I have not been to any rooftop bar or rooftop dining in KL for quite a while now. Got invited over to check out this place Ce LA VI in Menara Ilham, KL. A brand which is well known from Singapore that had expanded across the region with presence at Hong Kong and Colombo, now they are in Kuala Lumpur which is just about 6 months old. Little did I know that there is actually a happening spot just right in the heart of the city as this place comes with 3 sections – the dining, lounge and a club! Not only that, it is located on the 37th floor, Sky Terrace in Menara Ilham, with near perfect of 360º views of KL city center.
The challenge of this place upon arrival is to find the lift button. I am not too sure it is a prank or it is just purposely to design in this way. I was stuck at least 5 minutes in the lift lobby before figuring out where the lift button is.
As you reach the lobby of the building, you will then be usher to the lift and upon reaching 37th floor, a nice smell of aroma therapy just flow into the lift.. It feels that you have reach a luxury spa space. Felt soothing and relax. Then you will be greeted by the lady at the counter to usher you to the right space. (restaurant, lounge or club).
The place consist of 3 sections. The club, Lounge and dining. As I was there early, head into their Lounge that overlook both KLCC and KL tower while enjoying myself with a glass of cocktail while waiting for others.
Heading to Ce La Vi, a dining place that offer Japanese Contemporary dining with local twist. The place is modern contemporary with redefine decor. Most of it handpick by the lady boss herself.
Flipping through the menu, it is rather interesting where 60% is Japanese offering and 40% are on a mix of local food twist. Before we flip further, waiter that is in charge on our table further explain to us on the full menu, offerings and the signature item. Great service to intro us on the food selections.
Our menu for the night is their upcoming new menu. Our local street food with a twist and uplifted. Starting off with a starter, and mains. follow with a dessert as their upcoming special highlight.
Avocado handroll.
Starting off with their starter of Ice cold vegetable imported all the way from Japan. The vegetable is indeed quite interesting where felt pluck fresh from the frozen tree, preserve all the way here and serve it. A vegetable which is fresh and crips and shower with only seseame dressing to make it simple and fresh.
Spiced Kataifi Wrapped prawns @ RM 53 – mango salsa and thai chili jam.
Char Koey Teow with Lobster is uplifted to another level where not our usual with big prawns but this is even bigger. A whole lobster on the plate. @ RM 198. Something different?
Star of the night is the Foie Gras fried rice .Never thought that this dish would be so good. Fried rice is not too dry yet slightly moist, serve with sunny side up and foie gras. Poke the egg yolk and let it flow, mix the creamy egg yolk, pinch a small piece of foie gras and eat along with the rice. Gives you a nice harmonies flavour in your mouth that end with a nice creamy salty touch from the foie gras. A sip or red wine or sake would be a perfect combination. @ RM 98
For dessert, ending it with a cheesecake yuzu, top with a bed of mix fruits and a paper thin twil.
After dining, we head over to the lounge and chill for a bit before calling it off a night.
Certainly a place for you to chill and hang out with your friends. A dining place which is much design to cater for mostly expats and company functions around the area. Therefore, if you are a hardcore fan of a street food to be dining over here, please remove your expectation of it..
Keen to come back here to check out their club in my next visit. Small, simple and cozy. Best of all, Friday and saturday is R&B night. Oh yah, back to uni days.
Location:
CE LA VI
Level 37 Menara Ilham,
No.8 Jalan Binjai, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
(a building next to Menara Binjai/ Intercon Hotel or 2 mins walk from Ampang Park LRT station)
Tel: +603 2733 3163
Email: reservation-kl@celavi.com