Tuesday, April 13, 2010

THE GOURMET GARAGE

On Saturday afternoon, we decided to drive around just to get familiar with the area.  As we are still living in the hotel while looking for a house, we wanted to see what the local delicatessen had to offer. In nearby Jimbaran, the Gourmet Garage hides behind the busy bypass off a small road, and caters to most of the expats who live in or around the Jimbaran-Nusa Dua-Uluwatu area.

The Gourmet Garage is actually a small supermarket that stocks fresh vaccum-packed meats, organic salads, dairy products, cheeses, select cereals and other imported ingredients.  There is also a small section in the back that has cooking utensils, pots, pans and even small appliances.  Near the entrance, is a makeshift cafe with a few tables, a cake counter, an ice cream counter and further in the back, a room filled with wines from all over the world.

On our first visit, we had a quick look around and then sat down for a snack - iced teas, steak sandwich and the garlic roast chicken.  The limited cafe menu has mostly sandwiches and salads as well as nachos and the very popular ice cream.  Steaks from the deli are also available to be eaten at the cafe for a small cooking charge (about 30,000 Rupiah).  When we were there, most clients coming in would get an ice cream cone (15,000 Rupiah) then sit outside on the benches to have it.  Service is friendly but a bit on the slow side so don't come in and expect to dine and dash.  This is more of a sit-around-and-have-a-coffee-and-cake kind of place.

The following day, after a morning spent at the beach, we went back again and had a quick lunch which was better than the day before.  The classic cheeseburger was very good while the chicken wrap was fine - stuffed with Tandoori chicken although served very cold.  A variety of coffee drinks are available as well as takeaway coffee beans and specialty teas from Caswells.  The food is fine but it's really more of a supermarket than a restaurant so it's perfect for a quick cup of coffee right before you do your weekly shopping.
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The Gourmet Garage
Bypass Ngurah Rai Street,
Gg. Tukad Melangi
(right behind Lotus Enterprises building on the bypass)

Jimbaran – Bali – Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 701 650
Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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