TEESHOT BAR at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park - Swing Hard & Sing Out Loud

Being the first innovative sports simulator bar in Bangkok, the newly opened chic and posh Teeshot Bar in Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park will elevate your game with swings and sing out loud in really good style. mylifestylenews writes.

We have never been once to think about spending time in a sports bar, yet, never say never to unwind in this state-of-the-art sports bar which could be a haven of fun to unwind in style. Set in a darker tone and mood, this latest sporty hang out in Bangkok offers multiple interactive golf, football and karaoke singing (YES! It has never gone out of style, at least not in Bangkok) as well as to watch live sports on big screens and relax on the plush couches or chill at the sassy centre island bar with a diverse selection of food and beverages.

We love the idea of having some bar snacks and just kicking back and relaxing when on holiday or even a “workation”. While the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is already well-known for its talk-of-the-town sky bar as well as the sensational dining experience concepts over the years, they have once again taken the notion of relaxing to another level with this recently opened chic and modish Teeshot Bar, which is an alternative sports bar with a difference to say the least.

Our notion of a sports bar has always been some cheesy laid-back noisy joint Bogan hangouts that really only fits a certain demographic, but Teeshot Bar is a much more elevated experience with sophistication yet without the luxury price tag to match for your drinks and snacks (more like a "feels good" menu to sample) specially crafted to cater for the sport and gaming activities to tantalise your taste buds whilst partaking in a game of golf, or singing some karaoke.

If you fancy unwinding after a busy day seeing the sights, then this bar gives you a number of options to do so. Located on the mezzanine floor above the lobby, Teeshot Bar welcomes guests of all ages into an exciting and immersive world of sports and entertainment. Challenge your mates to a contest in the golf simulators, the latest technology integrated into the entire venue, with motion capture systems that track golf swings and provide feedback and tips for improvement.

On top of that, there are football gaming bays, featuring a range of mini-games, virtual tournaments and should gaming not be your thing, then move on to the private karaoke room that lets you or your family and friends to show off their singing skills with an extensive collection of Thai and international hits……need one say more?

The stylish central island bar also hits the spot with cool drinks, light bites and a perfect vantage point to watch live games on the big screen.

Naturally when you are in the hands of the culinary team, their range covers handcrafted cocktails, an extremely yummy snack menu featuring crusty pizzas, yummy wagyu beef sliders, giant and meaty fish and chips, loaded fries and a deliziosa spaghetti Bolognese to name just a few.

Teeshot Bar is a vibrant entertainment hub within the hotel that is suitable for families, private functions, work get-togethers, parties and more. It has a great vibe and it is incredibly spacious, so has more of a lounge feel rather than a traditional bar. A dedicated lounge is available for your enjoyment and privacy should you not want to mix with all the other sports fanatics, so options are a plenty. At least to swing hard and sing out loud in your own classy form.

Tried & Tested:
Location: 4.5/5
Design & Decor: 4.5/5
Food & Beverage: 4.5/5
Service: 4/5
Value For Money: 4/5
Experience: 4/5

TEESHOT BAR

199, Soi Sukhumvit 22,

Klong Ton, Khlong Toei, 

Bangkok Thailand

Tel: +66 2 059 5555

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated. 

CILANTRO Restaurant & Wine Bar - Turns Every Bite Into A Celebration

Several decades past, Cilantro Restaurant & Wine Bar is still a runway hit pioneering and leading Kuala Lumpur fine dining scene, so Chef Takashi Kimura and his dedicated culinary team must have done something utterly right. mylifestylenews writes.

Covid has seen some closures, but those well-known ones continue on their gastronomy path by staying truthful to their unique culinary cooking technique without much compromise on the unquestionable quality of the produce used and deliver to your table with consistency in quality together with an unforgettable dining experience. Chef Takashi arrived in Malaysia 22 years ago to cook for the Japanese Ambassador and after two and a half years by impressing his fellow distinguished guests he decided to helm the kitchen brigade in Cilantro Restaurant & Wine Bar. Now as the restaurant name suggests, the exotic, modern and refined French gastronomic touch which Chef Takashi has mastered during his years of apprenticeship in France has earned him numerous recognitions and now continues to delight his demanding diners for more than just an anatomy of a degustation.

Nestled in an inner neighbourhood along the Jalan Ampang embassy row, Cilantro Restaurant & Wine Bar is within walking distance from the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur City Centre aka KLCC and is strategically tucked away in the legendary Micasa apartment hotel which has received countless domestic and global eminent guests in the past decades. So, it has become its own destination in itself that you are surprised to find Cilantro Restaurant & Wine Bar in this locale.

Giving no hint what to expect, the understated elegance of the interior and subtle touches that eschews cutting edge design are what you will find in the main dining room in Cilantro Restaurant & Wine Bar. Cushioned seating with a few high traditional banquettes creates that classy fine-dining feel and enclose with a more intimate dining experience. The modern and contemporary decor is adorned with tasteful flower arrangements as well as miniature bonsai living ornaments that creates the harmony ambience and balance in the already cozy and monotonal dining room.

Two giant mirrored pillars stood in between a stairway down to the floor below where the bar setting takes place. The sense of space is less claustrophobic with elegant glassware well placed on top of flatly ironed snowy white linens that shine bright from the illumination of glass hanging lamps. The touches of understated modern and contemporary elements are always attractive.

Although inspired by French cuisine, Cilantro Restaurant & Wine Bar forms a unique identity with a touch of exotic Asian ingredients, especially Japanese influenced. All seasonal ingredients are carefully selected and measured to perfection and they are served only when the time is right. A testament to Chef Takashi’s perfectionist approach is that while ingredients are flown freshly into Kuala Lumpur for the menu, a dish can be changed at the last moment if he is not happy with the quality delivered. The quality control is certainly there to ensure the best is delivered that focuses on pleasing the guest through exquisite food and attentive service. We respect this kind of extreme measure, especially when it comes to fine dining no less.

On apprising ourselves of the menu, we are immediately taken by what appears to be French cuisine slash with Japanese touches and finishes, but what you won’t be aware of until the dish is in front of you is that all the cooking is mainly French influenced. The amuse bouche in the evening - Chicken Galantine with Lobster and Pumpkin Croquette with Harissa Sauce & Watercress reflected the classic French culinary influenced in flavour with a sensibly refined touch.

Truffle butter is a signature condiment on every table to accompany the light and airy brioche with flaky croissant pastry on the outside as one combination that works perfectly well together with the classic sourdough baguette which is equally superb. It is tempting to eat more than you should, so don’t overdose on this. We deliberated on the selection of the menu for some time, as it was hard to make choices as everything sounded so desirable although Puji, the restaurant manager, was tempting us to want it all but needs must and orders were taken and we settled for a 4-course prix fixe menu along with the wine pairing to boot!

<Confit of Foie Gras with Fig>

Picture perfect presentation and a textbook essay in simplicity – let the ingredients speak for themselves. This seasonal appetizer was paired with a glass of the Australian 2018 Calabria Family Three Bridges Riverina Botrytis Semillon. The elegant bouquet of tropical fruitiness and nutty vanilla oak gives a luscious apricot honey and citrus palate combines with botrytis sweetness and alluring freshness which was the perfect foil to counterbalance the richness of the foie gras which was heavenly.

<Scallop Fricassee with Cauliflower Meuniere & Morel Mushroom>

Large tender scallops cooked to perfection and generously topped with slices of black truffle accompanied the aromatic morel mushroom, lightly browned and well-seasoned roasted cauliflower Meuniere which is to die for. Every ingredient is in great harmony and the pale yellow, subtle, slightly buttery Cotes du Rhone Famille Perrin Luberon white wine is refreshing and makes a perfect match without overshadowing the produce on the plate.

<Japanese Wagyu Tartare with Egg Mollet>
This signature appetizer is a completely refined dish with so many layers and it is truly addictive! There is aioli on the side should you choose to mix it in, but not in totality, so just a dash adds a bold new level of flavour that is to be savoured every moment together with the soft-cooked egg Mollet. Chef Takashi’s tartare is about texture and a palate teaser, the addition of both the plain and anchovy toast is another dimension that is truly complimentary and heavenly. A glass of medium-bodied 2018 Argentinian Prisionero Malbec was chosen to pair with this divine dish, inky dark red cherry colour and raspberry fruit aroma on the nose and palate simply elevated every morsel intake.

<Braised Unagi with Foie Gras>
This is another signature appetizer that may well be served as a main dish by its own as this is riches upon riches on the palate and simply delectable. The Japanese unagi is always a surfeit of intense flavour and then to combine with the richness of foie gras is very decadent, deliciously served with a side of beetroot puree that is a perfect counterpoint and well paired with a glass of 2018 white Camino de Margarin Sobre Lias from Rueda, Spain, with its ripe fruit and good acidity and long finish which allowed the unagi to shine and counterbalanced the richness of the foie gras to be enjoyed at its best.

<Tasting Plate of Wagyu - Zabuton, Sirloin & Tenderloin>
A light refreshing Lime & Rum Granita with Pickled Papaya palate cleanser was served and paved the way to enjoy new flavours especially when you are moving into a full protein dish with a tasting plate of Wagyu beef. Three premium quality selection of meats cooked beautifully and paying the utmost homage to the produce. Steak is a complex meat when you compare different cuts and this tasting plate is out of this world! Each cut has its’ own voice and each is cooked to perfection with flavours that dance on the palate. To broaden the taste buds, the tasting plate also encompasses mushroom puree, anchovy fillet, along with mustard, wasabi and yuzu, in case you want to add some piquancy to the meat. While the interesting condiments are enjoyable, the meat is best enjoyed au naturale! Less is definitely a winning formula by introducing different textures on the palate, as you wake it up and keep it interested and you won’t go wrong with a glass of the beautiful, silky, structured, intense and explosion of dark berries aromas 2019 Les Legendes R French Bordeaux red wine.

<Miyazaki Zabuton Steak with Condiments>

The juicy and flavoursome Miyazaki Zabuton steak came with the accompaniments on the plate of a long anchovy fillet, thick cut of potato chips, pungent Kizami wasabi, fermented Yuzu Kosho chili and mustard. Each mouthful is a revelation that is to be slowly savoured. One should not rush each morsel, but chew slowly and enjoy the moment and it can be beautifully accompanied with a glass of full-bodied Italian La Borgata Montepulciano d'Abruzzo that is rich, luscious and round up the palate entirely.

 

<Warm Chocolate with Bentong Ginger Ice Cream>
The warm chocolate pudding is topped with green tea powder that is to be enjoyed with the Bentong ginger ice cream. We were expecting a dessert that was less predictable and more daring despite the supposed aromatic and strong ginger from Bentong town that was used to spice up the ice cream yet the bland flavour did not actually turn out to be the best amigo with the chocolate sponge.

 

<Truffled Honey Ice Cream with Roquefort & Walnut>
Stunning presentation that is a “WOW” moment. It looks other worldly at first sight, as it is not simple in execution. On tasting, it is an unusual combination for a dessert to enjoy, as technically all ingredients go together and complement each other. The only suggestion we have is to lessen the percentage of the Roquefort, as this tends to dominate the palate and maybe more walnut and ice-cream to allow a little more sweetness.

Chef Takashi came to our table over dessert for a small chat that was a delightful moment to share his culinary journey from the past to present and for us to understand further of his reknown gastronomic cuisine creations and a few other points of view. While some renown restaurants have come and gone over the last few years, Cilantro Restaurant & Wine Bar is still going strong, which is testament to the strength of the “brains trust” – the Master Chef himself, Gatot Puji Raharjo: Restaurant Manager & Guillaume Villien: Chef Sommelier. This trio have been together for eight years now and probably will continue for some years to come, as they instinctively know how to approach the menu and their new and many returned clientele. Everything you experience in Cilantro Restaurant & Wine Bar is designed to enhance your (fine) dining sojourn. If making the diner fall in love and walk out the restaurant with a contented smile on their faces over his food is Chef Takashi’s legacy, he will certainly be very happy with that and Kuala Lumpur dining scene is all the better for it!

 

Tried & Tested:
Location: 4.5/5
Design & Decor: 4/5
Food & Beverage: 4.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
Experience: 4.5/5

Highlights:
Braised Unagi with Foie Gras
Miyazaki Zabuton Steak with Condiments

Cilantro Restaurant & Wine Bar
368, Jalan Tun Razak, Taman U Thant
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +6 03 2179 8082

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated. 

SABAYON - Sunday Brunch Rendezvous

Dinning in one of Kuala Lumpur’s bespoke destinations perched atop 51 floors in the heart of the city with uninterrupted majestic views right at the bustling hub of Kuala Lumpur city centre, Sabayon ticks a few boxes to bring you an unforgettable stylish and picture-perfect Continental gourmet dining experience. mylifestylenews writes.

While the bygone legendary Equatorial hotel was previously known and was once a landmark for KL’s nightlife scene, making many star-dusted entertainments of endearing histories, hosting uncountable royalty and celebrity dinners from its conceptualized dining concepts and being named and leading the city’s forward thinking dining scenes in the past decades, there are plentiful certainties to be indulged in such an exciting dining destination to celebrate those very special moments.

And now the newly redeveloped Equatorial Hotel, to be precise - EQ Hotel, has made a posh and fresh comeback for an entirely new hospitality, dining and entertainment concept since the revamp. Reopening in September 2021, it is now in full swing delivering a next level of hospitality experience to the forward thinking and next generation with the best views in KL. More exciting and innovative dining experiences await.

Sabayon has stylishly crafted a new Sunday Sky Brunch experience to go with the new look of EQ hotel image. Forget the old and in with the new lush experience while they do not aim to go too far above and beyond the culinary expectations yet classically delivering the most anticipated contemporary European menu to delight your palate. From entrée, starter, main to dessert, the 4-course menu with 3 selections from each course to choose from, allowing you to indulge with the pairing cocktails, wine and of course premium Champagne generously and lavishly poured while chilling yourself by soaking up the most desired and magnificent Kuala Lumpur’s skyline that is unsurpassed for most other hotels and restaurants.

Stepping into the award-winning Sky Dining Sabayon while the lift door opens, the first impression is with the most iconic Petronas Twin Towers right in your face and this never disappoints. Contrasting the majestic views are the wall mirrors in between the hallways expanding the vision to an almost 270 degrees view from within. Such clever reflection illuminates and sparks the evening ambience with hundreds of ceiling high hanging petit mood light bulbs making your entrance even more elegant. A magical starry night has just begun!

While Sabayon is located on the highest floor with stunning views of the Petronas Twin Towers, the modern interior plays around with the contemporary velvety lounge chairs and furniture contrasting the earth tone linen table clothes setting as well as the gigantic tree well allocated almost in the middle of the room catching the attention from all walk-ins with its ever-ready wine and champagne section to be served and enjoyed at all times, accompanied by a full on, ready to rock and roll mixology premium liquor trolly to get you started.

Elegant and dreamy high ceilings accented by copper and bronze tones are embodied by a backdrop of the ever-changing hues of the KL cityscape. Tres chic and table settings are well spaced out to ensure privacy and be ready to indulge yourself in the star dining sojourn.

To kick off proceedings, you have the quintessential sourdough and salted French butter, so you are feeling rather happy at this first taste to root all the flavours that are to follow in this contemporary European dining with premium imported ingredients and locally sourced produce to immerse yourself. While you are making sure that your champagne glass is not empty, by establishing a good conversation with the manager is never a bad thing to start your brunch, not only knowing a more in depth understanding from the menu creation with selected beverage pairings but also to explore a couple more dishes that may inspire. If you are lucky, a few extras can be thrown in to enhance and deluxe your brunching experience as the brunch keeps your appetite in check. Here is what we got over brunch with lots of sharing and sampling:

<Hokkaido Scallop>
Two large and meaty Hokkaido scallops lightly seared, set on a base of rich cauliflower puree and topped with pine nut, shaved truffle & sultana grapes. So deliciously tender and juicy, beautifully presented on a blue stoneware capturing the best essence of the entire presentation.
 

<House Smoked Norwegian Salmon>
Classic plating of a roll of thick cut salmon with a caper on top and a sprinkling of fennel and onion pickles with a side of a dollop of crème fraiche. Simply satiable!

 
<Cecina>
A large chunk of creamy and airy buffalo mozzarella heavily sitting on a bed of rughetta salad accompanied by the colourful halved heirloom cherry tomatoes and the almost see-through thin sliced intense flavoured air-dried beef that comes in quite an appetizing presentation topped with edible flowers. A perfect temporary cleanser from the sea to the farm of the previous two entrées.
 

<Poached Eggs>
Classic way of a poached egg dish well presented, perfectly cooked with that indelible soft centre yolks that sit on top of half a warm English muffin, drenched with a bed of home-made hollandaise truffle sauce accompanied by a lightly tossed green salad over olive oil and balsamic vinegar to balance the palate.
 

<Mushroom Consommé>
A well-made consommé is always a delightful entry for the meal especially when the natural aromatic porcini mushrooms are used adequately to elevate the clear savory stock that is always most contented. The quintessential consommé stock with oodles of flavour and small chunks of mushroom that are redolent of the forest floor. A rather well warm palate cleanser if you have been having those bubbly fluids poured unlimited. YUM!

 

<Spaghetti alla Chitarra>
Small portion of spaghetti served just over a mouth full yet precise to tantalize your appetite. This classic pasta dish ticked all the boxes, al dente texture to perfection with an intense roughly minced veal ragout meat topped with large slices of parmesan cheese that oozed flavour and then some!
 

<Pan-Fried Snapper>
First main dish came to our table was this generous portion of expertly pan-fried snapper with crispy skin and a rich flesh well paired with spinach. A truth homage to the dish was accompanied by the unavoidable classic French beurre blanc that created a delicious counterpart with piquant flavour. A triumph!
 

<Roasted Duck Confit>
A delectable confit canard is hard to come by. Light and crispy on the skin with fat and oil being reduced to create that less greasy palate. The moist, soft and tender flesh easily pulled off by a gentle slice of the fork and knife is the basic “must-have” character for a triumphant duck confit. This intense flavour of tender gamey meat is complimented by a lentil cassoulet and a rich reduction of duck jus to dial down the richness and we simply loved it!
 

<Lamb Navarin>
A triumph of execution with tender flavoursome meat that you know just falls off the bone is packed full of flavours and the new potatoes that were cooked to light and rather crispy on the side accompanied with seasonal autumn vegetables. Another most satisfying dish to pamper.
 

<Duo Sorbet>
While one sorbet won’t easily satisfy your craving, Sabayon culinary team decided to pamper you with their duo Yuzu & Raspberry Sorbet. You cannot surpass this interpretation of these two classic refreshing sorbets that are rich and delicious, yet delights your tastebud again after all the courses we have just gone through.
 

<Vanilla Panna Cotta>
A beautiful rendition of silky-smooth panna cotta with a vanilla emphasis that is ornamented with a touch of strawberry. A must try!

<Chocolate Tart>
Think dark, chocolatey intensity with Madagascan vanilla gelato that is so moreish. A chocolate lover’s delight and one of the best ways to conclude by savouring the crafted brunch menu.

Service is rather attentive and prompt, drinks are poured liberally and food came to the table without rushing you in, everyone seems to be having a great time and you wish it wouldn’t end as early as 3pm. In between, you have to ‘stop and smell the roses” – aka take in the view from all angles, admire the chill surrounds in the relaxing ambience and make sure you don’t miss any favourites and max out the time you spend in Sabayon. This is a classy affair and everyone seems to want to dress up to impress and enjoy. Sunday champagne brunch is always a joy when quality gourmet food with limitless pour of bubbly together with your family and great company that will make you want to book ahead for another one! Be warned that they seem to be fully booked every week, so plan in advance!

In case you decided to stay on a little longer and to watch the city’s rooftop and above all ground legendary sunset, adjourn yourself to Sky 51 - KL’s top bespoke outdoor rooftop bar that offers handcrafted cocktails prepared by seasoned mixologists. Signature cocktail Every Sip Takes You Home featuring Gin, Elderflower, Lemon, Tamarind, Coconut and Soda Water is simply so refreshing and certainly will quench your thirst. For the masculine you, the classic smoky Negroni comes with Gin, Campari and Sweet Vermouth is another most sought after drink to unwind.

The enormous instagrammable sky bar provides you the front row seat to the best panoramic views of the city, spanning from the KL Tower to the Petronas Twin Towers as far as Genting Highlands and beyond. VIP members will have the upper deck to party in private. The lustrous new rooftop bar is ideal for social get together.

Spectacular KL skyline sunset view above all ground you won't get tired of.

Once home to the legendary Blue Moon club in the roaring 1980s, it is now reimagined and reborn as BLUE, and the new cozy interior set to uphold its iconic heritage for you to unwind with live performance. BLUE beckons with its wide selections of signature house pouring brands and cocktails that dazzles your palate.

Diamonds won’t shine any brighter than the sparkling evening skyline of Kuala Lumpur especially when gazing out from the soaring vantage point towering 51 stories. Give the special occasion that extra shine by indulging yourself for a refined dining experience as well as a stylish brunching weekend followed by an unrivalled sunset cocktail moment. The sky dining experience in EQ hotel is a legendary dining reborn. It is time to be out and about, have yourself a picture-perfect and haute memorable rendezvous.

Tried & Tested:

Location: 5/5

Design & Decor: 5/5

Food & Beverage: 4.5/5

Service: 4/5

Value For Money: 4.5/5

Experience: 5/5

 

SABAYON

EQ

Equatorial Plaza

Jalan Sultan Ismail

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tel: +6 03 2789 7777

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.