BEST OF BALI

By Caroline Usher

RESTAURANTS, CAFES, AND BARS

We are currently starting with just a few of our favorite Bali restaurants. There are a lot of places to eat, but it is a matter of choosing the ones that have something special to offer - especially when it comes to food and atmosphere, therefore we will be selecting more of them as time goes by so you can be up to date with your desirable selection.

SARONG

Did you know that restaurants around Asia, including HK have sent spies to this sexy interior designed dining establishment with the aim to copy the style of food in some way, but thankfully all fail. Chef and creator of Sarong’s signature cuisine Will Meyrick has a strong talent for combining delicate yet punchy Asian spices and herbs into food, resulting in big fat morsels of mouth watering bites. The concept involves food sharing, which is perfect because when you see dishes come out you will realize that sharing is the only way to combat food envy. These are must haves: Crispy pork hock with tamarind tamarillo sauce & nam pla prik and the Ajwaini fish tikka cooked in saffron cardamom turmeric. Bookings are essential, no matter what time of year you plan to go.

Jl. Petitenget 19x Kerobokan.
+61 (0)36 173 7809
www.sarongbali.com



SIP

Ex Parisian Sommelier and judge in the 1976 France vs California wine challenge, Christian Vanneque, opened this intimate French bistro on Jl. Raya Seminyak just over a year and a half ago. Having dined there on numerous occasions we have found the food to be consistent and deliciously appetizing. Christian’s Chef Patrick was brought over from France to ensure authenticity in the kitchen. Try the Beef Fillet with Pepper Sauce, Salmon Royale or go fully French and opt for the snails with garlic butter or the Cassoulet. The wine list is as good as it gets in a restaurant on Bali because Christian selects the wine himself and he has a knack for sourcing wines with a difference.

Jl. Raya Seminyak near Bintang supermarket
+62 (0)36 173 0810.

KHAIMA

Khaima is the only restaurant on Bali serving up Moroccan food in the heart of Seminyak. The interior is exotic as you would expect a Moroccan restaurant to be with a lounge down the back where you can sip fresh mint tea and chug on a hookah pipe. We go back to Kaima time and time again for the Lamb soup – it has a gravy like meaty consistency infused with Moroccan spices and served up with a half egg, cinnamon and olives – DELICIOUS. Open 7 nights

Jl. Laksmana 334
+62 361 7423925

TAKE

We have in on good local authority that Take is the best Japanese to be found within the Kuta area. Choose fresh seafood, shellfish or meat from the display, it will be prepared by Japanese chef Okamoto San and served straight to you. This restaurant is simply decorated adorning Japanese regalia with character. Not pricey.

Jl. Patih Jelantik, Legian
+361 (0)759 745,

Take II
Jl. Padma, Legian
+361 (0)750 760.



THE AYANA “ROCK BAR”

How many words are there to describe stunning? We counted 11, but you are bound to discover more when you visit Ayana’s uber cool beach bar. Opening just a few months ago, this 14 meter above sea level bar not only boasts the best view and bar design, but also kick ass cocktails and a taster menu that will lovingly quell rumbling bellies. The architect and designer of Rock Bar, Yasuhiro Koichi was also responsible for creating Nobu in Hong Kong and Tokyo. Now we know this bar commands respect. Accessed by an inclinator down cliff side you enter a terraced deck leading up to the bar.

Drinks are not over priced as you would expect and on certain evenings at weekends you will be privy to acoustic sessions serenading you and whoever watching the sun go down. Try any and every cocktail on the list, but definitely sample a Bali Slipper and an order of succulently juicy lobster spring rolls. Rock Bar is our hot pick for the freshest Bali chill out zone. It is situated at the Ayana hotel on Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran - 15 minutes from the airport, a 25 minute taxi ride from Seminyak, or a short stroll from any one of the Ayana 77 luxury villas, 10 suites or 209 guest rooms. Opening hours are 4pm-1am, 7 days.

www.ayanaresort.com
+62 361 702 222


KARMA KANDARA RESORT – NAMMOS BEACH CLUB

When Karma opened up the Nammos beach club in 2008 everyone was in awe of the natural beauty and privacy of this white sandy beach on the Bukit. We can still say we are in awe of Nammos after numerous day visits and a very indulgent wedding – regardless of the bumpy taxi ride to get there and back. The inclinator carries you on a 150m ride down the cliff face where you are warmly greeted by the aromas wafting from the wood fired pizza oven. Expect to pay an IDR150,000 entrance fee although this can be redeemed on F&B at the beach bar. The only problem is, if you aren’t a guest in the hotel the staff won’t let you sit on any of the loungers or day beds, which is understandable, but perhaps they should supply extras for day guests so that you don’t feel like you have to sit in the restaurant all day and not enjoy the beach – either that or take beach towels and an umbrella with you.

Jalan Villa Kandara, Banjar Wijaya Kusuma, Ungasan
www.karmakandara.com 
+62 (0) 361 848 2200.

KUDETA

Yawn, well we guess Bali wouldn’t be sunset, music and ambience if Kudeta wasn’t around. Until something better comes along KDT continues to be the place to be “seen” and the best venue on the island for live dj music. On a food tip, Chef Phil Davenport is always inventing great food combos, so definitely dine here at least once - they also do a great breakfast. Bring your fat wallet for this beach bar restaurant and lounge because you will be paying dearly for anything and everything.

http://www.kudeta.net/

ANANTARA

This hotel is reopening their roof bar after a long battle with the powers that be. The location is right on Seminyak beach accessed by Jl. Abimanyu (Dhyana Pura) and is an alternative to Kudeta. Let’s hope they can keep the bar open long enough this time so that we can enjoy a few more cocktails and some good music.

+62 (0)361 737773

BIKU

Café Biku is a relaxing environment with scrummylicious food on Jl. Pettintenget. Set in a Javanese Joglo (traditional wooden house) you will find a mix of weathered antiques, mismatched funky antique furniture and a bookstore. There is a separate tea menu with an impressive selection and the high teas are an afternoon must, served on porcelain tiered plates. Every Sunday there are tea leaf and tarot card readings and live traditional Javanese Kroncong music (Portuguese instruments were brought into Indonesia by sailors during the 16th Century and Kroncong was born). Hours 08:00-11:00pm daily

Jl. Raya Petitenget 888
+62 361 8570888

ZUCCHINI

Zucchini café serves really fresh and wholesomely delicious food using organic produce where possible. Owner Jono assures us he pays more than the average café for produce because he believes that simple food should be tasty and you really do get that fresh flavor taste when you try one of the salad bowls, wraps or juices. The space is intimate and full of character, plus there is a clothing store within the café environment. Zucchini is open 07:00-21:00, 7 Days.

Jl. Laksmana 37 Seminyak
+62 361 (0)736 633
 

SUB CULTURE HIP BARS & JAZZ

BLACK DOG
This grungy bar is home to the hip cool fashionista wannabe crowd consisting of expats to Indo thrash metal artists. This place heaves and the live acts (thankfully) are pretty damn good too. Drinks are cheap, but we would be inclined to sneak in some finer spirits or bubbles unless you enjoy a few Bintangs. Only open Friday nights.

Situated on Jl. Seminyak near Bintang supermarket
– just follow the crowd.

HOME BAR & STORE
This is the best underground bar with the best late night dj music. Home Bar has been known to import dj’s for nights of rammed sessions and we are proud to say that Home is our favourite haunt for such boogie down madness. There is also a clothing store at the front so it is pretty unassuming until you reach the back where the action is.

Jl. Oberoi
+62 (0)8174734404

RYOSHI

Ryoshi is a great uncomplicated Japanese restaurant and bar that hosts regular Monday evening jazz sessions upstairs. There are numerous talented Indonesian jazz artists as well as a few expats who appear on a regular basis. This is a great break from everything if you want to get out and about and listen to some good music, but beware there are a multitude of smokers (goes hand in hand with jazz) so make sure you eat before you head up there or arrive early enough so you avoid smoky food. The menu here is cheap and cheerful offering classic Japanese food. Ryoshi is situated on Jl. Raya Seminyak and you can pre book a table for Monday jazz by calling

+62361-731152

JAZZ CAFE

The first live Jazz venue on the island Jazz Café is one of Bali’s premier live music destinations. A lively and popular club, restaurant and bar frequented by locals, expatriates and international travelers alike. Great bands play Jazz, Blues, Latin, Funk, Soul and World Music… something for everyone!

Come along and enjoy a meal from our excellent bistro, try one of our legendary cocktails, sit back and kick up your heels or dance the night away. Whatever your pleasure Jazz Café is the place to go for a fun night out in Bali.

Jalan Sukma, Ubud, Bali
+62 361 976 594

PERSONAL ENTERTAINMENT

DJs
The cool thing to do these days is hire a villa and book a Dj to entertain you and your friends. Dj Flic is our pick for the best that Bali has to offer. Often found on the decks during sunset at Kudeta and parties around Bail and the Gilis, Flic’s impressive collection is eclectic giving you license to chill, boogie or sway. She hails from New Zealand, but lived in London for years perfecting her spankingly good music style. Feel free to email and book her or one of her crew for a private party session.

dj_flic@hotmail.com
 

HANGOVER CURES

BALI PHARMACIES
Bali pharmacies (Apoteks) sell Beroccas and a mountain of other pills and remedies for hangovers. Even if the staff can’t understand you, they will when you mime out how you feel after a boozy night out, or just breathe on them, they will soon get the hint – otherwise send the butler.

SOHO 24/7
Sometimes you need to fill your belly with the greasiest tastiest food to rid yourself of the hideous hangover you feel after a night on it. Soho on Jl. Oberoi is the perfect remedy. Everything from greasy spoon breakfasts to juicy hamburgers can be consumed here and thankfully the 24/7 operating hours mean you don’t necessarily have to wait for the hangover to begin.

GOODIES
We have it on good authority that Goodies is the place to be (or maybe not be) seen in the wee hours of the morning along the Jl. Double Six strip. You can join others from all walks of evening drunkedness to eat pizza before you head to bed.

BALI GIG GUIDE
Be ahead of the game and check out http://www.beatmag.com/131/. You will find anything and everything happening on Bali to help make your stay even more fun.

BRINGING ALCOHOL INTO BALI?
The downside to Bali is that there always seems to be a shortage of alcohol on the island. It also doesn’t help when a whopping 300% tax duty on top of each bottle either, but that is the law. Our suggestion is to bring two bottles per person and most of the time you will walk right through not having to pay duty, other times you will. All you need to do is make sure you have a receipt for the alcohol that downsizes the price.