Exploring the food with Andrea in Bali

We all need to eat and one thing that you are guaranteed to get in Bali is a great choice of food.

I know places like Sunbawa and Lombok are way less developed, quieter and cheaper, but for a short term visitor looking for an enjoyable visit and great food Bali comes out tops.

Thursday I took Andrea over to Warung Gossip in Kerobokan this was one of those good days, plenty of selection and few other customers. Andrea chose yellow rice (nasi kuning), curried fish, sweet and sour fish plus about 6 other vegetarian items. I chose one of the fish items and some veg. Andrea was raving about how good it all tasted and how she was going to miss the vegetables.

Our lunch plus 2 fruit juices cost 48,000rp.

After lunch I took Andrea over to a shop selling Moroccan lamps. I want to get a few for my garden. At night its really dark there and for bbq’s it would be nice to get some light spread around so people can actually see what’s on the grill. Some of these lamps go for 150,00orp (asking price) and are hexagonal, glass and metal. They look quite good and I tried to bargain unsuccessfully. I think this kind of lamp is somewhat unique, not found in handicraft shops and they can hold their price with more confidence.

A long session in the internet cafe and a short session at the gym saw me arrive home at around 8pm ready to take Andrea out for dinner. It was my birthday, but more importantly Earth Day. Writing a future article on my 3 favourite restaurants in Kuta left one slot empty, I’ve already chosen Kori and TJ’s Mexican and wanted to check out Papa’s on Jl. Pantai Kuta. For those familiar with Kuta Papa’s is located close to the corner with Jl. Melasti at the top end close to Kama Sutra. Quite a few restaurant owners have recommended Papa’s to I had to check it out.

We rode my bike down as far as the loop on Jl. Legian and I elected to park in the very last spot and walk round the corner rather than riding all the way round. When we arrived the place was perhaps 70% full with mostly Australian families although I did detect a few Amercian accents.

Papa’s is Italian focused which is not particulary my favourite but I knew I could find something I liked. We started off with some garlic bread and both got a large Italian salad, with balsamic vinegar. It was really delicious and Andrea commented that this was the best salad she’s had in Bali. I sipped a water and an arak madu, Andrea a beer and we ordered our main course which for me (look Angie, my other shirt) was spinach ravioli with ricotta cheese, Andrea choosing the grilled fish. The food came steaming hot and as well as being generous in size was delicious. I was totally stuffed afterwards and we both sat there saying ‘wow!’

Before we left home I told Andrea I was considering Papa’s for one of the top 3 restaurants in Kuta and wanted her input. She later told me it would definitely fit that category for her.

The friendly waitstaff came over and I mentioned it was my birthday. “Wait I have something for you.” she said. “I’d rather have another arak madu.” I said. After consulting her manager I recieved my free drink and was joined by Andrea who ordered one.

Papa’s location is great as it overlooks the top end of Kuta Beach and the outdoor dining is fun and could be romatic with the right company.

Its not a bargain basement place but then again with good decor / location and excellent food it shouldn’t be. Our bill for 1 starter, 4 drinks, 2 large salads and 2 main courses was 360,000rp. This is more than I usually spend but for those on a short vacation I can totally recommend it for quality.