I Gede Ari Wijaya
CHEF OF CAFÉ DEL MAR BALI
A native of Bali, Chef I Gede Ari Wijaya always seeks perfection in every creation. Realising his passion for cooking from an early age, Chef Ari decided to work with some of the biggest names in Bali's culinary industry to perfect his cooking ability. After a series of stints in some of the most renowned beach clubs in Bali, Chef Ari is now helming the culinary team at Café del Mar Bali to bring the vibrant Mediterranean taste to your palate.
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: When did you first discover you had a passion for cooking?
A:
This was when I was still in junior high school. My mother used to host family gatherings at our home, and she always asked me to cook something that I had never made before. It was a challenge for sure, but I loved it! And to my surprise, everyone loved it too. This was when my journey with food began.
: Who or what has been your biggest influence and inspiration? A:
There are many people who inspire me in my cooking. I am grateful to be able to do what I love the most, which is cooking. And I feel lucky to have met and worked together with some of the culinary luminaries in
Bali. Great chefs such as Chris Salans of Mosaic in Ubud, Nic Vanderbeeken from Apéritif, Benjamin Cross and Stephen Moore from Mason have taught me new techniques and flavours that I can share with our guests at Café del Mar Bali. The person who has inspired me most is Phil Davenport. We used to work together at Ku De Ta, and his dedication to his work really shaped me into the person I am today.
: What are the most important factors or philosophies in your career and in the kitchen?
A:
To do everything from the heart. I believe if we're passionate enough about what we are doing, then the result will be amazing. The same with me when I'm in the kitchen, every dish that I make is done beautifully with love, passion and attention to detail.
: What are some of your most memorable experiences as a chef? A:
Before taking a spot at Café del Mar Bali, I used to work for Ku De Ta for six years. I have many memorable experiences, from collaborating with famous chefs from all over the world to handling big events in China and Qatar.
: Can you elaborate more on your role at Café del Mar Bali?
A:
There are two distinct areas at Café del Mar Bali. There's the beach club, and there's LA MER Restaurant, a dedicated dining venue for anyone seeking a taste of Mediterranean seafood. I am responsible for creating and developing menus for both places, the beach club menu is more casual, where bite-sized or sharing plates are very popular. The restaurant menu is more refined, although still very much casual, and is filled with freshly caught seafood. Moreover, I am also in charge of maintaining the quality and standard of the food, controlling the costs and training the kitchen staff. I want everyone to be happy with what they are doing.
: What do you find to be the most challenging issues in your current position?
A:
Unlike many other Mediterranean restaurants in Bali, LA MER Restaurant offers diners the freshest Mediterranean seafood. Everything is caught daily and we serve it as soon as possible. There are three kinds of cuisines at LA MER Restaurant, Mediterranean seafood, classic western and Asian favourites because we want people to enjoy their dining here. One of the signature dishes at LA MER Restaurant is the Lombok Lobster which is served with labneh and harissa. Another selling point is the house-baked sourdough which is a favourite. The bread is made using a sourdough starter from six years ago and we're still using it now.
: Going forward, what are your goals for this venue?
A:
I want Café del Mar Bali to be everyone's must-visit destination in Bali. Café del Mar Bali offers so much for your senses – the iconic sunset view, great music and the best tasting food.
: What tips do you want to give anyone looking to break into the culinary industry?
A:
Keep following your heart because it tells you the truth. Another thing to know is to never give up, this job is highly competitive and you need to have the confidence that you can do it.
Café del Mar Bali