by TheLastWonton | Jan 10, 2020 | Asian, Beef, Pork & Lamb, Main Dishes, Pasta & Noodles, Sides
Japanese street food comes home! Chewy, tender, noodles, stir fried with marinated beef slices and a bouquet of fresh veggies, ka-powed with a fiery, sweet, lip-smacking sauce. Slurp, slurp!
Yakisoba, baby! It's not very damn pretty, but it's pretty damn good. But, then, you know me and noodles. Especially fresh ramen noodles.
From the get go, since coming across fresh ramen noodles at the Oriental Supermarket, in Kelowna, a few years back, I've been hopelessly hooked.
They're so tasty and perfectly al dente, every time. Fresh ramen noodles cook up fast, in boiling salted water, and keep their oomph, even if boiled ahead and cooled quickly with cold water, to use when you're ready.
And of course, here in Kona, my fave supermarket KTA always has a good supply, and a variety, of fresh ramen noodles, in the produce section.
These days, Hawaii's Original Saimin noodles get thrown in my grocery cart, every single time.
So, no matter what kitchen I am concocting in, I seem to have a steady supply of fresh ramen noodles on hand. Lucky girl!
Is Yakisoba one of your family favorites? Yessirreebob! It's delicious, it's easy and fun to make, and who doesn't like a hot wok that sizzles out steamy aromas, that makes everyone smile?
Get everything ready, ready, freddy, ahead so you can wham-bam all goodies into the hot wok, and be dishing up those addictive noodles in a very few minutes, start to finish.
Slice and marinate the beef, refrigerate. Chop, chop, slice, slice, the veggies, and put in bowls beside your wok or skillet waiting on the burner, for show time.
Wait! Oh yes, the sauce. THE SAUCE. The flavour-packed, spicy-sweet, perfect storm of flavours. THE SPECIAL SAUCE.
Ha! I'm funny! But, it is certainly the sauce that makes or breaks any Yakisoba. Right?
I've experimented, adding this or that, removing that and replacing with just a tich of this. Saucy orchestration, mission complete. Especially for our smiling tastebuds. Sultry, sweet, robust, tangy, fiery. Effortless complexity, in it's simplicity.
Don't forget, if you try Our Yakisoba, to adjust, if necessary, so that your tastebuds smile, too.
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OUR YAKISOBA ~ 4 servings
Special Sauce:
1/3 cup soy sauce (dark preferred)
1/3 cup rice vinegar
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
2 or more teaspoons Thai chili garlic sauce, or sambal oelek
1/4 cup water
1 pound beef tenderloin, thinly sliced
3 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
1 teaspoon sambal oelek, or Thai garlic chile sauce
1 1/2 cups Napa cabbage, sliced
1 cup (or more) fresh bean sprouts
1 small sweet onion, sliced (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup carrot, thinly sliced, on the diagonal
1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced, on the diagonal
1 pound fresh ramen noodles, cooked al dente (and cooled with cold water, if made ahead)
1 tablespoon canola or avocado oil + 2 tablespoons canola or avocado oil
In a bowl mix together all sauce ingredients. Set aside.
At least one hour ahead of time, combine sliced beef, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, garlic powder and 1 teaspoon chile sauce in a small bowl. Massage flavours into the meat. Cover and refrigerate.
When ready to roll, set out your beef, veggies, noodles and special sauce, beside your wok or large skillet. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in wok, over high heat. Add beef slices and stir fry until just cooked, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from pan. Add 2 tablespoons oil to wok, along with the onions. Stir fry for 2 minutes then cabbage, bean sprouts, celery and carrots. Stir fry 1-2 minutes and add noodles, beef and sauce mixture.
Continue to stir fry, until 4 minutes or so, until the noodles are heated through and the saucy Yakisoba is singing and sizzling. Serve!
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by TheLastWonton | Jan 8, 2020 | Appetizers & Snacks, Beef, Pork & Lamb, Main Dishes, Mexican
What happens, you ask, when the toasty, caramelized flavours of the seasoned sear of a perfectly grilled steak meet the toasty, caramelized flavours of golden-edged, sauteed, sweet onion and Poblano, while the Pepper Jack cheese is watching? Well, silly, the cheese melts, of course, irresistibly, bringing it all together, tucked, sassily between ever-so-lightly, butter-sizzled, crispy-soft, flour tortillas. Olé!
Lucky for us Mexican food has always been one of our favorite go-tos. It all started from my treasured, childhood vacations to Mexico City and Acapulco, with Mom and Dad, and then, of course, from Mom's fantastically delicious take on Mexican home-cooking.
From there, Forest Grump, enthusiastically, caught on, from the get-go, and decades later, our Mexi-cravings continue.
As we are bringing in this shiny New Year whiling away, on a sunny hillside, overlooking the blue Pacific and beautiful Kona town, my Hawaiian kitchen always has an enviable stash of luscious, fresh picked, island fruits and veggies, from local Farmers Markets. I know, so cool!
Last Saturday my favorite vendor, Earthly Delights Farm, at the Keauhou Farmers Market, had a bag of Ranpur limes, stashed away, for me. Yes, apparently, I am now known in these here parts. Oh, how I love Big Island Rangpur limes. They're always hard to find, but when you do, no one can wipe that smug, sour-tangy, smile off your face. They look like an orange, inside and out, but the juice is all limey, and sour, and deeply floral. Sublime. Mahalo oodles, Earthly Delights Farm.
And then another, close-by, market vendor had big, dark, dark, green avocados, boasting smooth, melt-in-your mouth goodness. Nature's butter. Yum-O!
Hmmm……just-picked Ranpur limes and buttery avocados temped me to grab some sweet Maui onions, fresh Poblano peppers and cilantro.
One thing lead to another and Grilled Steak Quesadillas were in the making.
I don't know if it's my imagination, or not, but when I am, in the kitchen, concocting Mexican food, and can glance out the window and see palm trees swaying and fishing boats out on the ocean, I think it adds some kind of serendipitous umami to whatever I am making.
Either way, these quesadillas are pretty damn quick and easy and indulgently quell the Mexi-cravings. For now.
Oh, but wait, I had a really good idea, while I was throwing these together, and Ta Da!.……..Ranpur lime Margaritas were gulped sipped. Saludos!
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GRILLED STEAK QUESADILLAS ~ Makes 4 quesadillas
About 1 pound boneless New York striploin + hefty sprinkling of your favorite steak spice
(we usually use Hawaiian sea salt mixed with a hefty dose of crushed red chili flakes)
1 plump Poblano pepper, thinly sliced
1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon each butter and olive or avocado oil for frying veggies
2 cups Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
About 4 tablespoon butter, softened
8 – 6-inch flour tortillas
Serve with your choice of:
Sour cream
Fresh avocado slices
Fresh lime wedges
Salsa fresca
Preheat BBQ. Grill steak to your liking. Remove from grill and cover with foil, for 5-10 minutes. Slice into thin-ish strips.
Meanwhile, plop 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil in skillet over high heat, add sliced peppers and onions. Stir, stir, adjust heat if necessary, to medium-high, and cook until softened, with toasty golden edges, about 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat.
Butter one side of each tortilla. Heat non-stick skillet over med-high heat. With buttered side down, top four tortillas with cheese, onion and peppers, and steak slices. Plop other tortillas on top, buttered side out. Slide one quesadilla into the skillet at a time and sizzle each side about 1-2 minutes, until cheese melts and tortillas are golden toasty. Slice in half, and serve with a Margarita-tinged smile and a quiet Olé!
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by TheLastWonton | Oct 21, 2019 | Asian, Food and Drink, Travel & Stories
One gloriously sunshiney day, the all powerful Balinese Gods manifested some sublimely potent juju, bringing us four dearheart friends together, at a seductive villa, where the Ocean beguiles, Comfort is indulgently handcrafted, and Service makes you smile out loud. Boom shaka laka!
Holy schmoley, us four old chick friends are certainly going for the gusto on our Bali or Bust! trip of a lifetime.
After 17 glorious days and nights at the ridiculously beautiful jungle haven, in rural Ubud, known as Villa Sagitta, we switcheroo-ed. From the jungle to, by the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea.
Our new home-sweet-home-away-from-home, Villa Cocoa Maya is owned by the same couple, so we knew right from the get-go that we could be smugly confident with this particular two villa stay. We were so right!
A few mornings back, filled with curious anticipation, we all piled into Ketut's (Villa Sagitta's driver) vehicle for our last trip with him, to Villa Cocoa Maya.
As we got closer to the villa, anticipation was steadily building, especially once we reached the village/town of Candidasa. Almost there now.
We turned down a quirky, lazy, off-the-beaten-track lane, lined with a few villas, local shops and oodles of tropical vegetation.
Bali does 'intriguing' so well.
Chickens clucked and kafuffled out of the way of our vehicle as we pulled up in front of the gate leading into Villa Cocoa Maya.
Nosy parker necks, bedecked with shiny beads, earthy chains and keepsake lockets were straining to see further, to see beyond the gate.
We spilled out of the van, bypassing lush gardeny grounds, towards the sea……we could hear it….we could see peeks of azure, and then, "Whooeeee, baby!"
We are here! Let the games begin.
We drank it all in, or should I say we chug-a-lugged it all in, from the sea, to the villa, to the sea, to the pool, to the grounds, to the gardens, then to each other. Ha, ha! We all look like the cat that swallowed the canary.
Silly grins, happy eyes, and that rare and deliciously potent rush of blissful goosebumps.
The villa staff greeted us with charming smiles, easy welcome chatter, icy cold facecloths to cool off a bit, and a cold thirst quencher. Aaahhh. Life is good.
We quickly gathered ourselves, with a couple of the gracious staff ladies, to check out Villa Cocoa Maya, and each pick the just-right-for-us bedroom. Our looky-looing skills revved up, in all the right ways. Thoughtful furnishings, distinctive artwork, and timeless Balinese-ness quite enthralled us, here there and everywhere, as we moved about capacious rooms and hallways.
This villa felt so good, in a very different way from Villa Sagitta. Maybe best way to describe it, would be that Villa Cocoa Maya has a new world Bali rhythm to it. Um, maybe kind of like this. Yeahhh, that's it.
While, on the other hand, Villa Sagitta plunked there on the rim of the jungle, right where it belongs, rather exudes the feel of old world Bali. And would sound more like this.
Quicker than you'd think, our bedrooms were chosen, all with lip-smacking oceanviews.
Oh goody, goody.
The floor to ceiling windows in my bedroom, the Ikat room, kept luring me to them, repeatedly, to quietly marvel. "Made you look!" Indeed.
Luggage was thrown open, to quickly pull out just enough things to start to settle into our new quarters. It was an unspoken, yet unified, race to reconvene out by the pool. The ocean, the urge to explore, to discover, beckoned.
Then, for the next couple of hours, the four of us barely spoke.
In those moments, we just kind of all wandered the lush tropical grounds, dipped our toes in the ocean, found different spots to mellow out. Swam, sunned, talked to the birds. It's almost as if we were under some kind of soulful, blissful, spell. Together, separately. Instinctively no one wanted to break that spell. So cool!
When we came out of 'it' and chattered, later that day, we giggled at how this vow of silent appreciation overtook us.
As the afternoon progressed, we had the opportunity to meet beautiful Komang and most of her lovely staff. They all serve up, effortless, delightful energy, attentiveness and care, at every turn.
Staying in a private villa, with hand-chosen staff is totally the best of both worlds. Not only do we get to meet, get to know the locals, but we have the privilege of having them host us, like only they can. Lucky ducks are we.
Villa Cocoa Maya is stunning, comfortable, clean and tidy, offering up a most enviable lifestyle, for however short or long a time. But, I say, wholeheartedly without the kind, friendly, efficient, grace and experience of Komang, Made, Gede, Murni and Ketut, it just wouldn't be the same.
Later, in the afternoon, with freshly made Margaritas, in hand, we all went up, up, up, to Donna's Joglo Suite, which encompassed the entire third floor in all it's glory. The suite itself, and the views, breathtaking.
Aaaah, so many gutsy, spicy, sweet, seductive pleasures, all at once, right here, right now, on this Island of the Gods. Frangipani-scented sunshine, salty ocean breezes, kindred spirits, indulgent seaside mansion, irresistibly pampering staff, the artistry of beauty. Bliss, galore.
That said, I'm getting hungry. Is it dinner time yet? Earlier this afternoon we found Ketut cutting up freshly caught mahi mahi, so it was a given that we all ordered Fish & Chips, for dinner. Who wouldn't?
The lanai table was set, icy cold Bintangs were opened, and hot, deliciously prepared fresh mahi fish and chips were served al fresco. The deliciousness of villa life, in Bali.
Darkness delivered a welcome coolness, to ease us into night time relaxation and easy banter.
Happy, little geckos, chirped and skittered, like only they can. One of my favorite delights of tropical nights.
All of us were ready to head to our bedrooms quite early. It wasn't really because we were tired yet, it was more about slipping into those wonderfully comfy beds, with a good book, and to simply enjoy the soft indulgence of our own villa spaces.
Selamat malam. Sweet dreams.
Good morning!
♫ ♪ Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-A, Wonderful feeling, Wonderful day. ♫ ♪
I wake up early, throw myself together, and head down to go out to the lanai, and the beach. There's a soft morning mist laying over the ocean, and a bit of back and forth as local families start to ready for their fishermen, coming in soon, with the fresh catch of the day.
The funky, local fishing boats, are called jukungs, and at Villa Cocoa Maya, we are lucky enough to see the jukungs come and go, and then laze in the afternoon sun, after a job well done.
We have a front row seat to watch the pageant of Balinese Fishermens' lives, and how it encompasses the whole family.
One of my favorite things, about the flawless daily routine of this piece of Candidasa oceanfront, is how the Grampas watch over the kids. After all, the wives and mamas are busy, busy, scurrying to help bring the jukungs ashore and get the fresh fish up to their homes to do whatever needs to be done, pronto.
Being tucked away, just a stone's throw from Candidasa, here at Villa Cocoa Maya, perfectly parked on this idyllic slice of oceanfront, gifts us with these potent glimpses of Balinese village life, which goes on essentially unchanged. Or so it feels.
Partaking, almost first hand, in snippets of this side, and that, of the rather mythic culture of Bali, is just one of the sweet rewards of staying at Villa Cocoa Maya.
We are so feeling so damn smarty-pants-ish with our Bali accommodation choices! Who wouldn't?
As it's only a 5-10 minute walk into Candidasa, we decided to sauntered our way down the narrow tropical, very local, curiously intriguing, lanes, leading to the shops, sights and delights of town. Fun was had, Balinese made goods were bought, Kodak moments were captured.
Then home again home again, to swim and splash, to laze and graze, in the sultry, luscious, brand of relaxation, generously dished out at our villa. Life is so flippin' good.
Thalassophile
(n.) a lover of the sea, someone who loves the sea, ocean.
Afternoon delight reflections give a whole new meaning to 'Living Room'.
Azure contentment….
As usual, as the four of us unravel the pure satisfaction of yet another afternoon that overflows our souls and our senses with sublime gratitude, it must be time to crack open some icy cold Bintangs.
So we do. And then it's time, once again, to inspect the dinner menu. Ketut makes note of our cravings and sets about concocting in the kitchen. Like only she can. Just for us.
The late afternoon sun has once again pulled out it's beguiling palette, so as to tempt more ooohs and aaahs from us. Works every damn time!
Our contentment is as heavenly as the sunset skies. Now we understand why the doves, around Villa Cocoa Maya, and Villa Sagitta, are always cooing.
We happily munch down our home prepared dinners, al fresco, of course, toasting our blessings and chattering about deliciousness, and what tomorrow might bring.
My Chicken Curry with noodles, instead of rice, is once again, sooooo good. That said, I'm determined to try something different tomorrow night, as everyone's dinners have them smiling deliciously.
And that's about it. Another perfect day in Bali. Or really, I should say another perfect day in and around Villa Cocoa Maya.
I look around the lanai, grounds and villa as I head up to my room, smiling from the inside out at all the irresistible sensory overload I have been privy to today.
I just love snuggling into my very own crazy comfy room and winding down however it feels best, in the moment.
Nighty night. Sweet dreams.
Honey in Bali is called 'madu'.
You know how honey is the very essence of sweet, but so very much more?
Like……warm, earthy, floral, robust, bold, natural, fresh, buttery, delicious.
Let it be said,
Villa Cocoa Maya is madu.
( ♫ ♪ With kisses sweeter than wine ♫ ♪)
Suksma! Komang, Gede, Ketut, Made, Murni.
**Stay tuned for Part 2, Villa Cocoa Maya**
by TheLastWonton | Oct 2, 2019 | Asian, Food and Drink, Travel & Stories
CLEAR CAFE ~ PIZZA BURGERS LIQUOR ~ THREE MONKEYS
Though we were most often tempted to just stay put for lunch and dinner, while staying at Villa Sagitta, when we did hungrily venture into the sensory overload of Ubud, we found some damn fine deliciousness. And so the Bali or Bust! foursome-chick-trip continues….
CLEAR CAFE, UBUD ~
From the moment we eye-spied the hobbit-ish, round front door, and marigold strewn entrance, of Clear Cafe, on a bustling road in Ubud, we were drawn in.
It was impossible not to marvel at the intricately carved door, as we crossed the threshold into the earthy, relaxed, vibe that is Clear Cafe. Softly moving water, gently trickling fountains, lazy koi ponds, the cheerful bright orange of marigolds, vibrant orchids boasting their colours, amidst oodles of green-ness, growing here and there…….whispered sweet nothings to us, instantly calming our senses.
Yes please, we would like a table for four. We eagerly plunk down, looking around, taking it all in. Cool place. Good familiar tunes surround us. Silly smiles of satisfaction spread across our faces, as we eagerly agree, "I'm liking it here, already. Hope the food is good."
We waste no time, at all, checking out the menu. Diversity, yay! The menu states, "We use all natural ingredients from local Balinese farmers." Yay!
The menu also touts, "Our vision is Clear. Provide clean healthy foods in a Clean and Artfully inspired setting and clarity of thought and purity of intention will manifest."
It takes us awhile to choose, going back and forth between, Nachos or Summer Rolls, Goat Cheese Salad or Dragon Bowl, Chili-Lime Tiger Shrimp Burrito or Pesto Fettucine……oh the choices. And then there's the Power Drinks, Frosty Drinks, Tonics & Elixirs, Milk Shakes or Ice Teas. Goodness gracious, and glory be.
We huddle, somewhat quietly, over open menus. Okay, we have finally decided what to have. Jackfruit nachos, Pad Thai, salads and summer rolls are ordered, along with some tall refreshing ice teas of fruity goodness.
My Pad Thai was flavourful with just the right touch of fiery. Sorry I didn't get a good pic of everyone's nachos, but I can tell there was quite a bit of "Mmmm-ing", going on. The ice teas and other fruity, frosty drinks were also refreshing and tasty.
The only thing we somewhat missed, was the option of an icy Bintang or Margarita on the rocks, or something along those lines.
That said, decor, tunes, food and drink, service and unusual little touches, made for a most enjoyable afternoon delight.
As we wandered out of the Cafe, back into the bustle of Ubud, with full tummies and easy chatter, we were collectively smug with the satisfaction of discovering this great little eatery. Maybe you should give it a try, next time you are in Ubud.
Clear Cafe Ubud
PIZZA BURGER LIQUOR, UBUD ~
All four of us chicks had spent the most part of the day, sometimes together, sometimes apart, trekking here, poking in shops, encountering the unexpected, jostling along the crowded streets, lanes and alleyways of Ubud.
Ubud demands a lot of looky-looing, without even trying. There's Kodak moments on every 
street corner, with seemingly misplaced temples scattered amongst Bali-made souvenir shops and beckoning massage spas, monkeys playing in busy traffic and wisened local ladies carrying fully-loaded, woven baskets on their heads. Everyone going somewhere, in a blurry hurry.
On this particular day, as with most days in and around Ubud, the humidity was off the charts, and the sun sizzled the very streets we wandered, so that by the time evening presented itself to us, we were more than ready to meet up at Pizza Burger Liquor, for dinner.
And so it went that we all piled into PBL, hot, thristy, hungry and ready to just chill, as we trundled upstairs to a welcoming, quirky, a bit artsy dining area. Cold Bintangs and a damn good Long Island Ice Tea were ordered before we considered the menu.
Cheers!! Sip, sip, sip. Aaaahhhh……. we shall survive.
A bit more menu deliberation, and then a Trio of Mushrooms pizza, a Pumpkin, Feta and Sweet Garlic pizza, and two Prime Beef Burgers were ordered.
More icy cold bevvies were hand-delivered and eagerly sipped. Purchased goodies of many kinds were pulled from bags, discussed and passed around for bamboo, batik, jewelry and flip flop show and tell. Here's to Ubud. Cheers!
Before long, our well anticipated pizzas and burgers arrived. Ooohing and aaahing ensued.
Piping hot, uncut pizzas were brought to the table, each with a big pair of scissors. Have shears, will cut. Coo-el. Yum!
Then the burger trays arrived. Burger, crunchy onion rings, tender-fried potato wedges, homemade ketchup, assorted fresh lettuce-tomato-mayo-burger-fixings and of course a side of dippity-do, tangy cheese fondue.
But wait! What manner of burger is this?? Completely hidden away in a hot, toasty, lovingly-stamped bun? What? Yessirreebob!
So what's a girl to do with these big scissors, that were delivered along with this scrumptious burger tray, you ask. Cut that baby open!
Ta da! The tasty, juicy, treasure within is revealed, all cheesy and laden with caramelized onions. Ohhh, mama!!
Lynnea and I both dressed our burgers, to the nines with the fixings, from the burger trays, and voila. 
Chewy-crispy crust, plush fresh tomato sauce, tasty, fresh toppings and just the right quotient of melty cheese = Yummy pizzas.
Then there's the buxom beauty cheeseburgers that rocked our burger world.
The perfect ending, to a Let's-Do-Ubud, day. Suksma, PBL! Selamat malam.
It had been decided that a lunch-out day was in order. Of course, of course, we simply, we always, delight in just hanging out at Villa Sagitta and partaking of Yande and team's unbridled Balinese flavours of the best kind, and just letting the jungley surrounds have their way with us.
But, this guy named William Cowper, somewhere around 1785, penned a poem that stated, "Variety is the very spice of life. That gives it all its flavor."
So what are four chicks to do? Shake it up a bit, right?
TripAdvisor was consulted, and consulted again. And then once more. Villa Sagitta 'Guest Information' binder was revisted. Lunch at Three Monkeys. Unanimous.
Before we knew it we were once again piling into Ketut's (Villa Sagitta driver) vehicle to make our way from rural lanes lined with rice paddies to the unbridled hubbub of Ubud.
As has happened at other eateries, as soon as we entered the restaurant, the buzz of busy Ubud streets was forgotten as we were instantly transported to a peaceful, earthy, Balinese-y haven.
Though, towards the back of the restaurant we could sit beside a rice field, we chose a table by the koi pond, with it's avalanche of orchids and seductive green-ness.
Before opening our menus, we had to collectively contemplate the beauty of this space, this place. Lovely.
As we considered the tasty menu options, a Watermelon Juice was delivered to a table beside us, which got our anticipation for what's to come, all dolled up.
What to have? What to have? Enticing choices called out to us, from Roasted Spiced Cashews and Parmesan Truffled Home Fries, to Roasted Pumpkin Ruccola Feta Bruschetta and Zucchini Carrot Fritters, from Crispy Soft Shell Crab Brioche Sliders and Peanut Crusted Prawns, to Basil Tagliatelle and Pappardelle Bebek Betutu….and Pork Belly Hoisin…..Caprese Pizza…..and, and, and…
Enough! Time to choose, "I'm soooo hungry."
Frosty Bintangs and Margaritas on the rocks, were ordered, to go with our pizzas and club sandwich.
The ice in the Margaritas had little chunks of fresh lime frozen right into the cubes. Ting-tang-walla-walla-bing-bang.
Snippets from the menu:
"….While the menu is globally inspired, the setting is pure Bali….."
"….Fresh Food, Fresh Art, Fresh Air On The Edge Of The Rice Fields."
"….languid lunches amidst the frangipani trees…"
"..The cool soundtrack blends nostalgia with sultry jazz."
Next thing we knew, our freshly prepared lunches arrived. Oh goody, goody.
First Lynnea's Clubhouse Sandwich, one of the Daily Specials.
Donna and Deb both had the Verdure Pizza ~ Mozzarella, Grilled Zucchini, Eggplant, Red & Yellow Peppers, Artichoke, Onions and Basil Pesto.
My Prosciutto Crudo Pizza with Mozzarella, Bocconcini, Fresh Cherry Tomatoes and Wild Ruccola, arrived, piping hot. Mmmmm…..
Look, just look at that perfectamundo crust, and that ambrosial mix of fresh toppings. Oh me oh my oh.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their lunches. Finger licking good. And for sure, to date, Three Monkeys serves up my favorite pizza, in Ubud.
Though we didn't really (as you can tell) save room for dessert, we couldn't resist appeasing our sweet teeth, just a smidge. That is how a Lemon Lime Tart with Lemon Basil Curd, and a Sticky Date Cake with Ginger Salted Caramel ended up on our table.
Desserts were good, but not quite of the same yumminess caliber as our pizzas and clubhouse.
We dilly dallied in post-feast chatter for awhile longer, inadvertently giving ourselves more of a chance to soak up these shared Bali moments. For that's what it's all about, right?
A quick trip to the Ladies room, with its funky 'sign' and then about time to be off.
Cheers, my dearheart friends. Suksma, for the memories! ?
SUKSMA, THREE MONKEYS, FOR DELICIOUSNESS AND THE PLEASURE OF LINGERING.
by TheLastWonton | Sep 27, 2019 | Asian, Travel & Stories
COOL DUDES ~ COUNTRY ROADS ~ CHILDLIKE FASCINATION ~
Drum roll please……..
Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, I am tickled to present……
The Villa Sagitta Dream Team ~ from left to right ~
Rai, Katon, Joy, Yande (Villa Manager) and Agus.
Not only do these dudes attend to, and take care of the villa, like only they can, they take care of the guests with irresistible charm and effortless efficiency. Our wants, needs, whims and meals, were looked after promptly, and happily. Most often with a smile, and a song.
These guys, this staff, at Villa Sagitta, almost make me want to say to all other Villas and Staff………I double dog dare you, to do better. Just sayin'….the bar has been set, and it's mighty high.
Suksma, Yande, Agus, Joy, Rai and Katon!! You guys rock!
And then there is Ketut, the 'on-call' driver for Villa Sagitta. The friendly, locally knowledgeable guy, who'll come pretty much at the drop of a hat, when an outing is in order.
Or should I say, when the guide books and pamphlets are spread across the lanai table and maybe-lets-do-this chatter, turns into a plan stan. Yande is notified, Ketut is called.
The next thing you know four happy chickies, with a game plan are eagerly piling into an awaiting vehicle, with Ketut at the wheel, eager to please and appease.
Whether it's just a short jaunt into the buzz of Ubud to shop and gawk, or a little further afar to see batik being made, or a wood carving spot where three generations of the same family are creating beauty to behold, or to that restaurant that you found on TripAdvisor before you even left home, that serves up the best of the best, or, or, or …….
For outings, long or short, for daytripping, when staying at Villa Sagitta, Ketut is your man. And you'll be glad he is.
And so the story goes, of our lovely stay, at what we can only call an enchanted, old world Bali, villa, snuggled into the jungley hillside of the mystical Pakersian Valley UNESCO site.
"Within the cradle of this valley are prehistoric and pre-Majaphahit archaeological sites. It is indeed a spectacular sight. This ravine, located between rice fields, is the home of magnificent stone carved shrines that honor 11th century royalty."
Coolio, right?! 
Ahhh, but…… it is the nearby rice fields, that sidle up to long, palm-fringed, narrow country roads, that pass by the very essence of Balinese rural life, that caught our attention and hugged it tight.
Yande, the villa manager, was kind enough to escort us through this area that has been his home forever and a day. As we sauntered these rural lanes, just up from Villa Sagitta, Yande enlightened us with his delightful show-and-tell commentary.
So what's a girl to do, you ask.
Saunter further. The four of us were completely in sync with each other. We were all quietly giddy, as we marveled at the vibrant purity, of this perspective, of the timelessness of Balinese village life.
"I once read that a walk through a rice field is like a walk through God's garden."
Gracious lady that stopped to talk to us, as we
sauntered by, where she was working in the rice field.
Just a guy, on a bike, out on a road that winds between
rice fields, hauling a dresser.
As we headed back to Villa Sagitta we crossed paths with these
cutie pies, who spoke perfect English, "cuz my Dad is German."
This wee, sweet Gramma, started to giggle when I asked
if I could take her picture, and the rice bag started to
jiggle, and then there were lots of giggles.
A boisterous, rather rowdy, fun, fun, fun, front yard, neighbourhood
volleyball game, at it's finest.
Around almost every corner is a hard working Auntie.
"Rice is the life-blood of Bali. It permeates every aspect of Balinese culture, and has for at least two thousand years. The current system Subak Irrigation has been in use for at least 1000 years.
This system is much more than a simple agriculture tradition, it is a tradition that is simultaneously spiritual and communal; deeply ingrained with Balinese culture.
The very social structure within Bali is infused by this ancient tradition. You could even say that rice is Bali."
Quoted from TheBaliVillages.com
Then as we turn to walk back down the drive-way to the villa, we bid sweet adieu to the quacks of the rice fields.
Beguilingly filled with gratitude, for this wee adventure, and for the 'home' we are headed to, I hum ….
♫ ♪ Country roads, take me home, to the place I belong…..Vil-la Sagitta, jungle mama……take me home.… ♫ ♪
I've said it once, and I'll say it again, no matter how amazing, how fascinatingly fantastic our outings in and around, and even further astray, from Ubud, it always, always feels absolutely heavenly to return 'home' to Villa Sagitta.
Lucky ducks, are we.
In closing, one of my favorite Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes:
"The Earth Laughs in Flowers"
Which of course means, that the earth all around Villa Sagitta is in a constant state of giggles, chuckles, mirth and merriment. No wonder it feels so good to stay here.
ps. The fresh-picked papayas are damn fine, too! Suksma, Agus.
Thanks oodles, for listening, for looking. I'll be back soon with more of our Bali or Bust! chick adventures ~ Villa Sagitta, Part 3 – Daytripping and Dining Out.
And of course, here in Kona, my fave supermarket KTA always has a good supply, and a variety, of fresh ramen noodles, in the produce section. 
