Chardanae appreciates the dong, dong, dong of the Balinese chimes

Warung Agus - 305 Victoria Street, West Melbourne

There’s something about the Balinese that stays with you long after you return from a trip. It’s not the smiles, although they are delightfully welcoming, its not the sunsets, although they are entrancingly mesmerising, its not the gentle background of chimes, although these carry you along on your travels like a magical heartbeat. What is it to me? You guessed it,  to me it’s the food, the exotic blends of herbs and spice that are too entrenched in the Balinese heritage to replicate.
I really enjoy a restaurant that is able to capture the delicate balance of herb and spice so simply and authentically, such as Warung Agus.
Look for the lush foliage growing on Victoria Street like an oasis bursting out of a sea of concrete. Then follow the gentle chimes to a delightfully simple restaurant decorated in authentic Balinese wares.
Before even tasting the food, the Balinese hospitality triggers you to already make a mental note to put this unobtrusive little treasure on the top of your favourite list.

What we ate
Casava crackers with warm peanut dipping sauce - actually don’t order these because they are so moorish that you’ll order more and won’t have an apetite for the lovely dishes to follow!
Avocado in coconut and mushroon sauce - there’s something about these flavours melding that I love.
Chicken in Sweet soy and shallots - the right blend of sticky sweetness and lemony tang that gives you a gentle kick.
Flathead in coconut and tamarind - smooth velvety coconut with the bite of tamarind - dreamy.
Lightly coconutted rice - fluffy and perfect

What we drank
Baggadinnie Run Verdelho - Baggadinnie really do this white grape variety well. The right amount of fruit balanced on a bed of florals. Get it at www.cellardor.com.au for a crisp $17.71 a bottle.

The price
What an extra lovely surprise to be full for under $80 for the both of us - unheard of!

A tad more than cheap and cheerful, rather like a staple.
If you like a little tang and spice, Warung Agus is oh so nice!!!

(Only open Thursday to Sunday nights)

See the Baddaginnie Range at www.Cellardor.com.au