Level 21

Offers a High Dining Duo

The sleek new Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, while setting standards with its style and hospitality, is also home to one of the swishiest bars and restaurants in town. Step it up at Level 21 and dine in at Copitas and Far East

Text: Priya Bala

The Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru rises from the centre of the landmark Embassy ONE development in the hi-tech city. Located only a short drive from the Kempegowda International Airport, Four Seasons offers a bouquet of experiences that reflect the cosmopolitan and modern spirit of Bangalore.

The Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, while setting standards with its style and hospitality, is also home to one of the swishiest bars and restaurants in town. After the long lockdown, this sleek hotel has reopened for room guests and diners with all safety and hygiene protocols in place.

Drive into the hotel, enter the elegantly appointed lobby and take the elevator to the 21st floor. You arrive to be greeted by a mellow mood with an air of mystery surrounding it. The lighting is warm and there are touches of whimsy in the design. This is Copitas, the hotel's bar located several floors above ground level. Here, you can unwind with an artisanal craft cocktail while taking in the sparkling Bangalore skyline. Whether it's for after-work drinks or a relaxing evening with that someone special, Copitas fits the bill.

It's deliberately designed to evoke decadence with its rich marble mosaic floors, decorative screens and intricate details. Influences from haute couture and jewellery are subtly referenced through the metalwork, light fittings and upholstery.

The cocktail menu here includes creations such as the Crazy Rich Negroni, a special concoction of gin, pandan, pineapple, sous vide bananas blended with Campari and sweet vermouth. The Namaskara is a tribute to South India with coconut-aged rum, papaya juice, pineapple juice and coconut puree. Carrying the South Indian theme further is the Masala Dosa made with tequila, rasam, chilli, lime, simple syrup and a flourish of Kerala podi.

Gin prevails as the drink of the season and Copitas has a collection of over 15 carefully chosen brands. The gin and tonic combinations are also a speciality at this bar. Other must-have cocktails include the Copitas, smooth and elegant with bourbon, apple juice, bitters and cocoa nibs that add an edge. The Regalo, a gift in Spanish, is an amalgam of Tennessee whisky, bianco syrup, citrus and bitters. The Ibiza promises to transport you to the lively Spanish island with exuberant notes of betel leaf, home-made saffron and honey water and lemon blended in with tequila. Much thought goes into not just the creation, but also the presentation of the cocktails here and you can admire the little touches that make every glass interesting.

A few paces ahead of this sleek bar and welcoming one into a far-and-away place in the Orient is Far & East, a luxury dining destination. Created to be an Asian brasserie, this restaurant presents Japanese, Thai and Chinese cuisine in an innovative fashion.

A recurring theme of gold trellis works its way into the deep, dark black and gold interiors lending the place a luxurious charm. A stylish bar, replete with Asian cocktails makes up the welcome area and front façade of the restaurant. Guests may pause over exotic cocktails infused with Sichuan peppers, or lemon grass and galangal with a luxuriant swirl of honey.

Far & East is a vast, sprawling space and includes three private dining rooms for those intimate gatherings. While the design is much talked about, the food is at the core of this restaurant. Menu highlights include yakitori grill, sashimi and funky rolls, an innovative take on sushi, and expertly prepared Peking duck. Dishes such as the Flaming Duck are carved at the table with flair, served with a bouquet of home-made dips and condiments and the Volcano Maki is torched tableside to create a sense of drama.

For an elaborate tasting menu you could start with an array of appetisers including edamame beans, scattered with salt, wasabi prawns with a delightful crunch and superbly executed Roast Chicken Five Spices with crisp golden skin and juicy meat. The vegetarian dish of Long Beans Chilli Sauce, which has bits of tofu in it, comes with a distinctly spicy hit.

More appetisers follow in the form of an elaborately arranged Insta-friendly sushi platter comprising seafood that has been sourced with care, expertly sliced and shaped. You could tuck into a warm and comforting  bowl of Wonton Chicken Soup if you like.

Main course selections include Chicken Teppanyaki served with burnt garlic rice and Luo Han Zhai vegetables, a medley of fresh vegetables tossed in a flavourful sauce. Or, perhaps, Steamed Seabass with XO Sauce or nicely done Beef Black Pepper for lovers of red meat. Cantonese crisp noodles pair very well with these hearty main courses.

Wrap up the culinary journey across the Orient with a pick from the dessert menu. The Chocolate Pear is a signature dessert here. Dark chocolate encasing pear compote is shaped into a pear and has hints of five spice mix making for an unusual but delightful flavour burst in the mouth. You could also order a Thai Chai Custard, with its silken, creamy texture.

Beyond the tasting menu that the chefs put together, there's a vast array of dishes to indulge in at Far & East. For a special occasion order the duck, cooked Peking style and served with traditional accompaniments. The Dim sum collection includes a range from Asparagus Wrap to Chicken Fluffy Bun, Xiao Long Bao and Pork Sticky Rice. The Tom Yam shines among the soups and there are cool summer rolls and Larb Gai, scented with basil to nibble on while you sip your cocktails. From the wok emerge hawker market style favourites like Green Chilli Lamb and Dancing Pork Ribs. From the rice and noodle selection, we recommend the uncommon rice with edamame and pine nuts and the Pad Thai which hits the spot.

Heading the kitchen at Far & East are Chef Atsushi Yonaha, giving the Japanese food items a signature twist, and Chef Leong Then who is a master craftsman at the wok and a Four Seasons brand ambassador for nearly a decade and a half.

The style and sophistication of Copitas and the hearty culinary offerings of Far & East make Level 21 at the Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru a great destination to spend an evening made pleasant with great food, drink and service.