Ari Bar is Mexican but different from the rest. Not Tex-Mex or Cal-Mex but innovative Mexican. Some standard items are on the menu but most are creations using traditional Mexican flavours and cooking methods combined with a new range of ingredients. An example is the Open Taco, layered with crispy shredded pork in alpastor sauce with jalapeno peppers, lettuce, pineapple salsa and cream cheese [pictured]. Other Tacos, which can be soft open flat or crisp, are Dory [coriander mustard, tomato salsa, lettuce and cream cheese], Chicken [with beetroot, avocado salsa, cabbage slaw and cream cheese] or Beef [with rosemary chipotle, lettuce, coriander corn salsa and cream cheese]. Interesting starters include a Mixed Tostaditas Platter of shrimp, dory, pork and lamb on a guacamole tostadita with spicy cream chipotle sauce and honey lime dressing. There are Burritos, Enchiladas, Fajitas and Quesadillas, all with a modern twist. Ari Bar is on Jln. Kartika, in front of the Bali Garden Hotel, and you can use their parking.
Hongalia is a classy Chinese noodle house. It is found next to the main entrance to Arma Museum, Jln. Jatayu, Pengosekan, Ubud. They actually make their own noodles, something that is normally only done in high quality Chinese restaurants, On offer is both Kwetiau [rice noodles] and Bakmie [wheat noodles], their Noodle curry dishes are a specialty and can be had with beef, shrimp, tofu, chicken or pork ribs, all of which have cabbage and potato added in coconut milk. They also offer a range of dim sum as well as the Japanese gyoza. The popular Bakmie Chicken Mix Chasio Special combines chasio [pork] with chicken, dumplings and vegetables in a broth. The main drinks are a range of hot and cold teas; lemon, ginger, lemongrass, green, lychee, and apple. Open from early morning, every day, for breakfast.
Genius Café is found on Mertasan Beach, Sanur. It is open from 7.00 a.m. for breakfast but strangely that is not served after 12.00. Breakfast includes a number of their own creations such as Potato Hash, hash browns, avocado, poached egg, lettuce, tomatoes and sunflower seeds. There are also a Chia Seed Breakfast and the Green Machine Fritters and egg and pancake dishes. For the rest of the day there are many healthy options; Baba Ganoush, Vegan Tacos and a Beetroot Dip. Soups and Bowls, There are Burgers and even a small range of Mexican Pizzas and Raw Desserts.
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.
The Plumbers Arms is Bali’s first traditional English Pub! From the same management that gave us The Beach Club at Echo Beach, it is an instant success. Wood-lined in the best English tradition, there is even a covered beer garden out the back [preparing for the new smoking rules in Bali]. Located in Anyar on the road that connects Kerobokan with Canggu, it replaced the Fish & Chips shop, Wrap a Snapper, that was there before although Fish & Chips are still their best seller! Good finger-food bar grub includes the usual things; nachos, quesadillas, spring rolls, deep-fried prawns or just a bowl of fresh hot chips. Very popular is their All Day Breakfast of sausage, bacon, fried egg, baked beans, tomato and toast but The Plumbers Arms credentials as a true English Pub are proven with its Ploughman’s Lunch, a feature of just about every real Pub in England; Cheddar cheese, blue cheese, ham, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, pickles and crusty bread PLUS that all important Branston Pickle on the side!
Gypsy is found on jln. Munduk Catu, Canggu and is the home of Canadian Chef Robin Filteau-Boucher. Open all day, breakfast can be toast many ways [French, avocado, eggplant or eggs], or eggs the usual way with roasted potatoes or Hash Browns actually made on site. Or you can have Smoothie Bowls of goodness. Later dining can commence with a cold Green Pea soup made with coconut water, followed by Tuna Tacos or Tuna Tartare wrapped in rice sushi-style. Something different? A crispy Bacon Roll or a Slopy jack, pulled jackfruit tossed with BBQ sauce, coleslaw, avocado and cashews. There is also a Kids Menu with small serves. Refreshingly different!
BaliEats has been re-invented. The popular web site since 2000 [www.balieats.com] had been re-invented. The restaurant scene in Bali these days changes almost daily. Now BaliEats highlights today’s news, all still archived by location and cuisine.
By Gerry Williams
For more information see our website: www.balieats.com