May 21, 2015

La Favela, Seminyak Bali


La Favela is probably the most eclectic restaurant (and bar) I've ever visited in Bali. It got me nothing but looking around, amazed by the fantastic design and detail. It made me feel like I was in an antique museum. The restaurant seems small from outside, but once you enter the gate and pass through the small straight bridge, you're about to enter a whole different place! There are main area, outdoor area with another small bridge and pond, VIP rooms with different interiors, and some more. In the end, you will find a restaurant unlike any other in Seminyak.
The restaurant is easily missed since it's presence is only shown thru a small neon signage, but during night, it's quite eye-catching (because of the lighting) and ear-cathing (because of the loud music). It's located at Jalan Laksamana Oberoi, right next to Bistrot Bali. La Favela looks like a long forgotten colonial building located at the edge of Brazilian rainforest. It has an extreme focus on the small details, retro and antique furniture, plants that grow almost everywhere, old bikes, scooters and even a worn out Volkswagen van makes the illusion complete. 
During the daytime, La Favela functions as restaurant, but on weekend night, La Favela turns into a club. I visited during night after my japanese dinner at Rayjin. I was already full so I came with my two girl friends only for a drink and stayed late for the DJ to start spinning its jam. Price is expensive for sure since it's located at the heart of Seminyak, but that's fine I took is as an entrance fee to a museum :D

outdoor area

one of the private rooms

May 19, 2015

Rayjin Teppanyaki Dining Bar, Seminyak Bali

I was asked to join dinner at Rayjin by my photographer friend during my extremely-short visit to Bali. I arrived on Friday 11pm and go home on Sunday evening, so I can say that this was my only dinner time in Bali. It's a bit hard to find this little gem because it's tucked away in Petitenget road, but trust me it's worth the effort to find! From the minute I walked in, it's noisy, the chefs had some well practiced rituals going on to welcome patrons, communicate with each other throughout service. The food was fresh and cooked right in front of us with this organised precision that would do any kitchen proud. The wagyu steak was divine and my chicken teriyaki was amazing. My friend suggested that I should indulge it with the garlic rice instead of plain rice… and it turned out so yummy! What makes my visit even better was, the chef came to me and asked for my name. Few minutes later, he gave me a piece of paper with my name written on it in Japanese calligraphy style. The owner was really friendly. 

To end my dinner, I ordered the matcha ice cream and stole a spoon of my friend's matcha creme brulĂ©e. Both are so yummy T.T How I wish there's Rayjin in my city.

May 5, 2015

My 23rd Birthday

I've never shared my birthdays here before, so I think this is a good time to share one. Got the first birthday cake from my bf and tbh I wasn't that surprised by his presence due to the fact that he comes to my house every year on my birthday to join me eating noodles (as an Indonesian born chinese, there's this custom to eat noodles on the birthdays, symbolising longevity). However, the cake from him this year was a hit, it was really cute I love it :) I also received loves from my friends, family, and coworkers. So yeah, basically my birthdays have always been filled with so much love, fun, smiley faces and people who mean the world to me.