In choosing organic wines, Christ (right) says she likes to support family-owned wineries. With her is hip hop artiste Q-Dawg.
IF YOU’RE looking for a wine bar with a difference, check out one of the newest that has popped up in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur.
Cheong Somm Wine Bar is located in the REX KL complex, right at the front on the ground mezzanine level, sharing space with Ice Cream & Tattoo Parlour Licky Chan & The Poke Guy.
The location itself leans towards a more open concept.
You can watch the bustle of The Background food and bar court area of Rex KL over the rails and in the front is literally the hustle of Jalan Sultan in the heart of Chinatown KL.
Still, it’s tucked enough on one side of the mezzanine for a more private feel if you prefer.
Cheong Somm started in April this year by sommelier Alison Christ, right on the cusp of the scene opening up again.
“I did a few pop-up wine dinners at Rex KL in the past. I like the space and vibe. The team at Rex KL asked me to take over the wine bar and I said yes,” said Christ.
“I was excited about the world opening back up and to be here serving wine when it happened.
“I could not wait to meet travellers again after so, so long with no one coming into the country.”
The wines on offer here are all natural and organic, hand-picked by Christ who’s been a certified sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers since 2006.
“I lived in Hong Kong for a long time and the natural wine scene was huge there,” she explained.
“Since I’ve been in Malaysia over five years now, I’ve enjoyed educating people about wine in general but in particular, wines that have a positive impact on the environment, especially biodynamic, natural, sustainable and organic.
“I like to support family-owned wineries that protect the land they farm and try to reduce their carbon footprint; these are wines free of poisons and chemicals,” she said.
Some of the biodynamic, natural, sustainable and organic wines.
There is an amazing selection of Old and New World wines, with the former referring to Europe and Mediterranean north Africa, while latter covers almost everywhere else.
Rose, white, red or orange, sparkling and the odd Champagne, you name it, Cheong Somm has it. Visit its social media to see what’s on offer.
The monthly Tuesday wine tastings when you get treated with a blind taste of two reds and two whites for RM100/pax with Christ is definitely one night to look forward to.
The design of the bar, with art pieces lining the walls, also reflects her experience.
“I have a masters degree in arts. In the US, I used to do a lot of art and wine events.
“I was excited to be able to curate some art work on the back wall of Cheong Somm. I have a few artist friends in Kuala Lumpur and I show their art pieces. When someone buys a painting, the artist gives me new ones,” she said.
Cheong Somm is a play on words combining her love of the cheongsam (Chinese traditional dress) and her sommelier background.
“My love of the Chinese dress happened while I was living in Hong Kong. I just absolutely love the look of them and they fit with my personal style quite nicely.
“I had the idea to use a cheongsam in my logo design and only days later did I think of the pun Cheong Somm – like the cheongsam-wearing sommelier,” she added.
Monthly or occasional Cheese Wine Dinner Pairings, Chef Series, Cocktail Guestshifts, and Art & Dip are among the events that have been held here during weekdays.
Weekends are more lively when DJs come out to play at Cheong Somm or at other events at Rex KL.
The weekly Friday Fiesta and Saturday Sessions have featured a host of DJs from the local scene and beyond.
Christ even has the assistance of rising KL hip hop artistes Q-Dawg and Parsa in running Cheong Somm.
Sunday afternoons see BYOD, a monthly canine-friendly gathering that has become something of a go-to event.
You can visit and say hi to the bar’s resident furry friends, Rave and Disco.
There is more to come as the new year approaches.
“For the new year, I am expanding the kitchen. I’ve spent the past couple of weeks perfecting some menu items,” said Christ.
“At the moment we only serve tapas and snacks. I’d like to build a dinner crowd so that people will come drink natural wines during the week nights,” she added.
CHEONG SOMM WINE BAR,
Ground Mezzanine, Rex KL, No.80, Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur (Tel: 018-236 3952).
Business hours: 5pm-midnight (Tuesday-Friday), 3pm-midnight (Saturday-Sunday).
