Seafood in Jimbaran Bay, Bali (Cafe Menega)

We made a trip to Bali in the middle of April 2013 and one of the must do thing is to go to Jimbaran bay for seafood. Basically, there are 2 sections of Jimbaran bay where you can have seafood. One of them is the more touristy area and the prices will also reflect this.

The other is more secluded, smaller and where a lot of the locals also go. Prices are much more reasonable here. We were recommended to Cafe Menega and when we got there, the place full choc a bloc. It was a Sunday night. So much as not to heed the advise to book ahead.

No choice, we ate at the restaurant next to the Cafe Menega.

Full house at Cafe Menega.

As we had a heavy lunch and did not feel very hungry, we did not overdo the ordering of food. Basically the food are grilled or fried. They grill the food here using coconut husk, the traditional method. So, beware that the place will be very smoky, even outside on the beach and your clothes, whole body and hair will be "smoked" by the end dinner is over.

Clams with sauce

Balinese style satay

Grilled jumbo prawns

Rice, various types of sauces and fried vegetables

Deep fried fish (garoupa)

Grilled squids.

As you can see from the pictures, we had clams, satay, large prawns, fish, squids and a few types of vegetable. To be fair, the food is not bad and the sauce is what made the difference. There were 4 of us and we could not finish the food and asked the driver to bring back the extra food. Prices were very reasonable. We had only water and the bill came to about Rupiah 540,000 or approximately US$ 55.

There was a few push carts selling roasted corn and peanuts. As I love corn, we had to have it. They have a spicy version where a chilli paste is put on. Heavenly, you have to try it. It cost US$1 each.

A view of the entrance to the various cafes and restaurants.

We managed to go to Cafe Menega as part of our dinner during the conference which we attended. We basically had about the same food and a lobster. To be fair, their seafood is much more fresher and better cooking. No wonder it is packed. If you are heading there, make sure you do the reservation. Their contact :

Four Season Muaya Beach Jimbaran, Jl. Uluwatu Raya, Jimbaran

Phone:

(0361) 705888 

Blog :  http://menegacafe.blogspot.com/

Until the next time, cheers.

Radisson Blu in Wiesbaden, Germany

I would normally visit a trade exhibition in Frankfurt every 2 years and it is held in the first half of March. For the last fair, we stayed in Wiesbaden which is the capital of the state and since I like this city, we decided to stay here again.

However, this time round, we are staying at the Radisson Blu, a period hotel in the heart of the city.

A view of the city which is very clean and not crowded

The entrance to the hotel

We booked early for a business room and got a good price as the prices during the fair can be crazy. The hotel reception is very good at selling upgrades. They offered us a suite at Euro 30 extra per night. We decided to take it. 

I think we made the right decision. It was very spacious and confortable.

Working desk

They provided a nespresso machine.

Very confortable bed

Huge bathroom

A Lindberg radio...cool

Some pictures of the hotel which is very interesting.

The hotel's address.

Radisson Blu Hotel Schwarzer Bock Wiesbaden

Kranzplatz 12, Wiesbaden 65183

Germany

Tel : +49 (0) 611-1550

Overall, a good stay and will probably come back again in 2 years time.

Until the next time, cheers.

Barrio de las Letras Apartment by Madrid4Rental

During our visit to Madrid in early March 2013, we rented an apartment in the Barrio de las Letras area. From the various reviews, the location is near to the subway and also contains many restaurants and night spots.

The area is also very near to the Prado Musuem and other touristic spots. It is also pretty quiet in the day time but comes alive in the night. The view of the surrounding area of the apartment.

The road where the apartment is located

The apartment has been recently renovated and if confortable. We have a loft apartment which adds character to the apartment but is rather inconvenient as the space is much more constricted and a standard apartment.

The entrance to the apartment is nice and there is a lift but it is rather small.

There is a small museum nearby which had a very interesting wall.

As we had a kitchen, we managed to cook a meal or two which included this lobster and some stew and leftover iberico ham with rice.

Overall, it was a nice and pleasant place to stay in a nice area.

Until the next time, cheers.