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| Gravity Sunset |
Enthusiasm for mixology shared, we’re quick to place our next order, another Gravity specialty curated by the in-house mixologists, the Pomegranate Mojito (RM38). The traditional recipe of rum, lime and mint leaves is given a fruity edge with pomegranate syrup and topped up with soda water.
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| Bartender |
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| Pomegranate Mojito |
As the last sips of our second cocktail slide down and the dark envelops us, the atmosphere moves from casual to distinctively chic. The glittering lights of Penang are mirrored with a star-studded sky, and soft lighting on the rooftop reflects off the pool’s surface.
Before we imbibe any further, we decide some food is in order and we find the menu at Gravity offers a simple selection of tasty bites.
Prawn and Watermelon Salsa (RM19) is my immediate pick, as it looks the least calorie-laden of the offerings. Atop a base of juicy yellow watermelon and feta sit grilled Thai prawns. A light cucumber salsa adds to the light fresh theme.
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| Prawn and Watermelon Salsa |
Made of ground chicken breast, tomato and melted cheese, the Gravity Rissoles (RM19) lounge on a bed mixed leaves with a lemon vinaigrette. They’re of a smooth texture and rounded in flavour – something of a slightly heartier nature on this compact menu.
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| Gravity Rissoles |
Soft Shell Crab (RM24) features the crustacean deep-fried and sided with crisp julienned summer vegetables in a wrap. The contrast between the rich fried item and fresh light bites, make it easier to eat the entire plate.
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| Soft Shell Crab |
Lumpia (RM19), Balinese duck spring rolls, is hubby’s choice and we find them packed with veggies, coriander and flavourful poultry. The sweet chili sauce gives them a lick of spice.
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| Lumpia |
Back to liquid entertainment and we’re browsing Gravity’s house cocktails. All feature some type of white liquor, berries of one kind or another, and either soda or something carbonated to finish the glass. As we’ve already had rum and Tequila, I insist we try alternative spirit bases (perhaps against all better judgment about mixing drinks).
I call for the Gin Berry (RM38), which combines the namesake, blueberries, lemon and soda. Hubby requests the Vodka Berry (RM38) with cranberry, lime and soda. Both are pretty much what you might imagine, light, fresh, fruity and effervescent: great choices for this tropical climate.
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| Gin Berry |
For something tasty minus the alcohol, JK Jam (RM21) is Gravity’s signature mocktail made with orange mango juice, lychee, grenadine and lemonade.
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| JK Jam |
Besides cocktails, a liquor and wine list round out the offerings. Five red and five white wines are available by the glass, and the standard spirits have a place on the menu too. Happy Hours run from 5pm – 9pm and patrons receive one-for-one on all house pours.
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| Sauvignon Blanc, Sixty Drops, Marlbourough, New Zealand (RM33) |
As hotel guests leave the rooftop lap pool to settle for the evening, the soft sounds of chill music come to the forefront. The ambience is relaxed, the temperatures pleasant, and the staff amiable. That melded with reasonable drink prices and the freeing views of the open air space is a winning combination. We could cheerfully while away hours here.
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| Pool Now Calm |
Reasons to visit: great views; one-for-one happy hour deals; Gravity specialty cocktails; chic
ambience; chilled vibe.
ambience; chilled vibe.
Gravity
G Hotel Kelawai
2 Persiaran Maktab
10250 Penang
Malaysia
+6 04 238 0000
Open 12pm – 11pm.
Looks good. Would devour those prawns. The cocktails i presume would taste good as there is just something special having lots of ice, on the rocks is what we called it when young…
The crushed ice is especially great in the tropics with the sweltering temps.
Good God – how do you and T.O.H. manage to stand up?
I suppose falling into the pool is a possibility also.
I shall later compose myself and study this blog more.
Cheers
Colin (Brisbane. Australia)
Now after the "early shock" of seeing displayed such exotic
drinks ( or is that drinkie-poos??) at such an early time.
I have looked at the food fare.
"Prawn and Watermelon Salad" – different combination but
I think I'd be into that so a tick.
"Gravity" Rissoles – funny name but I guess named after the establishment?
They look very tasty. So tick one for me.
"Soft shell Crab" – nope don't like crab and the prices for it here would make you
wonder if it was the only meal on earth – sky high in the price stakes!
Now that "Lumpia" does appeal – yes double ticks.
I look forward to hearing from you, I'd hate to read that you were found
after all that alcoholic intake to have been found at the bottom of that pool – ha ha!
What would we do without your wonderful food blog of Asian cuisine delights?
Cheers
Colin
PS: Had a couple of 4XXXX's at the Sofitel before just in case of news
from the "Gravity" on bodies found in that pool.ha ha.
Drinkie-poos – yes like that word – it kind of softens the reality. Prawn and watermelon is a great combo – actually watermelon, feta and rocket are one of my all time fav salad combos. Ha, ha… we're safe and sound – 'well seasoned' you could say. 😉 I'm wondering if you work for, or live at the Sofitel? Seems to be a favourite watering hole of yours…
This is that Kelawei one, not the same as the one at Gurney, beside the shopping mall there, right? This is newer, it I am not wrong. Lovely cocktails.
That's right, it's the newer sister building, just behind the original one.
Hmm I miss lumpia so much!
Also popiah and Vietnamese raw spring rolls 🙂
Sauvignon Blanc from Kiwi is rather popular here!
Have to say I prefer popiah and raw spring rolls to lumpia, even though the above were delicious, as I prefer not to eat too many deep-fried foods.
Wonder if I can find that Sixty Drops SB here in the states? Everything looks so good. And the pomegranate drinks are probably delicious.
I like pomegranate a lot too. It's one of those ingredients that you can have for dessert, put in mains or drinks and it makes them taste better – very versatile.
Beautiful photos taken before the sun sets
That's right – nighttime views for you. The sunset was very pretty.
Beautiful pic of the Gravity Sunset taken just as the sun was setting! I would certainly enjoy the fresh and light Prawn and Watermelon Salsa 🙂
I love the light at that time of day.
Oooooh….poolside at sunset is my "cup of tea!" 🙂
Me too Linda. Can't resist a good sunset.
awesome view, I used to work at the McD just right around the corner when I was in high school 😀
I bet you've seen lots of changes since high school on the island.
your first pic of the bar juxtaposed against the sunset is lovely! 🙂