Dinner for Lotte: Kaya, Podium

A few days after getting back home, we set up another get together for my dearest Lotte. She is bound to return to D.C. in a couple of days, so, along with her high school barkada...(who happen to be friend's of mine as well) had a goin' away dinner for her. He had Korean at Kaya, Podium.

It was kind of a late dinner, that's why we were all so famished ...I think we over ordered =)

As you can see....my pics were taken as quickly as possible because everyone wanted to dive their spoon and chopsticks as each dish was laid on our table hehehe...

Chapchae & Spicy Squid

We all loved the noodlees. The squid was a bit too spicy for my palate.

The Kalbi Chim (Korean Beef Stew)

This was delicious. The Beef was tenderly cooked and very flavorful!

Korean Beef bbq?
I forgot if this was koread beef bbq....all I remeber is it was beef! hahaha Apparently, I wan't paying much attention to the food...more on making chicka kase ;P hehehe

The Dumpling Soup

We all didn't touch this. We were served a bowl each but nobody was anle to eat it...we were all too busy sampling the meat dishes! hehehe

Korean BBQ Ribs

Now this was a favorite! Tenderly cooked and sweetish grilled pork ribs! It was really good with the sticky korean rice =)

Korean Chicken BBQ

It was ok...a bit spicy. You maybe wondering why we didn't have our Korean BBQ's grilled on our table top? Well, being famished and all, all of us agreed we want all of the food placed on ur table ready to be devoured!hehehehe

The Pajeon

As if we haven't ordered enough really, we saw this ordered by a neighboring table...so we had to have it too ;P It's Korean leek omelet, whuch I think has taro in it? It was interesting and good. I personally like it as I am fond of omelets =) It was served with a soy based dipping sauce. Very sataiating!

There were 5 of us and guess what, we managed to finish everything, including 2 rounds of a variety of free appetizers. The only dish we left out was the dumpling soup. Definitely no room for dessert...not even coffee for me!

Well, overall the food was good, but the chatting part was better =) Bon voyage dear Lotte!!!

BALI XII: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME =)

I am glad that for my birthday, I am at a special place with really good friends who I love. It's a special birthday, for it is my 30th! =) How time flies. I've always wondered as a little girl, how I would be, what I would be and how I would feel when I am 30....well, I feel like I felt when I was just that little girl =) I've had the worst times and the best times...glad that for this day I am at the best ones and I look forward to all life has instore ahead. Thank God for another year and all the blessing that He has given me =) I have a lot to be thankful for...and I still have so much more to work for and hope for.

After the wedding day, I moved in to the Conrad hotel....so this is my birthday morning view from the room where I was at.....

..this was around 7am...

Lovely isn't it? makes you feel good to be alive...in BALI ;Phahahaha It was also my last day there too. Lotte and I were set to go back to Malaysia that evening, so we packed in the activities for the day.

Let me share with you the beautiful Conrad hotel view.....

I think I have used the term BREATH TAKING far too many times over this Bali blogging period...but let me say it again.....the view takes my breath away =)

We had brunch at the Conrad, for some quality talk time. The breakfast buffet there is great. An array of cheeses, pancakes, waffles, dimsum, noodles, breads, pastries, cereals...you name it!

Here is an interesting fruit. Have you had Snake fruit? Hmmmm ...since I was born year of the snake.....let me have snake fruit ...


...it tasted kinda odd...not sweet...a bit "madagta" tasting and bland =Phehehe Not for my taste!hehehe Soweee

We had a very long and late brunch, after which we proceeded to the beachfront of the hotel to hang out. They all went fly fishing while I just lounged at the beach. I loved how each cabana had a tray of cool and moist towels (too cool you off), bottled water and minted foot sprays (too cool your feet after walking on the hot sand)...very nice touch, indeed. To top that, skewered papaya, pineapple and watermelon and served throughout the day---and its free ah! Nice!!! I love the service!

Look at my skewered fruits and that background of the beach....hay.....you wouldn't want to leave this place talaga!

We moved to the pool side for swimming and playing around! This time I joined in the fun...it's so hard to say no to everybody and to turn your back on a very inviting pool ;P hehehe

Well, because of all that water fun...we totally skipped lunch. We met up with the rest of the gang at the lobby and headed to Jimbaran to have dinner together...my birthday dinner slash last supper at Bali.

Over the beachstrech of Jimbaran, seafood restos lined up. We chose Aroma. It's like our "dampa" here in Manila. You pick your seafood of choice, charnged by the kilo..cooked anyway you want!

The area where you pick out fresh lobstsers, crabs, fish, squid, prawns etc. ...to be cooked to your liking =) So much like our good ol' dampa noh?

Orders come with complimentary vegetable dish, rice and fruits as dessert!

Here are just some of the grilled seafood we had. I was not able to take all of the food because our table was set in a panel like manner, making it hard to get a pic of our dinner spread. We were all seated facing the beach, to watch the sun go down as we feast on delicious seafood =)

The Gang

Fish

Squid



This was the sun set view as we eanjoyed our dinner.....how cool is that?
My err...birthday cake..that had no cake! hahahaha ;P

This was taken after our dinner..the sun fully set...and Lotte and I bid our farewell to Bali and our friends..they stayed there for a few days more....we really regretted booking our flight back home so soon....

Farewell beautiful Bali...farewell to my 20's hahaha... Lot and I headed to Malaysia with our hearts and mind filled with fond and wonderful memories of this Magnificent place! Thank God for this wonderful experience. My birthday was very special indeed =)

BALI XI: Barong Festival At Hotel Nikko, Bali

What better way to end a fun and exhausting day from the beach, than to go to a dance festival dinner buffet! Ahhh yes....one treat after another! From Waka Nusa to the boat cruise ...we went straight to the Nikko Bali Hotel to catch The Great Barong Festival! Yes my friends...with still semi-wet swim wear we went to this hotel with again.....a spectacular view of the beach! It's really great that everywhere we go in Bali....may spectacular and amazing view talaga!

Dinner was set at Kupu-Kupu restaurant in the hotel. Upon arriving, we were welcomed by drinks and dressed with Batik sarongs with belts and a nice flower placed on women's ears =) We were even given matching fans =) Sooooo cute.....check out my Balinese look, hehehe....

Here is what was intore for us....a two leveled buffet spread.....I didn't upload all the food pics as they are really alot. These are just a few....

A variety of native fruits

salad buffet

spring rolls & samosas station

satay staion

There were lots and lots of asian flavors there. They even had pinoy pata tim! =) I think the buffet is mixed asian cuisine.

While enjoying our dinner buffet, we watched the great barong festival on stage. Its about the battle between good and evil represented by a mythical lion and the follower friend monkey character, to bring the legend to life. It was indeed a different experience!

We were given the chance to fo up stage and have our pictorial with the dancers...how cool is that =)

Bali has so many great things intore!!!! I love it! =)

BALI X: Waka Nusa Cruise

Day after the wedding, we were off for another adventure! This time, for some water fun =) It was a two hour cruise on a very nice yacht to Waka Nusa. It's like an Island resort away not so far away in Bali =)

Here is the gang....

Upon reaching a point where we anchored in, we transferred to a glass boat going to the island. The place was beautiful and was made for water sports. We first took a little trip to the village part to see the old Balinese architecture and check out local shops.

There was this one peculiar ancient Balinese home, where the owner dug caves underneath his property! I didn't get the whole story but the caves were intricately dug...with 3 pathways within! I got scarred upon goin down and when I saw the dark and tight caves...RETREAAAAAAAAT JEN!!! I went back up! hahaha ;P

..lookie at that....

We went back to the resort proper to have a delicous lunch buffet.

Nasi Goreng

Mie Goreng

Seafood Curry



Babi and Ayam Sate



Pasta Salad

Veggie Salad

Afterlunch, we went snorkeling! I was apprehensive to go...but I did it anyway. Well, I wore the mask...the life vest..and sat on the dock hahahaha and after mustering all the courage deep inside me, and being shamed by the twokids who went in the water...I slid in..and let out and EEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!! The water was ICY cold! I dipped my head and saw a bot of the ocean floor..then hurried back up to the dock and covered myself with a sarong! hahahaha Yes, I am a sissy! hahaha But hey, at LEAST I touched Balinese ocean ;P Pwede na rin! hahaha

Wedding # 5: Ros' Wedding

The reason why we were all in Bali...is to take part on the very special day of our very dear Ros and Marc....we came to witness them exchange their wedding vows =). Ros has been a very, very close friend of mine since college. Like a sister to me...and I am so happy I was able to be there for her on this day.

A very unique wedding for a unique couple. How lovely it is, for two people coming from different countries with different cultures....Marc a Lebanese...my dear Ros, a Filipino-Chinese....brought together by fate...brought close by love and binded by God. Love and destiny is indeed a very amazing thing and still a mystery to me =)

Family, close relatives and dear friends were there for a very intimate wedding, held at the Tirtha Luhur. The glass walled chapel, sitting before the beatiful view of the Indian ocean....it was BREATH TAKING, I tell you.

Take a peek.....

....what a sight...

As we arrived at the venue...the chapel guarded by two lovely littles Balinese girls dacing infornt to welcome us. We were all given leis accompanied by welcome drinks and cool towels to refresh us from our trip.

The wedding ceremony was solem and beautiful as the couple were. After shedding tears of joy..it was time to paaaaaaaaartaaay!!!! Yehey! =) We were all ushered to the garden for pictorials with the couple and ofcourse amongst ourselves, as we were served cocktails and hors d’œuvres as the sun was setting...how nice noh?

Salmon rolls with cream cheese and herbs that was like the brother of alfalfa sprouts...sooo good =)

Sate Babi (Pork Satay) Somthered with Peanut Sauce

Croquets, Spring Rolls and Calamari with a cariety of Wasabi, Sweet Chili and Tartar Dipping Sauce.
Soooo good...these were the crown fave as well at the Salmon =) We were almost full already with the yummy pica-pica during cocktail hour. Everybody had a great time with the couple and enjoying the view.

As the sun was fully set and the skuy lit by the lovely moonlight, we all moved in at the banquet area for long gourmet dinner prepared by Chef Michelle `

Lemongrass-Cilantro Asian Butterfish on Mustard Lead and Chili-Citrus Emulsion
Perfectly cooked and and the sauce that laced the delicate fish gave dimension to the dish.

Sesame-seed Crusted Scallop, A-hi Tuna, Salmon and Prawn with Vanilla Bean Emulsion and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Toasted Baby Ruccola

A great degustation if seafood...again perfectly cooked and plated with care. Delicious!!! Delicious!


Roasted Five Spices-Infused French Duck Breast on Salted Cucumber and Kidney Bean Sauce, Star Fruit Tuile

The duck breast was very succulent and the sauce conplimented it well. I like the sweet taste and delicate texture of the Star Fruit Tuile..it cuts the richness of the duck =) Simply exquisite!

Lime-Midori Gelee in Passion Fruit Granite topped with Grey Goose Vodka

A burst of cool and refreshing flavors that indeed clenses the palate. The seeds of the passion fruit and the gelee gave this granita unique texture.

Pan Seared Beef Tenderloin with Pinot Noir Reduction on Steamed Bedguugul Asparagus and Melted Mashed Potatoes

The final course of our great dinner ...and I don't have the picture because my camera battery went dead =( If I get hold of a picture of this from other friends I'll just updat this post =) It was delicious but by the time it was served to me..I was indeed very full already. The mashed potatoes lived upto it's name. It's sooo creamy that it did seem like melted potatoes. Kudos to the chef! As if that was not enough....a dessert buffet awaited us at the garden....chocolate fondue, ice cream of all flavors, Lebanese baklavas, Dates stuffed with pinenuts, biscotti, cakes, eclairs, profiterols..it seemed to never end!

In high spirits (literally and figuratively ;P) and full of energy...we partied and danced the night away!




Lots of minggling, laughter, raising of glasses, hugs, kisses, eating and dancing filled the night.

Congratulations my darling Ros and Marc! God bless you both with lots of love, blessings and beautiful chidrens =) Cheers!

BALI IX: PJ's at Four Season's Hotel, Jimbaran

It was Ros' wedding day!!! We were all very excited that day. We had a bit of time for a little shopping, so Pi, Lot, Cheryl and I went to the Kuta square to do a little shopping and have lunch at Jimbaran. Jimbaran is part of Bali near Nusa Dua, where there are lots of beaches and resort hotels. I read that seafood is great there, and there is a place called PJ's, where the food is really great and cheap daw!

When we got there, the place didn't look like they served cheap seafood! It was at the Four Season's Hotel! So we went in...the place was breath taking! PJ's was the beachfront restaurant at that hotel...we checked the menu...well...hotel priced food...no seafood =( Soweeee my friends, I must have read it wrong!

Nevertheless, despite the over priced menu...the food was superb, the servings were big, service was great and the view spectacular! I guess it's worth it naman =)

The view from our table

Nice noh? Wow....I love the way they set up restos in Bali...they really give you the maximum appreciation of the beaches!

We were served a delicious bread basket, which comprised of foccaccia, bread sticks and an interesting dinner roll with pesto filling that surprised our first bite =)

It came with pomodoro and a pesto like dip...that was not pesto! We enjoyed it a lot...they even gave us a second round but we had to turn it down.

The Nasi Goreng

This was one of the best, if not the best, rendition of this Balinese dish I've had, so far in Bali. It was beautifully plated and was very flavorful! Yummm..yummm

Crab Cake


This was delicious! Crab cakes served with a couscous salad! Soooo good and lovely looking =)


Mie Goreng

Another typical Balinese dish that tasted not so typical. It was sooo good and was loaded with seafood, scrambled egg strips and veggies. The noodles used was quite special..it kinda tasted different from the other mie gorengs we have had. Their noodle here was thicker than the average mie's you'd find in simple restos here.


Well, they gave good quality with the price they imposed...it was all good. We didn't get the chance to linger at the place because we had to head back to our the conrad to prepare for our trip's main event=). When we were about to leave, our waiter asked us if our food was ok? I guess he was kind of puzzled why we left soon after our meal. Most patrons of this resto really stay long after eating to enjoy the lovely beach or just watch the view! Sooo nice....ahhhh I love Bali!!!!