Review: High Ultra Lounge Bangalore

Perched atop the World Trade Centre in the Brigade Gateway complex, in faraway Malleswaram, it’s probably the highest F&B space in southern India. When you ride up 30 floors, a breathtaking view is a given but High’s large reception area makes a big impact even before you take in the view. It exudes a minimalist Scandinavian vibe and leads to one of the four spaces that make up this large 10,000 sq ft bar and restaurant. There are two open to sky spaces and a large bar area but it’s the ‘High Edge’ space reserved for private gigs that caught our fancy – maybe it’s the bold red chairs and the fuchsia lights. It’s impossible to imagine that this floor was originally envisioned as an observation deck; a rooftop lounge restaurant seems like a no brainer.

The kitchen is fronted by a chef whose last stop was Zuma, Miami. The pan Asian slant is inevitable and a welcome relief from the run of the mill Mediterranean and Indian fare at lounge spaces. There’s an understandable emphasis on finger food and that’s where the culinary team really scores. High rechristened its cheese poppers as sesame rolls – it wasn’t just a trick to reassure calorie conscious ‘size zero’ diners. This clever twist features tiny bits of peanuts and strawberries enrobed in cream cheese with an oriental sesame crust. The stir fried chicken with Thai basil also incorporates fresh mint leaves – another stroke of ingenuity.

It’s not all contemporary Asian; the chicken Yakitori and the succulent Salmon Teriyaki don’t deviate from the classic recipe. There’s also a wide array of fiery curries and a range of spice-infused cocktails that make the perfect accompaniment. It’s not uncommon these days to find quintessential European desserts striking a discordant note on menus of Oriental restaurants. High steers clear of that temptation but it also means the dessert menu has limited options for compulsive chocolate addicts. This is probably the best place in Bangalore to grab your sundowner and stay on for an eclectic Asian meal. The big challenge is getting everybody to make the drive.

GQ Recommends: Maki Sushi platter, Grilled scallop with pickled plum, Sesame rolls, and homemade litchi ice cream
Service: Warm and efficient
Innovation: Spice infused Asian cocktails
Snooty factor: Medium
Classic Potential: High. It’s only open for dinner but has great potential as a weekend lunch hangout.
Vibe: equally suitable to let your hair down with your co-workers or for a quiet dinner with the Missus.
Price: Rs 3,500 for two (Without alcohol)
Address: Rooftop, World Trade Centre, Brigade Gateway Complex, Dr Rajkumar Road, Malleshwaram West, Bangalore: 55; Phone: (080) 45674567

- Ashwin Rajagopalan

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