Colonial White, Palatable Delight
Bianco Restaurant & Bar further redefines the spot that is easily found at the intersection of Jalan Padma and Jalan Padma Utara.
This month will see the official grand opening of this new
colonial style diner on March 14.
At first mention, Bianco wasn't quite a familiar name in the dining scene of Legian... But as gradual progress commenced with its targeted positioning as the first colonial styled interior diner that served a combination of the most popular selections of Indonesian and Italian dishes, it easily achieved its own distinctiveness.
Emerging fresh and bright from the debris of what was once Legian's favorite Stadium Café, it further redefined the spot that is easily found at the intersection of Jalan Padma and Jalan Padma Utara. This month will see the official grand opening of the Bianco Restaurant & Bar on March 14.
And though its official opening date has not yet arrived, Bianco has already attracted dozens who found this new and different dining ambiance and scrumptious mix of Indonesian and Italian menu items intriguing. And I too had the privilege of checking out this new treat for myself.
After zigzagging through the notoriously tight traffic of northern Kuta and into Legian, Jalan Padma leads you to the afore-mentioned junction where once was the old Stadium Café.
Choosing your favorite corner here is easy. There are a number of cozy and intimate styled areas that resemble mini-lounges, while those desiring cherished candle-lit moments may opt for the alfresco dining area at the back... And though parking was a slight issue, I was told that by the time they actually launch this month a valet service will be available. As this goes to press new signage was being prepared, yet I had no trouble finding the spot, as a simple chalkboard with "Bianco" sprawled out on it in block print was effective enough.
On my visit, despite still being in its finishing phase, the establishment was already in effective operation with a vivid and lively interior throughout. At the portico, a traditional cab known as a becak offers the initial welcoming sight, and the security guy mimes a colonial field officer in an old fashioned outfit.
Stepping into the main dining area, immediately visible is the unique domination of the color white – all throughout the interior. An environment that easily moves you into its mood. The all-white interior is only interrupted by the shadows and objects: rare old black and white photos of the yesteryears of the Javanese coffee, tobacco and tea plantation meneers, sultanate portraits and Javanese royalty trinkets on antique style shelves, along with an assortment of museum-worthy items such as rifles, miniature cannons, statues, typing machines and lamps.
Choosing your favorite corner here is easy. There are a number of cozy and intimate areas that resemble mini-lounges within the main dining space, while some desiring cherished candle-lit moments may opt for the alfresco dining area in the back section of the restaurant, which provides a more shaded experience before the sun sets as well.
The menu itself is literally a ‘grand' presentation. Oversized and elaborately styled, it encases a pride of listings of the various cuisines that can be found inside it.
The all-white is only interrupted by shadows and objects: rare old photos of Javanese plantation meneers, sultanate portraits and Javanese royalty trinkets on antique style shelves...
Best for the Indonesian palate are the Bebek Goreng Bali, Nasi Campur Batavia, and Gado Gado Pojok Banteng, while on the Sicilian side is the Filetto ai Fungi Con Capelli, Salmone Grigliato, and Aragosta in Fricassea – a mouthful in name and in taste altogether.
Dining gets into its rhythm throughout the week, and regular array of entertainment colors the white, such as an acoustic quartet every Tuesday and Saturday and a solo pianist and singers every Thursday, while Cha-cha is held every Sunday.
The restaurant has 150 seats in all, and is perfect for casual and informal meetings, dinner parties, or any special event that requires that special (dissimilar) color and vibe. Within the main area are two big screens and two LCD projectors, and a private dinning room is available for seated groups of up to 30 guests. By Nyoman Ari Gunadi, courtesy photos
Bianco Restaurant & Bar
Jl. Padma, Legian, (0361) 760-070
www.rama-restaurants-bali.com |
