6pm is the magic hour at RAY, when the interplay of sunbeam & shadow on this new Chinatown bar's walls illuminates the main reason for its name. But its true cornerstone is a range of cocktails on tap, ready-mixed & served straight from the keg, potentially bringing your beverage to you within a minute or two. According to RAY's co-owner Karl Too, RAY is "a cocktail bar with a focus on a consistent fascinating taste and quick-process cocktails served from taps. Once you enter the space, you realise that RAY's aptitude lies in creating rays of light in an airy, homely interior space, surrounded by indigenous plants from the region, interpreting modernist values within the Latin American cultures (Rio de Janeiro in particular)."
Don't expect run-of-the-mill concoctions - RAY unites the talents of Karl (of Omakase & Appreciate) & Shin (of Chocha Foodstore), both known for exhibiting experimental streaks. Karl notes that there are eleven taps in the pipeline ready for release by the end of June. Primary flavour characteristics are fresh, bright, silky, tangy, acidic, tannic, fruity, tropical, floral, spiced, herbaceous, bitter, earthy, umami but mainly low-ABV. One section of the cocktail list is called 'Industry Loves' (Sharing is Caring), featuring top cocktails by Karl's bartender friends from multiple countries. Draft cocktails on the preliminary menu include the Mineral R (RM28; Suze, Bitter Truth Violet Liqueur, Giffard Creme de Peche, Giffard Lichi Li, citric acid), You Know (RM28; rose wine, tofu + sumac, tartaric acid, toasted sesames), Indiano (RM30; Bacardi Carta Blanca, Pedro Ximenez, Fernet Branca Menta, espresso, tonic water; created by Barcelona-based Moe Aljaff, this is one of the several recipes borrowed from bartenders from across the globe), Not A Bitch (RM28; Carpano Bianco, coconut, passion fruit, citric acid, sugar) & Rum Negroni (RM28; Ron Zacapa 23, Antica Formula, Aperol), each promising a balanced, refreshing experience ('tap that glass' is the bar's motto). For food, a selection of unique small plates may be unveiled soon (Indian tapas, perhaps?).
RAY Bar KL
First Floor, 156, Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur. Above Chocha Foodstore. Tues-Sun, 3pm-11pm. Tel: 03-2022-1100
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