FIRE at W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak – June 17, 2016

 
One of two signature restaurants at the vibrantly cool W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak, FIRE is without doubt one of Bali’s hottest dining venues.
If the oceanside Starfish Bloo across the way represents the ‘surf’, then FIRE – tucked away neatly below and to the left of the lobby area, most definitely represents the ‘turf’. Overseen by internationally renowned chef Jack Yoss, the FIRE concept is a modern bistro grill with a playful twist – inspired by the ancient Balinese kecak dance, a ritual where up to seventy men chant rhythmically around a roaring fire pit. Deep reds and bright yellow highlights pop from the restaurant’s charcoal black surfaces – the giant central hanging centerpiece evoking a ball of flames just above your head. Other symbolic touches such as the traditional Balinese black and white check motif and real live flames flickering inside glass columns ensure that there really is nowhere else quite like it.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a special “Street Hawker” style Sunday brunch, FIRE covers all bases, and even has its own impressive signature cocktail list on top of all the usual tipples. The first order of business is the FIRE Ritual Cocktail (200k++), where the waiter soaks tamarillo and pineapple fruit into honey-infused bourbon while it’s actually on fire, creating one of the most unique aperitifs going. The Uncle Smokey (155k++) with gin, chardonnay, Asian pear and a sprig of fresh rosemary is also pretty special.

Taking some of the planet’s finest cuts of meat and cooking them to absolute perfection is one of the main fortes here, something that becomes abundantly clear as you take a seat and are introduced to FIRE’s very own meat sommelier. Sourced from Australia, Ireland and The Netherlands, the various cuts on offer are all aged a minimum of twenty-one days. Before we get stuck into the steaks though, we check out a couple of starters in the form of the BBQ Mediterranean Octopus (145k++) and the Chilled Lobster and Barramundi Ceviche (160k++). The zingy lime-imbued ceviche is among the best I’ve ever tried, but it’s the butter-soft smoky octopus that wins out. For the main, I settle on the Kimberly Red 100-day Grass Fed Tenderloin (440k++/250gr) with Chimichurri sauce, along with the Honey Glazed Roasted Organic Carrots (60k++) and Asparagus & Broccoli with Chorizo & Pine Nuts (60k++) on the side. We also check out the Paella of Pearl Cous Cous (245k++), which is undeniably a star competitor, but the tenderloin is simply out of this world.
Having just left enough room for a sweet treat, we order up a portion of the Salted Caramel Mousse (125k++) and the Crispy Meringue Dome (125k++) – both flawless examples of how to do dessert right. If it’s the very finest food you’re after in a unique setting then you cannot go wrong with FIRE.
Dan Ashcroft
FIRE at W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak
Jl. Petitenget, Seminyak
T. 3000 106 | www.wretreatbali.com