W Bali – Seminyak barely needs introduction, as it’s one of the most popular hotels in Bali – with people from the capital city and many other cities around the world visiting Bali to experience the W life. Known for its pumping parties, elaborate musical offerings and programmes, and decadent brunches and buffets, sometimes patrons forget that the resort is also home to the most aesthetically alluring and delectably dazzling desserts.
The resort’s W Lounge sees the next level of high tea offerings daily. Appropriately named A Mad T-Party – a nod to the endearingly kooky character Mad Hatter from the whimsical story Alice in Wonderland and his penchant for quirky tea parties, the programme showcases colourful cakes and cookies. To enhance the experience are freshly brewed coffees, teas and French Champagne.
That said, the high tea isn’t the only place where you can find sinfully sweet treats at W Bali – Seminyak. The resort’s two signature restaurants, Starfish Bloo and FIRE, also take pride in their dessert selections, in addition to the restaurants’ coveted savoury selections.
Director of Culinary Beryl Adler shared his thoughts on desserts and the secret of baking. He also chose the Pod 64% Chocolate Sphere and Mount Agung from FIRE, and Warm Chocolate Bonbon from Starfish Bloo as the stellar star desserts that you should try during your visit to the resort.
The Chocolate Sphere is hand brushed and almost marbled with fiery oranges and reds. The velvety filling is only revealed once a dousing of hot chocolate is poured over the sphere, causing it to melt and implode, exposing its contents. Meanwhile, the Warm Chocolate Bonbon comprises caramel chocolate formed like small balls, served with a crispy tuile, cocoa coating, and vanilla ice cream. The Mount Agung is another iconic dessert with local orange ice cream covered with meringue and shaped like a mountain, which is then doused in heated flaming rum.
E: What is so special about these desserts?
Beryl: Creativity speaks in every corner! All the desserts served at W Bali – Seminyak are unique. We use local ingredients and products to make the dessert the perfect last course. Some of our signature desserts would steal the show and keep your eyes open while watching it perfectly melt on your plate!
E: If you could only have one dessert or cake for the rest of your life, what would it be?
B: Dark chocolate amaretto cake. I love rich dark chocolate and how it calms your nerves. The Amaretto liqueur in there helps too. I like putting whole brandied cherries inside, so as you eat the cake you get a nice burst of sweet cherry to balance the cake. It actually reminds me of my grandmother, she would make this cake just for me on my birthday.
E: Can you tell me about your concept for cakes and desserts at your hotel?
B: It’s all about visuals when it comes to dessert. It has to look eye-catching before choosing to eat it. So, presentation has to look superb! The concept from W Bali – Seminyak is bold from all aspects: the colours, the sizes, the aroma and the texture. The smell of a dessert can really drum up some excitement. Not to forget the use of local ingredients to keep the consistency of the concept.
E: What do you think is the most important principle or philosophy when it comes to baking?
B: For me, the principle when it comes to baking is more important. Patience is the key! I would extend this trait wherever I go, especially when I’m in the kitchen. To make the perfect dessert, you need to be able to bake perfectly from the beginning until the end. Once you begin, there’s no going back! Otherwise you need to start all over again.
MUST TRY
- Pod 64% Chocolate Sphere
- Warm Chocolate Bonbon
- Mount Agung
W Bali – Seminyak
Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak
Bali 80361, Indonesia
T: (+62) 3614738106
Exquisite Taste March – May 2020
