For the first time outside of the UK, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill is now open at Sunway Resort in the amazing Sunway City Kuala Lumpur. The interior design features robust furnishings with a rich red and forest green colour scheme accentuated by polished walnut hardwood flooring, brass finishes, 24 karat gold leaf hand-placed ceiling and more.
Monochrome portraits of British style icons by celebrated photographers Terry O’Neill and Arthur Steel feature The Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger, the original 007 Sir Sean Connery, supermodels Jean Shrimpton and Twiggy, line the walls of the main dining room.
Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill is the city’s most sought-after dining destination and is only a short flight away from other great Asian cities. Featuring an exquisite menu inspired by one of London’s most iconic restaurants, Savoy Grill, only the finest ingredients presented with culinary flair from the highly skilled, Gordon Ramsay-trained team is served.
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Waking up one morning, coffee in hand I opened a most exciting email inviting me to Gordon Ramsay’s Bar & Grill in Kuala Lumpur. First of its kind outside the U.K, this iconic British chef’s inaugural restaurant opened on 18 June 2022, timed as part of a major transformation at Sunway Resort.
A fan of Ramsay having followed Hell’s Kitchen and his cooking shows over a decade, I was excited to see what he had created. We braced ourselves for the day and left Singapore on a Firefly flight, a propeller plane that made the entire experience even more thrilling. Looking out over scenery as we flew above Malaysia, we arrived at Subang Airport, a short 15 minute ride to Sunway City.
An enormous city built from wasteland, this comprised a themed water park, shopping mall, University, residences and more. Arriving at Sunway Resort I observed the opulence of this beautiful hotel and saw the Gordon Ramsay Grill & Bar just beyond the lobby. Very gold in essence, it screamed grandeur and style even from afar.
Shown up to our rooms we freshened up for a noon lunch and tour of the restaurant. This would make a great staycation for anyone seeking a short stylish break. With shopping mall connected to the hotel and numerous activities in the surrounding vicinity, everyone could choose to have a quiet to full-on vacation.
It was time for the much-awaited lunch. Stepping in to Gordon Ramsay’s Bar & Grill, I felt grand. The first thing that struck me was the interspersed red chairs that were distinct. Part of the branding the interior design featured a rich red and forest green scheme accentuated by walnut hardwood flooring, brass finish which made it all so glittery and stunning.
In fact Ramsay’s very 60’s style photo stood tall at the table we were to have lunch at, almost as if he was peering over us, part of the media lunch. The best part was that we were going to sit in these glorious robust red chairs. Small things that made a difference to me!
Ryan, General Manager who hailed from Hell’s Kitchen, Dubai gave us a tour of this very large restaurant. From the kitchen where we were privy to beef wellington resting, a Josper oven and 42-hour cured smoked salmon being plated. Not a very large kitchen to be honest for a space that could serve up to 150 guests at a time. Goes to show how experts work with sharp process, creating a high level of efficiency.
The tour continued to three lovely private dining rooms named after three districts of London – Chelsea, Mayfair, Soho each able to seat 12, 8 and 10 diners respectively. Each room boasted specific details with Chelsea housing a rectangular table, set with gorgeous red dining chairs, with a full glass view of the kitchen.
Mayfair more intimate with views to the outside world, a round table setting with dark chairs. Another favourite in Soho where a semi-circular red leather seating hugged the sides of this round space. I had to sit down and feel this space. Looking out to the dining room were four British icons towering over tables.
Monochrome portraits by celebrated photographers lined the walls - Connery, Twiggy, Shrimpton and Jagger. Most fitting to be part of Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill obviously a successful English export.
I felt special to be part of this. It reminded me of days when I attended winter balls in Sydney held at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, where we danced amidst the grandest of art. A unique and very special feeling gripped me.
We were being ushered to the dry agers placed very deliberately and strategically at the side of the dining room. It was one for all to see and appreciate insinuating that one could look forward to savouring prime cuts of meat.
Then on to the glorious, sharp wine cellar, at the epicenter of the restaurant. Wow! Glass all round we stepped in one by one, wanting the feeling of being surrounded by hundreds of bottles from floor to ceiling. This was an exhilarating moment for most of us. We were all drinkers after all who enjoyed a good drop wherever whenever! But wait there was more to it.
Another large portrait of Gordon Ramsay in this intimate space but dressed in regalia, looking down at us. From a rock n roll look in the main dining room to this grand silhouette. Impressive and daunting! I felt his presence. Like he was there, accompanying us on this tour.
Ryan beckoned us to a small stunning bar just beside the wine cellar. A spot fit for a tete-a-tete with whiskey in hand and a conversation or two. A sommelier awaited. All set to teach us the basics of cocktail making. We learnt how to make barrel-aged Negroni’s and a Chelsea royal garden cocktail, the latter highlighting citrus flavours, definitely more my style.
Light bites to line our tummies but not too much, as a huge lunch was next in line. Jumping in to smoking our cocktails and swirling ice blocks professionally, I must say we were good students. I was most impressed with the Gordon Ramsay stamp, imprinted on a square ice cube, attention to detail that made all the difference. I could see why it was rated the most sought-after dining destination.
It was time to venture on to the exquisite menu that awaited us, inspired by one of London’s most iconic restaurants, Savoy Grill. Particular about choice of seat I sat looking out to the restaurant. I loved visual candy!
Curious about patrons, my eyes roamed the main dining room. There were a fair number of tables occupied, in this 24-karat gold leaf hand-placed ceiling that housed a psychedelic wave carpet. Funky interior design. Just my style.
Nicolas Feuillatte champagne got the show on the road paired with a seafood tower filled with fresh oysters, Boston lobster, scallop ceviche, king crab legs and citrus-cured salmon. So glad that each was cut into small bite-sized pieces, easy to eat without getting our hands dirty.
Needless to say the party had begun. Being foodies we had loads of expertise around the table. In awe of the culinary fair detailed on the menu, our vote went out to the Arnold Bennett twice-baked soufflé with smoked haddock, aged cheddar sauce and a fine herb salad.
I loved dishes with smoked fish. It just added depth of flavor. The aged cheddar sauce was light contrary to expectation, salad making for a really amazing complement. Spicy notes that lifted the overall dish, one that I would never dream of attempting. So true to British fare, this is what I would come back for.
Dover sole Grenobloise another British fish and one I love. Accompanied with a caper sauce this was excellent. A good one for sole diehards, one that would be hard to beat, for the flesh was so soft while lightly crisped on the outside.
The king of the night was about to make its debut. By now we were sipping on Whispering Angel, a Cotes de Provence Rose 2020. Met with gasps of excitement from many around the table, it was an obvious winner.
Classic beef wellington with pomme puree, red wine jus and fine salad. Another one I would come back for. Pastry perfectly crisp with a thin layer of mushies elevated the taste of tender meat. Most often I would leave mash behind due to the loaded carbo content but this one I couldn’t. It was so tasty I would definitely come back for this dish! Another MUST! The best ever.
Part of the pomp and hoorah of this dish was artistry at the wagon, trolleyed to the table. Slice by slice, the large Wellington dissipated as each piece was transferred to our plates.
Paired superbly with a Chateau de Lafont 2010, this was a day to remember. An exquisite experience fit for kings and queens. Full bodied, I could have had a bottle of this smooth liquid all to myself.
As if Gordon Ramsay knew what we were hunkering for, a 64% Manjari chocolate tart served with honeycomb and yoghurt sorbet rounded up the afternoon. Deliciously fine, this was a hard dessert to leave. Vamoose and all plates were polished clean. A glass of DOW’s 2016 vintage port undoubtedly helped.
I am sure you are already aware that this is a must-do if you are planning a trip to K.L. Open for lunch from 12 – 3pm and dinner from 5 – 10.30pm. A fabulous Sunday meal with a roast menu and all trimmings served. The best way to cruise through a weekend.
This once-in-a-generation transformation of Sunway Resort saw hotel rooms stunningly refurbished. I was glad for the luxury of bidding everyone at Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill a huge thank you and riding a lift up to my room. This was the way to do it………
