RESTAURANTS March 2009 Trip
I apologise for taking so long to finish this report - I returned home from Bali to a few family health problems which just seemed to increase and eat into my time..(forgive the pun).
By the end of my 14 day dining experience in Bali I felt I would be well received by the men folk of Mauritania.. You see their poems and songs make reverence and fuss of obese women. A quote from this African country is 'the glory of a man is measured by the fatness of his woman.". My dear husband would enjoy glory on an unimaginable scale if we lived in Mauritania.
First time visits/new restaurants
There is always something exciting about visiting a new restaurant and this trip I was not disappointed and managed to try a few new places.
SORRISO: Jl Drupadi Seminyak. Phone +62(361)738307
When I arrived the area seemed abuzz with security. Two enthusiastic blokes opened the cab door and ushered me into the restaurant. I'm not sure if the luminous batons they carry are just fancy torches or metal detectors but throughout the evening they waved them about frequently directing turning vehicles and people pulling up outside. The restaurant is slightly elevated and the road traffic was no distraction to the many diners. This was possibly because of the pleasant background music - Italian jazz/pop. A complementary assorted bread platter with interesting oils & butters is served on arrival. While I was reading the menu I expected the place to sway. The menu was in Italian with English descriptions and it reminded me of many of the cruise ship menus. There was a page of House Specials with many interesting choices.
Appetizers and antipasti's ranged from 33000 to 45000 and included some interesting choices. Mains ranged from 59000 to 95000. There were also plenty of vegetarian dishes. Pastas from 45000 to 70000 (9 or 10 choices) & Pizzas were 29000 to 57000. Deserts were 29000 to 38000 and Gelato by the scoop 18000 included my favourite pistachio. I wanted to take a container of pistachio gelato home but I resisted the temptation (no room in the hotel small freezer). I chose the Calamari Fritti con Insalata and the squid was so tender and accompanied by salad veggies which has a 'wink' of garlic. It was hard to choose with so many dishes available at reasonable prices.
Fritteria di Gamberi ( Fried Prawns) 45000
Insalata di Pere con Prie ( Pear fruit salad with Brie Cheese) 43000
Baramundi patate di Olive 85000,
Petti di Pollo Ripieni (pan fried chicken breast stuffed with mushroom, parmesan cheese and rosemary) 65000
Scaloppine Barro e Savia ( Beef fillet in butter sauce & sage) 67000
Spaghetti Alle Vongole e Porri(Spaghetti with clams & leeks in white wine sauce) 55000
RIO BAR & GRILL: Phone Phone +62(361)732685 31B Jl Raya Seminyak (Down a lane- on Northern side of Animale about 5 shops down from Bintang Supermarket)
There is a small lounge area at the entrance to the restaurant and the water feature at the rear provides that relaxing welcome for diners. The seats are cushioned and I loved the clay & black tiled floor. There is no traffic noise from the busy road as the restaurant is set well back from the road. There are also some nice local paintings on the wall which are for sale. I didn't ask the prices as I felt I owed loyalty to Ketut Ardika who is putting his kids through school on the profits from his work.
About 10 seconds after I arrived there was a power failure and I got chatting with the owner/manager Marko Kytoharju and his beautiful wife Kristina ( who manages a hotel in the Amed area- Santai. Marko said a booking of 20 to 30 and he would close the restaurant for your private function. I also met the shy and likable Finish chef Passi. Not knowing how long before power would be restored I decided to order a salad. It was pleasant but I don't think the dressing was chilled enough and the lettuce was at room temperature which for me was not cold enough
Pastas 40000 to 50000
had some interesting choices including;
Tagliatelle Ocean ( tiger prawns in lobster sauce) 46000
Spaghetti Blue (blue cheese, ham& portabello mushrooms) 47000
Garlic King Prawns 43000
Ceasar Salad 39000( with chicken 44000)
Quesadilla 46000
Scandinavian Meatballs with mashed potato, creamy sauce & sweet & sour cucumber 55000
Silence of the Lamb ( Herb & garlic grilled lamb medallions, potato cake with goat cheese and roasted bell pepper, olive & red wine sauce) 118000
A'la Marko Steak ( Imported Aus tenderloin steak with a green pepper cognac sauce, baked potato & grilled vegetables) 135000
Mei & Nassi Goreng 38000 to 42000
The Rio Grande Finale sounded appealing - It's a full Brazilian Churrasco dinner with all you can eat salads, side dishes and a variety of imported & local meats (chicken sticks, chorizo sausage, bacon rolled chicken breasts, pork ribs, sirloin steak, calypso pork fillet and tenderloin steak. The meats are served from giant swords at your table. 165000 min 2 persons.
House wines - Lg carafe 175000 sm carafe 95000 & glass 48000
Bintang 20000 & 30000 and
Cocktails ranged from 35000 to 52000.
This place is on my 'must return list' as the Churrasco sounds too tempting to pass up
BREEZE: at The Samaya Jl Laksmana Seminyak Phone +62(361)731149
This classy establishment is appropriately named and sits right on the beach next to La Luciolas . We were seated under one of the large umbrellas but I still found the sun and heat uncomfortable and had to constantly shuffle about to find a little more shade.
The icy hand towels were appreciated even if a little slow to arrive at our table. The icy cold water was continuously topped up although we were all to busy enjoying some amazing mocktails that were 50000.
The complementary bread platter was a combination of 4 or 5 varieties per person.
I was disappointed with the entrée of Panko Crusted Shrimp and Salmon Cakes at 75000- they were dry possibly from being overcooked. One of my lunch companions was an apprentice chef and he too order the very ordinary, expensive & small 'fish cakes'. My Nasi Campur was enjoyable at 110000. I was disappointed that I ordered an Indonesian dish and not made an International choice. The Caesar Salad for 55000 did impress the apprentice chef. Club and BLT Sandwiches are 105000 . The Bebek Betutu (roasted duck with coconut .turmeric, veggies & steamed rice) for 105000 was very vell presented. Punches & juices ranged from 50000 to 32000. I enjoyed the honeydew melon juice for 32000. For 4 of us our bill came to 948,640 of that SVC &Tax was 164640. I shall give this place another try but I won't be in a rush to return. We did get to inspect a room at the Samaya - At $700 a night it was very tasteful and the boys were impressed that there was even a phone in the loo but I think there would be more private and nicer places for that sort of money.
SENDOK BAR & RESTAURANT 55 Jl Singosari Kuta Phone 0361765119
Met Gwenda & her beautiful family here. An extensive menu with plenty of International dishes to choose from.
Breaded Fish of the Day 57000
Chefs Salad 42000
Caeser Salad 30000 ( was disappointing)
Chicken Satay with veggies & steamed rice 50000
Nasi Goreng 31000
Cheesy Hamberger 40000 ( the kids loved these)
Deserts were 20000 to 27000
Beers 15000 & 23000
Heniken 26000
Service was prompt and I would return to this restaurant as there were so many interesting dishes that one could sample.
WARUNG MURAH: Jl Arjuna (Double Six ). Was very busy when I dropped in for a late lunch/snack. Ordered a bottle of water and was delivered a very large bottle - I wasn't that thirsty so I requested a smaller version. Large is 4000 small is 3000 and juice is 7000. I am not a big chicken fan but I ordered the Soto Ayam Soup 8000. The broth was enjoyable with a hint of ginger mixed with the chicken, cabbage & vermicelli. Chicken Gordong sp Blue was 30000 ( I passed on it I can't see myself enjoying blue food). Black rice pudding was 5000 - I didn't see the size of the serving portions. I enjoyed my Capcay for 8000 although it was a little too salty for my taste. Not sure if it was made in a commercial oyster sauce and that's what made it salty. I passed on the beef steak with paper sp sauce for 36000 but wouldn't mind trying it next visit. The traffic was very congested and there was a lot of honking and many cyclists taking to the footpaths to get through. I think I would revisit this place on a Sunday or at night next time.
SRI RATI HOTEL: Jl Three Brothers Legian
I am not a lover of many hotel restaurants but I had the opportunity to meet Badak Sinting aka Peter and his beautiful bride 'Sunshine' aka Marie for dinner. This was an opportunity for us to toast our wedding anniversaries. The menu is very basic and I ordered Lumpia The filling was so nice and not too spicy but the casing/shells were very soft, fortunately I wasn't too hungry and just enjoyed the company another two Bali lovers.
PAGI MARKETS: (down by the river Legian) I suppose I can include this interesting place in this section. Let's say I had early morning-tea here as I don't want you thinking some of the things I had here were for breakfast. I enjoyed freshly cooked pisang goreng (banana fritters) - 4small bananas for 5000. A bag of small lumpias for 7000 (Lisa thought I paid too much) . And the cakes - well some were very bland for my sweet is 5000 for a small serve in a banana leaf and it's not the best I have tried but it's a good place to try a small serve.
FLAPJACKS: Jl Kartika Plaza Kuta
Just stand in front of the window and gaze in and you gain kilos. I dropped in on the recommendation of Gwenda's grandson. If you suffer from too much exposure to red then the décor in this place won't appeal to you . It opened mid February and there is an amazing selection of goodies to choose from and for pancake lovers it's 'heaven' . There are many savoury pancakes that come with a side salad. You can get pancakes with bacon, eggs and wedges called Aussie special . There are pastas and varieties of sandwiches all presented well to appeal to the kids & big kids . I can't report on prices as I didn't have my trusty note book with me and was too busy looking at all the choices to remember prices. Pancakes were on average 55000. I will be returning if only for another of the beautiful gelatos.
SHEPPYS: Jl Melasti Legian. On the first visit here the place was packed. The service was pleasant and accommodating especially considering the amount of diners in the place. The tables were covered in maroon and white cloths and were spotless especially after so much use that first night I visited. The overhead fans worked overtime and very effectively. Met the happy- go lucky owners Jo & Jim and I can understand why so many people return as their hospitality is overwhelming. For many new comers to Bali this couple are a friendly wealth of information and are happy to have a chat and offer advice and help. There is a daily Chefs recommendations/specials board which included Crumbed Deep Fried Seafood Fritter 75000, Grilled BBQ 75000, Beef Rendang 60000 and Beef Roll 60000. These daily specials are changed monthly and if unpopular are removed earlier.
The regular menu has a good variety including;
10 Pastas 37000 to 45000
6 Salads 22000 to 30000
8 Soups 17000 to 25000
There are plenty of steaks, seafood & chicken mains including Crispy Chicken Drumsticks 45000, Seafood Crepe 750000, Chicken & Beef Schnitzel 50000.
Bintang 15000& 25000, Plenty of Cocktails around 45000. It will continue to be successful as it's not offering flash overpriced meals and like Kerry & Milton at Indo-National will have to continue to cop the criticism and bagging that's associated with popularity and tall poppies. When I want a quick basic feed and a bit of enjoyable company I'll be dropping in at Jo & Jim's joint on Jl Melasti
Desak's House Blessing Lunch : Desak from Breeze Restaurant in Legian invited Anne, Harry & myself to her house blessing. While I can't tell you much about the treats that we enjoyed I can tell you it was one of the best Balinese meals I have ever had . Would rival Wayans wife from Baik Bike trips if there ever was a cook off. And the coldest Bintangs I have ever had came from Desaks fridge. I wore ceremonial dress for the occasion and was honoured to have been invited.
Restaurants returned to in 2009
I very rarely write places off after a first visit and I like to revisit those where I am sure do better given a second chance. I also have some favourites and for various reasons find myself returning every visit at least and once sometimes frequently.
ZANZIBAR: Jl Arjuna Legian (Ocean Road)
I am disappointed it took me so long to return to this favourite restaurant that sits overlooking the Indian Ocean. The service was attentive yet not intrusive. It was so nice to relax and dine while watching the ocean roaring and rolling in. There was a pleasant breeze but I decided to move inside out of the sun and yet I still enjoyed the breeze and the view The décor reflects the surrounds and the colours of blue, white and sandy yellow are very tasteful. I like the blue table cloths with the brown paper overlays.
I ordered a lemon juice with 'lots of ice' and received the juice with an extra glass of ice. Juices were 15000 to 19000. Smoothies were 21000 with every imaginable mixture of fruit available
There was something for everyone including starters of Brushcetta @16000, Garlic Bread 14000 and Lumpia @27000. Fish & chips @45000. 200g steak @70000 and Surf & Turf was 88000
The 13 pastas and numerous salads were inspirational and included;
Fettuccine Granchio, stir fried shelled crab with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, brandy & light tomato sauce. Fettuccine Roma, with squid, garlic, parsley, olive oil, tomato sauce, potatoes and white wine. Rocket and Blue Cheese Salad. Fresh rocket salad with blue cheese, pears and walnuts with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Smoked Salmon Avocado Salad . Tasmanian smoked salmon, potatoes, avocado , radicchio, mustard and roasted garlic sauce. Carpaccio Beef Salad with parmesan, lime and balsamic dressing. Greek Salad @ 40000, Caesar @37000 and Nicoise @ 39000
I chose Fettucini with walnuts, mushroom and cream sauce. I can still taste the delight.
Indonesian dishes included Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng @ 37000. Seafood Chap Cha, & Chicken& Beef Satay are also available.
There were 19 Pizzas ranging from 32000 to 74000.
The sandwiches were also a work of are and cost 40000 to 55000.
House wines included Hattens White & Red at 29000 a glass, Two Island Shiraz 32000 and WA Chardonnay 42000. The Sangria was 239000 for 1.5 litres or 59000 for 250 mls. I met Sharon and Lance there ordering a takeaway supply of Sangria to take back to MBR for her Mum Lynne. I was tempted to order the Millefeuille for desert - Crispy puff pastry layers filled with custard cream and topped with icing sugar but I settled for the Creme Brulee with berry coulis @ 29000 and it was delicious.
There is free internet connection and I noticed a few people with lap tops busy sending messages. There is also an assortment of free newspapers and magazines for customers to peruse.
The place is going back on my 'must visit list' as there are so many new dishes I would like to try . Next year the grilled swordfish will be one of the possibilities but the many pastas might still get the vote.
KETUPAT: - 109 Jl Legian Kuta. (0361)754.209. It's situated down a driveway behind Jonathan Gallery. I wanted to stop at Lotus Seaview on the way back from our orphanage trip to Amlapura but they were full to capacity and wouldn't even attempt to seat us or offer us a table so we continued on to Kuta. Davey the driver was hungry too and said he would like Nasi Goreng so I suggested Ketupat rather than a basic Warung and I thought Davey would like the opportunity to try somewhere that he could suggest to future clients. It does not have the same ambience during the day that it does at night. We were able to park around the back of the driveway but it was not busy so I don't know what the night time parking is like. We ordered Lumpia and Ote Ote (Vegetable and shrimps cakes) for starters @ 18000. Our mains were Cumi-Cumi Harum Kemangi,(sautéed calamari in chilli basil sauce) 75000, Mie Goreng and Nasi Goreng @ 30000each. Small Bintangs were 20000 and the Fantas were 15000. It was an enjoyable meal and our bill was around 350000 ( tax 15%). I thought afterwards the same in a Warung would have cost about 70000 and that would have been a much larger tip we could have paid Davey.
I don't think I will dine there again in the daytime. The menu is amazing and if you wish to try a large variety of Indonesian dishes then it should be on your 'must list'
WAYAN & FRIENDS: Jl Padma Legian. This place is a convenience place for me (around the corner from hotel) and it never disappoints. I had a couple of meals here when the old legs refused to walk me any further. Great fillet steaks, including Fillet & bacon with garlic butter , grilled tomato and jacket potato for 57000 or Fillet Ala Papa Lou Lou with creamy cheese sauce , potatoes & vegetables for 60000. They actually understand the request 'medium rare' as I often find myself ordering rare in order to avoid it cooked dry. A few pasta dishes to chose from @35000 to 38000, There were children's meals for 25000 including calamari & chips, spring rolls , chicken & chips and schnitzel & chip. Nazi & Mie Goreng and Chap Chay was 25000. Appetizers and soups were 20000 to 30000, We tried the Vegetable Samosas with chutney for 18000 and they were tasty. The sandwiches at Wayan's never disappoint at lunch and range from 14500 to the gourmet range at 30000. If you live reasonably close you can have lunch delivered.
BREEZE: Jl Sahadewa Legian. Like Wayans this is also convenient for me but it also employs staff who make you feel like a long lost friend every return trip and at each visit they provide you with genuine good company and a decent feed. The milkshakes (with a bit of crushed ice) and the lemon juice are firm favourites with me. I have tried most of the menu here but I was impressed this trip with The Tami Cap Cay was the best I have had in ages so good I had it a few times.
CAT & FIDDLE: & Scooted across town to Sanur with 'Stirling Moss' Smudge at the wheel. Place packed to capacity. For this visit I left the glasses at home and struggled with borrowed specs to read the menu . I enjoyed the entertainment, the usual guest Tuesday entertainers were not on stage.
Roast Pork and Roast Chicken 50000
Lamb Chops 850000
Bruschetta 20000
3 or 4 Balinese dishes to choose from
I purchased a set of spoons for 50000 from one of the guys in the band.
You can expect to see me busking at Tamworth next year- I don't think I will need a large hat for the donations if any.
TOMMY'S: Jl Werkudara (Rum Jungle Rd) (0361)752836 Always enjoy breakfast, lunch or a snack here . There is a variety of choices at reasonable prices. I have a weakness for the BCT- bacon, cheese & tomato toasted sandwich- from memory its 22000. They too make a great milkshake. See my 2007 review for more items & prices
LEGENDS:: Jl Sahadewa ( Garlic Lane). The Sunday BBQ was an enjoyable change and at 45000 was good value with the accompanying salads. Bintangs 17000 & 27000
WARUNG KATINI: Gg Three Brothers . Turn down the lane on the north side of All Seasons Hotel. Turn right and pass Sri Ratu which should be on your left. Turn left and walk to the end of the lane about 100metres .It's on the corner on your right. This little place still remains a favourite. How about, Lumpia 8500, Black Pepper Beef 19500, Fried Rice Chicken Special 19500. I ordered the Tami Cap Cha @ 18500 and found that this would rival the Breeze dish. I ordered extra crispy noodles - they were so fresh and enjoyable but not so healthy. A couple of basic deserts are available around 8000. The place has new tables and we were comfortable in the corner under a fan. The beer and water arrived already opened. I would much prefer to open my bottle of water at the table. I will continue to visit this place as long as they continue to serve such tasty local food.
INDO-NATIONAL. Jln Padma Had a few visits here this trip . Always busy and you can always expect a passing checkup from one of the owners (Kerry or Milton ) asking if everything is satisfactory. It's not a formal inquiry just a casual and personal hello & howdy. On one visit I shuffled in and was so exhausted that I joked to Milton that I was too tired to eat- he quickly and jokingly offered to spoon feed me. That amused me and perked me up and I ordered wedges as I was too lazy to use utensils. He was convinced of how tired I was when I jumped in a taxi to go home. It was probably about 400 meters around the corner to my hotel but the legs were on strike.
On another visit I studied the menu for ages it seems and when Milton asked me what was wrong I advised that I really felt like a veal schnitzel (which wasn't on the menu) . 'No problem' was the reply I get one made for you. Now that people is true hospitality in my opinion. The schnitzel (I assume that Komang made it) was also tasty, tender and much appreciated.
There are specials boards which change every few days. There is something to please every appetite and plenty of basic choice for the kids or fussy eater. I have also enjoyed a couple of good B&E breakfasts for about 25,000. A good place to try the black rice pudding but I think you still need to give advance notice. Again this restaurant suffers from the tall poppy syndrome and will continue to get it's share of knockers but just walk past on any evening and count the diners and decide for yourself if numbers are a reasonable indication.
WARUNG YOGYA Jln Padma Utara . Hard to beat this place for taste & value. I ended up picking up takeaway from them a couple of times( thanks GK) . I noticed the menu has increased as have the prices but only slightly and if you call 20c to $1 then you need to reassess your finances.
Cheers all I'm off on a date with Jenny Craig or Tony Ferguson and the exercise bike. But again I think I'll stand them up as I can't remember which chef said this but I do agree with him 'I prefer to live to eat not eat to live'.
Di