Executive chef Nic Vanderbeeken is a different man now than when Apéritif Restaurant and Bar was opened in 2018. He is also the captain of a very different team. "There was a huge pressure to start off with a bang when we first opened but from the beginning, Apéritif has always been and will always remain eclectic and flavour-driven," says the Belgian-native who has called Bali home for the last nine years.
With a career that spans continents, Vanderbeeken brought his wealth of experience from France and Belgium's Michelin-starred restaurants to Bali, starting off at CasCades Restaurant at Viceroy Bali. He derives his style from his European background, love for Indonesian spices, and global gastronomy journeys. So, when the elegant 60-seater restaurant opened, he was more than ready to put his personal flavour library to good use.
Apéritif's early eight-course degustation menu told a compelling story of Vanderbeeken's fondness for Indonesian flavours. There was Karedok, a humble West Javanese pickled vegetable salad in peanut sauce and beurre kemangi-infused blanc-poached Papua Crab with jicama. The chef and his team worked tirelessly, building their repertoire and impressing an eclectic mix of international visitors. Then, the pandemic happened.
Some of the team members left. At his lowest point when everything ground to a halt, Vanderbeeken even contemplated going back to Belgium. However, Bali is home. He gathered his troops and soldiered on.
"We collaborated with other restaurants in Bali and flew to other cities like Jakarta and Surabaya. Anything, everything to stay afloat," adds the chef. Fortunately, every cloud has a silver lining. The takeovers exposed Apéritif to the rest of Indonesia, bringing new guests to the restaurant in Ubud.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Plant-Powered Paradise
Exploring Seoul's Burgeoning Vegetarian Food Scene
Brewing tradition, bottling innovation
Chunpoong Brewery is safeguarding a cherished Korean beverage, makgeolli, while embracing innovation for a new era.
Home is where the heart is
The best memories are often made at home, something which Hideaway, Nae:um Group's latest venue featuring a cosy design inspired by nature, is venture, aims to recreate.
The Life Aquatic
On board Oceania Cruises' Riviera, a luxurious two-week voyage along the Southeast Asian coastline delivers on its promise as a food lover's paradise at sea, offering an array of specialty restaurants, thoughtfully re-inspired menus, and a state-of-the-art cooking school.
Bright lights, big city
Going to Bangkok for an extended weekend? We've narrowed down a few places for you to swing by.
Sun, sea and banh mi
NOX Beach Club in Central Vietnam is a balmy haven for daytime escapes and after-dark events. Plus you will never go hungry here thanks to the collection of six restaurants and bars.
Laneway stars
Melbourne shines bright with its bevy of dining gems and new luxe hotels. It's time to revisit this well-loved destination.
Spiced and praised
These spice-centric East Indies Gins from Spice Island Distilling Co. have been acclaimed for their authentic excellence.
Girl power
Seoul's female bartenders liven up the city's drinking scene with their artistry and expertise.
Eye on Asia
After 25 years in Hong Kong and 12 in Singapore, British wine merchants Berry Bros.& Rudd is a seasoned player on the Asian wine landscape. Charlie Rudd, a fourthgeneration family member, now leads the charge in Asia.
