Well, one had to rejoice in the opening of the lovely Zucchini cafe last month. Incessantly filled since day one with all fashionista and other trendy intelligentsia Bali hosts on a regular basis, this small and refreshing terrace on Jl Laksmana provides with great flair and delightful simplicity, succulent salads and other comfort basics all day long, in an atmosphere more commonly found in the hills of Berkeley or the beach areas of the lovely Sydney. It is hard to beat the convivial appeal of its long bench sittings and the counter filled with the freshly prepared options of the day, to mix and reinterpret to your hearts content. Latte and sweet biscotti to go top it up to make it a high priority on my list be it on the way to the beach, casual work meetings or a quick stop amongst the many made in the surrounding shops.
Thankfully, the ultimate favourite of the time, Zucchini is not the only place to enjoy fresh greens.
Indeed the Corner store, a little up the road from Zucchini does a very nice ruccola and pear salad with a lovely sweet and nutty dressing, along with other options and a nice selection of paninis. The lovely and popular Cafe Bali, is the most likely place to enjoy salad rolls and the delicious Vietnamese nems, not quite a salad, though served with an assortment of leaves in which to wrap them before dipping in the spicy accompanying dressing. Remember the “tartares” as well, beef, tuna or salmon, though not quite salads, they may befit the category with their “raw” character and delicate taste.
Specialised in salads and gourmet sandwiches is the Junction, down below in Jl lesmana before turning off to either Petitenget or Ku De Ta. A great selection indeed with my favorite being the chicken salad, with oranges, noodles and sprouts, or the gorgeous meat loaf baguette. A little further, out the elegant new Biku, is another wonderful addition, better known for its scrumptious “high tea” it nonetheless holds on its menu a pleasant lunch selection.
Different in style and taste altogether is Dahana, the lovely and serene Japanese restaurant set amongst the garden of an “private” villa. Oshinko Pirikara is to my taste, the little gem of their menu. A zesty and spiced medley of freshly marinated carrots, cucumber, seaweed and shallots, which never fail to satisfy my recurrent craving for it, and that I often accompany with either the delicately dressed seaweed salad( only recommended to those who really have a liking for seaweed), or their original take on the thai green mango or papaya salad.
Before moving on from the busy Seminyak, one might regret that the infamous Sarong does not open for lunch, as their tofu beetroot combination would make a wonderful option for the vegetarian adept, and Chandi’s organic pan asian creation widened their smile.
A disappointed sigh is held for no one by the beach seems to want to provide anything more interesting than the classic ceasar or greek variation, however venture without a doubt to the fabulous Desa Seni resort in Canggu to discover with wondrous delight its fabulous wild flower garden, organic “potager” and the delicious home made and often home grown concoction to enjoy by the pool or in the shade of the breezy restaurant. A big smile for their appropriately named “Canggu salad”.
And of course for those venturing in the hills, a must goes to the wonderfully simple and terribly “Balinese” Sari organik in Ubud. A truly special place, reached from the centre of town through a 10 minutes walk, lost in the unexpected and pristine rice field valley hidden behind the walls of the numerous building lining the main street of the artistic town.
Zucchini cafe at Zuittion
Open from 7:00 to 21:00
Jl Laksmana 37, Seminyak
T. 0361 736 633
and also:
Corner store
Open from 7:00 to 18:00
Jl Petitenget 45, Seminyak
T. 0361 732 115
Cafe Bali
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Jl Laksmana, Seminyak
T. 0361 780 1515
The Junction
Open for lunch and dinner
At the corner of Jl Laksmana & Jl Kayu putih, Seminyak
T. 0361 735610
Biku
Open breakfast, lunch and dinner
Jl Petitenget 888, Seminyak
T. 0361 8570 888
Dahana
Open for lunch and dinner
Jl Petintenget 98x, Seminyak
T. 0361 730 131
Desa Seni
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Jl Kayu Putih 13, Canggu
T. 0361 844 6392
Sari Organik Bodag Maliah
Subak Sok Wayah off Jl Raya Ubud, Ubud
T. 0361 780 1839
and for evening only:
Sarong
Jl Petitenget 19 X, Seminyak
T. 0361 737 809
Chandi
Jl Laksmana 72, Seminyak
T. 0361 731 060
- Posted by Stephanie Robert |
