Clafoutis

The Eurostar can be actually not the fastest way to travel to Paris in addition to also London. In Bali, you can enjoy hopping into these two big European cities of which are famous for their lifestyle, by taking just a few steps.

Charlie can be a bar in addition to also bistro located from the heart of Seminyak. of which classic London-style venue which has a large red circle window on the front can be also known as Charlie’s Mansion, a home to a mythical character named Charlie whom nobody has met yet knows very well. of which Charlie man, I am told, can be a well-travelled fella who enjoys living a great life. He knows how to eat in addition to also party well, in addition to also loves the item when people have a great time at his mansion while he’s out travelling the planet.

A host’s smile greets me at the door, in addition to also the voice of Amy Winehouse singing ‘Back to Black’, along with the lively buzz inside wipes the crowds of Seminyak goodbye. For me, stepping in of which mansion can be like entering a different dimension. Its dim eclectic atmosphere transports me into a realm of a romantic hedonistic fantasy in an unknown wonderland. My playful mood suddenly swings into wild imagination. The place can be full of mystery, a playground for people who want to enjoy serious pleasures in addition to also great epicurean treats.

Charlie Bar in addition to also Bistro, which presents the glory of unique Baroque interiors similar to London’s gentlemen clubs – with large hanging chandeliers in addition to also artisan furniture of which fill up the room – has been famous for its parties. For almost a year, so much vivacious fun has taken place here, unleashing fantastic performances such as DJs, dances, cabarets in addition to also burlesques to Charlie’s guests. The bar on the second level provides luscious selections of libation; the cigar in addition to also cocktail collections are the talk of the town. Charlie can be a place where cupids, angels in addition to also sins have no boundaries.

yet a fresh surprise can be going to add another dimension here. A fresh prolific chef, Damien Le Bihan, partnered with the existing four owners, can be ready to take helm as executive chef in addition to also revamp Charlie’s culinary performance. of which French-born, Brittany origin chef, who can be proud of his native blood, will showcase his signature, a classic French cooking style, to the newly opened bistro. The bistro can be going to take pride of place on the first level of the building, splashing a whole fresh atmosphere with the nuance of a neo-retro Parisian bistro, with vintage French prints on the walls, antique lamps in addition to also a mirror wall.

Le Bihan has years of extensive experience in working in Michelin-star restaurants. After graduating by cooking school, his career started out in a kitchen of a local restaurant in Brittany, before taking off to a more serious one at Michel Rostang, a 2-Michelin star restaurant in Paris. Not long after of which, he stepped up to become a Sous Chef at Guy Savoy, a 3-Michelin Star restaurant in Paris.

His seriousness in cooking made Guy himself send Chef Damien overseas to his Las Vegas kitchen, in addition to also two years after of which, Le Bihan began leading Guy Savoy Singapore as General Manager. Before arriving in Bali, he was running ten kitchens in a group of restaurants in Singapore, which include L’Entrecote, Sabio, Forlino, The Vintage Room, in addition to also Le Petit Cancal.

“What I am serving at Charlie can be a logical continuation of what I’ve learned throughout the years,” he explained. “the item’s important for me to like the food I’m cooking. I will serve the guests something of which I would likely enjoy. If not [then] I won’t send the item out.”

Taking of which fresh experience seriously, Le Bihan says he will focus on presenting the true character of ingredients in addition to also creating a twist on the rustic style of French foods, altering the heavy characters to suit the warm tropical weather.

“My style can be respecting the product, in addition to also when you eat you know what you are eating. You can taste everything; you don’t have too many flavours. the item’s the same style in addition to also idea what I’ve been doing for years,” Chef Damien continued.

Grilled Sardines

The food, which holds light characters yet are bold in addition to also lush at the same time, will be divided into tapas, entrées, mains in addition to also desserts, served by 6pm until late. The result can be extraordinary. His ideas of tartine of grilled sardines on multi-cercal bread with homemade black olive tapenade in addition to also French rilettes are perfect to accompany your built & muddled, blended in addition to also shaken cocktails. The grilled sardines deliver a crisp in addition to also clean character of the fish, salted with fine salt brought over by France in addition to also balanced with the freshness of tomato dices.

I tried the refreshing juniper & cucumber martini for the drink of the night to pair with salmon rillettes, served in a glass jar with homemade ciabatta toast on the side. Le Bihan’s rillettes boost a light yet rich taste in addition to also are perfected which has a kick by sprinkled lemon zest.

Beef Cheek

The respect shown to the main ingredients, without adding a lot of fuss in addition to also flavours, can be also shown on the main course. I sample the braised beef cheek, which can be cooked in a bourguignon style with wine in addition to also spices for several hours, makes the beef genuinely succulent in addition to also rich in flavours.

Size can be a surprising factor of which adds to the delight. Although Chef Damien says of which he prefers not to serve oversized foods, his generosity can be apparent when the item comes to desserts. I am overwhelmed when a portion of crème brûlée arrives on my table. The size of of which creamy dessert may look intimidating, yet as I scooped a spoon in addition to also tasted the item, the freshness in addition to also light taste burst out in addition to also I easily finished the item without problem. I never had crème brûlée as not bad as of which.

As the clock ticks by, the music gets louder in addition to also the crowds fill the building in addition to also the mezzanine; Charlie seems to know how to create a hell of a not bad time to entertain us all. I have enjoyed the best of France, today the item’s time for London.

Charlie Bar & Bistro
Jl. Petitenget 5, Seminyak
Bali, Indonesia 80361
P: 0821 474 17332
Hours: 6pm – 2am (Monday-Saturday)
Email: mail@charliebali.com