Babar Cafe - Restaurant & Tapas Bar, Seminyak - Bali

Still about my last Bali quest, this time I'd like to take you to another cool spot in Seminyak called Babar Cafe. My visit happened to be on 16th of December 2014 and I was told to expect lots of local businesses shut at least until 6 PM due to Galungan celebration by the Hindus. Umm... I should have planned my trip better next time.

I was definitely not prepared to stay in the hotel until the shops are open later on the day, so I took the risk by driving around areas that's normally jammed packed with local vendors and tourists.

No joke, seminyak was so quiet that morning. Most businesses put notices up to warn customers that business will resume at 6 PM and onwards. But luckily this Babar Cafe was open. I desperately needed a caffeine shot to start my day. What a cute and quirky place this is. I fell in love immediately. 

A friendly waiter followed me around as I could not make my mind up on where to sit until I chose a lower table facing the cakes cabinet. Exactly the kind of view I wanted :) My mouth started to water looking at all sort of cup cakes and other sweet treat. 

How could I ignore these!

On my table there is hand made placemat which has funny descriptions of arak (fermented drink that is normally brewed in traditional way and contains alcohol). I have never tried it before and I don't intend to give it a go on that particular morning, but I understand that a lot of people enjoyed having arak in their leisure time.

Somebody tried to get flirty with me :D

Back to coffee and cake. As I still have a long day to through which means more coffees, cakes, light bites and so on.. (my life is so hard eh?! :)) I decided to have cappuccino and strawberry tartlet that should leave plenty of room for other stuff.

Ok, Mr Barista you did a great job there.. the cappuccino was not only artsy but tasted good too, great balance of good strong coffee and creaminess was a great company to my tartlet which was not the best, but definitely home made and I appreciate that more than anything on top of the fact it was not awfully sweet. And one extra point for the flirty message :D

Babar Cafe

Restaurant & Tapas Bar 

Jalan Raya Basangkasa 17

Seminyak - Denpasar, Bali

Indonesia

Opening hours: 9 AM - 12 AM Daily

Phone: +62 361 738581

Bale Udang - Ubud, Bali

I took a long drive from trendy Seminyak to green and serene Ubud. I thought it would be the perfect quick get away before I had to back to my temporary nest in Legian. Half through the journey, my tummy started to rumble. Obviously a stale Pain au Chocolat could not hold my hunger for long. I needed something more substantial. Rice, to be precise (I blame my Indonesian root in this case). I searched the nearest restaurant on trip advisor through my mobile and I came across to Bale Udang. There is another Bale Udang in Kuta apparently, but I don't think I would not survive that long.. 

The Reception Hall

Bale Udang Ubud is a pretty place, I find. I appeared to be quite new. It's a large compound with one main reception hall where the hostesses welcome guests, followed by another smaller hall with tables and chairs and a bar. But I think the main attraction are to dine on one of the bamboo huts above massive fish pond, or al fresco. I chose one bamboo hut all for myself ... Awesome. I'm liking this place more and more. 

I didn't wait too long to order the food. I asked for fried prawn dumplings, fried rice with salted fish and lime juice without sugar (just to make me feel a little less guilty as I was about to devour starter and main course altogether.. Yes, I was that hungry). While I was waiting for my food to arrive I connected to the venue's Wi-Fi. Wow.. Impressive!! The connection was really good. Thumbs up to Bale Udang! Oh.. and each hut has power socket too.. so I could charge up my gadgets while munching. Whoop .. whoop.. 

The food did not keep me waiting too long either .. All served nice and hot in less than 20 minutes! Overall, I think I got very good value for money here, in comparison to average pricing in the rest of Bali, anyway. Friendly and efficient service, nice ambience and generous portion of food that tastes good. I could not have been happier. 

Ok, if I can be critical, the fried prawn dumpling could do with more prawn, as it was overpowered by mixed vegetables filling. I barely taste any prawn. But it was still a pleasant starter to share (not that I shared it with anybody at the time). 

Full and content I wander about the compound. I would imagine this spot is family friendly, ideal for family gathering, leave the kids to play around with the fish (under parents supervision, of course) and introduce them to nature that they rarely see especially in big cities. So, there's a recommendation for you if you happen to be in the neighbourhood :) And by the way, if the adults fancy dunking their feet on the water, they can too... Nothing wrong with being childish from time to time.

If you have a slight concern about slow service because of those individual huts, you don't need to worry. There's staff post in between huts, so you can get their attention quickly but just waving at them. 

Bale Udang Ubud

Jalan Raya Goa Gajah, Banjar Teges Kanginan, Desa Peliatan, Ubud.

Bali - Indonesia

Opening Hours: Daily from 11 AM - 10 PM

Phone: +62 361 978 754

Website: www.baleudang.com

Red Carpet Champagne Bar - Seminyak, Bali

I dropped by at Red Carpet Champagne Bar after my visit to The Bistrot as it is located right in front. Preparing myself for a long, hot and humid day I need to fuel myself with a glass of fresh juice. I know, it's not a usual choice since I'm a champagne bar after all. But, I know myself rather well.. (sometimes) and if I start my day with a glass of champagne, it's very likely that I would not move anywhere :D

The costume that the staff is wearing that excites me the most. They looked like a group of marching band. Quite catchy, I must admit. They're friendly too... I was served with cold towel, which did a great job cooling my face down after being exposed for a merely one minute. It may sound strange to you, but I have no idea why I could not agree with the sun considering I was born and raised in tropical country, like Indonesia. When most people looking for the sun, I'd be the first one to hide from it. I was feeling more like home, back in Europe. I don't understand why people get so miserable during a cloudy or cold winter. Just put a coat on. Problem solved. Unlike the heat strike, I can carry umbrella or wearing pandora hat but I still can feel the warmth and still air.. I will pass out successfully in a little while.

Ok, the juice. Well... there's not much I can say about it. It's called vitamin booster. Sounds great, right? It tasted good too.. It's a mixture of fresh carrot, orange and turmeric. I was happy with it. To me it was the perfect thirst quencher. After a pot of ayurvedic tea at The Bistrot and Vitamin Booster at Red Carpet Champagne Bar, nothing bad would get me. Except for the sun. Unfortunately. 

The bar itself,... it's a little bit tired, I'd say. The bar stools were worn out. The glass champagne display was stained, it looks like it could do with a good scrub. I guess in the night time with the right lighting this bar would look more lively. But during the day, I could not help noticing a lot of flaws. 

One other thing, the free Wi-Fi there was really poor. I believe I was the only customer at the time and I was struggling to connect. Considering that free Wi-Fi nowadays is a standard service by any businesses, I was expecting a bit better than that. Or.. remove the Free Wi-Fi sign completely. 

Red Carpet Champagne Bar

Jalan Oberoi 42C - Seminyak, Bali

Indonesia

Opening Hours:

Phone: +62 361 737889

Website: www.redcarpetchampagnebar.com

The Bistrot - Seminyak, Bali

Happy New Year 2015 everyone!

Hope you had a great celebration and hopefully it was not followed with an acute hang over :)

Good luck with whatever resolutions you have planned. Eating less is certainly not on my list.

And thank you for keep reading my posts (you're the best!) x

The Bistrot

I was very fortunate on my recent trip to Bali, although I stayed only for very short period of time, I have managed to visit a handful of cafe and restaurants around Kuta, Seminyak and Ubud. Enough to keep me busy writing all about it for weeks. 

Let's start with The Bistrot. 

I reached Seminyak around 8 in the morning. Perfect timing to take gentle stroll before the sun hits. 

Lots of local businesses were still getting ready to open at the time. And I believe lots of foreign visitors were still tucked in bed after a wild party the night before. So peaceful. I love watching the locals doing their morning prayers and preparing offerings. They're doing it so religiously, yet elegantly. 

I have checked out The Bistro before my visit, was thinking of having lunch there, but since I reached  so early, then light breakfast it is. Oh... I fell in love with the deco. It's kind of unexpected to find a spot with such vintage look in bustling Seminyak. It gave me the feeling like I was in a quaint and quiet countryside, somewhere in France. 

I wish I have this set back home

What's not to love?

Since I'm in a Frenchy set, I thought it's only right to order Pain au Chocolat or Chocolate Croissant as the staff called it to complete the scene and lovely pot of ayurvedic tea. Ok, the ayurvedic tea isn't very french, but it sounded so blissful and healing. Not that I have any kind of health ailments (thank God). And I think the French people would like that combo too.. Don't you agree Madame et Monsieur?! 

The breakfast menu is quite extensive. From granola, pancakes, all sort of eggs, you name it. Their lunch and dinner menu is even more impressive, they serve tapas, sandwiches, seafood dishes, duck confit and even fillet mignon. Just looking at the list, my mouth started to water. I wish I could spend a long lunch there, but as I wanted to visit several places on that day, I should leave plenty of space in my tummy (yes.. even with my astonishing ability to eat). 

Unfortunately, my amazement of The Bistrot stained by Pain au Chocolat as it arrived on my table. As you can see, it's not fresh baked as one would have expected. It's stale to be exact. Surely, heating it up for few minutes in the oven before serving would make so much difference. My disappointment topped by knocking noises by the builders IN the venue. How inconsiderate. I feel bad for two English ladies who sat right next to the part where the builders was doing work. It was not their fault, as when they arrived, the waitress sat them there and the builder started to work a little while after. Their conversations got interrupted so many times due to the crash bang .. crash bang noises.. Yet the waitress did not have the decency or initiative to move them away considering they were having drinks and light snack. To my knowledge, that situation is against health and hygiene standard. That minor work creates not only disturbance but definitely dusts. Such a shame that a beautiful place like The Bistrot has to leave negative impressions to its paying customers. 

I believe that situation rarely happen there. But still, is the old saying 'Customers are Kings' no longer exist these days? 

I hope the work has been finalised before more customers leave with long faces. 

The Bistrot

Jalan Kayu Aya 117 Seminyak - Bali

Indonesia

Opening Hours: Daily 7.30 AM - 11 PM

Phone: +62 361 73 83 06

Email: info@bistrot-bali.com

Website: www.bistrot-bali.com

Abunawas - Middle Eastern Restaurant - Kemang - Jakarta

Abunawas is my favourite middle eastern restaurant in Jakarta. I couldn't find any flaw in terms of quality, selections, service, ambience, consistency and of course the price. I have visited this restaurant several times and never got let down. So... what's not to like?

Anyone would think that because it's located in Kemang - Jakarta expats quarter, this restaurant would be expensive. You would be surprised to know that it's not at all pricey. With an average IDR 200,000 ($20) for two pax, you will leave the premises with happy tummy, that's a good deal, right?!

With that kind of price range, what I normally order is lamb sambosa, muqabalat mushakal (small) - selection of hummus, tabullah, mutabal served with fresh bread, then followed by lamb or chicken biryani or mandhi and sometimes some kebab. For dessert, I would go for cream caramial with adhani tea or marakesh tea (mint tea). That, to me is a decent 3 courses meal that easily fill up two persons. 

Abunawas is apparently have another site in Matraman, which I haven't been to. A little bit out of the way from where I live. But I am quite sure that the quality would be just as good. 

At the time of writing this blog, the official website of Abunawas is unavailable. But if you need more convincing before paying a visit, you can check out reviews on Zomato. 

One downturn about this restaurant for some people, it's the fact that they don't serve alcohol. I am not complaining, there are plenty of bars nearby that you can drop by before or after the meal if you must. 

Abunawas is open from 9 AM (Yes! That early.) until 11.30 PM, free parking too... Well, a couple thousand tip for the security would be very much appreciated, but it's not compulsory. So, what are you waiting for? 

Try the private room upstairs if you fancy experiencing authentic middle eastern dining, on the carpeted floor that is.. It's quite convenient actually, you can always lay down if you had too much to eat :D

Abunawas - Middle Eastern Restaurant
Jalan Kemang Utara No. 15 Jakarta Selatan
Phone: +62 21 717 94 691
Opening hours: 9 AM - 11.30 PM
www.abunawasresto.com 

3 Wise Monkeys - Senopati - Jakarta

I consider myself to be a tea person. Based on the fact that I can consume good tea cup after cup during the day. But unfortunately, there are so few great tea houses in Jakarta if I can compare to London, for example (not a fair comparison, but anyway..). Coffee is a more trendy thing to have these days. I have notice some many cool coffee houses popping up every day. It's an exaggeration, but you know what I mean... So, I determine to try those hip coffee houses at least once a week. 

The best place to start in South Jakarta of course it would be Senopati. I am quite familiar with the area so I know what to expect and many places there that I have visited but haven't had the chance to write about it. I will catch up .. I promise you. 

Driving passed Senopati, I started to enter the beginning of Jalan Suryo. I immediately spotted a new place that I almost missed. At first I thought it's a coffee house, but the security told me it's a Japanese  restaurant. A little bit baffled, but I pulled over anyway. A Japanese restaurant called '3 Wise Monkeys' .. wouldn't you be baffled too? 

First thing that I saw as soon as entered the venue was pastry corner with piles after piles of naughty stuff... Yes, I categorised rich chocolate cake, danish pastry and the rest as naughty stuff because they are hard to resist. They kind of got me addicted.. 

Oh well... I think I can leave the pastry corner for a little bit, while I check on the menu. Based on the menu it is a Japanese restaurant. I should have been convinced easily by the fact there is a Sushi cabinet and some Japanese decoration here and there, but to me it's kind of un-traditional. Maybe it was meant to be like that, out of the box concept. Ok.. let's get on with the food. 

As I have had lunch earlier that day and hoping to try out some coffee, I did not expect to have another meal, but I can't turn down the opportunity to taste good sushi. So I picked Californian Roll, Soft Shell Crab Roll, miso soup and of course lots of hot ocha to make me slightly less guilty after devouring so much food in one day. 

I have to admit, both sushi rolls were surprisingly good. Not exactly mind-blowing, but they're more than just decent. Made with good quality ingredients without trying to cut corner like most so-called sushi bars. It's not drenched in a lot of mayo too, which I do like. I love the fact that I could taste  the ingredients on every single bite of it. Even the nori was fresh and crisp too. 

I was playing it safe, it's true. To test wether or not a place is a good Japanese restaurant requires more than that. But to me, because it's a safe option, anybody should make it right. If it turned out bad I know I would not go there again. Hope you agree with me on that.. 

The miso soup was equally good. A little bit different to what I am used as they added some mushroom next to seaweed and silk tofu. It's actually worked. 

Now I got to the point that I was about to explode but, I couldn't help to try those naughty stuff I have mentioned earlier. I went all out, took a slice of chocolate cake. It's so rich it's unbelievable. But what I liked best was the fact it wasn't crazily sweet. So I could keep tucking in. The texture was perfect, it's moist with a little crunch on the top. I could taste the dark chocolate, which is a bit bitter but balance the sweetness of the cake itself. I'm in heaven. 

I must have looked like a ball at the end of the meal. Struggling to get in to the car and drive home :)

But it was all worth it as the prices are pocket friendly too.. Mission accomplished. 

3 Wise Monkeys

Jl. Suryo No. 26 Jakarta Selatan

Phone: +62 21 2912 6528

Opening hour: 11 AM - 12 PM

www.3wisemonkeys.co.id

Anatolia - Turkish Restaurant, Jakarta

Anatolia is one of our favourite Turkish restaurants in Jakarta. We just love they way it's done. Nothing pretentious about it. The dimmed lighting, interior details and of course the authenticity of the food, they just compliment each other to bring a piece of Turkey to Jakarta. Anatolia is part of Nomi Inc, F&B company that runs Maroush at The Crown Plaza Hotel and Front Page at Plaza Gani Djemat specialised in Turkish, Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

We have been to Anatolia on several occasions, casual dinner and also during a networking event where buffet were served instead of a la carte. 

We haven't got disappointed by either. Don't get distracted by the exterior look during the day, it does look a bit shabby we must admit, and it may appear not open for business at all.. But it does 

though.. Just push the door and let the culinary journey begins. 

We started with the selection of dip such as Hummus and Babaganuc with puffed up bread fresh from the oven and the menthe (mint tea) on the side, what could be better than that. 

Then we went for something a little bit challenging as we have not have a clue of the dish is going to turn out. The description for Manti is home made pastry filled with spiced minced lamb and served with yoghurt garlic sauce and buttered dry chilli. 

Enough with the savouries, we managed to spare some space for sweets (of course!), so we ordered baklava (very predictable dessert but we could not do without) and kuru kayishi tatlisi (dried apricot soaked in home made syrup and stuffed with walnuts, cream and grated pistachio. Delicious! Either or both desserts would satisfy anyone's craving for sugary treats.

Service may be a little slow, but who wants to rush in this little gem. We would have tried other delicacies had our stomach allows it. Some other time then... 

In terms of pricing, taking into account of the location, venue itself and quality of food, we consider it as reasonably good value for money. Nothing over the top. 

Anatolia - Authentic Turkish Restaurant
Jalan Kemang Raya 110A
South Jakarta
Phone: +62 21 7194 658
Opening hours: Daily 11.30 - 14.30 and 18.00 - 22.30