This evening was interesting to say the least here in Kuta. As I sat down in Internet Outpost on Poppies II to do some work Barrie sat across from me and we started chatting about our daily activities.
A lady from Florida plopped herself down next to me and started going on about getting online. Barrie, ever the conversationist got her chatting and Debra told us she was from Florida and that Bali was the best place on Earth.
When I got to explain about Baliblog and BootsnAll.com Debra said she recieved our newsletters and mentioned the one from April 1st that said we’d gone out of business…..’my heart sank, I thought if those guys can’t make it who can’ she said.
It was wonderful to meet her and great to hear people actually read the newsletters ( hear that Sean? ).
While we were chatting my phone rang and it was Peter who had contacted me from the Secret Garden comment section. We had agreed to meet and I quickly packed my gear and hot footed it over to the Secret Garden on Poppies I.
Peter is a TEFL teacher from Melbourne who lives the exciting life of trying to find work all over Asia. He has just done 2 years in NE China and is looking to move to Taiwan.
The reason for our meeting was a restaurant review we did a while ago on the Secret Garden that was well, less than generous. Peter and I discussed how the article could of been handled in a better way and how a person’s opinion could be expressed.
After about 40 minutes Peter introduced me to the owner of the Secret Garden, Alvin from Cornwell who was not happy with me at all about the article. Alvin told in depth about how the place was concieved and built and his involvement in it. To be true he was a gentleman, I knew he was pissed but he remained civil and I think we can get on track.
Next week Alvin promised to let me interview him and learn more about the Secret Garden and what it has to offer travelers / tourists.
I’ll share everything and hide no secrets.
Related articles:
Secret Garden Bar & Cafe
The Reviewer revisits the Secret Garden
Subscribe
|
Print
|
Share             
|
Cathleen C…. It was 27th June….
alvin could not have been pissed he does not drink and is in complete control
Thanks for the response Tracey, don’t know how I missed that one. I enjoy the frank opinion, someone who isn’t afraid to say something negative. Good places to eat are always good, not just 9 out of ten times.
Williams,
You’re right Alvin was in complete control during our conversation. By ‘pissed’ I mean’t mad, not drunk.
As a long time Kuta resident I feel that I should set the story straight here.
I am a “regular” at the Secret Garden on Poppies I and in the months I have been eating and drinking here I have never had a problem nor seen or heard of anyone else having any problem with the food, the drinks or the service here. Alvin (the owner) has become a good friend of mine and I know that he takes great pride in offering good value for money at his bar and resturant. He maintains a really good menu and the food is always first class. Except for the author of this critical report nobody to my knowledge has ever had any reason to complain. His staff are all well trained and, because he treats them very well, they are happy to be working here, they are all always friendly, helpful, and very professional in their dealings with customers.
I realize that you cannot please everyone all the time but I have to question what prompted this very negative message about the “Garden”, were these folks maybe just having a “bad day” and wanted to vent thier displeasure on someone? or do they maybe have some ulterior motive for posting this misleading and unfair criticism??
Bottom line is- when it comes to food and drink and value for money in Kuta it does not get any better than the Secret Garden!! It is a simple fact that during these difficult times, when tourism is very low in Bali and many bars and resturants are empty and struggling to survive, the Secret Garden is often the only place in Kuta that consistently draws a crowd of regulars and/or repeat customers. There must be a good reason that so many of us “vote with our Rupiah” in favor of the Garden.
Hi Nick,
this is Zoe - friend of Mike Hillis_ who emailed you from CA. Now I am in Ubud and would like to connect with you if that is good for you. My email for you didn’t work (left my address book at home by accident..drat) so I am posting here. Don’t have too much to say about Alvin but do look forward to hearing from you as I am checking my email.
Thanks
Zoe
I’d have to say after having spent 3 hours at the Secret Garden the other night and another 3 today gathering information and learning about the history of the restaurant and Alvin’s dedication to his business I’d have to agree with the other posters that the Secret Garden is a cool place with quality food.
Great to see you standing behind your writers Nick.
I have only recently read the report on the Secret Garden as have a number of friends, all regular diners, and we were all shocked at what seems a scathing and unprofessional review / attack of an extremely professional establishment run by Alvin who takes great pride in the quality and service in his place. We run a hotel next door and Alvin supplies the room service and in all the time he has offered this service we have never recieved a complaint in fact the opposite all our guests compliment the quality of meals.
I’ve been a Garden visiter for the last few years, and have never had a problem there. I’m in my 20’s, and usually come with a rowdy crew. Alvin is one of the most accomadating people. After commenting on the prices of his beers, he made plans to drop them to keep us happy. He made a few drinking challenges with free booze. THe food is great, and the staff there are always friendly and helpful. I for one have already got my ticket bcak there for next month. 12 in 12 member.
Nick what day was the review of the Secret Garden?