H E AV EN LY TASTE
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1. Boneka Restaurant 2. Egg Nouvelle at Boneka 3. Boneka Terrace 4. Boneka Breakfast Set up
BONEKA: MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME. Every time I come back to St. Regis, I literally feel as if I’m coming home. God only knows how many times I’ve come to spoil myself with Boneka’s semi-buffet dinner, not to mention it’s critically acclaimed Sunday Brunch. The welcoming smiles I see every time the door swings open, along with the Balinese traditional puppets keep me coming back for more. The St. Regis’s Bali Resort often prides itself in Boneka, being a top-notch eatery in the exotic island of Bali. There are two areas we can choose to dine in Boneka; outdoor or indoor. From Boneka, you’ll have a spectacular view of the sunrise sitting from uniquely laid out, snugly rockers. Works better than an early-morning caffeine. There is however, something about the area inside that lures me. Perhaps its the vibrant colours matched with the traditional puppets and the intricacies on it’s wall or the fact that I’m able to escape Bali’s scorching heat. The seats, graced in Princeton Orange, complements the wooden floors, bringing an earthly connection to the table. To me, everything is just right. The ambience, food, colours, furnitures, you name 122
it. Everything complements one another. I don’t need an excuse to come back to this place. Each time I return to Boneka, I’m always accompanied by someone new. Someone I can introduce this beautiful place to; may it be family, colleagues or a business partner. They all feel the same “homeliness” twinge. Tonight, I start my food journey with none other than a tantalizing plate of fresh oysters. It was the pleasant aroma of food on the grill that draws me outside. To the left of the entrance door, there’s an array of local cuisines neatly presented, a haven for those dying to have a splendor taste of Balinese food. Not to worry, Boneka ranges from local all the way to continental fusion. and if you still can’t make up your mind, there’s the chef specialty dish imprinted in the menu on your table. Yes, the a la carte menu too, is ready on selection. What’s a good feast without a good atmosphere? Entertainments are available here in Boneka everyday; a traditional Balinese Dance on Wednesdays and Sundays, and a Jazz band to fill up the rest of the week. Having an excellent dinner program just won’t
suffice. Boneka is also known for it’s daily breakfast and the Sunday Brunch programme which is actually currently so eminent, you are perhaps better off booking a table two weeks in advance. On a Sunday afternoon, you’ll be able to revel in a sumptuous range of food, namely Boneka’s Wagyu Steak, Lobster Egg Omelette and the Avruga Pearl Blinis (a caviar dish). Boneka opens it’s door at 12 on Sunday, but guests can enjoy a complimentary selection of aperitifs in King Cole’s Bar or try St. Regis Bali’s signature cocktail, Bloody Mary. A high quality of service simply combines with superb food to produce this one-of-a-kind dining entity. Even when it’s a buffet-style dinner, the food comes to you. The waiters I’ve noticed, are always on the go, offering guests anything and everything. They really do go the extra mile to make this place feels like home. My frequent trips to Bali really wouldn’t be the same without St. Regis’s Boneka. It’s becoming a habit of mine to indulge. And I have Boneka to blame for it. Boneka, St. Regis Bali Resort, Ph. +62 361 8478111, www.stregisbali.com