Saturday 22 September 2012

Enjoy the best of fine dining at chic bistro

Enjoy the best of fine dining at chic bistro in Bay Avenue

PRIMED for those who appreciate the finer things in life, Vino Vino Bistro represents a confluence of worlds where seemingly contrasting elements strike a harmonious, culinary chord.

The swanky establishment, located in Bay Avenue near Queensbay Mall, Penang, finds pre-eminence in its distinctive yet unlikely juxtaposition of time-honoured western staples with dainty, eastern flavours.

As its moniker implies, juices of the vine and prized spirits are its forte. But the most surprising aspect is what it dovetails with — contemporary Japanese cuisine, in particular, Yakitori.

The skewered meats, seafood and vegetables are a best seller, mainly because they are done the right way. They are cooked over a grill lined with a special compacted type of charcoal.

As executive sous chef Steven Kong explains, the embers maintain a constant, moderate temperature that ensures everything is cooked evenly, without being overly charred, thus remaining tender and juicy.

Infused with a distinctive aroma, the skewers’ appeal also lies in their simplicity.

Among the comprehensive selection, the Tebasaki (chicken wings) is perhaps the most popular.

Crispy on the outside and tenderly moist on the inside, it is so good that one helping is never enough.

Equally great are the Sunagimo (chicken gizzard), Kaki Kushi (oysters), Momo (chicken thigh), Bonjiri (bishop’s nose), Sasami Mentai Mayo (chicken fillet with fish roe mayonnaise) and Tsukune Cheese (chicken meat balls with cheese).

Regardless of the order, the Yakitori skewers make a great complement for Vino Vino’s vast selection of around 500 wine labels and 30 types of single malt and blended whiskies.

It is a unique pairing that pleases the palate.

Apart from the Tapas-like bites, the outlet also features a good selection of delicacies from the Land of the Rising Sun, which ranges from sushi to udon, and ramen to rice dishes.

Connoisseurs will find the Assorted Sashimi Platter, which may feature salmon, tuna, yellowtail and cold water sweet prawns, among others, a delightful burst of fresh, aquatic flavours.

On Tuesdays and Fridays, there is a 30% discount on the raw fish selection.

Among the more modern creations is the Wasabi Cheese Smoked Duck, which comprises delicate slivers, to be lathered with the special horseradish-based spread and eaten with crackers.

Another, the Burger Cheese, is a hearty slab of ground beef and chicken, oozing with melted cheese.

All these also go well with any of the premium Japanese sake and shochu lineup.

Currently, the outlet offers affordable lunch and dinner sets, priced from RM17++ and RM29++ respectively.

There is also a Buy-2-Free-1 promotion for red and white wine, available in different sized portions by the glass. These are dispensed from their automated Vino Tech system, which utilises argon, an inert gas, to keep opened bottles fresh for up to 21 days.

Located at Block H-10-1, Lorong Bayan Indah 2 at Bay Avenue in Bayan Lepas, the bistro seats up to 40 pax and also has a karaoke room upstairs for those who would like to belt out a few numbers after meals.

Opening hours are from noon to midnight (Monday to Saturday), and from 5pm to midnight on Sunday. For more information, look up Vino Vino Bistro on Facebook, or call 04-6459922 for reservations.

~News courtesy of The Star~