Redefining the Classics on Bali’s West Coast
The new Seminyak Kitchen is a chic spot and built around a quite sensational multi-million dollar open kitchen. Split into three, the dining area offers sofas and tables overlooking the hotel’s pool, the open kitchen or the street. It’s on the third floor, so if you go al fresco you get the buzz and nice breeze but not so much noise.
With a capacity of around 160, it has a great atmosphere. The clean lines, chalk boards advertising specials, bottled decorative fruit and even the arrangement of the sauce bottles just add to the timeless feel. It is, above all else, a welcoming restaurant and not just somewhere to take your meals before heading out.
The restaurant is the new Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak’s all-day eatery and is helmed by the talented Australian Billy Costoglou, who at 28 is currently the group’s youngest executive chef. But whilst many of his peers around Bali are pushing the boundaries of fine dining and molecular cuisine, Chef Costoglou has a refreshing no-nonsense approach to what his customers want and like.
“My aim is to give our guests great tasting and great quality food in good healthy portions, cooked fresh to order and at the right price.”
Based upon that concept, and drawing on his impressive classic cuisine credentials, he has created an exciting all-day dining experience for hotel and walk-in guests built around his take on many classic dishes, local specials and a number of surprise additions.
The buffet breakfast opens at a very sensible 6.30 AM – ideal for those taking a day tour, and is available until 11.30 AM – just perfect if you partied through the night. The selection is large and pleasingly diverse, with offerings from around Indonesia, such as nasi goreng, bihun goreng and the fabulous Beef Rendang omelet, along with a tasty range of international treats from the pastry counter, cooked and cold counters, plus wonderful waffles, an egg station and an array of homemade granola. Teas, coffees, juices and pass around bite-sized treats are served to the table – a nice touch.
The all day a la carte menu offers healthy options, including create your own salads, wraps and paninis. The Asian choices feature Soto Ayam and Ikan Bakar Seminyak (oven-roasted fish), whilst the classics go from Beer-Battered Fish and Chips to the famous Mighty Mo.
Taking a hint from the chef, I went for his signature Bloody Mary Burger. A ground beef patty mixed with Worcester and Tabasco sauces, encrusted with cracked pepper and finished off with a slab of cheddar and bacon and tomato tapenade. Spicy but not over powering, it was succulent and served with a dish of fries and a Bloody Mary. It certainly hits the bull’s eye.
From the specials, the slow cooked Wagyu beef was next. Having been cooked for over 12 hours and served over traditional German potato salad with Cafe de Paris oil, was it the most tender and tasty piece of beef I have had? It certainly comes close and the chef’s take on Café de Paris was extraordinary!
The signature Chocolate Brownie finished the day. Baked in its own pan and topped off with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream, caramel chips and luscious chocolate fudge sauce, this huge dessert is rich and satisfying and, like many items on the menu, is made to share.
So if you find yourself in Seminyak and fancy a plate piled high with Belgian waffles, or a spicy burger, or have a craving for something sweet, then head up to Seminyak Kitchen and feed your need!
