GLOBETROTTING EPICURE
Indonesia
A rooftop restaurant and bar that offers one of the most breathtaking views in Bali (the ocean, Jimbaran hills and gorgeous sunsets), Above Eleven Bali also stands out for its innovative cocktail programme. Inspired by the different regions of Bali, the bar recently launched nine cocktails with names like Klungkung Breeze, Jimbaran Bay, Betutu Old Fashioned and Denpasar Kisses. The drinks are concocted using homemade infusions, syrups and local ingredients. The Heritage, for example, represents Tabanan Regency. The concoction is made of sake, locally grown strawberries from Tabanan, passion fruit purée, rice horchata, elderflower syrup and bitters. Jl. Wanagiri No.1, Jimbaran. Tel: +62 361 4725777
There’s a new drinking spot in Kuta and it’s touted as Bali’s first authentic Irish pub. Complete with an outdoor terrace, extended bar and cosy seating area, Gracie Kelly’s Irish Pub fits 187 seats within a two-storey building. A rooftop that can accommodate a standing party of 90 is also available. Guinness and Kilkenny on tap are served alongside tasty tavern-style dishes, such as the Dublin Hot Pork Pie (Rp75,000), Pub Bangers ‘N’ Mash (Rp80,000), and Gracie’s Traditional Irish Stew (Rp120,000). A live Irish band performs daily. Bali Dynasty Resort, Jl. Kartika, Tuban, South Kuta. Tel: +62 361 752403
The Legian Seminyak, Bali has collaborated with leading brands ila, HOMMAGE and Technogym to launch the Wellness by The Legian programme. The holistic experience is curated by the resort’s Wellness Concierge and Wellness Practitioners with an emphasis on nutrition, fitness and spa treatment. Sign up for morning yoga by the beach or try ila’s signature chakra healing rituals at The Spa. Book one of the ila’s blessing rituals treatments, such as the Fire (Rp2,200,000) which is aimed at energising the body’s solar plexus. Relax to the sound of a Tibetan singing bowl and let the therapist scrub, wrap and massage your body over a 120-minute treatment. Jl. Kayu Aya, Seminyak. Tel: +62 361 730622 Lifestyle destination Manarai Beach House has added buzz to Nusa Dua since it opened last year. As ISMAYA Group’s first beachfront establishment, it offers killer cocktails, exciting music events, and a spacious area to swim and soak up the sun. With two vast swimming pools and Nusa Dua’s pristine white sandy beach as a backdrop, you can easily spend an entire day at the beach club. The extensive menu offers familiar favourites such as Four Cheese Pizza (Rp165,000), Babi Guling (Rp165,000) and Poke Bowl (Rp145,000). Beachfront at Sofitel Nusa Dua, Lot N5 BTDC Nusa Dua. Tel: +62 361 4772727
Located on the rooftop of Anantara Seminyak Bali, Moonlite Kitchen and Bar offers a great vantage point to catch the sunset. The al fresco restaurant and bar is also known for modern Asian fare and has recently launched flavourful dishes representing different parts of the archipelago. Enjoy savoury Balinese-inspired Pork Roulade (Rp155,000) with crunchy pork skin and jackfruit salad, hearty Nasi Bakar Ikan Asin (Rp98,000), and fiery Manadostyle Fried Fish Dabu Dabu (Rp175,000). Jl. Abimanyu (Dhyana Pura), Seminyak. Tel: +62 361 737772
Let the cool sea breeze, relaxing acoustic tunes and gently swaying palm trees put you into an agreeable mood for Sunday Brunch at Pizzaria. The beachfront Italian restaurant and bar at Hyatt Regency Bali plays host to a delectable spread of Italian, Indonesian and international dishes. Start with an à la minute Egg Benny with tasty truffle hollandaise sauce, then work up an appetite with a generous portion of Beef Ragout Lasagna. Alternatively, ask the chef to cook Mie Goreng, but save some room for an array of pastries and gelati. Rp450,000 per person. Alcohol and beverage package from Rp825,000 per person. 11.30am-3pm Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.89, Sanur.
Tel: +62 361 281234
SAV/OR of PAKUBUWONO is a new semi fine dining Italian diner with a Japanese touch. Natural light fills the restaurant’s minimalist interior, offering a serene respite and a clean canvas for the food to take centre stage. Led by chef Bastian Muntu who spent most of his career in Japan, the menu features lots of freshly made pasta, such as Pappardelle Pulled Smoked Wagyu Beef Ragu in Vino Rosso Sauce (Rp140,000) and Ravioli Mushroom & Cheese in Crema Pesto Sauce (Rp110,000). A selection of prime cuts (Satsuma Wagyu Beef, anyone?) and seafood cooked on a smoked charcoal grill is also available, which can be accompanied with classic cocktails like Negroni (Rp145,000) or Smoked Old Fashioned (Rp185,000).
Jl. Pakubuwono VI No. 51, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta.
Tel: +62 21 22773351
The recently revamped Sailendra Restaurant offers authentic Padang cuisine and the best time to savour it is during Ramadan. A special Ramadan Kitchen Takeover by Pagi Sore offers a delectable breakfast menu with signatures from Padang restaurant, Pagi Sore. Apart from Beef Rendang, Ayam Gulai and Ayam Pop, the Sailendra culinary team has also prepared many other Indonesian delights, including Oxtail Soup and Ikan Bakar Bambu. From Rp380,000 per person. JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta, Jl. DR Ida Anak Agung Gde Agung Kav. E.1.2 No. 1& 2, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta. Tel: +62 21 57988888
Sharing a similar underground concept as Duck Down Bar, Duck Down Pizza Party offers a low-lit interior and a casual ambience to enjoy charcoal-grilled pizzas. Chef-owner of Singapore’s Artichoke Restaurant, Bjorn Shen is the man behind the menu. Order offbeat pizzas like China Fire (Rp85,000), which is filled with Szechuan spicy chicken, cheese, and onions prepared three ways. Open past midnight, the 64-seater eatery is strategically located in the heart of Kemang. Jl. Kemang Raya, RW2, Jakarta Selatan.
Tel: +62 21 7195555