COCONUTS HOT SPOT — Dining at this cozy little spot always feels like dining at your grandmother’s house. That is, if you happen to have a quirky flamboyant French grandmother who has taken to traditional Javanese architecture—which would totally explain the food on offer and the whimsical, colonial-style decor.
Well, at least that’s the explanation they give on the menu for offering “Unicorn poo” as dessert. Before you wrinkle your nose in disgust, know that unicorns sh*t rainbows: the dessert is actually a decadent warm chocolate cake with orange confit. So delicious.
Not just “unicorn poo”! They also serve up cute little crêpes.
But as the name of the restaurant suggests, the star of the place is really its tartines: French open-faced sandwiches. You can choose between ciabatta or rye bread, and each serving comes with a pile of tasty salad accompanied by a mustard seed dressing. Their specialty tartine topping is black smoked ham, combined with other goodies like grilled cheddar cheese, scrambled eggs, or even watermelon.
Other French dishes like the vegetable stew, ratatouille, and Hachis Parmentier, the French version of Shepherd’s pie, are also available alongside Indonesian favorites like nasi goreng.
But the nasi goreng of course has a whimsical twist on it. You can choose from red nasi goreng with walnuts, raisins and star anise, yellow nasi goreng with coconut milk and lemongrass, and last but not least, black nasi goreng with black mushrooms and black olives.
If you’re only after nibbles, then do try their quintessentially French quiche or egg cocotte—eggs steamed in a glass served with toasted bread and salad. Both the bacon and salmon ones are lovely!
Their fresh juices never fail to beat the Sanur heat. Our favorite is the Liquid Sun, which is made from aloe vera, apple, honey, and fresh turmeric. It’s an acquired taste, but definitely healthy and a good introductory step if you’re keen on the Indonesian traditional herbal drink jamu.
The cafe is part of the Puri Tempo Doeloe Hotel right off Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai. It’s easier to look out for the hotel’s signage if it’s your first time visiting. Do take some time to explore the hotel grounds—we absolutely adore the quirky joglo houses painted in pastel colors, lovingly tended gardens, and the pool lounging area.
FIND IT
La Tartine (Puri Tempo Doeloe Hotel)
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 209
Sanur
0361286542
Photos at the top: La Tartine Facebook page
