The Bali Dream is, for many tourists, the image of relaxing by a Bali beach in a trendy bar/cafe, sipping exotic cocktails and picking at gourmet snacks as the sun sets over this tropical paradise.
Many resorts and stand alone restaurants are aware of this and charge accordingly, some even levying an entrance fee as well. I have found one that apart from being idyllic actually DECREASES their charges during the sunset hours and then again later in the evening.
Happy Hours at the Tree Bar are from 5.00 till 7.00 p.m and again from 9.00 till 10.00 in the evening when all wines by the glass [24 to select from], beers and cocktail prices are actually REDUCED by 50%. To add to your relaxed mood an acoustic trio performs during the sunset hours [Fridays and Saturdays] with a mood DJ on other nights.
The Tree Bar is an attractive two level structure built around two giant trees, beachfront at the Maya Sanur resort. These days architects far too often demolish trees rather than build around them. The food, snacks and even full meals at the Tree Bar all come from the very professional kitchen at their adjoining fine dining Reef restaurant.
Not only is the location perfect, so is their tasty snack menu. There are all of those standard bar snacks; olives, onion rings [remoulade sauce], potato wedges [spiced] and Japanese Endamame [steamed soy beans with sea salt] plus many more exotic options. The tasty Chicken Wontons are served in the style of that popular Thai entrée, translated as ‘money bags’, minced chicken in a thin crisp wrapping [pictured] with spicy aioli dip.
The Salt & Pepper Squid arrives in a small bucket of generous size, all of which are small bite-sized tender pieces, the dip is soy and red pepper [just enough to keep up the thirst].
The Spring Rolls can be either local [deep fried crisp vegetarian ones with a sweet and sour sauce or Vietnamese fresh rolls, just vegetarian or with prawn added, both served with the classic nuoc tuong sauce [soy, fish oil and chilli]
Roasted Beef Bruschettas are beef rolled on toasted baguette slices topped with a mix of BBQ and mayonnaise. Shrimp Fire Crackers are prawns deep-fried on a tempura batter. Chicken Winglets are with a tangy BBQ sauce. All excellent finger food,
A Mexican touch, Nachos with Spicy Beef [jalapeno, red beans] or just guacamole. More filling is the Chicken Quesadilla.
Every week there is a special Grill menu comprising both seafood [live] and meats.
To finish try the Sanur Cendol, a mix of various fruits of rice jellies of seaweed, palm seed and jackfruit with coconut syrup and sorbet, very refreshing!
However if you prefer a more extensive meal then you can order from the full Reef menu instead. A chilled Vichyssoise, or Tuna Sashimi, a healthy basket of Quinoa and Rocket with chick peas, lemon, garlic, cumin, turmeric, zucchini, parsley and Pecorino cheese. Reef is famous for its seafood mains, both live via the grill or from the wok.
Whilst we are used to finding quality at 5 star resorts it is a pleasant surprise to also find such great value.
A wonderful place to relax at the end of the day, or anytme.
QUICK REVIEW
Restaurant : Tree Bar.
Address : Maya Sanur, Jln. Danau Tambling, Sanur.
Telephone : 849.7800.
Open : 10.00 a.m.to 12,00 midnight.
Air-Conditioning : Natural sea breeze.
Parking : Secure parking in basement.
Price : Rp. 350,000 for two [+ drinks].
Credit Cards : Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, JCB.
Food : International.
Wine : Excellent list, by glass or bottle.
Service : Relaxed and casual yet still professional.
Atmosphere : Holiday time.
Overall : Great value.
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.
Copyright © 2018 Gerry Williams