Well folks I started this report/review back in May and then lost my notes and the disc thingy that I started typing this on. Cleaned the caravan out today and found it all in a cupboard that I forgot existed.
Here's the first part - it's long and may be boring to some.but need to tell me your not interested in all the detail as I will have already posted it . I will finish the second part soon and post it ASAP.
Make a cuppa - sit back and only read if you want my thoughts and info about the restaurants I visited in April/ May 2010
I was looking forward to this years gastronomical indulgence after having endured 12 months of Weight Watchers dieting. I'm not knocking the dieting or the program as it helped me lose 20 kilos(without the loss of any large bodily limb).
During my few weeks on the isle of smiles I kept thinking and agreeing with John Mortimer who declared 'I refuse to spend my life worrying about what I eat. There's no pleasure worth foregoing just for an extra three years in the geriatric ward."
First Time Visits
Mozarella- 9 Jl Padma Legian
This busy restaurant lived up to the great reviews and recommendations posted over the past 12 months.The dull lighting added to the atmosphere and the service was attentive and prompt. I wouldn't bother booking for a group of 8 or less but if you were a party of a dozen or more I would certainly notify and reserve a table.
A varied selection of appetizers including our choices of; portabella mushrooms,30,000, smoked mahai,35,000, Caesar salad,35,000, tuna capers & rocket 45,000 ,Garlic Bread was 3 thin slices of Vienna bread 15,000
Our mains included:
Rump with special paprika spicing and garlic killer veggies & French fries 75,000
BBQ Spare ribs with vegies & fries 75,000,Snapper Bumbu Bali 70,000
Lamb Chops 85,000,Small Bintang was 15,000.Large Bintang 21,500
This place will be a must return to place and was a winner for all of us from first bite to last
Ultimo 104 Jl Laksmana Oberoi/Seminyak
Ultimo was packed to capacity as we entered and I thought perhaps we should have booked . I was impressed when we parked the car as they have a valet service- they certainly need it as most of the patrons would have driven there. We were asked to sit at the impressive bar whilst a table was prepared for us. We didn't even get to order a round of drinks and we were escorted to a table.
The menu had us busy and speechless for the first 10 minutes. What to order was an engaging decision for all of us and while deciding we enjoyed the complementary bread basket of delicious goodies. We finally settled for; 3 ways pasta 36,000,Shrimp cocktail 28,000,Ossobuco 48,500,Lasagna 43,00,Spaghetti Bolognese 32,000,Tirasamsu, Small Bintang 19,000,Lime juice 12,000,Strawberry juice 22,000.The lasagna, ossobuco and tirasamsu we voted the best we have ever had
The toilets had it own janitor and a first for me in Bali were toilets with blue loo. They also had fresh white towels in the rest rooms. The staff worked promptly and efficiently yet took time to emgage every patron in conversation and enquiry re the quality of the meal. As soon as one table was vacated the staff took less than 2 minutes to set it up again. You blinked and the table was once again occupied with eager appetites.Wine was topped up at all times and you didn't have to search for service for another drink. Our waitress advised us that they had served 500 to 600 patrons that day and I can understand why its so popular.
Food is flavoursome and well priced , service is flawless and the atmosphere is enjoyable, This place will have my frequent patronage,
Restaurant Shanti on the beach walk Part of Vila Shanti Hotel Jl. Danau Tamblingan No. 47, Sanur
How refreshing it was to sit on the east side of Bali and enjoy the pleasant north eastern breeze.Lemon juice 20,500,Small Bintang 20,000, Caesar Salad 30,000. Nasi Goreng 50,000
Lunch was a typical 3 to 4 star hotel offering and not overpriced.
The Village Sanur JL Danau Tamblingan 66, Sanur
Although on the main road and along side a gang leading to a couple of large hotels we chose to dine alfreso yet undercover and we were not disappointed or bothered by and traffic noise. The interior dining area looked inviting and was an expanse of windows. The table décor was immaculate with maroon and white covers.
Antipasti 25,000 to 85,000, Variety of soups
Plenty of pastas from 48,000 to 99,000, Gnocchi 60,000 ton 70,000
Risotto 75,000 to 90,00. Mains of meats & seafood 70,000 to 250,000
Firewood pizzas 55,000 to 75,000
Our meals were presented on large white plates decorated around the edges with paprika and/or parsley. We enjoyed ravioli di ricotta e spinach(spinach ravioli with a choice of sauce) 75,000 and bruchetta ( garlic bread with tomato, herbs, basil and olive oil) 65,000
Another great find serving tasty well presented food with service that was gentle and quietly spoken while being knowledgeable and wonderfully efficient.
Kami Sama pathway on Beachfront front Sanur just north of Villa Shanti
This place received a couple of 'great' reviews in the past 6 months and after our visit I am sure the people who were impressed with the food must have been sufferers of some debilitating olfactory disease. This place would rank as the most disappointing meal I have encountered in Bali in years. The food was bland and over priced.
The menu was large and included 6 pastas 37,000 to 42,000, Burgers 39,000 to 42,000 plenty of Indonesian & 6 or 7 Balinese dishes including sate lilit 50,000, be pasih mehanggang 39,000 Small bintangs 22,000 & large 30,000
I ordered lumpia and Tami chap chay and was disappointed and it was bland and oily. I could taste the palm oil all afternoon.
Jepun 212 Jl D.Tamblingan Sanur
I rode past this restaurant in the afternoon and was not too impressed as the place looked dark and dingy. What a transformation occurs at night - it's resurrected into an amazing and pretty comforting grotto that poses as a restaurant.
Service was pleasant and we were 'chatted up' by the maitre d'- well I assume he was the maitre d' by night and the tour driver-giggilo by day. I guess he thought we were easy business (6 ladies all unaccompanied) as he leant down and whispered to Tina that he 'could acquire a large seater van for tours'. He quickly gave us the 'flick' when I boasted that we had a van and Tina was our 'g....oooood' driver. We giggled when a group of young girls entered the restaurant and he snuck behind the bar 'fluffed ' up his well groomed locks and greeted them with the unforgettable Balinese smile. ' Same same but different '- there were only 3 of them and they we 30 to 40 years younger than us
We enjoyed the complementary garlic bread
Steaks fillet 75,000 & sirloin 72,000 served with brandy sauce, creamy mushroom, pepper or béarnaise sauce - 8 Pastas from 42,000 to 57,000-Salads 27,000 to 34,0000
A selection of hot and cold soups and variety of appetizers
13 Indonesian favourites including Ikan bakar( Grilled fish & chilli sauce)
My fellow diners all enjoyed their dishes
I choose Beef Fillet with herb crust and lemon butter sauce for 67,500 and was unable to finish mine as it was swimming in a slush of oil. I wasn't feeling too well before my meal so I will certainly return and try something else from their menu. Maybe I'll get chattered up by Bali's Duce Bigalow.
Legian Snacks Jl Padma Utara Legian
I will include this place in the first time places as it's been quite a few years since I dined here.
This humble little café/warung is located almost on the busy road but it is not a distraction to dining. The fans worked well and the occasional breeze they provided was appreciated. The background music was also pleasant. Enough variety to please most diners
10 Soups 8,000 to 14,000- 12 Entrees including lumpia 18,000
8 Salads 15,000 to 25,000 - 32 Indonesian & Chinese choices
Steaks 44,000
We both ordered Tami Chap Chay which was delicious
A good example of simple things done well
La Monde Jl Padma Utara Legian
We climbed the staircase and elected to sit on the edge overlooking the street . This table was so comfortable as we enjoyed a pleasant breeze and viewed the activity of the street below us We were offered a complementary drink and I was advised it was arak and orange juice . It was very sweet and tasted more like a weak alcohol with Cottees mixup cordial. Each table also had small baskets of prawn crackers.
A very basic menu including 2 salads 20,000 to 28,000, cheese & garlic bread 18,000 and brechetta 14,000
There were 14 pizzas 32,000 to 43,000 and 10 pastas 35,000.
We started with a garlic bread which was dry, not toasted and very bland. I was disappointed with the fettucini as it was cold and bland. The business card advertises 'great tucker' but did not live up to its claims and will need to improve to entice me back as a return diner.
Seaside 14 Jl Panti Arjuna Double Six Legian
Only 2 or 3 tables were unoccupied when we arrived but they too were quickly occupied. It was too dark to appreciate to ocean out front but it was nice to see the lights of the many fishing boats anchored about 2 miles off shore.
The menu offered the traditional salads 37,000 to 46,000
5 soups 35,000 to 45,000-A variety of burgers and sandwiches
A dozen pastas 40,000 to 70,000-Pizzas 40,000 to 80,000
Mexican favourites 35,000 to 80,000 -Asian choices 40,000 to 70,000
We began to order only to be met with the news
'Sorry Caesar salad, king prawns and tuna, 'phinis'
So we settled for Chilli Prawns75,000 7/10 - Green Fish Curry 45,000 10/10
Pork Spare Ribs 120,000 6/10 -Vegetarian Pizza 60,000 7/10
Large Bintang 25,000
I was disappointed with the ribs dish , the ribs were tender & tasty but served on a bed of soggy French fries and accompanied by a few tablespoons of milky coleslaw
A&W Café - Ground floor under Carrefour
We felt like a couple of kids from Happy Days in Arnolds - someone bash the jute box and tell Fonzie we are here
This was a surprise junkie meal and we must have both been starving because we hoofed down the Bonza Meal Deal in no time. It was OK and good for a quick fix. We were too hungry to make it to the next few floors of the complex where there are so many other little eating places.
Warung Jawa- Jl Padma Utara down a lane opposite Warung Yogya.( my usual takeaway haunt) Picked up a quick takeaway of mei gorreng for 14,0000 came in a brown paper cone. I was the only non local in the place. I had to wait a while to be served as I am sure they thought I was just lost and not really looking for a local meal. Was worth waiting for and I think I will be buying my takeaway from here in the future
Ketupat II Jl Dewi Sri Kuta Ph: 758969 / 763752
For me Ketuapt I is a kaleidoscope of Indonesian dishes that pleases all tastes and cultures and so too is the new sister restaurant Ketupat II. This restaurant deserves more patronage
I think we were the only diners present and we sat by a peaceful swimming pool outside the main building whose décor was very traditional and beautiful. Our waiter told us the owner's family uses the pool sometimes in the morning but it was there for patrons & their children to use if they wish.
The menu looks similar to Ketupat I and has colourful pictures/photos of all the dishes. This is influential and helpful in making choices.
We ordered a mix of lumpia 23,000, mei gorreng 36,000, Ayam Limau (chicken curry)50,000 Sate Paling Enak 60,000 and I loved the Udang Garam Java (chilly fried prawns with leeks & garlic in a lime sauce) 80,000. Just the right amount of spice & flavours to compliment the dish rather than overpower it .
We had other dishes but I must have been too busy enjoying my meal to make note of everything. The atmosphere is pleasant and relaxing.
This is one place I would recommend for a large group and especially if the kids could have a swim while you dine.
We had quite a few leftovers ( all enjoyed our meals - we just over ordered) so we asked if the leftovers could go to the mother cat and her 2 kittens that were running around in the beautiful gardens and under our table. No problem!- and the leftovers came back from the kitchen in new palm baskets - looked good enough for us to have a second sitting. We nodded with approval and the baskest were taken through the garden. I used the rest room a little later and here was puss and family tucking into the goodies.
The staff were courteous and attentive ,they were trainees and were still struggling to understand some of our odd requests or questions
My only disappointment was the lime & lychee granite 25,000 but that won't stop me from returning . It's on the must do list now and I like it's atmosphere much more that K I. I would like to try the Rijstaffel next visit- I will just need to convince 3 others to join me. It's advertised at 250,000 rp p/p. I sure I could eat my $30 worth. I'll be back
Lanai - 10 Jl Pantai Ocean Double Six Legian
This was a random selection as we strolled along Blue Ocean Way.It was also to be my last meal in Bali for another 12 months.
We sauntered up stairs and managed to find a table with great views of the beach activity and the Indian Ocean. The large umbrellas protected us from the midday sun and we both appreciated the refreshing cool breeze.
We started with Killer Nachos advertised with Jalapeno Peppers - I think the peppers should have been called Bedugal peppers as they lost most of the burning sensation somewhere between Mexico&Bali but that didn't spoil the enjoyable plate of nachos that we shared. During our entrée we did quite a bit of people watching from our roost above the beach and we were also entertained by a frisky squirrel who ran back and forth across the wire.
We both grinned when we said that we fancied a hamburger. There were plenty of burger choices for 48,000. Our works burgers didn't disappoint and were what I would describe a simple dish done well. The ingredients were fresh which was evident by the taste and presentation of our humble hamburger.
Juices were 18,000, cappuccinos 17,000, sm Bintangs 18,000 and Storm Beer ( which I have taken a liking to) 24,000. I began purchasing it from Bintang supermarket. It's described as a 'local made organic beer' Yes I knew I was following a healthy dietary pattern. It's the only organic product that passes my lips at the moment but at least it's a start.
There's a good range of choice to suit all tastes
Other menu items included ;
Fish & Chips 46,000, 15 Sushi Rolls 48,000 to 54,000, 6 Pizzas 45,000to 52,000, 4 Pasta dishes 54,000 to 58,000 - Steaks, Prawns and Fish on the Grill 73,000 to 95,000
There are also 9 or 10 Indonesian dishes from 42,000 to 62,000
I'm sorry I can't report on the desserts - we chatted so much time got away on us and we were too satisfied with what we had that there was little room for desserts. We did manage to purchase a gelato on the way back to the hotel. It was very busy yet staff remained attentive and helpful.
Sometimes a memorable meal is about more than just the food- Thank you Dale for a lovely few last hours in paradise. I will return to this restaurant perhaps to enjoy a sunset cocktail prior to another enjoyable meal
Delicioso 17 Jl Raya Seminyak (across the car park form Bintang supermarket) I thought I would add this little gem as I mainly visited here to purchase some very nice loaves of boutique breads( if there is such a thing). The very unusual breads were 19,000 a loaf and worth every rupia. I purchased a few other nice goodies very fresh home-made looking treats to either eat there or take away- quiche, tarts, frittatas, salads and to die for gelatos. A darling , unassuming little deli/café offering some delightful treats.
Australian Consulate- General Jl Tantular, No. 32, Renon, Denpasar
ANZAC Day Dawn Service & light breakfast
I just thought I would add this as a record for my own use in years to come as it's not often one gets to dine with a Consul General (Les Bartlem OAM) , an Ambassador (HE Bill Farmer AO)& the Governor of Bali (Made Mangku Pastika)
Tina and I Left Legian at 4 am in a Taxi arguing(in a polite manner) with the confused taxi driver that 'yes the Consulate will be opened' - he kept insisting 'open 9 o'clock' and then Tina advised him 'special ceremony'. Those two words were all it took and he confidently drove us in the dark the rest of the way. Thank you Tina,you always seem to find a diplomatic solution to every confusing situation that I find myself in.
It was a very moving service and so different to the freezing mornings that I have spent in Australia on 25 April. I ordered a small wreath from my little florist and I thought I described and drew it well enough but 'Bali same same but different' delivered me a small arrangement that looked nothing like a wreath. I wasn't going to take it but I have always laid flowers on Anzac morning as my dad was a soilder in New Guniea and he passed away on 24 April 30 years ago getting ready to travel to Sydney for his annual reunion and march. My little arrangement look so funny next to the 3 very large and beautiful wreaths. I also took a tin of Anzac biscuits and gave then to a AFP guy to put in the staff tea room.
The service was followed by a Light Breakfast - Light breakfast! - I hope I get an invite to a 'unlight' breakfast. On offer were pastries of all sorts (a long table of them), plenty of breads for toast, with vegemite, honey & jams, cereals and fruit platters and then there were BBQ's set up on 2 sides of the beautiful gardens serving bacon,eggs,tomatoes & sausages. Tina found one of the very large bottles of rum but I declined - It needed to be below 20C for me to have a shot.
We had a lovely stroll through the Memorial Garden and Anniversary Pond and reflected on two of the darkest momentsin Bali for so many innocent people. Thank you Tina for getting back up a few hours after you landed in Bail and seeing me safely to this function.
Right now I'm missing my Bali Friends and I'm starving - might have early dinner. Where's a menu?
Di