Everybody knows about it, everybody seems to have visited at least once, to relax and listen to the music. At music venues, all around the world, if food is served you expect it to be very ordinary, so when I went to the Ubud Jazz Café to eat, for the first time, I was not expecting too much. The result was pleasantly surprising!
The menu is not that large but contains many small items for those who are just sipping and snacking whilst listening to the live music [whilst it is predominantly a Jazz café, the different bands each night do present quite a variety of differing music styles].
The small menu items also make excellent entrees or appetisers. Do not miss the Tomato & Mint Tartlets! On a small base of crumbly pastry sits a portion of tasty tender lamb ragout and a dob of feta cheese. Only three on the plate, so take my tip and order two serves at least. One mouthful is followed by another, very moreish!
Many places in Bali serve Fried Calamari Rings [here also in a large rocket salad with a coriander citrus dressing], and usually it is a bit like chewing rubber rings. Not so here, amazingly tender, and very popular as a result. A classic Italian Bruschetta and potato Wedges fried to a crisp, with a red chilli aioli, are also perfect for the drinking snacker.
Check the daily specials as they often include items such as the ever-popular Rice Paper Rolls usually stuffed with grilled chicken, mango and herbs. Or their unusual curried pumpkin soup. Being in Ubud there are many Vegetarian options throughout the menu. Grilled Zucchini and Sun-dried Tomatoes are combined with fresh thyme and feta cheese. Another sees Feta Cheese with chilli and herbs, wrapped in a banana leaf and baked in the oven.
A Salad that is also a meal is the Herb Encrusted Tuna Steak Salad. It uses Sushi grade Tuna not the dry fibrous over-cooked variety too often found in Bali. Lovers of the Caesar will not be disappointed, it is Tijuana style and you can have it natural or with grilled chicken breast added.
The star of their pasta menu is the Seafood Spaghetti Puttanesca. Large grilled prawns sit atop a pile of spaghetti than has been tossed with calamari pieces, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives and capers. For vegetarians and others the Vegetarian Lasagne is a giant serve in an oval dish topped with a mix of Parmesan Regiano and Mozzarella.
Pizzas are always popular to share in places such as this and there are three to choose from. Although the base is a bit soft the toppings are extremely generous. Marinara is, of course with mixed seafood whilst the Mediterranean is loaded with grilled vegetables, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic and Kalamata olives.
The Indian Lamb Curry is excellent. The meat is very tender, well soaked with the mild curry. Not only that but it comes with a full serve of perfect Basmati rice, as does the plate of Grilled Prawns [nice big juicy ones that have been split before grilling making it easy to drag the meat out with your fork].
Beef Kebabs are marinated in herbs before grilling. They are served with Chimichurri sauce, a mix of chopped parsley, dried oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, onion, and paprika with olive oil and a dash of lemon, originating in Argentina. The Cajun Chicken [a full breast] is in white wine sauce and comes with French green beans and roasted almonds.
Desserts are cheap and cheerful. A tangy Crème Brulee is flavoured with fresh passion fruit, the Cheese Cake with pineapple and lemon and the Pudding with orange and mango. Something different, Banana Quesadillas, crepes of banana and cream cheese with chocolate sauce.
Cocktails seem to be very popular as do their Mega Margharitas. A small wine list is none the less quite well balanced and very reasonably priced.
Prices are more than reasonable and for only a miniscule cover charge of Rp.20,000, p.p. you are entertained by a group of very talented musicians.
A fun night for all!
QUICK REVIEW
Restaurant : Ubud Jazz Cafe
Address : Jln. Sukma,
Tebasaya,
Ubud.
Telephone : 976.594
Open : Dinners 6.00 to 11.00 p.m., [closed Mondays
Parking : Street only.
Price : Rp. 300.000 for two [+ drinks]
Credit Cards : Visa, Mastercard.
Food : International.
Wine : Medium list.
Service : Buzzy!
Atmosphere : Jazzy
Overall : Eat, Sip and Sway!
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.
