Grill on the Skyline

Grill on the Skyline

In this cluttered city, where breathing spaces are few and far between, we often look skyward for relief. Rooftops, for many, are the only source of open space where relief can be found from the congestion and pollution below. The city was crying out for a classy rooftop restaurant that affords patrons the opportunity to enjoy the night sky and spend time with friends, and with 'Grill on the Skyline' on its roof, Dhaka Regency has provided just that.

“It all started when we hosted the barbecue festival last winter,” explained Zaireen Sultana Lupa, Assistant Manager, Brand Communications, Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort. “It proved to be a very popular event, and the Managing Director of Regency, Musleh Ahmed, conceived the idea of opening a rooftop restaurant.

“It was always in the offing, because we had the swimming pool on the roof, which itself is very popular, and about 20,000 square feet of unutilised space.”

That space seems now to have been excellently utilised. No expense has been spared to lend the area an air of refinement. Musleh Ahmed -- also the founder of BBIG (British Bangladesh Investment Group), the first project of which is Dhaka Regency -- took great pains to achieve the result. He personally went to China to bring back the elegant furniture that graces the al fresco eatery.

The grass on the rooftop is actually astro-turf, guaranteeing greenness all year round. A major part of the classy and relaxed ambience is provided by the four huts that line one side of the roof, all imported from China.

“We had a soft opening for Grill on the Skyline on Eid day,” added Lupa. “We are planning on a proper opening in the near future, with probably a winter barbecue festival weekend. Plans are still in progress. At present we have a promotional menu featuring multi-cuisine; at the grand opening we are planning on introducing an extended set, comprised mainly of grilled items.”

Even though it is a promotional menu, it holds many delights for food-lovers. Although small in number, the items on offer span a substantial range of tastes. Main dishes include Grilled Chicken, Lamb Kebab and Fish n' Chips, while there is also a Pizza section, a Pasta section and a Specials section that includes Chicken Shwarma and Blackened Chicken Burger. For the younger crowd, there is also the ever-popular sheesha.

Although the menu for the grand opening hasn't been put to paper yet, a sneak preview will surely set barbeque lovers' mouths watering. The new menu is set to include such culinary stalwarts as Seafood Alla Bella Luna, Spicy Shrimp and Crab Cake, Lobster Thermidor, Trio of Baby Lamb, Turkish Mixed Sizzling Grill, and Sikandari Tandoori.

Stars above, the cool of the night, delicious food on the table, company of close friends and family; what more does one need? This is where 'Grill on the Skyline' really shines. Music plays a big role in the atmosphere of a place, and Dhaka Regency seems to have got it just right. Live music is played on all days of the week, but care has been taken to keep the music soft and consistent with the serene ambience. The live performance begins everyday from 7:30 pm onwards.

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, guests can enjoy the charms of Ghazaal. On Sundays and Mondays the traditional flute enchants diners, and Tuesdays and Wednesdays present the unique pleasures of the sitar and tabla.

Then there is the view. Peer over the western railing and you will see bright lights below of houses and cars, reminding you of the busy life you left below, and to which you must return. Look a bit further, and you can see big jet planes ambling to and fro on the tarmac, taking off and landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

“The best time to come here, I think, is 5:30 in the evening, when the sunset gives the sky a beautiful blend of hues,” opines Lupa. “In fact, the other day, a middle-aged couple arrived in the late evening and stayed for four hours, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the cuisine. That tells me that this is a place where people would like to just come and relax, and enjoy the rare opportunity to unwind and take in some fresh air inside the city limits.”

When it comes to rooftops the question of rain inevitably comes up, especially in a climate such as ours. “We operate at a reduced capacity during downpours,” explains Lupa. “What is pleasantly surprising is that some of our guests have said that they enjoy the place more during rainfall. The music, coupled with the rainfall, really highlights the romance of the place.”

When it's raining, diners can move to a shaded area, and the huts also provide shelter. Additionally, there are holes in the floor around some tables that enable umbrellas to be set up.

The space can also be rented for corporate events such as banquets and parties. For such events the capacity of the restaurant is 120 seating, and 170 if standing space is taken into account. There is also a smaller space, elevated one floor above the rest of the establishment, that can be rented for private family gatherings, etc., with a capacity of up to twenty persons.

'Grill on the Skyline' is open everyday from 4 pm to 11:30 pm. Last call is at 11.

Rain or shine, whether it is to get away, enjoy time with friends and family, or just relax by yourself, Dhaka Regency's newest addition will not only satisfy, but possibly exceed your expectations. Leave the city behind, or rather below, and cherish your perch in the sky, if only for a little while.

By STS
Photo courtesy: Dhaka Regency