Winner Takes it all

Winner takes it all!

Macau, another Asian sin city with no shortage of sleazy bars, glitzy casino’s, dubious hotel patrons and its fair share of scandal. No less that a son of the departed leader of North Korea himself calls the place home.

I know Macau well, and with some fondness having first visited around 15 years ago. At the time I saw it as Asia’s sunny place for shady people, if one disregarded that and very grotty Casinos and took in the sights, people and one time European grandeur it was very much a pleasant respite from most other Asian cities. Flash forward to 2012 and it is quite a different story. Still charming in parts and thankfully no shortage of good Portuguese Wine, Macau is making its mark on the world stage and not just for its gaming activates.

Star attraction

Deep down the real star attraction in Macau has always been the food. A hearty combination of its Portuguese roots blended with “Macanese” flare means it has truly become a culinary paradise.

Macau is home to some great Restaurants many of which have been endorsed by Michelin. One of those is Antonio’s. Owned and managed by Antonio Neves Coehlo, himself no stranger to Macau having arrived in the 70’s and quickly making a name for himself in all the right places he opened this establishment in 2008 and quickly and firmly took centre stage In Macau’s food scene. Rightly so, Antonio's commitment to fresh and authentic food certainly does support the fact he also has a mention in the Michelin guide.

The Restaurant itself seats 24 in the main downstairs area with a roof terrace for some fine alfresco dining. On our occasion to visit, being a private party of 15, Antonio provided us with the “Wine Cellar”. Located separately to the main restaurant, around the corner and downstairs it proved a haven of hospitality. A stunningly appointed table awaited us with walls lined both bottles of wine and the fascia of former wine crates it created a truly memorable setting.

Get out the sword

One of Antonio’s special treats is opening a bottle of champagne with a sword, a rare skill indeed, and quite a site to the uninitiated. This was just the start of our evening.

The Food

A picture may well paint a thousand words, however, words are not enough to describe the food. Think of the best meal you have ever had and then times it by 10 and you will get close to the food at Antonio’s. Favorite highlights being the Wet seafood rice, the goats cheese, sausages, (yes sausages) well actually I could just list the whole menu as simply being all favorite. Of particular note was the cheesecake, being the smoothest and creamiest ever possible.

All complete with Vin di prvie as selected by Antonio himself. So throw caution to the wind (and wallet) and just let Antonio suggest the wine, you wont be disappointed.

All in all one of the best dining experiences to be found in Macau and certainly well worth the trip.

Menu

On table: Portuguese olives, bread and butter

Starters:

• Sautéed prawns with olive oil, garlic, lemon and white wine sauce
• Assorted Portuguese Sausage and Smoked Ham
• Gratinated Goat Cheese with acacia honey
• Octopus Salad
• Mixed Salad

Main Course:

• Antonio style "Wet Seafood Rice"
• Roasted Suckling Pig served with home-made potato chips
• African Chicken served with gratinated potato
• Sautéed assorted vegetables

Desserts:

• Home made Strawberry Cheese Cake with fruit.

Antonios Macau Rua dos Negociantes, 3 Old Village Tapia Telephone +853 2899-9988

A bottle of Moet being opened with Sword (pardon the quality)