Gardin Bistro & Patisserie – November 14, 2016

Already a staple on Bali’s classy clubbing scene, the huge cathedral-like Mirror nightclub plays host to some of the biggest nights in town, but swing by during the daytime or evening to the adjoining Gardin restaurant, and you’ll find a top-end east-meets-west bistro style eatery that covers all the bases, from breakfast and brunch, through to lunch, high tea and dinner.

Grandly styled in the same manner as Mirror, walking into Gardin is like standing inside a church navel that also feels a bit like someone’s living room. Huge stained glass windows and soaring ceilings are juxtaposed with homey wooden furnishings and bright ragtag cushions. A glass conservatory patio area adds another pub garden kinda angle, which provides the perfect spot for a chilled outdoorsy lunch (both the relaxing and air conditioned kind).

Jakarta native super chef Ivan Leonard whips up a storm in the kitchen to create a menu of finely tuned semi-fine dining, taking in the best of Indonesian, Italian and French cuisines for a super refined yet easily accessible menu of beautifully presented dishes from the land and sea. The setting has a bistro feel, and alongside the main menu are a huge selection of homemade cakes, sweets and pastries to go with your coffee or high tea (150k++ 3-6pm daily).

New on the agenda is a lunch specials menu, which offers two courses and a soft beverage for an incredibly reasonable 150k++ between 10am – 1pm. A friend and I get settled in the Gardin garden patio with a couple of Iced Teas and set about checking out some of the most popular numbers. First up we share out a portion of the Crispy Calamari (58k++) from the standard menu, served with garlic, herb and squid ink aioli for dippin’. From the specials menu comes the Gardin Beef Ribs, and the Indonesian classic chicken dish Ayam Taliwang. Ordinarily I’d be siding with the fantastically flavoursome ribs, but having had a decent helping of both, for me it’s the nicely spiced chicken that wins out. To round off the specials deal we summon up a Baileys Crème Brulee and the devilish Brownie Cold Cheesecake – both out of this world.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the buy-three-get-four promo for Prost beers, or if you’re more into your cocktails then check out the daily two-for-one deals on featured favourites like Martini Monday, Frozen Friday or Sangria Sunday.
Dan Ashcroft



Gardin Bistro & Patisserie
Jl. Petitenget No. 106
+62 361 8499 799
www.allin.co.id | www.gardin.id