We caught up with Eelke Plasmeijer, one half of the kitchen team along with partner Ray Adriansyah, who mans the hotplates at dining sensation Locavore in Ubud, for a 5 minute chat on all things fresh, fab and funky at Bali’s new favourite fine dining establishment.
Hi Eelke! How did you come to be in Bali?
I came by plane from Jakarta… But seriously, I was working in a restaurant there (Shy Restaurant) for two years and then had enough of the big city. The move from Jakarta to Bali seemed like a logical one I guess, with so much interest and potential in the dining scene here.
Locavore is…
A big living room full of guests who are all looking for a different culinary experience.
Career turning point was…
Meeting Ray, my partner in crime here in Bali.
Greatest Influences…
A few of the great chefs – Pascal Jalhay, Stefan Zijta, of course my wife and son, and our vegetable garden.
Ingredient obsession…
Using whole animals, and I mean every single bit of them…
Favourite kitchen appliance…
An old fashioned Bamix (the same one my Oma had). And kitchen spoons, you can’t have enough of them in a kitchen…
Most memorable meal…
Every Saturday we cook our staff meal ourselves, always great to sit down with the team, knowing it is almost our day off! And we cook off a few rounds through the chiller, always nice!
Favourite warung in Bali…
Adi’s (our restaurant manager) mom cooks our staff meals during the week, much better and fresher then anywhere else, and specially cooked for us! Her Be siap sambal Matah (grilled chicken with raw shallot and lemongrass sambal) is beautiful.
Your ideal customer is…
Open-minded guests willing to try new things and looking for a beautiful relaxing evening
Your next restaurant would be…
We just took over another small building around the corner where we will do our Locavore Ubud to go concept. Breakfast and lunch the Locavore way.
Thanks Eelke, we will watch that space!
The Locavore, Jalan Dewi Sita, Ubud 80571, e. [email protected], p. +62 361 977733; Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-230pm, 6pm-11pm.
Image: Ray Adriansyah (L) and Eelke Plasmeijer (R)