I always thought that it was almost surreal, eating an Indonesian
Chinese lunch on a restaurant terrace overlooking tranquil
Lipah Beach in Amed, the majestic mountains in the background,
whilst listening to Dolly Parton ‘working 9 to 5’
or Mr. Cash ‘walking the line’! Someone had left
the CD behind, yet the music somehow fitted in.
Lately I have been lunching in Renon with the late John Denver,
going down that eternal country road! I am sure they must
have other CD’s but that is the only one I have so far
heard. It is almost as ‘out of place’, but somehow
I have always found country music relaxing and easy to listen
to.
OZIGO started as a small, good value, warung just behind the
Tiara Dewata supermarket in Denpasar. Then they opened a late
night drinking venue in Sanggingan and what has now become
a major entertainment spot in the otherwise quiet Ubud district.
The latest in this fast growing mini chain of food and beverage
outlets is OZIGO Country, in Renon [the site of the former
Australian Consulate]. In the upstairs section it is restaurant
all day, and night. Downstairs, 7.00 p.m. till late, it is
food, drink and live country music [Tuesdays, Wednesdays and
Sundays, other music styles other days]. A high quality fit-out
suggests a very professional approach, a visit only confirms
that. It is small and intimate with a well-stocked and comfortable
bar and restaurant area. From the moment the live music begins
you are in blue grass country!
The food on offer is a mix of snacks and mains, International
and Local cuisines and a mix of both. An extensive BBQ is
located at the downstairs entrance. All good value, with big
American style serves at very reasonable prices.
The Crab Spring Rolls, more of the same? No, completely different!
Long thin rolls of water spinach are wrapped around a crab
mousse, dipped and pan-fried. Accompanying is an avocado salsa,
even with a little tang to it. Surprisingly different, and
quite good!
Quesadilla [beef, ham and cheese wrapped in a tortilla], Nachos
[a mix of baked beans, guacamole, corn tortillas and a spicy
salsa] and salads make up most of the remaining snack/entrée
offerings. Excellent finger food at the bar whilst toe-tapping
to that country beat. For those who crave for something a
bit better than the rest try the Lobster Salad!
The soups are many and hearty. A Potage Dubbary is a cream
potato soup with onions, garlic bread on the side. Chicken
& Corn, Pumpkin & Herbs, a traditional Thai Tom Yam
Goong or an Indonesian Soto Ayam are all available. The Pasta
is spaghetti but you can have it any which way; Carbonara,
Bolognaise, Siciliana, Marinara, Napolitana. Lasagna and Cannelloni
are also on the menu.
Where would we be in Bali without that Bali special; Chicken
Gordon Bleu [this time almost correct]? The excellent juicy
Rosemary Chicken Breast and the Pork Schnitzel are like most
of the food here at OZIGO, good basic quality, generous portions
and at reasonable prices [even more so when you consider the
entertainment value, other places with entertainment usually
load the prices accordingly]. A strange one is a dish called
‘Lolita’, a very large crumbed roll of chicken
and beef, topped with a spicy country BBQ sauce, for the very
hungry!
The Indonesian selection is basic and minimal with the usual
rice, noodles, curry dishes and a solid Beef Rendang. A few
Pizzas and a welcome Kids Menu [Ninja Turtles], small portions
at only Rp.18,000 each, very sensible for an all day dining
place.
But it is BBQ that seems to be the most popular here at OZIGO.
Perhaps it is deemed more fitting for a country & western
establishment! The Imported Steaks are either Sirloin or Fillet,
with your choice of sauces. Pork Ribs [an enormous serve of
tender ribs], Chicken Breast and Sates, even an old-fashioned
Shish Kebab joins the myriad of seafood options [including
Lobster].
The otherwise limited wine list does include a few French
Champagne choices, so that must be an indication of the regular
guest list. All the wait staff [cowboys and cowgirls] are
kitted out in jeans, check shirts, boots and cowboy hats.
The eager young staff even attempt a bit of line dancing,
from time to time
A pleasant change for Bali, someone trying to do something
different, rather than just copying everyone else! They have
done a great job and deserve the regular crowds they are getting!
Welcome to Blue Grass Country, fiddles and all!
QUICK REVIEW
Restaurant : OZIGO Country
Address : Jln. Moh. Yamin 59,
Renon, Denpasar
Telephone : 241.670
Open : 11.00am till 1.00am daily
Parking : Road-side, with security
Price : Rp. 280,000 for two [+ drinks]
Credit Cards : All major cards
Food : International
Wine : Limited list
Service : Cowboys & Cowgirls!
Atmosphere : Renon Country
Overall : Good value, good fun!
Reviews that appear in Bali Advertiser are based on actual
visits to the establishments listed, without the knowledge
of the restaurants, and are not paid for by the individual
restaurants.
Opinions expressed here are those of Gerry Williams and not
necessarily those of Bali Advertiser. Gerry Williams attempts
to write from a ‘typical’ diner’s perspective
and whilst quality of food is the most important criteria
overall, value for money is the real measuring stick.
