Ubud is the epicentre for craft and culture in Bali. It is home to lush greenery, scenic waterfalls, terraced padi fields, and one of the first places that comes to mind for an idyllic retreat. This time however, I’m here for something other than yoga and green juices.
Aperitif restaurant is set within the luxury hotel property of Viceroy Bali. Not just another fine dining restaurant in Bali, Apertif aims to showcase a menu that transcends Balinese shores. The cuisine at Aperitif represents Chef Nic Vanderbeeken and team, and an amalgamation of their individual travel experiences and DNA. Aperitif’s menu can be described as ‘diverse, global cuisine’, representing more than one culture.
The alluring Apertif restaurant overlooks the vast greenery that Ubud has to offer. The design of this freshly minted restaurant displays Dutch-colonial influences, with some warm rattan elements to contrast against the generally cool tones. A towering chandelier accentuates the entire space. The attention-to-detail is remarkable from the way the restaurant is designed and the way it is executed. Things are custom made here, from the high-tech kitchen down to the ceramics (Gaya Ceramics) used to serve the dishes. Foraging from the greenhouse and hydroponics farm on the hotel grounds is commonplace for Chef Nic and team.
An apéritif is the traditional European practice of enjoying an alcoholic drink before dinner, to whet one’s appetite. As the restaurant’s name suggests, guests can enjoy a cocktail or two at the adjacent room before their meal commences. The cocktail list includes Tamarillo Negroni, the former is a fruit native to Bali. The room is dimly-lit with opulent leather armchairs and contemporary art paintings, setting the vibe for the evening. On top of that, the menu boasts an expansive wine list to complement your food.
The 10-course dinner degustation menu reflects the cultural diversity of the power duo in the kitchen: Nic Vanderbeeken and pastry chef Alexander McKinstry, both of whom have Michelin-starred restaurants on their resume.
I was excited to begin dinner after the canapes and cocktails teaser at the bar.
For those heading to Ubud, do make a beeline for Aperitif Restaurant and you will be in for deliciousness. I look forward to seeing how Chef Nic and Chef Alexander will continue to create inventive dishes that makes waves in Ubud’s jungly plot of land. If you have the chance to meet the lovely Chefs, strike up a conversation with them, ask them about music and other fun things in life, and they will be happy to share it with you.