A Personal Review by Joanna Macdonald – Events Manager
Ok words, where are you…? It’s been two weeks since my evening at Apéritif and I am still trying to put it all down into actual English words that can describe what I experienced. I can start with this – the dining experience at Apéritif was without doubt the most enjoyable, tasty, surprising, interesting and delightful culinary journey I have ever been on, in any part of the world, in my entire life.
This 1920’s styled restaurant has it all; staff that are not only entirely knowledgeable on what they are serving, but passionate about it, an intimate and charming atmosphere, a wine cellar boasting some of the most profound wines but most importantly, the food, oh the glorious food…
The menu tantalizes all the senses.
Chef Nic Vanderbeeken, the man behind the helm, clearly does not see ingredients the way most people do. Instead, it seems as though the plate is his canvas, the ingredients – his brushes and paints. He creates through a genius mind, what is art for your pallet. We decided to put both his menus to the test – Signature Menu and Avant-Garde Menu.
One thing I love about fine dining is reading a menu and then comparing what you actually get on your plate. It’s a surprise every time, like ordering a gift from the kitchen. Every dish, impeccably served and designed. Every bite, a delight. Some even came with a show!
And all this taste explosion is happening while surrounded by the classy setting of Apéritif with its checkboard floors and peacock feather table décor.
Fancy some wine? The wine cellar is a prominent feature at Apéritif, lit to draw your attention no matter where you sit, with hundreds of bottles of the finest wines and champagnes from around the world. You can tell that Maître d’Hôtel & Chef Sommelier, Jean-Benoit Issele, is proud to showcase this collection and ensure that your choice is to your liking.
To end the night off, we were taken next door to Pinstripe Bar for our final course – sweet confections by Pastry Chef Dayu Chintya, once again served like nothing you would expect – on a wooden sweet trolley, reminding me of fairs or the circus when I was a young child. The décor resembles that of a bar in the roaring twenties. I felt like I needed to put on a hat and light a cigar! Dimly lit with large leather armchairs, elegant statues of 20’s dressed women – it’s the perfect pool and bar lounge.
After what we counted was actually 15 courses, including all the small bites in between, I left already knowing that this was an experience of a lifetime. One that will take perhaps another lifetime to replace.
To the Chef, and Pastry Chef and every single member of your team that we had the pleasure of being served by, we thank you for this absolutely inspiring dining experience and for your hospitality, passion and dedication to the luxury restaurant industry.
Reviewed by Joanna Macdonald – Events Manager for the World Luxury Awards.
To book an experience at Apéritif, visit: www.viceroybali.com