Hot new eats

Another addition to Shanghai is La Scala, nestled within the modish The Sukhothai Shanghai. Guest chef Theodor Falser (of one Michelin-starred Johannesstube) and La Scala’s chef de cuisine Stefano Sanna have come together to present a culinary sojourn through Italy. Indulge in the Risotto La Scala (RMB188), which showcases three Italian rice grains – carnaroli, venere and ermes – in a creamy bagna càuda (anchovy and garlic dip), or the decadent Caramel Panna Cotta (RMB78) that’s topped with grappa scented blueberries. What’s also available: A seasonal five-course menu (RMB498), which features many of the chefs’ signatures. 1/F, The Sukhothai Shanghai, 380 Weihai Road, Jing’an district, Shanghai. Tel: +86 21 5237 8888 There seems to be no stopping Kristen Kish following her win on Top Chef season 10. Co-host of a successful travel series and a columnist with The New York Times, Kish has opened her first restaurant, Arlo Grey where she explores her American upbringing through a succinct à la carte menu. Her childhood staple of instant beef stroganoff has been transformed into the Malfadini (US$21/S$29) of homemade noodles in a luscious champignon sauce, while fluffy Ricotta Beignets (US$19) come with crème fraiche, chives and American Paddlefish caviar (additional serving at US$60) to recreate the flavours of a sour cream and onion chip. Kish pays homage to American fast food chain Arby’s with the Crispy Chicken (US$24) and maitake mushrooms. Next on her list? Celebrating her love for fast food joint, Mcdonald’s, with an inventive breakfast menu. Line Hotel Austin, 111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701, U.S.A. Tel: +1 512 478 2991

Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort has relaunched its rooftop venue, Sunset on Seminyak (S.O.S). With the resort’s proximity to Double Six Beach, guests can enjoy beautiful sunsets from the comfort of S.O.S.’S lawn, restaurant or beachfront pool. Before the sun worshipping begins, kick off with an afternoon tea (Rp300,000 per couple) featuring tasty bites such as the Prosciutto Wrapped Grissini and Strawberry Pavlova. Then, continue with S.O.S cocktail selections like Freshly Roscha (Rp125,000) to accompany your cool dip in the pool. End the evening with sharing dishes like the juicy 250 Day grain fed Beef Tomahawk (Rp1,567,000) for two. Jl. Abimanyu (Dhyana Pura), Seminyak, Bali 80361.

Tel: +62 361 737773 An Asian-inflected brunch takes place every Sunday at Andrawina Restaurant, Rumah Luwih, a luxury colonial resort. The restaurant is decorated in white and yellow hues, while classic black and white chequered tiles line the floor. Expect a rich array of dishes from Southeast Asia, including grilled fish in fermented soy beans sauce, fried tahu in sweet sour sauce, and Hainanese chicken rice. Brunch is available at Rp179,000. Children under four dine for free. Jl. Prof. Ida Bagus Mantra, Km.19.9, Gianyar, Bali. Tel: +62 361 2005899

Fancy a grilled seafood feast by the beach? Nelayan Restaurant and Puri Bar in Belmond Jimbaran Puri has recently underwent a revamp, turning the Jimbaran Bay hideaway into an Instagram-worthy beachside spot for sunsets and seafood. Enjoy delectable dishes such as pan-seared Bali Yellowfin Tuna (Rp220,000), Squid Ink Tagliatelle & Sweet River Prawns (Rp190,000), and the daily fresh catch of the day.

Jl. Uluwatu, Yoga Perkanthi Lane, Jimbaran, Bali 80361. Tel: +62 361 701605 Located at the foothill of the Andes and the picturesque Puente Alto vineyard, Don Melchor is renowned as one of the best Chilean wines. Made under the careful supervision of winemaker Enrique Tirado and Isabel Mitarakis, Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 is an elegant and rich-tasting red. It exudes concentrated red plum, cherry and currant flavours, medium-grained tannins and notes of lush spice, cocoa powder and cream. Awarded 96 points, the highest rating ever given to a Chilean wine by Wine Spectator, the signed limited edition wine is now available at VIN+ Seminyak. Jl. Kayu Jati No.1, Seminyak, Bali 80361.

Tel: +62 361 4732377 Bringing over 30 years of experience from his hospitality stints across Europe, Asia and Africa, the recently appointed executive chef Benoit Chargy is set to elevate Conrad Bali’s gastronomy offerings. With an emphasis on creativity, locally sourced ingredients and the concept of mindful eating, Chargy will be at the helm of the resort’s four dining outlets and inroom dining. Expect delightful Balinese cuisine at Spice, a contemporary take on Japanese cuisine at RIN, seaside delights and artisanal cocktails at East, and casual gourmet fare at Azure Beach Club. Jl. Pratama 168, Tanjung Benoa, Bali 80363. Tel: +62 361 778788

Akira Back Jakarta has released its own private sake label. Akira Back Sake (Rp1,500,000) is produced by Nanbu Bijin, a respected sake producer from Iwate Prefecture that has been brewing sake since 1902. The purity of junmai ginjo sake makes for a versatile pairing with Akira Back’s Hirame Carpaccio (Rp210,000) and Yellowtail Jalapeno (Rp210,000). MD Place, Jl. Setiabudi Selatan No.7, Jakarta Selatan 12910. Tel: +62 852 888 77 888 Jakarta’s skyline is particularly stunning from the 46th floor of Altitude Grill at The Plaza. As the city underneath twinkles, Singaporean executive chef Gary Eng and his team are seasoning, smoking and grilling a selection of premium beef cuts to satiate their guests’ appetites. Open for lunch and dinner, Altitude Grill offers a seven-course degustation menu (Rp900,000) and optional wine-beef pairing (Rp450,000). An à la carte menu includes highlights like Triple Cooked Wagyu Ox Tongue (Rp120,000), 1824 Grain Finished 30 Day Dry Aged Porterhouse (Rp145,000) and Master Kobe Full Blood MBS 9+ Wagyu Bottom Sirloin (Rp400,000). The Plaza, 46th Floor, Jl. M.H. Thamrin Kav. 28-30, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat. Tel: +62 21 29922448 Get into a seafood dining frenzy at NSNTR at Mercure Jakarta Pantai Indah Kapuk. The hotel’s wittily named What the Shell Seafood Weekend Dinner Buffet (Rp188,000; half price for children between six and 11; free for children five and below) features a selection of fresh clams, blue crabs, tiger prawns, sashimi and sushi. A dedicated section offers tasty Ikan Bakar Makassar, Singapore-style Chili Soft Shell Crab, Seafood Satay, and more. Jl. Pantai Indah Kapuk, Kamal Muara Penjaringan, Jakarta 14470. Tel: +62 21 22571000

Located in the heart of the city, Bengawan at Keraton at The Plaza, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Jakarta is an ideal place for a languorous Sunday brunch. The extensive seafood, Asian fare, and a caviar station will satisfy most foodies. Savour the sumptuous fare (Rp598,000 per adult and Rp299,000 per child aged four to 12 years old), or opt for the bubbly MAGNIFIQUE Buffet Brunch (Rp1,598,000 per person) to enjoy free-flow Moët & Chandon Champagne.

Jl. M.H. Thamrin Kav. 15, Jakarta 10350. Tel: +62 21 50680000 Coffee aficionados rejoice: Toby’s Estate Specialty Coffee Roasters is brewing up a storm at two new locations, Pondok Indah Mall and Grand Indonesia. Since first opening in 2016, Toby’s Estate has garnered a faithful following among Jakarta’s caffeinated crowd. Flat whites and lattes aside, the Jakarta cafés also serves delicious treats, such as the Truffle Bacon and Egg Croissant (Rp125,000). Enjoy your daily fix within a black, white and earth toned interior. Pondok Indah Mall GF, Jl Metro Pondok Indah, Jakarta Selatan. Tel: +62 21 75920532 and Grand Indonesia, West Mall, GF, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1, Jakarta Pusat.