Invite & Indulge

DAINTY DELIGHTS N' A HEARTY "KAMPAI!"

For an exciting dining experience with a touch of theatrics by chefs who give off chopsocky action, take to the Teppanyaki.

The manicured outdoor Japanese gardens provide an evoking treat along the way, transporting you into a Japanese dining wonderland.

Since its eventful reopening back in 2004 when it unveiled a stunning new look combining a subtle blend of Balinese architecture and Japanese aesthetics, creating a contemporary yet minimalist dining environment, KO Japanese restaurant at the InterContinental Bali Resort has once again further elevated its concept.

KO recently unveiled its newly refurbished Sushi Lounge & Bar, with a dazzling cocktail selection and a new design marking the dining venue a favorite in the ever growing "bar n' cocktail" scene.

Diners who arrive via KO's eastern entrance are treated to subtly-lit covered walkways with the typical primary themes of black and red accentuated by striking motifs, all providing a unique backdrop in anticipation of the fine Japanese dining within its walls. The walkways lead to special dining areas and the manicured outdoor Japanese gardens provide an evoking treat along the way, transporting you into a Japanese dining wonderland.

At the reception door there are two petite Kimono-clad staff to greet the customers, and I first thought that with a smile and that typical Japanese bow of respectful greeting the girls would make my acquaintance with a hearty Irasshaimase ("Welcome" in Japanese). But to my surprise it was a cheerful "Selamat Datang"! And that reminded me that I was still in Bali.

As both doors slide aside, the impressive interior engulfs you. KO caters to a range of different tastes through a variety of unique and interactive dining concepts. We were shown to the newly renewed Lounge & Bar that provides a relaxing environment in which to enjoy a pre-dinner drink and light snacks. The interior space has been opened up by the clever and innovative use of interior design to generate warmth and peace. Up to 50 guests can enjoy the relaxed and informal gathering in the generously cushioned gold armchairs, or in the more traditional dining experience of a table setting.

The Japanese design is typified by oversized hanging lanterns and carved wall lighting panels shedding a gentle light from floor to ceiling columns and recesses in layered stone. A stunning collection of glassworks complements the collection of local and international artwork. Here, live entertainment in the lounge strums and hums nightly. And once cocktails and starters have been enjoyed, guests can opt to indulge in a memorable meal in the dining room.

The centerpiece sushi bar is a convivial treat for the eyes, where skilled sushi chefs prepare the wraps and toppings behind the arrayed exhibit of dainty delights. Swirling abstracts of the sushi bar backsplash provide a dynamic backdrop to the fresh array of fine seafood on display. Colorful and often artfully arranged sushi truly reflect traditional Japanese aesthetics, at least in the culinary facet. The trained chef prepares fresh sushi, sashimi and maki rolls upon request. The extensive and well balanced menu also features yakitori, tempura, noodle and rice dishes.

Indeed, from the moment we set foot inside the realm of a Japanese restaurant like KO, we had the opportunity to have a go at our Japanese, exchanging simple Japanese greetings and browsing through the menu names (as though it was a tough Sudoku) along with the interesting customs that usually go with any foreign cuisine. The Japanese diet consists largely of rice, vegetables, seafood, fruit, and small portions of meat. Rice and tea are part of almost every meal as well.

Popular Japanese foods include miso (bean paste) soup, noodles (ramen, udon, and soba), curry and rice, sashimi (slices of raw fish served with soy sauce and wasabi, a pungent form of horseradish), tofu, and pork. While the sushi is cold rice, flavored with vinegar, and served with fish (usually raw). Japanese cuisine is infused with art, culture and nature, making an aesthetic treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. And from a small slab and slice of sushi, you'll enjoy reading out the menu names as well as the action over hashi chopsticks and ice-chilled Sake or Shoju vials.

At the KO dining room, enjoy more intimate dining settings as traditional Japanese cuisine from the set and a la carte menus fulfills the appetite for a feast or an aesthetic treat. Look out for the sushi promos that will please any appetite for Japanese. Again, dig in and explore the Japanese culinary insights on the menu. You may choose from among these highlights; Nigiri Sushi comes in various names according to the thin slices on top of the rice, namely Sake (salmon), Maguro (tuna), Unagi (eel), Ebi (prawn), Tamago (omelet), Shiromisakana (barramundi), and Tako (octopus). Maki, rolled in rice with seaweed, comes in Kapamaki (cucumber), Maguro, and Sake, while the hand rolled Temaki Sushi comes as California Temaki (with crabmeat) and Unagi. Gunkan Sushi is boat shaped and comes in choices of Wakame (seasoned seaweed), and the dazzling presentations of Tobiko (flying fish roe) and Ikura (salmon roe).

Find interestingly contemporary renderings of sushi through the Modern Sushi Roll selections, which include a Fire Dragon Roll consisting of eel, avocado, cucumber, sambal mayo and daikon, or the Dynamite Tuna Roll with fresh tuna, chopped chilies, cucumber and avocado mayo. There's also the familiar Boston Roll and California Roll. An option of assorted sushi platters with 10 to 15 pieces per order a la carte is also available.

Besides those vibrant dainty Japanese delights (don't underestimate the small sizes, because they will surely fill you up), you can always opt for the common Japanese selections of Sashimi, an Appetizer & Salad selection of Tebasaki chicken wings, Agedashi Tofu, Lobster Gyoza, the succulent Chawan Mushi of egg custard, shrimp, chicken and vegetables steamed in a cup, and Shabu Shabu Salad with thinly sliced Angus rib eye beef with Japanese dressing. Tempura, noodles and rice meals, as well as a selection of main courses, all that come served with Miso soup, steamed rice and pickles are also available — a completely Japanese selection.

For an exciting dining experience with a touch of theatrics by chefs who give off chopsocky action, KO offers four Teppanyaki tables that can seat up to 40 diners per seating. Here the chefs display not only their culinary skills but also provide artful entertainment that precedes the preparation of the food. It encourages a true theatre enjoyment of interactive dining. Diners can choose a dynamic food preparation performance at the grill with karate-chopped dishes of traditional Japanese cuisine.

A KO Gourmet Experience has the chef prepare for you fresh oyster sashimi, wasabi California Rolls, Teppanyaki salmon with tsume sauce, Teppanyaki foie gras with apple and portabella, Teppanyaki beef wagyu sirloin, salad, rice, miso soup, pickles, and a Teppanyaki banana.

For the Teppan, all you have to do is enter the room and you will be greeted by the smiling girls in kimonos who will show you to your seat, and then enjoy the evening as the chef explains the menu prior to each of his flamboyant displays of swift chopping, spicing, throwing, mixing, the occasional flambé... swoosh... and voila! The dishes are ready right before your eyes. A feast before your eyes before the feast for your taste buds. And after every bite, exclaim as the Japanese do, "Oishii desu!" and raise your Sake vials or Shoju shots with cheers of "Kampai!" to your heart's content. «»

Text by Nyoman Ari Gunadi
Courtesy photos

• KO Japanese Restaurant
InterContinental Resort Bali,
Jalan Uluwatu 45, Jimbaran, 701-888