Virtus Restaurant by Sacred House – An exceptional dining experience in Cappadocia
From the moment you step inside Sacred House, you are surrounded in an atmosphere of elegance and warmth. Sacred House offers a unique blend of luxury, history, and mystique. Housed in a restored 250-year-old Greek mansion, the hotel will transport you to a world of enchantment and wonder from the moment you arrive. The architecture and design of Sacred House is awe-inspiring and there are multiple art pieces and décor depicting heaven and hell, adding to the story of Sacred House.
The restaurant offers their main indoor seating area with a unique atmosphere and stunning décor, as well as an outdoor area on their terrace overlooking the natural landscape of Cappadocia, perfect for summer evenings. My friend and I had an alfresco dinner which was just the perfect setting for my special birthday dinner.
Virtus Restaurant’s concept is a variety of fine Anatolian and international wine complementing their dinner menu of old, long forgotten cuisine of antiquity.
The bread course was a great start to the evening with warm freshly baked bread accompanied by an eggplant dip, stuffed olives and sundried tomatoes. I couldn’t get enough; it was so tasty.
For starters I had the beef carpaccio with a delicious balsamic glaze. And, still enjoying more bread and accompaniments. I had a glass of local rosé wine which was the best choice for a summer evening.
The main courses at Virtus Restaurant were outstanding. I had a fillet steak with the creamiest mash and vegetables, and my friend enjoyed the lamb which was succulent and full of flavour.
Desserts at Virtus are a fitting finale to a memorable meal. The chocolate fondant, with its molten rich chocolate in the center is a must-try. The strawberry dessert is a perfect choice for a summer evening, rich and fruity.
The service at Virtus Restaurant was impeccable, with friendly staff who were eager to please. They made me feel welcome and cared for.
In conclusion, Virtus Restaurant at Sacred House is a true gem, offering an exceptional dining experience in the scenic town of Cappadocia.
Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Kayla Lourens
For more information, visit their website: www.sacredhouse.com.tr/en/virtus-restaurant
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