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

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 brulée. Both are so yummy T.T How I wish there's Rayjin in my city.

Beatus, Surabaya

For those who lives here in Surabaya, you must've heard about Beatus Alfresco dining & grill and its famous dish. It is the soon-to-be-legendary Caramelized Butter Crab. My bf and I have heard good things about the experience, and I decided to treat him there on my birthday. Needless to say the meal exceeded everything I had expected. We were blown away with our meal. Im not a fan of seafood but this was simply the best crab meal I can find in Surabaya. The tasty sauce worth every penny. Both my bf and I had happy, full bellies after leaving. In conclusion, I'd encourage anyone who has any interest in dining here to make a reservation and try it out because you will sit down to a meal you won't soon forget. I spent like IDR 900.000 or $70 for 2 portions of crab (around 400g each). Crab comes with rice.

LaReia Cake & Co Cafe, Surabaya

My bf and I found this fancy cafe during our unemployed hour when we walked around the mall (Ciputra World Surabaya). It's located next to the end of long escalator at the 3rd floor. I then decided to have a quick brunch the other day with my other friends there. We ordered brunch menus and hot tea from Gryphon. Over all, we weren't blown away by the brunch menus. I found it too expensive for the decent taste. I suggest you to order the desserts and hot tea instead. However, it was a nice place to sit down, enjoy a cup of tea, and take selfies :p because of the pleasant atmosphere, clean interior, and supportive lighting. They really had a good taste to make the place lovely as well as relaxing.

something we asians got #SWAG

Hog Wild (Previously Naughty Nuri's), Batubelig Bali

Naughty Nuri's Batubelig has now changed into HOG WILD.  Apparently, they have just changed their name as it had gone independent but food and everything else stayed the same (and even better). As a carnivore and a loyal pork fan, of course I already heard about this place long long time ago.   I ate here like over 10 times (mostly at the Naughty Nuri's Ubud branch) and I still can't get enough of it. The main part of Hog Wild appeal is definitely the barbecued ribs. The ribs are served with a slice of lime, tasty marinade, and choices of side dish. There are fries, rice, salad, and  mashed potato as the sides. Seriously my tummy growls while I'm typing right now.
The warung owns one grill on the roadside which makes it often shrouded with smoke. The place is always busy and sometimes people have to stand in line before getting a table, but trust me once you get your food it is all worth it. If you have a serious hatred for pork, you may try the grilled chicken and fried rice, it's quite fine too. 

Hog Wild opens daily from 11am – 10.30pm

quirky decorations they got there

Lunch at The Cafe Mulia Bali

Bali. Probably my most favourite place to spend my holiday. This time, I went to Bali for a bachelorette weekend since one of my girls will be a mrs. next month. I did research and book everything in beforehand. I don't want things to very easily happen that nothing is booked so we end up wandering around looking for things to do. Since it's a bachelorette weekend, it's all about having a great time and doing the activities our bride-to-be would enjoy. This includes everything from booking in the right accommodation and restaurants to ensure we have a number of fun activities lined up that we will enjoy. So.. awesome weekend in Bali began at The Mulia Resort.
   

icing cake displays

posing in font of The Cafe with a Giant dolphin

We had lunch at The Cafe, one of the outlets. After the first step entering, I was amazed by the spacious interior. It's the combination of blue, yellow, green, and violet chairs. They have so many choice of food from all over the world (chinese, indian, indonesian, japanese, thai, and western food) and the quality of the food was excellent. The dessert room is amaze-ball and immediately become my favourite with many choice of ice cream, cakes, cupcakes, frozen yoghurt with its toppings, creme brûlée, cheesecake in shots, mousse, and the mighty chocolate fountain! Basically starve yourself for the day to enjoy your buffet to the fullest. The buffet is worth every cent and is an experience one should not miss while in Bali. Be sure to make prior reservations as this place is always packed.

my table, violet!

Shell wall art  
hungry girls   
the mighty chocolate fountain