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| New Beat on Old Block |
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Published:
NST - Streets |
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Date:
April 21, 2008 |
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KUALA LUMPUR: When the sun goes down, throwing into relief the majestic Twin Towers, not far from their shadows a relatively new social scene begins to stir.
Mention nightlife on Jalan Doraisamy and it will probably draw blank looks from even clubbers and pub hoppers. But talk about the Asian Heritage Row and there might be nods of recognition.
Yes, the Asian Heritage Row lies along the quaint and charming Jalan Doraisamy in the heart of the city.
And, if you think the Asian Heritage Row has something to do with arts, crafts, culture or theatre, you're way off the mark.
This is the new kid on the wining, dining and entertainment scene of Kuala Lumpur, the place which is growing in popularity among young and trendy city folks, tourists, yuppies and well-heeled locals.
The Asian Heritage Row provides an alternative to the vibrant nightlife in established places such as Bangsar, Changkat Bukit Bintang and Desa Seri Hartamas.
So, why is it called the Asian Heritage Row?
Well, it has a number of converted and refurbished buildings.
Once the homes of ordinary Malaysians, the pre-war, eighty-one-year-old houses along this road have been given a new lease of life by being converted into clubs, restaurants, cafes, pubs and entertainment outlets.
Some of the adjoining roads have dilapidated, squalid houses, a reminder of what might have been the fate of this row of houses had it not been for the vision of turning a run-of-the-mill neighbourhood into a haunt of clubbers, food enthusiasts and those with a penchant for watering holes.
A visit to the place during the early part of the day will give no inkling about how it can metamorphose into a hip and happening place as night falls, especially during weekends.
Today, even the nearby Jalan Yap Ah Shak has many F&B outlets and is considered an extension of the nightlife in Jalan Doraisamy.
The Asian Heritage Row offers an eclectic mix of restaurants serving anything from Japanese, Malay, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese or Western fare to French, Spanish Italian, Laotian, Turkish and Vietnamese food.
At one end of Jalan Doraisamy lies the Buharry Nasi Kandar Bistro, a restaurant selling a variety of food such as tandoori, tom yam, south Indian and north indian fare.
Malay dishes as well as non-alcoholic drinks such as fruit juices and the ever popular thirst-quencher, teh-tarik are available too.
There are Kristao's serving Malay and Portuguese food, Mezza Notte offering Italian and Japanese, Palacio with Spanish, Mediterranean and French fare, Bar Club with western and Asian grub, and others.
The Loft group has a number of outlets here such as Mezza Notte and Upstairs club lounges, Ye Chine.
Nick of Kristao's, said "This area is a popular hangout for tourists and locals. However, a lot of people are still in the dark about this hip entertainment area.
"Tourists come from America, Australia, Europe, Germany, Japan, the Middle East, Sweden, Spain, Italy and many other places.
"The Asian Heritage Row has been highlighted in many travel magazines and newspapers overseas, websites and blogs too.
"So, tourists often seek out this place to wine, dine and have a good time," he added.
C.K. Leong of Mezza Notte and Upstairs said this area was conceptualised by William Ng, who turned ordinary run-down pre-war houses into a trendy and sophisticated clubber's delight.
"Here, when it comes to food, music, dancing areas, snooker, pubs and more, clubbers and the pub-going crowd are spoilt for choice.
"The presence of prestigious hotels like Sheraton, Regent, Concorde and others nearby helps bring in the crowds," Leong said.
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