Sleek, contemporary design concept combines informal lounge space with consummate grill restaurant
December 20th, 2012
GOBO Upstairs Lounge & Grill is an enticing combination of a modern, sleek Lounge bar and an accomplished Grill restaurant. Occupying a bright, open space on the 6th floor of the Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur, GOBO Upstairs, as suggested by the name, is linked directly by a central stairwell to the stylish all-day dining restaurant, GOBO Chit Chat, on the 5th floor directly below.
The sleek, modern and minimalist design of GOBO Upstairs, with lot’s of glass, wood and stone, is a hallmark of the Traders Hotel brand ethos- an approach to design that emphasises elegant simplicity rather than ostentatious luxury. The space is divided into the two main sections by the central stairwell- with the Lounge standing on a slightly raised timber platform overlooking the KLCC parklands and Petronas Twin Towers- and the Grill occupying the inner part of the floor space. With full height glass curtain walls on three sides, high ceilings and an open uncluttered layout, GOBO Upstairs evokes a casual ambience, ideal for relaxed conversations and drinks in the Lounge, or a consummate dining experience at the Grill.
The Lounge
The Lounge is open daily from 10:00 am until 1:00 am, serving a wide range of beverages including wines and champagnes, and a well-crafted selection of cocktails. Cigar aficionados are catered for with an extensive range available- smoking is permitted in the Lounge.
The sleek rectangular shaped bar- crafted from white travertine- is positioned in the centre of the Lounge space.
The bar and lounge space is suffused with natural light during the day- and seductively illuminated at night by the glow from adjacent office towers.
(L) Display of champagne magnums & bottles mimics the Petronas Twin Towers that loom prominently through the glass walls.
(R) The full height glass curtain walls on both sides provide broad vistas over nearby parkland and the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
The Grill
The dining concept at the Grill is focused on serving the finest cuts of prime imported steak- cooked precisely to the specific preferences of each diner. The menu features a concise selection of Starters such as fresh Pacific Oysters, Salads and Soups; some Vegetarian main course options; and the sumptuous selection of Grill dishes. Imported cuts of beef include Australian Black Angus; Australian Organic Beef; Nolan Private Selection 500 gm T-Bone, and 500 gm Rib-Eye on the Bone; Kobe Cuisine Wagyu; and Master Kobe. Other options include West Australian lamb, and some seafood and chicken options. Selections of side dishes are ordered separately.
The Grill serves a Lunch menu, weekdays only, from 11:30 am ~ 2:30 pm; and Dinner nightly from 6:30 pm ~10:30 pm.
The Grill Features an open “live” cooking station where diners can interact with the culinary team.
The table arrangements at the Grill include some seats at the travertine counter that wraps around the central glass-walled light well to the floor below, with the main dining area extending in a “T” shape space further inside.
The “inner” dining space features window front tables and exudes an understated contemporary elegance.
High-backed red leather banquettes offer alternative seating arrangements.
Stylish table settings and modern glassware are a feature of the GOBO Upstairs Grill.
Selections from the Grill kitchen
Grilled portobello with emmental cheese
Norwegian Salmon with tomato & olive salsa.
Beef tenderloin with summer vegetables served with au jus
GOBO Upstairs Lounge & Grill at Traders Hotel KL
Address: Level 6, Traders Hotel KL, Kuala Lumpur City Centre ( KLCC), 50088 Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia
Reservations: +603. 2332 9910
Website: www.shangri-la.com/kualalumpur/traders
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tradershotels
Opening Hours:
Lounge: 10:00 am ~ 1:00 am Daily
Grill – Lunch 11:30 am ~ 2:30 pm Monday to Friday
Grill – Dinner 6:30 pm ~ 10:30 pm Daily
Dress Code: Smart Casual
See also November 2012 review article on the glamorous SkyBar -rooftop at Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Food images courtesy of venue
