December 2013
Hello December! Hello rainy season! What could be better in this inclement weather than tucking into an eight- hour slow cooked piece of meat, or feasting on world-famous Yum Cha? Not much really. The W hotel has just launched its new bubbles and pearls night combining two of our favourite food and drinks and we have discovered the islands best cupcake shop. There’s a lot on offer this month so check it out.
Olé Olé Ollie Cupcakes
We are not one for hyperbole. Ok, maybe we are, just a little. Or perhaps even a lot. But who would have thought you’d have to come to Bali for the world’s yummiest cupcakes this side of Magnolia Bakery in New York. They look amazing, almost too incredible to eat. Almost. These are seriously delicious cupcakes. The red velvet variety is probably our favourite but we are wiling to taste test some more wonderful flavours just to be sure. It’s a little hard to find so look out for the sign on the left just before you get to Echo Beach.
Olé Olé Ollie Cupcakes, Jalan Batu Mejan, Gang Kampung Bali, no 2 Echo Beach, Bali, Indonesia, p. + 62 361 871 0068
Barbacoa
Barbacoa
Calling all carnivores! Barbacoa opened with a cracking – or should that be crackling – launch last month and has been steadily pumping out some of the most delicious, mouthwatering cuisine since. It’s Latin American, with a twist, so if you’re craving wood fire and charcoal cooked meat: a suckling pig or a good Aussie lamb, then head directly here and do not pass go. They also do great seafood and salads so all is not lost for the non-meat eater. Plus, the rice paddy view out the back is divine!
Barbacoa, Jalan Petitenget 14, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia, p. + 62 361 739233
Ah Yat Abalone Seafood
If you’re a fan of yum cha – and let’s face it, who isn’t? – then a very exciting restaurant awaits you at the newly built Rimba Hotel in Jimbaran. The Hong Kong style yum cha here is totally authentic, fabulously fresh, and with fifty types of dim sum available, you’ll be bound to find your favourite on the menu.
There’s an a la carte menu and it is absolutely worth trying Ah Yat’s signature abalone dish (supposedly tasting like a cross between foie gras and scallops) and the bird’s nest dishes purportedly have aphrodisiac qualities. So just like the W, you may have to consider a night in Jimbaran.
You won’t find the traditional Chinese interior design at this new venue, as the setting is contemporary, light and spacious, just like the rest of the hotel. Some of you may already be familiar with Ah Yat’s restaurants as there are twenty-five in Asia including Jakarta and Singapore.
Take note, there is a special all you can eat Yum Cha promotion running until June 2014. We suggest you and your tastebuds get there!
Ah Yat Abalone Seafood, Rimba Hotel Jimbaran, Karang Mas Estate, Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran, p. + 63 361 846 8468
Bubbles & Pearls
Bubbles & Pearls
So what is Bubbles & Pearls exactly? Thank you for asking. It’s the new night that the W hotel is hosting on the first Friday of the month from 5pm – 8pm. It’s all about champagne. There’s Louis Roeder on offer – swoon! – and oysters. Given their supposed aphrodisiac quality you may even have to book a room for the night. There is also cured fish and caviar blinis and fabulous live music and DJs. Put this in your diary with pen not pencil!
W Retreat & Spa, Jalan Petitenget, Bali, Indonesia, p. +62 361 473 8106
Top Image: Olé Olé Ollie Cupcakes
