Newly Opened KRU is Casual Wine Bar Pefection

Yong Ping Lane is becoming the place to be and newly opened, KRU is positioned, quite literally, in the center of it all. Heading to Colca or STYX, or nearly anywhere else in the complex and you walk past the wine bar by the group that owns and operates some of your favorite cocktail bars: Flask, Botanist and The Bunker by Flask. The open windows, warm lighting within, and outdoor seating beckon to passersby. 

View the open kitchen through arched windows

They have taken inspiration from the traditional design elements of winery tasting rooms such as arched cellar windows and woodwork, and made it fresh with lighter tones; more pine, less cherry wood. The goal here is to create a unique spin on a wine bar offering good food and red wine at a reasonable and “friendly” price point. 

Some bottles from their very well thought out wine selection

Taiwanese trained bar manager, Colin Yang, has assembled a wine list that is arranged in a very different manner than other wine bars. Rather than an emphasis on region or varietal, he has divided the red and white wines by flavors. A red wine under the category fruity and light will be primarily fruit forward with the secondary characteristic being lightness and so on. This should take the guesswork out of choosing a bottle for less experienced wine drinkers. 

In addition, they have several wines available by the glass in a specially designed wine trolley that they wheel around like a dim sum cart. This includes nine reds, one sparkling, one rose and four white wines. Prices per glass range between around RMB 45 and 110, so there's something for every price range. 

Red, white and sparkling available by the glass

While not available until after the grand opening on November 26th, they have stayed true to their cocktail roots and created an intriguing array of wine cocktails. We are especially eager to try the vermouth aperitifs (a martini is technically a wine cocktail) and pink sangria. 

The food menu has been assembled with the same directive: a good value for price so guests may enjoy the moment without worrying about cost. Their talented chef, Sokim Heng, was trained at Le Cordon Blue in Bangkok. He spent time in the kitchen at his family’s restaurant, the well-known, but now closed, Chez Claude in Cambodia. He also worked in France and has traveled extensively, so he incorporates his passion for global cuisine into his cooking. 

Dramatic reveal to the smoked sea bass carpaccio (RMB 68)

The smoked sea bass carpaccio has a nice balance of smoky and fresh flavors from the rocket, courgette, orange and lime zest. One thing that sticks out is well seasoned the dish is. The pan seared scallop is also executed well. 

Pan seared scallop with garlic butter and lime (RMB 68)

Plat de charcuterie (small, RMB 72; large RMB 118) is a classic wine companion

Pan seared foie gras with roast apple and port wine reduction (RMB 168) 

The pan seared foie gras with port wine reduction, paired with a 2014 Italian Volpolicella, is a perfect example of how easy the wine drinking is here. It is that light-bodied red took us enjoyably from the foie gras to the pancetta wrapped salmon. 

Pancetta wrapped salmon (RMB 118 ) on the left and spicy seafood pasta (RMB 98) on the right

The spicy seafood pasta is a French style dish with the bold inclusion of Southeast Asian flavors. We were especially impressed with the tenderloin (RMB 168). It is Mongolian beef, which allows for the price, and the flavor is especially satisfying after being given a rest, massage and soy marinade. Add a glass of the 2015 Viña Chocalán Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile which is a young, easy wine with low tannins and a hint of chocolate.  

Pan seared tenderloin with pepper sauce and asparagus cuts to an even pink interior

Chocolate mousse (L) and fresh fruit gratin sabayon (R)

They don’t slouch in the dessert category either. The chocolate mousse (RMB 48) with Cointreau infused orange is bound to be our regular order although the melting chocolate ball (RMB 58) scores extra points for drama. They also have a nice fruit sabayon if chocolate isn’t your thing. 

Hot caramel sauce poured over the chocolate ball

We think that KRU has set a good goal of creating a place for easy drinking and conversation at fair prices. It will get especially fun after dinner is over and people start sliding their tables together to share wines with friends and strangers, which is highly encouraged. Sometimes one doesn’t want to overthink a night out and if you find yourself in that situation, KRU is the wine bar for you. 

KRU

Address: Room 102,199 Hengshan Lu, Yongping Lane (near Yongjia Lu)

Tel: [phone]

Related Articles