Author: Linda Cooper

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Apéritif at Viceroy Bali

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

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2023 World Luxury Restaurant Awards Winners Announced

The World Luxury Awards celebrated its 17th year of awarding some of the top hotels, spas, restaurants and travel establishments on 28 October 2023. It was a night to remember. This luxurious affair was hosted by Grand Hyatt Athens in Greece and saw almost 300 establishments from around the world awarded for their dedication and commitment to the luxury hospitality and travel industries.

“We are very proud of all of our winners, and being able to celebrate with them on an occasion like this is very special. The ceremony was incredible. The interactive entertainment, The Greek Priestesses and The Famous Zorba, were highlights of the evening and were thoroughly enjoyed by all. We wish to congratulate all our winners, also to those who were not able to be with us. A special congratulations to our overall winners: the Global Hotel of the Year – Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the Global Spa of the Year – Spirit Hotel Thermal Spa, the Global Restaurant of the Year – Le Pavillon and the Global Travel Establishment of the Year – Australia Zoo.” says Jana Stoman, the Executive Manager for the World Luxury Awards.

A brilliant and tantalizing 6-course menu was prepared for all to enjoy throughout the night. We wish to recognize and give thanks to Alpha Wine Estate for providing the Greek wine pairing that complemented each course.

Prior to the Gala Ceremony, on Friday evening, the guests who opted in were treated to a spectacular walking tour of Athens by the Greek Gourmet Tours. After viewing multiple ancient and historical sites and a stunning walk around the Acropolis, the tour culminated in a sumptuous dinner at a delightful and modern, Greek tapas-style restaurant. One can truly say, dining in Greece can be an adventure on its own! Thank you to Anastasia and her team at Greek Gourmet Tours for providing this wonderful experience.

“Travelers today increasingly value experiences over possessions and are willing to invest in unique, authentic, and immersive travel experiences. It is with the unwavering commitment of dedicated staff that guests can enjoy this. We congratulate the 2023 winners, who have worked hard and tirelessly to be successful in a very competitive industry.” says Jana Stoman.

The after party on the Rooftop was blessed with a full moon, a blood moon in fact, rising overhead, and the Acropolis blazing in its glory in the distance. Many guests enjoyed socializing with new and old friends while the DJ enticed them onto the dance floor. It ended a momentous occasion, perfectly.

“The World Luxury Awards would like to recognize and thank France 24, our official partner sponsor for 12 years, for being with us tonight and remaining a part of our family in the hospitality industry.” says Brandon Lourens, Chief Executive Officer of the World Luxury Awards.

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Zahli is a must-visit Lebanese restaurant located in Sydney.

In a recent visit to Australia I spent a few days in Sydney where I had the pleasure of dining at Zahli and was thoroughly impressed with the experience.

I was dining alone, and Mohammad, the owner, personally hosted the evening for me, he was incredibly welcoming, making me feel right at home from the moment I arrived.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the food. I am not familiar with Middle-Eastern cuisine, so this was all a very new experience for me. I was served an abundance of dishes, a banquet, all of which were beautifully presented and bursting with color.The flavors were robust and authentic, providing a true taste of Lebanese cuisine. I surprised myself by even trying the raw meat dish “Kibbeh Nayye” made from fresh lamb, mixed with crushed wheat and various seasonings, it was rather more-ish.

I must admit that in the end it felt like Mohammad was trying to feed me to death with the sheer number of dishes, but this is just a testament to his enthusiasm and passion for bringing ancient Middle-Eastern recipes to life, with a modern twist, there was so much, I just wish I had space for more.

In terms of drinks, I typically prefer beer over wine, and I was pleasantly surprised by the Lebanese beer on offer at Zahli. It was light, refreshing, and the perfect accompaniment to the flavorful dishes.

Overall, I would highly recommend Zahli to anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience in Sydney. The food is outstanding, the service is top-notch, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting.

Thank you, Mohammad and the team at Zahli, for a memorable evening.

Reviewed by World Luxury Awards representative, Angelo Henry.

For more information visit Zahli’s website: www.zahlirestaurant.com