The Hungry Bunny

We'd originally planned to do dinner at Ku De Ta, but were sweet-talked by the front-of-house into dining at Mejekawi , its sister restaurant upstairs and the newest jewel of the original Ku De Ta family. Whereas the mod-Aussie Ku De Ta is casual and breezy, the pan-Asian Mejekawi is all grown up and elegant. Also, unlike Ku De Ta's ala carte menu, Mejekawi offers just 2 degustation menus, and nothing else. Still, any reservations on the lack of choice is quickly defused at first bite. Mejekawi is fusion cuisine at its finest. Impeccably conceptualised, masterfully executed, and gorgeously plated, Mejekawi manages an effortlessness that's got the sincerity of soulfood, but the refinement of haute cuisine. Coupled with breathtakingly scenic views of the seascape, and the soothing rhythm of the crashing waves on the beach, and the Ku De Ta group has another winning concept on its hands. Ask for the balcony seats for the most magnificent views on the house. It over...

This recipe melds 2 of my all-time comfort foods - lasagna and sloppy joes. It's meaty, hearty, and totally satisfying. The nature of a lasagne requires a "sloppier" joe, so I increased the tomato puree by half a cup. Ingredients (makes a 5-layered lasagna tray 12" x 8" and feeds approx 6): 250gm lasagna noodles (I used the instant variety, 20 sheets of 7" x 3.5") 1/2 cup marinara sauce 1.5 cup grated cheddar 3/4 cup grated mozzarella for topping Sloppy Joe's: 350 gm minced beef 150 gm minced pork belly 1 medium yellow onion, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 green pepper, diced to 1cm cubes 1.5 cup tomato puree 1 tsp cumin 2 tsp brown sugar 1 tbsp cider vinegar 1 tsp dried thyme Dash cayenne 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp bacon fat-infused oil Directions: 1) Fry onions in oil, about 1 minute on medium-high heat. 2) Add garlic, and fry till soft and caramelised, about 4 minutes. 3) Add peppers, and fry till s...

I've noticed one thing about the Balinese restaurant scene: just about every restaurant, from the rustic to the upscale, is low-lit and open-aired. Being particularly susceptible to both heat and mosquitoes, us dining out in Bali is usually a harried experience. And because visibility is so low (it's so damn dark!), I can never tell if I'm eating a stray fly. Well, let's just say that I've never had to use the iPhone flashlight as much as I did in Bali. So, for us to waddle away after dinner, raving about a restaurant still, is something else. Metis , the award-winning reincarnation of the famed Kafe Warisan, is an absolute must-try in Bali. Occupying a double-storeyed compound that encircles a miniature padi field (read: mosquitoes galore!), the buzzy French restaurant cum lounge cum bar oozes sophistication and glamour. Naturally, the crowd is beautiful and snotty, so dress up.  While service was gracious, it was wobbly at times. Twice we had different waitr...

Of all the Club Metropole lounge offerings, we enjoyed the afternoon tea most. The colonial-era Metropole truly does its French heritage proud, in that their bakers' confectionery was superb. The various executive club lounge offerings are listed in order of descending preference below.  Afternoon High Tea (from 2.30pm to 4.30pm) The High Tea had a strong emphasis on confectionery, and we loved just about all of its offerings. Hawaii Cake Rose Lychee Cake Chocolate Mocleux with coffee cream Green Tea Mousse Egg & Salmon Sandwich Nicoise Sandwich - the baguette was dried out, but the tuna mayo was lovely Ham & Cheese Sandwich, with a pickle atop Chocolate Pudding with vanilla creme anglaise Grilled Vegetable Mini Burger - the mini burger buns were rock hard, so we just ditched that and ate just the grilled zucchini Chocolate Bon Bons Strawberry Tartlet Crepes Scones, with strawberry jam and vanilla chantilly Dry C...