If you’ve been following us for a while, you probably have figured out that Vida Rica Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Macau is one of our favorite spots in town to have a drink (or two)! Why do we like it? We could write a whole love letter, but instead, we came up with five objective reasons for Vida Rica’s excellence. Keep reading to see why this trendy and hospitable place should be on your favorite’s list as well.
Creative Mixology
Undoubtedly, Vida Rica Bar is one of Macau’s pioneers in the exciting world of mixology. Headhunted from different corners of the world, their bartenders have always managed to blow the minds of local bar-goers behind the counter. And when those talents joined forces with different types of local artists, it resulted in inspiring collaborations. First, it was Legends & Cocktails, a menu of drinks influenced by art and Macau-related stories. Then, Vida Rica Bar crossed paths with the Macau-based association Cinematique Passion and created a full menu of cocktails, each named after an independent film produced by local filmmakers.
Empire Hotel cocktail at Vida Rica Bar
From classic drinks to innovative concoctions, the bar menu at Vida Rica Bar has a “poison” for any guest. The bartenders spare no effort to come up with surprising yet balanced fusions and combinations. Clarified yogurt, brandy infused with Portuguese cheese, pandan gin, and other peculiar ingredients are usually made in-house. Hence, some cocktails at Vida Rica Bar can’t be found anywhere else.
Also read: And the Oscar Goes to… Art in Mixology. Volume 2 – Movies & Cocktails, by Vida Rica Bar
Awards say it all
Mandarin Oriental, Macau considers every little detail to provide their guests with the best service on the market. Those efforts don’t go unnoticed, resulting in the array of awards by influential magazines and committees such as Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards, World Luxury Hotel Awards, TripAdvisor Travelers Choice, and Condé Nast Traveler.
Located at this acclaimed establishment, MO’s signature bar has some prestigious awards of its own. The latest edition of the Bar Awards Hong Kong and Macau dubbed Vida Rica Bar as the best hotel bar in town, also awarding its head bartender with the best bartender award.
Vida Rica Bar was also recently listed in Asia’s “50 Best Discovery” List 2021!
Bar Stories
To entertain Vida Rica Bar’s patrons, Mandarin Oriental, Macau guests, and to attract newcomers, Vida Rica Bar occasionally hosts mixology events called Bar Stories. Now and then, a team of talented and often awarded mixologists from extraordinary international bars take over the bar for a couple of nights to present their creations and amuse guests with skills and artistry.
When Bar Stories is in the house, the VR bar counter turns into a speakeasy. The curved wall separates it from the rest of the bar, only leaving a small window to peek into and see the magic behind it. The affair has earned many fans in Macau. So when you hear of a new chapter about to happen, better book a spot at the bar ASAP not to miss a chance of chatting with guest mixologists and savor their concoctions.
Before the pandemic, the hospitable team of Vida Rica Bar welcomed many international bars, many of them from the 50 Best Bars list. Among them were Omakase + Appreciate from Kuala Lumpur, 28 HongKong Street from Singapore, El Copitas from Saint Petersburg, and more for a total of 46 chapters. The guest bartending session resumed after a break with local speakeasies and establishments from Mainland China.
Also read: Bar Stories in Vida Rica: The Art of Storytelling
The Painter’s Afternoon Tea
Bar bites by world-class European chefs
Yes, bars are for drinks and more drinks but who has never found themselves hungry in the middle of a cocktail session? We thought so. Being the signature bar of one of the most luxurious hotel chains, Vida Rica Bar takes bar bites to the next level. The chef responsible for all things savory is Chef de Cuisine Marco De Boni, an Italian master with broad cooking experience in the premium hospitality venues in Milan, London, and Dubai. His recommendation to indulge in at Vida Rica Bar is a big Kahuna wagyu burger, a juicy perfection. But everything else on the menu is certainly worth trying as well, be it rock shrimp with sweet mango and spicy wasabi mayo, crispy truffle French fries, or delectable softshell crab with tahini dressing.
Every so often, the Vida Rica Bar culinary team introduces a special gastronomy event, limited-time menu, or a restaurant pop-up. Among their recent endeavors were Macau Fried Chicken Club (a celebration of the almighty deep-fried chicken), Asian Style Burgers that featured exclusive creations with an Asian twist, and Champagne & Seafood, the ultimate pleasure for oyster and fresh crustaceans lovers. One offer follows the other, so there is always something new and tempting to dive into!
Moreover, afternoon tea sets at the bar often become the talk of the town among Macau’s foodies and influencers, both for the creative ideas behind them and excellent execution. The most recent one is Painter’s Afternoon, a set of mini-sandwiches, tiny pancakes, tarts, and cakes inspired by art. The sweet part of the Vida Rica’s menu is the fiefdom of another European master, French pastry chef Sebastien Bernis.
Also read: Chef Marco De Boni on Mixing Cultures & Flavors at Mandarin Oriental, Macau
Also read: Of Cakes & Fitness: Mandarin Oriental, Macau’s Pastry Chef Sebastien Bernis
The best sunset watching spot in town
Imagine sitting back in a comfortable plush armchair facing a panoramic window. While you are admiring the vivid colors of the Macau sky during sunset, watching the skyline and Macau Tower light up, listening to the lounge music in the background, a waitress quietly approaches your table and puts a cocktail on it. “Your negroni, sir/madame.” Isn’t this perfection?
Hands down, Vida Rica Bar boasts one of the best sunset-watching spots in town. And it’s not only for the location and the stunning view on the tower and the city’s skyline. It’s the combination of flawless service, relaxing vibes, and delicious cocktails to accompany the absolute feast for the eyes.
Also read: 8 Unforgettable Sunset Spots in Macau
Also read: Asian Hospitality at Its Best: History of Mandarin Oriental
Vida Rica Bar Mandarin Oriental, Macau, 945 Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, NAPE, Macau, +853 8805 8918, www.mandarinoriental.com/vida-rica-bar
