Well I had all sorts of wonderful plans to do lots of new restuarants (to me anyway) But it really didn't come off much. The first afternoon I was there I headed down to S and S for a drink and was welcomed by Sammy and accosted by Suzie and friends for manicure, pedicure etc, to which I succumbed! Kindly Mr and Mrs Dennis C invited me to join them for dinner at Yutz, which I did. They enjoyed steak, while I also enjoyed the fish. Thanks Dennisc! Dinner comes with a complementary elcome drink of something alcoholic half frozen like a slushy. Yum..
After that all of my evening meals were on my own, although it really wasn't a problem as I enjoyed the time out and people watching. It does not seem such an oddity these days to see people eating on their own, and the service seems to be so quick for solo diners. I went to Flying Piano, where the trio continue to perform their eclectic mix of songs of mixed up lyrics! the musical entertainment is better than the food, which is only adequate.
On Saturday morning I decided to forgo the lack of culinary excitement at the Kumala Pantai and head to La Luciola for breakfast. This was fairly quiet, but I snared a table upstairs at the front and enjoyed a breakfast where the eggs really are cooked to your liking. (poached, yolks runny..)And of course the obligatory mango juice! It cost about 75,000 for a set breakfast plus taxes. Of course one has to add the taxi fare to get there. Afterwards, I walked back along the street looking at all of the shops and deciding that I did not think a lot of the fashion was worth the prices they were asking. Not being a silver jewellery wearer I was not enchanted by the silver shops.
I returned a few more times to Sammy and Suzy and met a few more people whose names I don't remember. But if you are reading this, I did enjoy your company. I drank a couple of bintangs, but kept thinking about the duty free in my room, that I thought I would enjoy just as much. Early in the week I had stocked up on tonic water to accompany the duty free gin, and picked up a couple of limes to go with it. Now there is nothing wrong with a cold Bintang, but the G and Ts were calling!
Another night I ate at Wayan and friends after deciding that I would go to Drops and then being put off by the total absnece of people in Drops. Maybe the eternal road works which made access almost impossible may have had something to do with it, but I did not want to be the ONLY one there. Wayan and friends was Ok, and they had a couple of expat magazines to help occupy my time. The sate was hot and spicy.
After shopping Seminyak on day, I called in to Cafe Moka which I have always loved, to order an iced coffee and had a small snack. Unfortunately they forgot my iced coffee and I had long finished eating. I finally reminded them abut it was too late. The moment had gone!
I had another evening meal at Bali Beach Shack in Garlic Lane. They made me feel very welcome and there was no pressure when I said I just wanted an entree. Again I had the mango juice, this time laced with arak! Seafood and avocado cocktail and a half serve of garlic bread was plenty for me that night. Food was good although unadventurous and the service was attentive (by Norman - who assures me that is his real name although the speeling is different. I suggested that he may be Nyoman, but he informed me he was from Java)All in all a good night.
I also ate a Breeze, but generally found this to be a bit unspiring and down market. At risk of sounding snobby, I did cringe in a few places when I saw the Australian clientele, who represented a particular group of Australian tourists. Please don't shoot me down in flames- everyone is entitled to a holiday, but I probably not choose to mix with these people in Australia, and I did not like to think that all Australians would be judged by this more vocal group.
On the last night I returned to Yutz as I knew I could be assured of quick service as I had a plane to catch. I had the chicken curry, but found this only average. It is a shame how westernised such food becomes to cater to the lowest common denominator. I can't remebre where else I ate. Generally everything I ate was fine, although some lacked inspiration. However, there was no sickness or bali belly. At the airport, I did have a couple of snacks in the loung, which left me feelinga bit strange in the tummy. Nothing came of it, but it took a couple of days for the feeling to wear off when I ate. serves me right for eating from the bainmarie when I don't know how long the food has been there.
Where I didn't go: I wanted to go to more Seminyak restuarants, but I think these are best saved for when you are eating with others. I had hoped to go to Sarong, but it will have to be top of the list for next time.