Johan Hensen Column The writer is a retired hopitality consultant and living in Bali. Any comment about this article, please email at johan@bits.bali.com or HP 081558582853

Viagra or Ecstacy?

Not necessary at all if Bali brings you in the mood of romance or love. Just enjoy the delights of Culinary Bali, as it also improves your body & mind, your physical resistance, body figure and memory. Just indulge and enjoy!

Those of you, who regularly read this magazine and my column, know that I am a fervent fan and promoter of the "Real Bali". As love for someone or something mostly goes through the mouth and stomach first, the culinary items and skills are a very important part of that love. In this case, "Culinary Bali" attracts me every single day and its delicacies in food and beverages make me feel in love all over again. In one of the previous columns, I highlighted the regencies with its favorite, local dishes and recommended places where to eat and drink. See the September 22 – October 5, 2006 edition no 20 or have a look at the website: www.bali-travelnews.com
This week some friends from Germany, who were staying in the Nusa Dua area, followed my recommendations of discovering and touring the Real Bali and now asked me where to find another fabulous Bali Cuisine in the Nusa Dua area, as they already tried the "Bumbu Bali" restaurant in Tanjung Benoa with its fabulous Balinese and Indonesian food. After visiting this restaurant, managed by the outstanding chef Mr. Heinz von Holzen, they wished to try a restaurant that specializes in Balinese food only. Well, I can assure you that they caught me off the hook for a moment. As a first reaction, I was going to tell them to visit the "Padi" restaurant at the Ritz Carlton Resort, but then I realized that the resort management had changed its outstanding Balinese menu into a Thai restaurant. These kinds of changes are unfortunate for Bali’s identity and for its visitors. However, I remembered to have heard some good critics about the "Raja’s"restaurant at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa. However, I must admit that for whatever reason, I never had a go at their menu. This was an excellent opportunity and I decided to join them in the culinary discovery. Believe me, dear Bali Friends, it was a mouthwatering feast!
Although personally I believe that the place could use some more artistic Balinese decorations (keep in mind that I am a truly Indonesia freak), but who am I, as within a few seconds the total ambiance of "Raja’s" made me forget about this detail. Full attention is paid to every single detail. From table arrangements, beautiful chinaware, cutleries, decorations, outstanding and skillful service by the friendly Balinese waitresses, dressed in beautiful Balinese outfits, till the presentation of the dishes itself.
Their greatest achievement is the excellent mix of traditional and modern Bali Cuisine. Although I am living in Bali for about 12 years, I am still not accustomed to their fiery and very spicy food habits. However, Chef Ketut Mudana, has succeeded in creating a fabulous mix of spices that can be enjoyed by us westerns as well, without destroying its originality.
As an appetizer, we were offered with crispy Balinese rice crackers with a spicy red dip sauce. It reminded me of the Mexican taco crackers. Very tasty and a good starter for an excellent evening. As an entrée, I choose the "Sate Lilit Ayam", grilled minced chicken meat with aromatic spices wrapped around lemon grass sticks. Different from the usual way that sate is served elsewhere. My main course was "Ulam Segara Mepanggang", Grilled Snapper filet with shallot, lemongrass and lime leaf dressing. This was accompanied with a very refreshing and tasty vegetable mix of water spinach and corn. As a desert we had "Rayunan Penyineb Bali sane Kasub", a selection of exclusive honey and ginger ice cream, poached and deep fried banana, coconut rice cakes, tamarind and jack fruits.
Never before did I enjoy such a delicious Balinese meal. It is just an outstanding experience, really "A Must" for all of you that are in search for the Real Bali Culinary Experience!
It made me feel in love again. So remember, visit "The Raja’s" Bali cuisine restaurant at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa!
Bon Appetite, enjoy your meal and a wonderful evening / night.
After this culinary discovery, you might be even tempted to follow their Friday morning cooking class, so you can cook this food at home as well and continue the healthy and loving life-style.