Elegant new restaurant features interactive show kitchens and spectacular views from all tables
November 24th, 2012
Located at the apex of the recently opened (August 2012) Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, the impressive THIRTY8 Restaurant Lounge & Wine Bar has introduced an exceptional new dining experience to the Malaysian capital’s culinary landscape. The hotel designers have taken full advantage of the prime inner-city location, adjacent to the world famous Petronas Twin Towers, to create an elegant, contemporary dining space that spans the entire 38th floor of the hotel building, wrapped in a quadruple-height wall of glass that manifests magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding city skyline. Featuring the distinctive culinary “theatre” of the interactive show kitchens, which are synonymous with Grand Hyatt in Asia, hotel guests and KL residents can now enjoy a delightful dining experience in the beautifully designed, comfortable and sophisticated environment. The chefs at THIRTY8 serve up an enticing combination of Western and Asian cuisines- featuring grilled steaks, Chinese seafood and Japanese sushi and sashimi. The adjacent Wine Bar and mezzanine level Lounge offer further options for relaxation and refined libations.
Located in the heart of the commercial centre of KL- and directly adjoining the Convention Centre at KLCC- the Grand Hyatt KL is convenient to the major shopping malls and office towers. THIRTY8 restaurant is accessed from the Sky Lobby on the top floor of the hotel building, with dedicated express elevators taking guests from the street level entrance lobby directly to the 38th floor. THIRTY8 is open all day- serving a buffet breakfast from 6:00 am, and then lunch, high tea, and dinner from an A la Carte Menu until late at night.
The broad staircase (illuminated at night) leading from THIRTY8 to the upper mezzanine level Lounge and Sky Lobby check-in area. The glass encased “Sky Bubble” elevator is behind the staircase.
The interior design for THIRTY8 utilises a palette of warm and neutral earth tones, the soft furnishings blending with the natural materials of granite and timber that are the predominant surface finishes. With full height glass curtain walls that extend on all sides, rising from the partially exposed floor below to the ceiling of the upper mezzanine level, the voluminous space is enveloped with the exterior views of the city and can be enjoyed from every table in the restaurant. The curving lines of the mezzanine facade add a graceful element to the flow of the space, and contrast with the angular aluminium framing of the external glass walls.
The restaurant dining tables and adjacent show kitchens extend across two sides of the floor space, with the Wine Bar and reception area occupying the other two sides. The main Lounge section is located on the upper mezzanine level- next to the lobby and reception areas of the 38M floor.
THIRTY8 Lounge & Wine Bar
The circular bar stands in one corner of the floorspace – with every bar seat enjoying wonderful views out over KL.
The handsome bar has a solid black marble counter top and walnut veneer paneling. Bar stools are fashioned from solid timber with leather upholstery.
The window-front area of the Wine Bar offers elegant sofa and armchair settings, or a series of small tables and chairs.
Beverages at the Wine Bar
The Drinks Menu at the THIRTY8 Wine Bar includes selections of premium wines by the glass- offering a choice of five red wines and five white wines, plus Champagnes, sparkling wine, rose, dessert wines, sherry and port. Prices start at around RM29, and range upwards to RM60 – 80 for classic vintage wines.
The bartenders serve a concise list of classic cocktails that include Kir Royale; Bellini; Martini; Caipiroshka; Ciapirinha; and Mojito. Other alcoholic beverages include premium spirits, single malt whiskys, and local and imported beers.
Mojito– Rum, lime wedges, brown sugar, fresh mint leaves
Martini- choice of gin or vodka, dry vermouth, Olive, lemon twist
THIRTY8 Restaurant
The corner tables enjoy superb views of the nearby Petronas Twin Towers through the floor to ceiling glass walls.
Restaurant tables are generously spaced apart- and are all adjacent to the glass curtain wall.
The restaurant dining tables extend across two sides of the floor space- with the open kitchens and private dining rooms located around the central core.
Dining tables are in close proximity to the open kitchens and granite serving counters to enhance the interactive cooking experiences.
One of the private dining rooms- encased in timber framed glass panels- and with one side directly overlooking the kitchen area.
Dining tables and showcase kitchens on the far side of the restaurant floor space. The mezzanine floor space is cantilevered out over the kitchen areas below.
Some images of the interactive show kitchens at THIRTY8.
Selections from the THIRTY8 Menu
THIRTY8, under the direction of Executive Chef Tommy Fransilla, embraces the “signature” Grand Hyatt concept of “live” interactive show kitchens as featured in their Asian properties, a culinary experience that has proven popular with discerning diners across the region. At THIRTY8 the cuisine created in the vibrant show kitchens is focused around grilled meats, Chinese seafood dishes, and fresh sashimi and sushi. The restaurant is open all day from 6:00 am – serving a buffet breakfast, lunch (A la Carte only), high tea and dinner (A la Carte) until 11:00 pm.
The A la Carte menu for lunch and dinner is assembled along western lines- with selections of Appetizers, Sushi & Sashimi, and Soups, followed by the Seafood & Fish dishes mostly prepared with Chinese cooking methods- for example- Wok-fried Tiger Prawns, Szechuan pepper, chili; and Steamed Red Garoupa, spring onion, soy sauce. The Beef Steaks from the Grill Oven feature selections of prime cuts of Australian Wagyu and Australian Black Angus steaks. Other Grills include Double Lamb Chops, plus mixed platters (for two sharing) of Steak and Seafood; Mixed Meats ( steak, lamb chop, beef rib, spring chicken, and chicken sausage).
The Dessert Menu has a number of standout temptations- especially the THIRTY8 Signature Cake (see photos below), and the Straight from the Oven Chocolate Cake, with raspberry sorbet, and vanilla anglaise.
Arugula tomato salad, tomato, olive oil dressing, sea salt, black pepper.
Sashimi platter- assorted raw fish and shellfish, served on ice in large ceramic bowl.
Steamed scallops, black bean sauce.
From the Grill Oven- Australian Wagyu Sirloin Steak – 250g. Choice of sauces- Béarnaise, mushroom cream, green peppercorn, Chimichurri – parsley, oregano, garlic, chili, lemon, olive oil salsa.
Wok-fried kailan, conpoy.
THIRTY8 Signature Cake. Dramatically presented under a smoke filled glass dome- the Layered Chocolate and Hazelnut cake with hot caramel sauce (poured at the table), served with with banana ice cream on chopped hazelnut, and fresh raspberries.
Vanilla soft serve- mango melba, vanilla ice cream, raspberries, almond crunch, double espresso, hazelnut biscotti.
THIRTY8- Restaurant, Lounge & Bar at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Address: 38th Floor, 12 Jalan Pinang. 50450 Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia
Reservations: +60.3. 2182 1234
Website: www.kualalumpur.grandhyatt.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Grand-Hyatt-Kuala-Lumpur
Opening Hours:
THIRTY8 Restaurant & Lounge– Daily 11:30 am~ 11:00 pm
THIRTY8 Wine Bar- Sun to Thur 12:00 pm ~ 12:00 am; Fri & Sat 12:00 pm ~ 1:00 am
Dress Code: Smart Casual
See also review article on JP teres Restaurant at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
