An Enchanted Evening at Sardine, Bali

Yesterday a friend asked me the name of the restaurant we went to in Bali last year.

I'm usually able to remember these details specially with the aid of this blog. Then I realized that  I haven't updated the blog is a very long time. I don't think I even wrote about this trip except for one post about Villa Kalimaya.

Anyway, one advantage of looking back at an experience is that distance cuts out the non-essentials. I'll only write about the things that stand out.

So here's what I remember...

Sardine is one  big open-air pavilion made of bamboo. The mood-setting low lights made everyone look radiant.

The restaurant was created by a chef and an interior designer wife, which is probably why the details are well thought of.

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The pond at the entrance is filled with only white koi--very nice effect.

Back at the table, my view faced the gorgeous lounge area in front of the rice field.

Truthfully, I don't remember the food even if I have pictures. I think it was overshadowed by the stunning design elements, the ambience, my radiant companions,

and more importantly by the conversation around the table.

I think this is what I had--fresh, healthful, sensible.

The open area was too enticing to resist. Right after dinner we moved outside for dessert and coffee.

But I think we had drinks instead and just continued talking.

If only this bougainvillea tree could talk...what stories would it tell?

Wait, a bougainvillea "tree"?!  I can hear mom's voice. "how did it become a tree"?
Here's an undershot just for you, mom!  There's a frame under guiding the branches.

And look at the photo on this link of what the frame looked like before it was a tree.

Sorry I can't seem to tell you more about the food nor the service. I think it was all good. I just know we enjoyed being with each other here and we have good memories of this enchanted evening under the bougainvillea tree.

Sardine 
Jalan Petiteget No. 21
Kerobokan, Bali 80361
Tel +62 361 8436333

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The Greens are In!

While I was gone, mom offered to have the garden done even if the house wasn't completely finished. "It will make the workers go faster",  I was told by two other friends. So of course I accepted. "Offered" as in she would organize and make arrangements. I already got Ponce to agree to do the garden in between mom's garden and another one.

I was all set to get someone else, but after I got to know Ponce well, I decided I like him a lot personally and I think he is very talented. A natural talent who knows his craft by instinct.

What I like about his style is his massing, his choice of leaf shapes (texture), and the way he layers his colors--cooler greens at the back, warmer greens up front. Gives his gardens lush depth. And he does this all by feel.

At first, he loaded the garden with tons of plants. I was overwhelmed when I first saw it. I knew plants had to be reduced by half. He still used the plants I liked such as calatheas and bougainvilleas.

This garden is a departure from his usual Asian style. and his first time to specify flowers too, so let's see how it will grow out. It's not done yet. Still need to ground the bougainvilleas and the pink vine.

These photos show the overwhelming amount of plants. It doesn't show the front wall lined with Podocarpus Maki, and other plants. However,  it's much less than this now. We diverted some plants to the outdoor shower of the den, and returned some plants to the supplier.