DINING RAIN OR SHINE
Although rainy season may still be in full swing here in Bali, it doesn’t mean giving up those fabulous sunset dinners at Chez Gado Gado
Designed to accommodate every culinary whim and desire any time of the year, the glamorous and expansive air-conditioned dining room at Chez Gado Gado is just as stunning and inviting as the neighbouring Indian Ocean, no matter what the weather outside. With floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that perfectly frame Seminyak Beach and the silvery rolling waves, Chez Gado Gado can be counted on – day in, day out – to provide an inspiring backdrop to a special evening out.
Never one to rely on past accolades, Executive Chef Quib Rademaker and his team have recently created a selection of new dinner items that take advantage of Bali’s unique bounty. From sumptuous slipper lobster exclusive to Indonesia’s waters to exotic nasturtium leaves nurtured within the fertile soil of Plaga (the restaurant’s very own garden situated in the misty hills of Bedugul), these must-try dishes are keeping Chez Gado Gado devotees on their toes.
As refreshing as the sea breeze rustling through the outdoor patio’s beachfront trees, the melt-in-your-mouth Salmon Carpaccio from the raw starter menu is complemented by a complex mixture of Plaga-grown greens, including whisper thin slices of radish, frisée lettuce, sprouts, finely diced cucumber and sprigs of fresh dill. On the warm starter menu, the King Prawn and Pork Belly is a hearty serving, where a locally-sourced prawn meets a rich hunk of pork belly, delicately enhanced by a sweet and sour prawn broth. A side of salsa-style watermelon salad steals the show, finely cubed and slightly spiced with a hint of chilli.
Chez Gado Gado has always been famous for its fresh seafood, and the new Grilled Barramundi on the mains menu doesn’t disappoint. It is topped with a mild, onion-based French béchamel sauce, with thick chunks of rustic zucchini and pickled beetroot that simply burst with flavour, adding Asian flair to this traditional, European-inspired dish. There is also the Smoked Duck Breast: a healthy new favourite that tastes absolutely decadent. The Asian-style dish is finished with a dollop of confit, a drizzle of pumpkin purée and just the right touch of spiced red cabbage.
And thanks to the extensive training through wine and food tastings, Chez Gado Gado’s staff can be counted on to recommend the appropriate wine pairing for any meal. Since we enjoyed a diverse range of dishes, our smiling server suggested Napa Valley’s 2011 Bogle Pinot Noir. It is a multi-faceted light red that works with seafood, poultry and pork, not to mention it is the perfect accompaniment to the signature sunset views – rain or shine.
