Cafe des Artistes is a survivor. Once a lonely warung on a dead-end road on the outskirts of Ubud [Jln. Bisma] it has been a thriving restaurant now for many years. The secret has been reasonably priced comfort food, served with a smile. Many of the staff have been there for the 17 years of its existence, always a sure sign of good management. Whilst their steaks are easily the most popular dish ordered here [picture] my favourites have always been the Chicken Breast Provencale and their 100% perfect Thai Beef Salad, Yum Neua, a dish that is otherwise butchered all over Indonesia. Consistent quality and service with a smile, always a success!
Akua is a Spanish restaurant in Jimbaran [Jln. Permelisan Agung]. As the owners come from Bilbao, it is also a Basque restaurant, the menu containing standard Spanish dishes as well as many regional specialties. Start with Tapas; Chopitos [crunchy seafood with mayonnaise dip], good old Abondigas [meat balls in spicy sauce, but served with fries], or Prawns [gambas a la plancha]. For mains can you go past Paella, this one is topped with prawns and mussels? There is also a Spanish Tortilla, so different from the Mexican version, this one being more like an open omelette of potato and egg or the ultimate Spanish cold plate [jamon], and a jug of Sangria, of course!
Koloni is a café on Jln. Raya Semat, Canggu. Breakfast is only available in the mornings, something that I always find very strange as in a tourist environment they should always be available all day. However what the do offer is very good. Smoothie Fruit Bowls with dragon fruit, chia seeds, and a variety of fresh fruit. The house special is their Carrot Cake Waffle served with cream cheese and sliced almonds. Eggs any way but very popular is the Poached Eggs on Hash Brown with Halloumi cheese, chimichurri and coriander oil. The lunch menu adds a few mains such as Chicken Beast, Ceviche, Salmon and Pumpkin mash and Cheesecakes for dessert. If you miss California then you will feel at home here!
Rev Bistro is French. Located on Jln. Yudistira, Seminyak it offers classic French plus a few international dishes. Fish Mosseline with Quenelles Lyonnaise, Foie Gras, Mustard Rabbit, Frogs’ Legs and for your steak a decadent Tournedos Rossini [topped with foie gras, drizzled with Madeira sauce]. Dine in the air-con inside or out on the garden terrace. Also the menu is very reasonably priced, and there is a good wine list.
Strawberry Shop is found on Jln. Pancasan, Bedugul. It has its own organic strawberry beds that supply daily fresh produce. Stop for strawberry juice, crepes, waffles, shakes, ice cream and many other combinations.
The Melting Pot, Bali’s largest and best sports bar and Texan restaurant, is about to celebrate their 10th anniversary. From a humble beginning up at Kedawatan and now for many years at their bigger location on Pengosekan they have been a trail blazer. I know Texas is supposed to have the biggest of everything but the bar here, on two levels, is definitely the biggest in Bali. Pool tables and other games are available together with many sports screenings, when the major sports are on the place really rocks. On the same day, Sunday March 24, The Melting Pot will also hold their 9th annual Texan Chilli Cook-off. Live bands, and fun for all. They also serve real Texan food; Gumbo, Ribs, Burgers, Sliders and Quesadillas made correctly, nice and spicy.
Rise and Shine Café is on Jln. Padang Linjong, Canggu. As the name suggests it specializes in breakfasts and does them very well. The Breakfast Burrito is the star of the show but there are many other options. A range of breakfast sandwiches stuffed with grilled vegetables, or scrambled egg and bacon and other combos. Bagels are with cream cheese and avocado. Many fruit bowls and otherwise healthy breakfasts. The coffees are great too.
Queens of India in Tandjung Benoa, brought quality Indian cuisine to the Nusa Dua area. The Queens Tandoor Group already had their flagship, Queens Tandoor, in Seminyak and the first Queens of India in front of The Dynasty Hotel in Kartika Plaza. Queens Tandjung Benoa is the first of the group to get a design and menu upgrade, the others are following. The lunch and dinner menu features a wide selection of Koyle ka Kamaal (dishes hot from the Tandoor), together with Murg (chicken specialties), Ghosht (lamb), Samudaree Khazana (fish and prawn), and Bageeche se (from the vegetable garden). Specifically at Queen’s of India, Tanjung Benoa, they also offer a selection of Mumbai Chaat – savoury Indian snacks typically served as street food including Sev Puri, Bhel Puri, Pani Puri and Dahi Puri. Puri is unleavened bread that is deep fried until it puffs up like a round ball, which is golden-brown in colour. Another specialty is the hot vegetarian South Indian cuisine, where rice is combined with lentils and dhal, curried vegetables and pachadi (yogurt) to produce Masala Dosa, Sambhar and Uttapam, all of which are not only healthy but easy on the digestion due to the fermentation process.
By Gerry Williams
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