A Brazilian feast, in Bali! At lunch the waiters masquerade
as football stars in their Brazilian uniform, the names on
the back you will recognize, the faces not. In the evenings
more somber attire is adjudged more appropriate.
Rio is new in Bali, and to be found on the site of longtime
favourite, Veranda. The ownership/management stays Scandinavian,
just moves from Sweden to Finland.
For lunch Rio is a pleasant café, serving salads that
are simple [Caesar], unusual [chicken, melon, feta cheese
and a vinaigrette of roasted bell peppers] or exotic [ginger-glazed
chicken sate on a salad of cous cous]. Sandwiches include
the Rio Club [chicken, bacon, chorizo, jalapeno frittata,
lettuce, tomato and roijo moijo, a tasty salsa of mashed avocado
and roasted bell peppers].
Mains include great value dishes [all under Rp.40,000] such
as Grilled Chorizos with ‘Burning Love’ [a spicy
potato mash combined with jalapeno peppers and bacon], Tandoori
Chicken Drumsticks with tzatziki and rice or the unusual Chef’s
Favourite; a thin piece of sirloin steak, coated with Burning
Love then rolled inside a slice of bread like a Burrito, finally
topped with a jalapeno cheese dip. The seafood choice is Grilled
Mahi Mahi with a coconut, lime and coriander reduction.
At night the scene changes, as the oil lamps are lit along
the driveway between Jln. Seminyak and the restaurant. It
is Samba time, Churrasco time!
Upon arrival you are presented with the Balinese version of
that famous Brazilian aperitif CaipiRinja, at Rio they serve
a RioRinja.
Churrasco is any meat or seafood skewered with a long sword
and cooked in the flames of an open fire. At Rio there is
a wide selection of meats and seafood with an all-inclusive
price.
Chunks of Chicken Breast wrapped in thin crisp bacon, tender
Chicken Drumsticks that have been marinated in yoghurt and
curries, Tandoori style before being flamed, fiery small Chorizo
Sausages and Pork Ribs are all presented to you, one by one,
by the smiling waiter carrying the appropriate sword and leaving
the required portion on your plate. All fodder for the meat
lover!
Then comes a shock! A large pork fillet is presented. It has
been rubbed with a solution of marsala and a variety of spices,
before being fired. The waiter shaves slices off the fillet
with a long sharp carving knife, the taste simply outstanding
if you like a bit of fire in your life? Pork Perfecto!
It only gets better! The Australian Sirloin also arrives as
a lump on a sword, the meat rare, the smoky burnt crust a
perfect match. Add a spoon or two from the Pepper Sauce boat
[a thick chunky solution more like a salsa], total bliss!
Nothing wrong with the Tenderloin that follows it is just
that the previous two had so much taste, being stronger meat
cuts. It gets the same Pepper Sauce treatment, total satisfaction.
A Seafood sword contains pieces of Mahi Mahi that was doused
in lemon before firing, this is followed by grilled pineapple
chunks.
An International Vegetarian Buffet is also included in the
price. Each night there is a different selection but it includes
tasty small thin crepes stuffed with mushrooms, potato dishes
[wedges, au gratin, burning love or a potato salad], a variety
of other salads [including cous cous, melon feta cheese, Caesar,
etc] and many dips, salsa and sauces.
Vegetarians are also welcome at Rio! Forget all the meats
just avail yourself of the free-flow Vegetarian Buffet, for
a lower price.
Now for dessert! It does not matter how full you think you
are after this feast of the carnivore, two desserts here are
a must [share them]. A tangy Key Lime Pie and a Chocolate
Orgasm [luscious icy cold chocolate mousse wrapped in thin
crisp chocolate] combine to refresh the palate and make a
perfect ending to your little feast.
The wine list is small but amazingly well balanced, something
for almost everyone. The staff are still learning the finer
points of Churrasco presenting, but are all smiles and attention
at all times.
Have fun at Rio!
QUICK REVIEW
Restaurant : Rio Bar & Grill
Address : Jln. Raya Seminyak 31B,
Seminyak.
Telephone : 732.685
Open : 11.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m., daily
Parking : Street only
Price : Rp. 340,000 for two [+ drinks]
Credit Cards: Master, Visa, Amex
Food : Brazilian
Wine : Small list, well balanced.
Service : Very attentive, friendly.
Atmosphere : A Carnivore’s Heaven
Overall : Great value!
Reviews that appear in Bali Advertiser are based on actual
visits to the establishments listed, without the knowledge
of the restaurants, and are not paid for by the individual
restaurants.
Opinions expressed here are those of Gerry Williams and not
necessarily those of Bali Advertiser. Gerry Williams attempts
to write from a ‘typical’ diner’s perspective
and whilst quality of food is the most important criteria
overall, value for money is the real measuring stick.
