12/11/2023
VILLA ALU LIMA FOODIE REPORT, NOV 2023
On our recent trip to our Villa Alu Lima, Seminyak we decided to explore new foodie options outside the 200 metres from the villa in.
First up and after a 3 year hiatus, was to return to a former favourite down Legian way, Chez Gado Gado. Btw, Chez is French for ‘at the home of’. Gado Gado was for years a top notch restaurant, with their degustation menu and high-end chefs making it an island must-do. While a little pricy it was always well worth the journey.
As with many restaurants in Bali, Covid forced it to rethink its target market and it has since re-invented itself as a fantastic, affordable, family-friendly alternative. The location is beach-front and they have gone closer to the waves with tables on the sea-side of the pathway, so you’re right in the local vibe.
As their ad says, ‘Global eats, Cocktails and Beach Views’. Yes to all of that and the price point is very reasonable. Hence it was packed, so booking is essential. We’ll be back!
While down that way we tried a popular, local seafood restaurant in Rama Garden, attached to the Rama Garden Hotel on Jalan Padma. There were hugs all round as returning customers engaged with the staff, which is always a good sign.
You can select your own lobster from the front display but at Rp1,000,000 for a medium sized one, with chips and salad it was a bit pricey, so we decided to skip that and order from the menu.
We were not disappointed. The cocktails were awesome, while the seafood curry, a schnitzel and salad were fantastic and all reasonably-priced. Recommend a visit. It’s 20-30 mins by taxi from the villa, depending on when you go and how aggressive your driver is.
One evening we decided to head off north in the Canggu direction, having been recommended to try Shelter. Our friends said it was very much like the layout of the original Poppies in Kuta; very tropical in the open air. Our kinda restaurant.
The challenge was getting there. We went on a Friday evening in peak hour traffic. Not a good idea. But let’s be clear, here… it’s always peak-hour in Canggu, hence why we hang around Seminyak.
What we recommend is making a day of it. Head there in the morning, take in the beaches, the bars and the cool boutiques, then saunter along to this little gem. Shelter is really, really good.
The service exceptional and the food an ecclectic mix of quality, asian fusion. A bit exxy but we loved it and will be returning, albeit with more time to spare beforehand.
And now we have a bit of an announcement. (Drum roll). Sarong is no longer. Yeah, ok you most probably knew that. But it has been replaced by Amici, a classy Italian restaurant. They have completely gutted the old and done a total re-design, while importing a quality Italian chef and manager, Simone Gastaldi. The owner has an Amici in other locations, like Milan so they come to Bali with experience and a reputation. The food is exquisite and passionately prepared, while the service is first class. It’s a 5 minute walk from the villa.
Devi provare! That’s Italian for ‘you must try’ :-)
Another re-opening, albeit under the same name with a global chain as its new owner, is Sardine. Same ambience, same vista onto the paddy field out back, food good but it seemed to lack a bit of the passion and personal touch that came with the original Scandinavian owner. Just a personal feeling. We’ll give it another try down the track. So many places to explore.
Oh, one last plug for the Gaya Gelato ice cream shop out front of the Villa entrance. We forgo the desserts at restaurants now, so we can savour the wonderful gelato flavours, followed by a leisurely stroll home, while licking said cone. Try the Peanut Butter and Salted Caramel. It’s a winner!! The villa security guards give the thumbs up, too.
That’s all, folks. Manager Wayan, assistants Sekar and Lefan look forward to welcoming you to the Villa soon.
Kind regards, Carole & Ross.
