Cosmic Diners have become quite popular with Bali’s local younger set. Not surprising with their budget priced American style diner food and trendy décor. They are found in Sanur [Jln. ByPass Ngurrah Rai, southern end] with its unique train carriage dining room, Tuban [Lippo Mall, Jln Kartika] and at the original on Sunset Road. They have many interesting dishes that are unique to them, some of which have a touch of Asian to the base American diner menu. The latest are the great Nrw York style budget priced Rice Bowls. There are three of them, the Black Pepper Beef is shredded meat stir-fried in black pepper sauce topped with shavings of crisp onion. Pork Belly, double cooked in soy is another, sharing the bowl with a fried egg and sautéed corn kernels. Both are excellent but the Chicken version was perfect [pictured]! Chicken, as fish, so often overcooked in Bali, was tender and moist. The use of chicken thighs instead of the more common breast provided more taste, a light infusion with teriyaki sauce just right, with broccoli and carrots sprinkled with garlic chips. Great simple dishes! At the new Sanur location the train inside the restaurant proper [a replica of a classic train carriage] is proving to be a very popular meeting place and has already been the setting for thousands of photographs on social media.
Shima, Bali’s specialty Teppanyaki & Shabu-Shabu restaurant on Raya Petitenget [50 metres from LIO Square] is hosting a special charity night, Monday November 5 when 50% of the GROSS takings will go to the Sulawesi Tsunami Appeal, 6.00 to 11.00 p.m. Support a great cause and go for Teppanyaki that night.
Kopi & Kue is a pleasant little coffee shop on Jln. Kartika, in front of the Bali Garden Hotel. It features all day breakfasts that include all the egg options. There is even a gluten free Bread Basket as well as a variety of pancakes. Healthy salads can be Cranberry & Walnut or Roasted Beetroot and Avocado, Interesting sandwiches are the Pulled Pork, Pumpkin and Pesto or Chicken & Bacon with smashed avocado. Then for sharing there is a Mediterranean Board [hummus and avocado dips with prosciutto, salami, pitted kalamata olives, tomato, feta, and brie with toasted tortilla triangles], Duck & Plum Sauce on flat bread or Thai style Calamari [crumbed with lemon pepper]. And the best part, all are at budget prices.
Secret Café on Jln. Siligita, Nusa Dua, is just that. It is a friendly little place that classifies their coffees as their specialty. It is very popular for breakfasts with the many who want to escape from the 5 star hotels for a change. They serve simple food, well prepared and very cheap. On offer are local and international dishes, even some Vegan dishes [Vegan Burger]. The place is hard to find but worth the effort.
Sizzle Wraps, on Jln. Padang Linjong, Canggu is Mexican with a touch of fusion. The Tostados can be chicken, pork, beef or vegetarian based with eggplant, lettuce, beans, corn, feta, guacamole, cheddar, sour cream and chipotie sauce added. The Fish Tacos use grilled Mahi-Mahi. The Carnitas [slow cooked pulled pork tacos] are also with lettuce, cheddar, guacamole, sour cream and chipotie. Here are many other Mex dishes and even some Italian Pizzas or are Pizzas now considered to be classified as an International dish anyway?
Ijen at Potato Head Beach Club, Kerobokan, is striving for zero waste across everything from food to drinks to design in a first for both Bali and Indonesia. Banana leaves instead of plastic, line-caught seafood, wood fire in place of gas. This is how the kitchen rolls at Ijen, the new “zero-waste philosophy” restaurant at Potato Head Beach Club. At Ijen plastics are processed into building bricks, green scraps are fed to local livestock and fish scales are the star ingredient in rice-flour crackers. As for the food, start with Rujak Mackeral with tamarillo and gooseberry or Squid Otak-otak with peanut sauce and sambal kecap, then the house special stuffed Whole Red Snapper or their Fillet in Banana Leaf with fish skin crackers and finish with a Red Dragon Fruit Sorbet with lime.
Nook is another secret restaurant, this time on Umalas I, a pleasant garden café popular for breakfast and all day dining. How about a chilled Gazpacho Soup with bacon & egg, or a healthy Quinoa Salad with avocado, watermelon, kale, feta, lettuce, toasted almonds and a tangy vinaigrette. Raw Beetroot, Pear and Feta topped with sunflower seeds is another healthy option. Snack time can be Teriyaki glazed chicken wings with sesame or Calamari Rings. There are many local options; Beef Rendang, Udang Balado, Ayam Betutu or Ayam Kecap. The Sandwich & Burger list is very international, a classic Rueben, Double Cheeseburger [with spicy mushroom sauce], Cheese & Bacon, Ham & Cheese or a sweet smoky Beetroot Burger, and there are many things from the grill [steaks, prawns, fish]. All served with a smile.
Gerry Williams
For more information see our website:
www.balieats.com
