48
Mar/Apr 2015
Rightplace,
time
right
T
here are things in life that
are worth waiting for. Where
preparation and the art of waiting
pay off handsomely. For others,
instantaneous gratification and
immediate consumption pave
the way to happiness. For proof of
this admittedly abstract concept concocted
specifically for this review by Essential Bali, a
trip to Barbacoa should suffice.
The preparation for our feast began nearly 24
hours before our arrival when the garlic cloves
were roasted prior to being combined
with balsamic, olive oil and chilli to create
an exquisite sauce in which to dip our
delightfully fresh chapa bread. Essential Bali
tries not to go too overboard but we can’t
remember a better bread experience and
on another occasion we’d have been
happy to just sit and eat nothing else.
But eight hours prior to our arrival another
element of our experience was instigated as
the restaurant’s signature 8-hour wood fired
asado of the day began its cooking process
and we were keen to indulge ourselves in the
result. But to prove that not everything great
in this world takes time, the dessert included
www.essential-bali.com
1. Go nitro: Ice
cream is made at
your table
2. On the tiles: A
cosy environment in a
large space
3. Multi-talented:
Barbacoa seafood is
just as exciting
Everything is a question of timing
at Barbacoa and the quality of
food on offer suggests theirs is
just perfect
Toblerone ice cream that is mixed and made
at your table in front of your eyes using liquid
nitrogen. Everything, it seems, is a question of
relevant timing.
While the slowly cooking meat and witches
brew ice cream provide visual stimulation on
a visit to Latin America-inspired Barbacoa,
it is much more than party tricks and
entertainment. The restaurant is proud to be
“dedicated to BBQ, wood fire, charcoal and
loads of smoke” but it doesn’t overwhelm the
restaurant. Housed in a big warehouse-style
“An amazing dining experience… signature cocktails to
make your mouth water and a rustic array of South American
smoked meats and vegetables bursting with traditional
flavour.” Luke Davis, Essential Bali Guest Reviewer
arena, Barbacoa boasts inside dining that
seems cosy even in such a large space, a
cool bar area, private dining mezzanine and
outside terrace overlooking the rice fields.
The tiled floors, sandstone walls and timber
combine to complete a warm space, a cool
experience and hot food.