Well my lovely readers, as the Balinese holiday winds down, how could I not talk food? Seminyak plays host to an amazing array of nosheries and the gang, keen to let their taste buds do the talking, went exploring. Here are our highlights…

Sarong. A blend of complex yet pure Asian fusion flavours served in ambient Balinese luxe. Chilli, lime and honey Margheritas, tender oysters bathed in a coriander and chilli lime dressing, soft shell crab with green mango and tamarind chilli dressing…note a theme here? Cucumber sticks nesting in ice, coupled with an intriguing coconut tapioca dessert, provided a welcomed ‘chilli’ reprieve before taste buds deserted the building. BJ…Chef of few words thought this place was the ‘mut’s nuts’ and the gang concurred…hot ‘n spicy lovers rejoice!

Le Lucciola. Thatch-roofed, bi-level, bumping up against a palm studded beachfront, the Frangipani lounge the perfect place to sip an Appletini and graze on mud crab and lime sorbet while watching yet another spectacular Balinese sunset.

Starfish Bloo at the W for sheer splendor, the suspended birdcage seating alone enticing one to climb in and sway to the gentle breezes with cocktail in a tippy cup. The clean, sensational flavors of my sashimi, miso prawn soup and lime sorbet were on point. You’ll also love the simple touches including a pump pack of ‘Bugger Off’ spray, magnifying glasses and torches to read the extensive menu as the sun sinks below the horizon. And what about those snazzy bathrooms!

Ku De Ta, trusty fave for long leisurely breakfasts on sprawling lounges while watching the beach venders ply their wares to the unwary (look for the ever present black pirate kite). Pumping chill out music vibes and a damn fine luncheon menu too, not to mention our fun and funky celebratory Xmas nosh. Oh! And another lux bathroom, and yes I’m clearly fixated on bathrooms!

Samaya’s ‘Breeze’ for late afternoon cocktails, corn fritters and mini burgers, munched water’s edge whilst basking in yet another glorious sunset. The overwhelmingly friendly service, a mighty fine evening menu. New Year’s eve a mix of quirky horns, random fireworks and a mighty countdown leading to one hell of a blast as we saw the New Year in.

Sea Circus, for splendid coffee, tastebud heaven chilli prawn quesadillas and divine avocado corn fritters and it’s just around the corner from Body works – THE one stop body maintenance shop. A huge bunch of staff with no apparent strategy and ready to argue that you DID order the random coffee they’ve just delivered to your table. Bless ’em!

Potato Head, currently the most uber cool place to hang, brilliant conical structure composed of recycled shutters housing a groovy bar, several restaurants and again, splendid beach front sunsets. The place bordering on overrated and under-friendly and we really would have liked to dispel that initial impression had we not been forced to cancel much coveted dinner booking due to unhappy tummies. THE place to be seen NYE, a number of spiked drink reports saying otherwise.

Grocer and Grind robust coffee and breakfasts, just don’t order a takeaway bacon ‘n egg muffin …runny yolk and white t-shirts don’t mix but hey! Wet wipes! Perfect for post seafood sticky fingers, food and drink spill stain removal. Stock up on them. Lots ‘n lots of ’em.

I’m sure you have many more yum spots to share, please do.