Latin American inspired bar and grill restaurant combining superlative grill cuisine and vibrant bar scene
May 30th, 2013
Launched nearly ten years ago, Qba Latin Bar & Grill continues to attract both an enthusiastic clientele, and sustained critical acclaim. An intriguing concept that evokes the architectural style and vibrant nightlife of colonial era Havana- combining superb grill cuisine with a vibrant bar, Qba has for years captivated the KL nightlife scene. A truly multifaceted venue, Qba comprises four main sections occupying a voluminous double story space within the prestigious The Westin Kuala Lumpur. On the upper level- accessed from the lobby of the hotel- are The Wine Bar & Cigar Lounge, The Latin Grill dining room, and proceeding down a broad marble staircase to the lower level- the Island Bar, and the outdoor Tapas Courtyard. Specialties of the kitchen are firmly grounded in the flavors and cooking techniques of Latin American cuisines, with an emphasis on grilled meats and classic tapas sharing dishes- all cooked in the gleaming open kitchen that overlooks the dining area. Meanwhile, the lower level bar and courtyard area pulsates nightly with DJs and live bands generating the carefree Latin vibes of a fun night out- splendidly lubricated by a wide selection of well-crafted, quintessentially Cuban cocktails; plus varieties of South American wines, and other refreshing beverages from the well stocked bar.
Headlining the Latin Grill cuisine are the Qba Signature Steak and Wine Tasting Plates- surely the best way to enjoy tasting a variety of prime steak cuts, with the option of carefully matched wines. Two versions of the “plates” are offered- each with three different cuts of prime beef- the “Shorthorn Plate” featuring cuts from Shorthorn cattle- the breed that originated in England in the 18th century, and is now found all over the world- Argentina, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, USA etc. And the “Longhorn Plate” features three cuts from the traditional long horned brown and white breed of cattle, the most famous being the “the Texas Longhorn”. Other dishes that exemplify the soundly executed cooking techniques of the culinary team include the Parrillada Mixed Grill– with Chorizo, CAAB Rib Eye, Beef Intercostal Ribs “Pisto Manchego” Vegetables, Romesco; the Lamb Tasting Plate- featuring Lamb Rack Single Rib, Lamb Breast, Guacamole, Hot Salsa, Black Beans, Fresh Tortillas; and Tapas dishes such as Master Kobe Beef Roll– with beef jus & pico de gallo; and Piquillo Peppers filled with salted cod purée and lemon aioli.
The Latin Grill restaurant serves dinner only, Mondays to Saturdays; and the Bar and Courtyard operate from 5 pm until late, daily except Sundays. Attractive Happy Hour promotions, and themed nights, ensure a bustling and happening bar scene.
Qba interior
The stunning interior of Qba is based on an authentic re-creation of the typical Baroque-style architecture of colonial-era Havana. Design elements such as hand painted frescoes, distressed surfaces, and the dramatic curving arches immerse guests into another era- while the life size, carved wooden angel serenely oversees the proceedings from its perch above the bar.
The downstairs Island Bar features an imposing four-sided bar counter, faced by solid timber bar stools, and with luxurious leather upholstered booth seats set into alcoves surrounding the bar.
Dining tables at the upstairs Latin Grill are generously spaced around three sides of the balcony- overlooking the bar space below. White marble table tops blend harmoniously with the white marble flooring, contrasting with the chairs made from solid dark timber and red leather.
Selected beverages from the Qba bar
Champagne Mojito- Matusalem rum, fresh mint, sugar syrup, lemon juice & champagne.
SANGRIA- red wine, rum, orange juice, sugar syrup & soda water
Pisco Sour- Pisco, lemon juice & angostura bitters
Mulata- Dark Matusalem Cuban rum, creme de cacao & lemon juice
Highlights from the Qba Latin Grill
The Qba kitchen team- headed by Chef Pearl Woo. The open kitchen faces out onto the balcony dining tables.
Tomato Soup with Avocado, Cheese, Guajillo Peppers, Fried Tortilla (RM28)
Grilled Petuna Ocean Trout, Cream of Corn, Broccolini, Pomegranate Salsa (RM90)
Lamb Tasting Plate- Lamb Rack Single Rib, Lamb Breast, Guacamole, Hot Salsa, Black Beans, Fresh Tortillas (RM180)
QBA SIGNATURE STEAK TASTING PLATES
Shorthorn – 120gm each
Master Kobe Oyster Blade, Mushroom Confit
Tempranillo, Reserva, Marques De Riscal, Spain, 2005
CAAB Rib Eye, Salsa Roja
Merlot Casillero Del Diablo, Concha Y Toro, Chile, 2010
Kobe Cuisine Wagyu Eye Fillet, Roast Sweet Onion, Cabrales Blue Cheese Sauce
Shiraz, Stonewell, Peter Lehmann, Australia, 1992
RM220 Steak Tasting Only
RM318 Steak and Wine Flight Pairing
Qba Latin Bar & Grill – at The Westin Kuala Lumpur
Address: Lower Ground Floor, 199 Jalan Bukit Bintang. 55100 Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia
Reservations: +603 2773 8098
Website: www.thewestinkualalumpur.com/dining
Facebook: www.facebook.com/westin.kl
Opening Hours:
Bar: Monday to Saturday 5:00 pm ~ 3:00 am
Restaurant: Monday to Saturday 6:30 pm ~ 10:30 pm
Promotions:
Qbarrio Happy Hours : Monday to Saturday 5:00 pm ~ 10:00 pm
QBA ON FIRE- Every Friday from 6pm to 10pm
Enjoy a fiery Friday evening at Qba with live grill, wine and Qba’s signature Mojito.
MYR65++ per person inclusive of a glass of Mojito or a glass of wine
Chiquita’s Ladies Night! Wednesday nights. 9:00 pm-1:00 am. Selected complimentary beverages & tapas
Music : Live bands & DJs nightly- salsa beats & hot rhythms
Dress Code: Smart casual
See also December 2011 review article on Qba.
