Of Indokrupuks and Tjokaholics
In the late 1970s, Aussie girls in particular started falling in love with Kuta beach stud-muffins and ‘Love as long as your visa lasts’ sometimes become a life of drudgery in a Perth suburb. There were of course many exceptions! But these girls tended to take their exotic hubbies home.When I first lived in Indonesia
Bangli – Bali’s quiet Kingdom
The local prince Gusti Dapat receives us in a disco-palace VIP lounge veranda, part of an otherwise simple rural home. It turns out that Gusti Dapet is a traditional architect: the Malet clan annually sends 40 exquisite jaka leaf penjor (woven banners) to the main palace for the tenth full month ceremonies and build all
Bailliage Bali Diner Amicale
Set in the usually sleepy Sanur, with a saké-paired dinner on offer, curious members of the Bali chapter of the Chaine des Rotisseurs signed up quickly for their Dîner Amicale in Kuu, found in the newly opened Maya Sanur Resort and Spa. Kuu specializes in Izakaya dining, a style of Japanese dining traditionally defined as
Chaîne Luncheon at Locavore : Felicitations or Lamentations?
Seldom has the opening of a new restaurant in Bali received such attention on social media. Since opening in 2014, stories quickly began to circulate about the “must experience” excellence of Chef Eelke Plasmeijer and Ray Adriansyah’s unique cuisine. The growing reputation of Locavore was already so rampant that it soon required 2-3 weeks’ notice
Looking Lovingly at Penjor
I sweep past the pretty penjor (woven banner) and pretty aprons in the shrine holes on my house gate and can only think of dogs slaughtered in the name of God 3 April 2015: An historic Friday Today is both tenth full moon and Good Friday — it’s very rare that these two holy days
Exquisite Affair at KAYUPUTI
Bright and decadent, tables covered in white cloth, glisteningly clean wine glasses already laid out, the Kayuputi Restaurant in the St.Regis Bali Resort was ready to welcome the island’s most prestigious international food and wine appreciation society, the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, for a Saturday luncheon. Diners sat at the beautifully prepared dining area, doused in
Chaine des Rotisseurs : BALI OUTRÉ-MER
Although the dining scene in Bali holds some truly magnificent venues- hosting Michelin star chefs, artistes de cuisine and wine cellars galore – at times one must gain new insight and inspiration from the rest of the world. Even for members of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious food
Days of Palm Toddy and Fighter Jets
Even the poor Aussies on death row got a riotous send off with an extraordinarily honour guard in black masks, a pair of Barracuda armoured vehicles and an air escort of Sukhoi fighter jets. All my cups are chipped. I am sun-damaged. These are the silly thoughts that pop into an old diarist’s head when
Beauty Pageants in Paradise
Balinese in classical dance costumes fl ung fl owers at Dewa Baruna, God of the Oceans, co-opted for the occasion, as she-males on pontoons in digga-digga-do-do jungle costumes twirled fl aming batons. It was what the Indians call Caca-phoney, but with greased loins It is amazing what passes for a ceremony in New Age Bali,
A Grand Induction At Sofitel Bali
The Chaine des Rotisseurs is the oldest and largest food and wine appreciation society in the world. Their events bring chefs, connoisseurs and devotees of the culinary worldtogether under one roof, to enjoy not only the rich flavours of a fine wine and a fabulously prepared dish, but also the company of their fellow members.
New Age New Bali
“I suffered mild culture shock as I surrendered to the seductive beauty of a Balinese temple court in full swing — that night, the spirit of Bali got me again.” Last year I was asked by an English publisher to write a book about the spirit of Bali. I declined the offer, as I was
