Refreshing and hearty concoctions at three-in-one Penang hotspot
An old proverb says two’s company but three’s a crowd.
The bistro located in Island 88, Tanjung Tokong, runs on a synergy between three different parties who each contribute their unique expertise.
Main proprietor Sky 7 focuses on beers and running the place, Alfresco Dining offers hearty European cuisine and wines while The Mandarin serves inventive seasonal cocktails.
Together, the dynamic collaboration known as Sky 7 x Alfresco Dining x The Mandarin creates a unique yet family-friendly lifestyle destination.
Sky 7 owner Koay Chee Leong said the aim was to provide guests with quality offerings at reasonable prices.
“We specialise in different things and perfectly complement each other.
“It also elevates my original vision for Sky 7,” he continued, adding that response had been encouraging.
The brand’s name came from Koay’s earlier plans to open a skybar, while hutong was in reference to the narrow alleyways seen in the traditional villages of Beijing, China.
“Today, many of these areas are brimming with cafes and bars. You’ll find lots of different things. We’re trying to recreate that here,” said Koay.
Although this is Sky 7’s third location, it is the only one to operate under this model.
The other two in Butterworth and Alma are sports bars with snooker and pickleball facilities.
Here, sports are screened on giant TVs instead.
The air-conditioned interior is elegant with soft lighting and brick walls, while the alfresco area out back is breezy and overlooks greenery.
The Mandarin is an acclaimed cocktail bar in its own right. Established along Irving Road in George Town by Lim Yin Wei, it is well-known for its bespoke creations.
Experienced mixologist Jimmy Eng joined to take the helm at this branch in Sky 7 and wasted no time putting his own spin on things.
“I decided to take a creative, seasonal approach here as there’s an upscale grocer just a floor below where I can obtain the best produce anytime.
“And with Alfresco Dining being part of the equation, there’s a full-fledged kitchen to create unique components for my drinks,” said Eng.
Among his current seasonal offerings are the Passionfruit Mojito and Watermelon Margarita – both designed to refresh drinkers.
The former blends white wine with passionfruit shrub, mint leaf, rum and soda, giving it a bright zesty character that will remind one of the tropics.
The latter has watermelon, basil, sugar, lime juice, tequila and Cointreau. A rim of lime salt provides a counterpoint to sweet and herbaceous notes, making it an easy drink.
“While Penang only has two seasons – hot or rainy – the availability of ingredients allows me to highlight different flavours at different times of year,” Eng highlighted.
There is also a menu of classics and house signatures such as No Tan Lines which mixes fat-washed vodka with pineapple, lime and soda.
An almost bacon-like nuance greets the palate before silky creaminess takes over. A garnish of charred vegetables evokes a barbecue to reinforce the savoury profile.
The Charcoal Lychee will seduce many with its stunning violet hues derived from butterfly pea gin mixed with lychee juice.
This is topped with foam made from whipped cream and charcoal powder. You might even detect caramel notes thanks to popcorn syrup.
Those preferring something crisper should go for the Kentucky Apple Sour, a twist on the old, bourbon-based tipple which swaps lemon juice for green apple foam made from gummy candies.
Enjoy these alongside the hearty and well-executed European dishes by Alfresco Dining’s vastly-experienced Czech executive chef Petr Feher.
After almost 30 years in five-star hotels and fine dining restaurants, he decided to switch his focus to family-oriented cuisine to bring joy to more people.
“I wanted to go back to basics and do everything well from scratch, because hearty food can be truly comforting for the soul,” Feher said of his philosophy at this pet-friendly establishment.
The Australian Braised Lamb Shank, Hungarian Beef Goulash and BBQ Hickory Pork Ribs are so soft they easily fall apart, which understandably make them crowd-favourites.
Should you prefer to have beers – with prices here among the cheapest in town – the line-up of tapas, snacks and yakitori make great accompaniments.
Feher also offers a special seasonal menu, with air-flown Irish oysters, Foie Gras Rougie, Seabass Fillet and Prawn and Boston Lobster Tail Pasta notable among the current selection.
Sky 7 Hutong, Ground floor, Island 88, Jalan Tanjung Tokong, Penang. (Tel: 018-9497934) Business hours: 11am to 2am daily (cocktail bar from 4pm to midnight daily).
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
