Eat, pray, love

IF Elizabeth Gilbert played by Julia Roberts in the film Eat Pray Love discovered the true pleasure of food while in Italy, uncovered the power of prayer in India and found the inner peace of true love in Bali, I managed to do them all in just one place at Ku De Ta in Bali.

Located in Seminyak, a beach town in South Bali, this classy restaurant and bar is like a hotel without a room. Crazy as it may sound, this beachfront bar is so popular that you should include it in your want-to-go list in Bali.

Ku De Ta, which opened in 2000, is well known for its top-notch service, great taste in music and of course, the all-day fine dining that offers dishes that employs progressive techniques inspired by international cuisine.

IMPRESSIVE MENU

Being a fussy eater, I have to ensure that my tastebud is satisfied every time.

To my delight, Ku De Ta promises its patrons the best indulgence that it could possibly provide with the international selections on its menu, with dishes prepared using fresh home-grown ingredients.

The produce such as fruits, herbs and greens are sourced from local farmers around the island to ensure that their guests can enjoy the best quality food. They even use local ingredients in preparing cocktails, lending authentic local flavours to the concoctions.

Sitting at a table overlooking the beach and enjoying a luxurious spread, the feeling is divine. Whats more, I get treated like a princess!

The attentive staff are on hand to offer their services and recommendations.

For an evening feast, you can choose from a wide array of selection. I had the signature dishes tuna and lobster tartare for entree, pan-fried barramundi fillet for main and praline macadamia tart for dessert.

For breakfast, Ku De Ta offers the finest pastry basket, comprising the chefs selection. But I need more than just bread to start my day, so I choose to have a heavy breakfast. The offerings on the menu are sumptuous and irresistible but ! then, I can only choose one.

I settle for corn and zucchini fritters served with poached egg, tomato chilli relish and watercress salad, which is simply yummy, especially when I am enjoying it under a clear blue sky. Add to it the gentle sea breeze, which offers a sense of relaxation to the atmosphere.

CHILL AND THRILL

The best thing about Ku De Ta is that it also serves as a relaxation place where you can just chill and bask in the sun all day long.

On the beach, there are spreads of rented beach chairs owned by the local Balinese. There are also numerous stalls selling cheap pario, beads accessories, kites and beach toys.

It is like a fairground where you can just hang out and enjoy the sun. Theres also a massage parlour, which is just three minutes walk from the restaurant.

Ku De Ta has a small kid pool, which at first, I mistook for a pond with a fountain. Later that day, I saw a mother and her baby girl playing in it.

RELIGIOUSLY FREE

The majority of Balis population are Hindus.

Since 90 per cent of Ku De Ta employees are local Balinese who are very spiritual, they are not only given the freedom to practise their religion but also provided with shrines where they can perform their religious rite.

The shrines are very simple and set in the open as the people believe in the ease of praying by communicating directly with their gods and ancestors.

They pray three times a day by making a variety of offerings, giving respect to their gods and goddesses. They also view nature as a power in itself and that man should try to maintain the harmony of the whole system of Nature.

Balinese people and their belief in their religion is so strong that I admire them for this.

IN LOVE WITH THE TWILIGHT

At Ku De Ta, you can truly relax in its serene surrounding, especially in the evening.

The orange hue of sunset is a total melt down. With a glass of fresh red pomegranate mocktai! l in my h! and, I instantly fell in love with the breathtaking view.

Going alone on this trip is not a problem for me at all as I have more time to myself. Most times, I just sit alone and enjoy the soothing sound of the waves.

In one corner, I can see a group of locals and foreigners meditating with their faces facing the sunset and in another, some young people are playing a kite in the shape of a pirate ship. Ahh... this is life!

Ku De Ta

WhereJalan Kayu Aya No. 9, Seminyak, Bali, 80361 Indonesia.

Tel+62-361 73 6969

Whats cookingFrom Bali-Indonesian to Asian and European cuisines. A variety you must try.

AtmosphereA mix of Balinese and modern, luxurious touch.

ServiceExcellent.

Overall VerdictMust go. Great songs in the evening and top-notch culinary experience!