Charlie’s mansion attracts chic crowd with polished cocktails and Parisian style bistro- plus vibrant late night entertainment
July 8th, 2014
UPDATE MARCH 2015: CHARLIE HAS CLOSED
Approaching one year after opening, Charlie is already one of Seminyak’s hottest hangouts. Renowned for their consummate drinks and exuberant late night parties, Charlie has recently added a further dimension to its allure with the opening of a Parisian-inspired Bistro on the ground floor of the “mansion”. Now guests can dine on classically prepared French provincial cuisine in the casual elegance of the bistro before heading up the grand staircase to the upper level bar and lounge- conceived in the mold of an exclusive London gentlemen’s club. Whimsically themed around the hedonistic lifestyle of the aristocratic bon vivant- “Charlie”– the building has been designed to reflect the indulgent pleasures and entertainment synonymous with his privileged lifestyle.
Launching the new bistro, the team behind Charlie have established a serendipitous collaboration with accomplished French Executive Chef Damien Le Bihan, who brings to the Charlie kitchen his extensive experience as one of the star proteges of the acclaimed chef Guy Savoy. Damien cooked initially at the flagship 3 Michelin star Paris restaurant, and subsequently headed up the kitchens at the Las Vegas offshoot, and was more recently general manager of Guy Savoy in Singapore. Returning to his culinary roots, Damien has created a menu of classic French provincial bistro fare for Charlie– cooked with a straightforward, uncomplicated honesty. Guests at Charlie can expect to dine on such classic bistro dishes as Whole Black Dover Sole– pan-fried á la meuniére and served with potatoes ecraseés; Pan-fried Duck Breast– with green peas ragout á la Française and red wine sauce; and Dark Chocolate Mousse served with house-baked orange biscuits.
Proceeding upstairs, the mood changes within the voluminous space of the luxurious lounge and bar. Plush sofas and armchairs are clustered across the main lounge floor space exuding a sense of relaxed sophistication. Additional lounge settings are located on the pair of intimately scaled mezzanine levels at either end of the room. At the handsome bar, Charlie has garnered a reputation for their consummate cocktails, with an enticing drinks list headlined both by the signature cocktails, and their perfectly executed classics. Meticulous attention to detail and quality is evidenced by the massive slabs of crystal ice that are nightly showcased prominently on the bar counter. Blocks of ice are individually sawed from the slab- minimising melted ice dilution- and ensuring the long-lasting taste integrity of the cocktails. House-infused premium spirits are the foundation of the signature cocktails, while classic cocktails include well-crafted examples of Martinis, Sours, and Old Fashioned.
Ebullient nightly entertainment is a highlight at Charlie– with live music performances, a rotating roster of international guest DJs, and regular parties and special events. Check the Charlie Facebook Page for the latest news.
Charlie opens at 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday, dinner is served at the Bistro from 6:00 pm until late. With seating limited to 4o guests in the Bistro, and 50 upstairs in the Bar & Lounge- reservations are highly recommended.
Charlie Bar & Bistro interiors
Charlie signature cocktails
Charlie classic French cuisine
(food images courtesy Charlie)
