10th Table, in central Lovina on Bali’s north coast, has been attempting to cater for all the locals who appreciate an evening of fine dining. Hence there have been many additions to the norm, often with special prices. They have added 3 course weekly menus at a very reasonable Rp. 375,000 net, as well as a 5 course set menu for Rp. 550,000 Net. At the same time they still offer the standard 7 course degustation menu [with alternatives for each course] that has made them so famous and popular. A special Steak menu has been added [Black Angus, Wagyu, Grass Fed etc.], the Angus is a 4cm thick T-Bone, and the Wagyu a Tomahawk, whilst the Steak Tartare is prepared at your table in the style of the great fine dining restaurants of Europe. Or if you wish you can select form the normal a la carte menu on which they are many great innovative dishes. One such dish, which quite fascinates me, is their Burmese Curry. It is quite an intense beef curry but unusually the meat is wrapped in a crunchy pastry, looking like a large money bag [pictured]. Wine pairing is also available. This level of professionalism is a rare find in Bali’s north. It now makes a visit to Lovina very interesting.
Casa Tua is a fun place to stop for a refreshing break when visiting Bedugul. The menu is simple, just snacks [churros, Spanish doughnuts], Sandwiches [chicken, tuna, egg], Chicken Wings and more Chicken [burgers, wraps, nuggets], and coffees of course.
Nagi Kitchen Jln Raya Andong, Nagi, is not a Japanese restaurant though it does offer quite an incredible range of unique Sushi, amongst other things. The sushi is mostly of the ‘California Roll’ variety, including most of the standards and quite a few innovative creations. The Spicy Tuna Roll uses marinated tuna, ‘Mexican’ has shrimp tempura with cream cheese and avocado topped with eel sauce. The Kawai Roll is wrapped in rice paper, inside shrimp tempura, cucumber, lettuce, crab, topped with a spicy mayonnaise. Nori Rolls can be salmon or tuna and their signature sushi dish is the Golden Night [shrimp tempura, crab, avocado, salmon and tuna flakes]. There is a Salmon Skin Roll and a spicy Volcano Roll. The Spider Roll uses soft shell crabs. The Inferno uses jalapeno chillies to raise the heat level of the tuna and salmon filling. Most unusual is the Sushi Pizza. NO, there is not a traditional pizza base but instead a thick layer of those Japanese Panko breadcrumbs, so crunchy! On top is a mix of avocado, spicy tuna and a sweet sauce. It is refreshingly different.
Aperitif, the fine dining restaurant at Ubud’s The Viceroy continues to offer special specials to cater for their regular guests. This month [August] it is a 50% discount from the cost of their degustation menus. Full price they are great value but at this price almost everyone can afford to enjoy an incredible evening of total decadence re-visiting the fine dining grandeur of the European 50’s. Taste sensations, from their so talented Belgian chef Nic Vanderbeeken to savour, and nights to remember.
Hot Stone Ubud is Russian and aimed at Russian expats and tourists. It is a hot stone sauna set up in the fields of Kenenuh, amongst the rice paddies. The small café with it offers Russian hearty specialties including those famous dumplings. Where is this unique place? Jalan Raya Ir. Sutami Gang Pura Beji, Kemenuh, Sukawati.
Ulaman is an eco retreat, located within a waterfall jungle amongst rice fields, regional vegetation and spectacular river landscapes in Kaba Kaba, Tabanan [close to Tanah Lot]. Bamboo structures blend perfectly with the landscape. Chef Arik presides over a menu of traditional Balinese dishes plus a few creations. Special dinners can be enjoyed cliff side, in the tree house or riverside. The menus also include many vegetarian and vegan offerings.
RICHI stands for, Ribs & Chicken. Just when restaurants all over Bali are closing, some on a temporary basis, others permanently, a new place opens in Lovina. Situated next door to the 10th Table and under the same management it offers just that; ribs and chicken. At this stage it is only open for takeaway or home delivery. Chicken drumsticks [natural or belado], Chicken Wings [marinated and with an aioili dip], Pork Belly strips [crisp skin, spicy soy], Snack Packs [4 each of samosas, spring rolls and pastels plus spicy dipping sauce, Rp, 35,000], The Ribs are offered with a house marinade or super spicy [300gm for Rp.65,000, 600gm for Rp. 125,000]. The Chicken is rubbed with a spice mix then roasted, served as a whole [Rp.95,000] or Half [Rp. 55,000]. For something different, there is also a Giant Meat Skewer available [pork sausage, beef meat balls, lamb merguez and fillets of chicken]. There are also many sides you can order to go with the mains.
