A Feast for the Senses

Driving up to Me'n'u, you can be forgiven for believing you have arrived in paradise. Just a few hundred metres from the sea in Hin Kong, this jewel lies nestled in a garden wonderland. It first welcomes you with the sheer beauty of its setting.

And that's just the beginning.

Owner Nick

The welcome from owner Nick, wife Anne and baby Aimee add to the ambience of peace and harmony.

They have thought about almost everything, from the beautifully laid out garden, to the chef's dream kitchen - and he's continuously planning upgrades, new décor, expanding, new menu's, trying different dishes, improving on perfection.

A lot of thought went into the building. Much of it concerning how to do the least damage to the environment and, where damage had to be done, to make reparation. Every tree that was removed during the building process was replaced with two others. A huge mango tree which had to be felled, was used to make the tables and the bar, so its energy is still around. The garden is Anne's domain and she plants their own herbs.

The interior, with its tasty décor, exudes charm and tranquillity. Yet, it is almost without realising it that one is drawn through the inside dining area onto the veranda - just to feel the garden. Even the children can't wait to make their way along a set of wooden stepping stones to the small play area.

The kitchen. Wow. The stove was specially built in Bangkok. The food warmer brought in from the U.K. The food resting plate from Australia and there's the wonderfully efficient fridge which doubles as a work surface. Everything laid out for ease and efficiency of operation.

But let's get to the menu - the real reason we came here.

A large selection of wines from almost every corner of the globe, has been specially chosen to complement each course. Superb whites - Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling - something for every palate. Smooth, velvety reds - Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir - the selection is abundant.

The interior, with its tasty décor,
exudes charm and tranquillity

Then there's the best of European cuisine, meticulously planned and executed, cooked to perfection and presented so exquisitely, it seems a pity to eat it. A choice from six starters - crab to duck and beef; six main courses - mushrooms fish, beef, pork; six desserts - death by chocolate fondant, apple crumble, banana and toffee pie - makes selection a time-consuming exercise. But the time flies when you're sipping the wines.

There's a special menu for children under 12yrs and, little ones under 3yrs are catered for free of charge with a selection of Heinz baby foods served warm or cold.

Favourites? Australian Angus beef fillet - melt in the mouth no matter how well-done you want it. And the hot dark chocolate fondant. Soft, light, stick-to-the-palate and please-stay-forever – well worth saving space for.

He has many dreams and visions for the future and if they all materialise in similar vein, they will be a resounding success. Nick doesn't smile easily for the camera, but then he doesn't have to – his eyes smile.

Food and fine dining gourmets… this is nirvana!