Hi All
Just a quick half way report, well, more a half way restaurant report! In the past i've always commented on the weather/traffic/shopping/etc but I figure that doesn't really change. So i'll spend more time on Restaurants we've visited in the hope it may help with inspiration on where to eat! I've kept it quick and to the point though if you have questions feel free to ask :)
Weather is hot and humid, not too much rain during the day, raining most nights
Rate is around 9100-9150, dropped to 8950 one day and lifted to 9200 one afternoon but generally 9100 at reputable places.
Traffic is better than the last few trips, noticeably better on JL Seminkay/Legian/Bypass
Shopping is good, surf shirts have gone up in price but most in 'shops' have stayed the same. markets seem quiet at the moment and negotiating seems easier.
Now for the restaurants:
Ultimo Dinner
Ultimo was fantastic as always, Entrée of Duck Ravioli was superb, mains of Steak with Red Wine Jus and Vegies was great (meat was a little tough but Jus is amazing), Crème Brule and Raspberry Pannacotta was fantastic though Pannacotta a little rich. Service was fantastic and meals and non alcoholic drinks came to under $500k
Grocer and Grind (Breakfast & Lunch)
Lunches are definitely better than Breakfast, eggs benedict were average (Hollandaise verging on separating), Soft boiled eggs were undercooked and hard boiled eggs were lethally hard. Juices were good though and jams were delicious, quality coffee. Service here is always average but if you know what you're getting it's not so bad. Good value for money with bill coming to under $400k. We also had Lunch here, Risotto here is amazing, Open Steak Sandwhich was great and service this time was better. WiFi is fast and over all very happy for lunch.
Me'Nu Dinner
Worst dinner of the trip so far, Spring Rolls were highlight of the meal with a fantastic dipping sauce and beautiful spring rolls, calamari was so chewy and batter was crumbly, prawns were deveined but poor flavour and very floury, garlic bread was excellent and kids fish n chips seemed OK. Expensive given average food and poor location at just over $500k.
Sarong Dinner
Absolutely amazing, arrived here without a reservation and was seated outside though moved inside later in evening due to incoming rain. Entrée of Prawn Dumpling simply divine, Calamari was the best I've ever tasted, mains of Caramelised Duck and Butter Chicken were mind blowing and service was absolutely fantastic. This has become my new favourite restaurant in Bali (Was Ultimo for years). Given the location, setting, service and perfect food, value for money was awesome at just under $700k.
Ku De Ta Breakfast
This is a mixed bag, I love this place, always have, my wife on the other hand has never been a massive fan. Eggs Benedict and my side of toast and jam were fantastic, juices tasted a little watery this time, wife enjoyed her pancakes though commented they were a little soggy, kids scrambled eggs seemed perfect. Coffee was excellent Service was OK, not to the level of Sarong or Ultimo and they brought out our meals and completely forgot to bring utensils and I struggled to wave somebody down but otherwise was OK. Bill came to just over $500k which was good value in my book.
Mozzarella By The Sea Lunch
Having been a big fan of the original Mozzarella I had high expectations for the By The Sea version and was not disappointed. Service was fantastic, Smoked Mahi Mahi great as always (Though came with so much green garnish it was ridiculous), Grilled Chicken and Mushroom Sauce was excellent and Lamb Chops were OK. Great value for money here and the location is beautiful compared to the original restaurant. This is definitely on our will return list.
Envy Dinner
Also has been a favourite of ours for a few years, didn't disappoint, setting is fantastic, service awesome and surprisingly quiet (Usually has been fully booked on prior trips), food was excellent with us both having the barramundi with a side of chips and mash, kids Mac & Cheese was delicious and deserts were great. I love how they serve bread and balsamic & olive oil dips and find the garlic bread delicious here. Definitely on our come back list. Bill was OK at around $700k
Starfish Bloo Brunch
They stuffed up our booking and service was terrible so we walked out before even eating. Complained to management and going back Friday night for dinner, will do another review at that point and reserve judgement until then.
Bali Bakery Breakfast
Coffee was terrible (Tasted like dishwater) and they put cinnamon on top?? Juices were OK but I was very confused as they could not make milkshakes even though it was on menu. Waited for ages to order meals but nobody wanted to take our order, in the end just paid for coffee/juice and left.
Rio Dinner
The best steak I've had in Bali! We both had the 'Kill the chef' and seriously it was amazing, the steak was cooked to perfection, Bermaise sauce was fantastic and it had these awesome little potato wrap things - think a spring roll with mash potato inside. Kids had sausages which I tried and they tasted fantastic. It is a new favourite of ours and we will definitely return. Bill only came to $400k and service was great. It's not a flash restaurant but very comfortable and is very close (Within about 30 foot steps) of our accommodation so a bonus!
La Lucciola Breakfast
A be back of ours, never disappoints, eggs benedict was lovely, juices were excellent, scrambled eggs were light and fluffy, coffee was great, the only disappointment was the Jam, it was very strange to say the least, weird flavour and more of a relish than a jam. Bill came to under $500k so good value.
We have 5 more days here so will be posting plenty more shortly! :)