CONNOISSEURS, REJOICE!
VIN+ is rather hard to ignore, and not just because of its 20 metre-tall bamboo structure that soars into the blue Balinese skies smack in the heart of swanky Seminyak’s wining and dining district. Aside from its stunning exterior, VIN+ Seminyak Restaurant & Wine Lounge is as bold and unique on the inside as it is on the outside, comprised of its own wine retail store, glowing restaurant and wine lounge.
VIN+ is the latest addition to Seminyak’s must-see must-try restaurants, and as its name suggests, it is a wine lovers paradise. In part, VIN+ caters to Bali’s oenophiles with its onsite premium temperature-controlled wine room that houses some of the worlds’ finest and most exclusive labels and vintages, while the retail store offers more than 18,000 bottles and over 250 different varieties of New and Old World wines for the more casual drinker. On top of this – and a first for Bali – VIN+ invites its wine buyers from the retail store to enjoy their purchases in the comfort of the restaurant, adding only a small service charge for its staff. You can even order your chosen bottle of vino from the comfort of your villa or hotel to make use of VIN+’s door-to-door delivery service – all of this and we haven’t even mentioned the food yet…
As the ideal spot to enjoy different flavours from the world’s continents, the al fresco and naturally decorated restaurant serves up global dishes that represent the different characters of VIN+. For example, the house cured salmon gravlax with a vodka crème fraîche and pickled beetroot is elegant and endearing, while the trio of croquettes are casual, fun and good with wine. And there really is something for everyone, whether it be a special occasion, casual dinner date or a wine and nibbles affair; VIN+ wants its guests to feel as comfortable here as they would at home, satisfying whatever needs fit the occasion.
And this goes for the layout of the restaurant as well. Seating options range from the cosy and intimate banquette that encourages lazy lounging with a bottle of vino, to the huge tree-trunk tables perfect for swapping and sharing a number of dishes amongst friends. Then of course there is the bamboo garden with its romantic yet laid back vibe. This area sits at the centre of the bamboo structure, and as you look up to the curved and towering stretches of bamboo, you can’t help but feel like you’re dining at the bottom of a wine barrel.
Culinary highlights of the evening came in the form of a spicy prawn salad of pomelo with green mango & glass noodles, lightly spiced with a gooey, almost Chinese-style sauce. From the ‘small plates’ section, the crispy croquettes were helplessly moreish with their silky smooth warm fillings. Choose from either vegetable, chicken or duck, or a mix of all three. The duck was a clear standout, particularly when dunked into the accompanying salsa verde dipping sauce.
On to the “substantial” dishes and the succulent lamb shank is one of the best I’ve tried in Bali (even better when enjoyed with a glass of Vasse Felix Shiraz). The dark and delicate meat sees a Middle Eastern twist thanks to the pairing of a chickpea hummus and a bundle of roasted vegetables. Try to save some space for the sweet stuff and indulge in the cupcake-shaped chocolate fondant. Splurging out a hot and gooey chocolate middle when you break into the perfectly baked crust, the chocolatey goodness melts into a creamy vanilla ice cream. Complete the experience with one of VIN+’s incredibly flavoured and innovative wine cocktails such as the sparkling Marmalade Martini, which in true VIN+ fashion, beckons you to stay for just one more…
(www.vinplus.biz)
