1881 Chong Tian Hotel

Special thanks to 1881 Chong Tian Hotel for extending this event invitation.

Update: This business has ceased its operations.

After the lovely dinner here 3 weeks ago, I have been given the privilege to revisit 1881 Chong Tian Hotel (1881中天酒店). This time, I participated in the pre-launching event of the hotel's rooftop Sky Bar.

This hotel-restaurant at Jalan Pintal Tali is not lacking in prestige. The second and third floors house the 11 luxurious hotel rooms. Each room is unique in design, using vintage furnishing to give an unprecedented feeling of hospitality.

Wooden flights of stairs, reminiscent of the good days before advent of elevators, provide access to the upper floors as well as the rooftop. A central air well provides good views as well natural ventilation along the hallways.

The Sky Bar occupies some 1,500 square feet of floor space, allowing 1881 Chong Tian Hotel to claim to be the first heritage building in Penang to have rooftop bar. Lush willow (柳) and bamboo (竹) plants decorate the sides of this outdoor Sky Bar.

The Sky Bar provides panoramic views of the surrounding heritage area. The majestic Komtar Tower stands tall against a backdrop of setting sun towards the west.

Tonight's event is the pre-launching of this Sky Bar, which will be operating since 1 November 2014. The rooftop was previously rented for special events such as wedding ceremonies. However, this new Sky Bar is meant to be open to the public.

Serving light snacks and beverages (including alcoholic ones), 1881 Chong Tian Hotel intends to use this place as an urban retreat within this district of concrete jungle.

To provide a cozy environment in the theme of Classical Chinese pavilion, the owner has invested over RM300,000 on restoration work, which includes a pair of restrooms and a small stage for performances. Minor touch-ups are still planned until the official opening next month.

Tonight's event is blessed with overwhelming response of over 100 distinguished guests, including members from the media.

As part to tonight's celebration, a buffet line is prepared for guests to wine and dine throughout the night.

A grilling station, where sizzling lamb chops and squid are prepared, is set up much to the delight of many guests. In particular, the taste of grilled squid is simply exquisite!

Another scrumptious treat is the Baked Prawn With Domino, which is my personal favorite delicacy tonight. I love the succulent prawn flesh and the way it assimilates with the creamy filling.

For spicier experience, Kapitan Curry Chicken serves this purpose well. The chicken is rather flavorful, truly gratifying with each bite.

The Deep Fried Salted & Spicy Fish Fillet is a crowd-favorite finger food.

The Spaghetti Carbonara With Mushroom & Ham appeals to the younger generation, although I find that the carbonara sauce is too creamy and overwhelms the taste buds.

Meanwhile, Fried Rice In Thai Style serves as a staple dish especially among senior guests.

Guests who love raw fish will be delighted to know that Salmon Sashimi is also available.

Even the food presentation of this platter of Garden Salad is nothing but glamorous.

There is also a handful of Nyonya kuih varieties. Feel free to indulge on these delectable goodies to your heart's content.

In the desserts section, cookies and custard are served to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Last but not least, the buffet line also includes several types of fruits: watermelon, honeydew and papaya. Interestingly, these are the same fruits which are served as desserts in the restaurant downstairs.

A bottomless supply for imported wine and local beer is provided throughout the majestic evening. This is truly an enjoyable wine and dine experience.

Today's event is officiated by the man behind 1881 Chong Tian Hotel, Mr. Seah, who gave a light-hearted welcome to the distinguished guests tonight.

Also present on stage are representatives of co-sponsors of tonight's event. A raffle is also held, allowing lucky guests to win lucrative prizes such as buffet meals and hotel stay.

To brighten the atmosphere as the night moves deeper, a band of performers comes on stage to entertain guests with a medley of light jazz music.

It is unknown whether the Sky Bar will have regular stage performances every night; this depends on customers' response later. Regardless, the Sky Bar of 1881 Chong Tian Hotel is geared to provide a relaxing atmosphere when it officially starts operating on 1 November 2014.

Name: 1881 Chong Tian Hotel
Address: 38, Jalan Pintal Tali, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-263-1881
Business hours: 2:00pm-9:00pm
Website: http://www.1881chongtian.com
Coordinates: 5.41780 N, 100.33481 E
Directions: From Lebuh Chulia, turn into the one-way Jalan Pintal Tali. 1881 Chong Tian Hotel is a 3-storey building on the right, almost before the intersection between Jalan Pintal Tali and Lebuh Campbell. Street parking is the only viable option at this part of town, and may be in short supply at certain hours. Valet parking service is provided by the hotel.