by Andrew Charles

Restaurant reviews come and go, readers learn which reviewers they can trust and they don't care whether the writer has been lavishly entertained or has sneaked in pretending to be an average punter. They want the hard facts and this is what I aim to deliver.

Some time ago, I heard that the Kayumanis group of hotels was planning to hold a dinner at their Nusa Dua property with food provided by the chefs from all three Kayumanis hotels. This seemed interesting so I tried it out and had a great time eating some very delicious food. I had a few constructive comments to make and the Chefs accepted these very graciously so the dinner the following evening was even more successful.

Ketut Suisma, who is the resident chef at Kayumanis Nusa Dua, produced an exotic duck salad with mango salsa and pesto dressing and this was followed by tea-smoked salmon and coconut soup, prepared by Chef Denny of Kayumanis Ubud. A delicious sorbet ensued, followed by a choice of either seared lamb loin with bok choy, chilli and garlic or a roll of prawn, grouper and snapper served with seafood sambal. Both were excellent and the advantage of going with a friend is that you get to try more!

A month went by and then there was another Chefs' Collaboration dinner and this time it was at the Kayumanis Jimbaran. By now, lessons had been learned and the standard had greatly improved. The food was more adventurous and guests had Chef Denny's Mussel and Ginger soup, Chef Ketut's Scaloppine alla Campagnola; Chef Parta's Tongkol salad with seared yellow-fin tuna all accompanied by the dulcet tones of a Keroncong orchestra playing softly in the background.

So, who are these chefs that can produce such wonderful dishes? Firstly, to disprove the theory that foreign chefs are the best, these chefs are all Balinese. Ketut, Denny and Parta are all very accomplished and each have their own specialities.

Chef Ketut Suisma worked five years with Aman Resorts and has been orking with Kayumanis, Nusa Dua since it opened. He specialises in Italian food and takes pride in his belief that all his dishes are similar to what could be produced in an Italian home kitchen. His creativity and talents enhance the fine dining experience in Piasan Restaurant. Chef Denny, (Made Budartha) who, according to other staff, likes to dance in his kitchen at Kayumanis Ubud, started in a seafood restaurant in Kuta in 1994. His highly accomplished preparation of western food is only exceeded by his ways with Thai food which he demonstrates at the 'Dining Corner' in Kayumanis Ubud.

Chef Parta, (Made Partayasa) who originates from the east of Bali, has worked with western food since 1995 at such luminous names as Amandari, The Chedi and Alila. He aspires to raise the level of Indonesian cuisine and he sees this as his challenge at the Tapis Restaurant in Kayumanis Jimbaran, where he serves highly acclaimed authentic Indonesian food to international guests.

The latest Chefs' collaboration dinner was held at Kayumanis Ubud on 19th & 20th September and this was a spectacular event.

Dinner was preceded by a cocktails canapés and a chance to chat with other guests. After an 'amuse-bouche', dinner started with fresh oysters with Num Jim sauce, which were delicious, and then moved on to Chef Ketut's Tortina di Mozzarella, which was different from the usual tomato and mozzarella presentations as there was no basil and the more bitter Rucolla was used.

Chicken liver terrine on melba toast came as an 'intermezzo'..mmm delcious! A champagne, avocado and raspberry sorbet followed and then it was a choice of either Thai baked duck roll with coriander mousse or steamed mackerel fillet with mushrooms, coriander and tomato on a ginger broth – difficult call!

Dinner was accompanied by a Batak band. Led by a big woman with a big voice, she sang loudly and lustily enough to get the chefs and half the guests up and dancing.

Food is complemented by the attentive staff – an important feature of
all the Kayumanis resorts.

The next Chef's Collaboration Dinner is in November at the Gangsa in Sanur. These Kayumanis dinners are to be an ongoing programme so don't miss the chance to experience a special night out. For more details, please log on to www.kayumanis.com