Friday, May 4, 2012

Cat Poop Coffee

OK...not cat poop but Luwak Poop Coffee is the gourmet specialty coffee in Bali. It is extremely expensive and we were curious how people could drink it.  We were taken to a Luwak Coffee Plantation by our guide Dino and had a really nice experience and actually tried the coffee...not bad.

We went to IoBAS Plantation and was both the Luwak's (which are like a raccoon, cat, ferret combination.  They eat the coffee beans, poop them out, they are then cleaned and roasted.  Miles got to help roast them (basically stirring them in a wok over an open fire.)  You are then taken to a beautiful outdoor tasting area where you are given a selection of teas and coffees.  You can also roll your own cigarettes.  They give you their tobacco.

The Luwak
The Poop
Roasted Beans
The Beautiful Tasting Room
A Sample of Coffees
To try the Luwak you have to pay extra ($6.00).  It was nice but I prefer a Sumatra to the Luwak and it is MUCH LESS EXPENSIVE.  Great experience though.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Uluwatu, Bali Restaurants

Food in Uluwatu, Bali is incredibly inexpensive (especially noticeable after spending time in New Zealand and Australia.)  We found wonderful warungs (cafes) where you could get a delicious meal for under $4.00.  The best part was we were enjoying the food in Uluwatu!  A beautiful area, great for surfing and feeling like a local Balinese.  Our favorite dishes are listed.

Warung Satria:  A lovely Cafe with the most delicious grilled tuna.  This was served with garlic butter and garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables.  The price for this at the time we visited was $3.50!  The family that owns it soon became our friends because we visited so often.

The Warung Satria Family and us
Warung Salin:  Sitting above the main surf break in Uluwatu, you could enjoy your meal while watching the surfers and enjoying the scene.  Salin's Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Mei Goreng (fried noodles) were judged the best by my family.  A huge plate of rice or noodles fried up with veggy's egg and choice of meat.  Priced around $3,50.  In addition, Salin is a total Bro!
Mei Goreng and Bintang

The view
Surfer's Warung:  Matt is a former Californian and knows how to make fish tacos Baja style.  This was the best Mexican food we found outside of North America on our journey.  Great atmosphere - pool table and surf movies while enjoying the sunsets.






Lilly's Coffee - A darling little shop that makes real espresso's and lattes.    A great morning hang out.  If you want a real treat ask Lillie to make you an Affogato - espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  In addition she gets fresh baguettes and croissants made by a French person!  Just what I needed to get me ready for Paris.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Coffee Cat in Esperance, Australia


In Esperance, Western Australia, we were out for a morning walk and asked where the best coffee could be found.  Three walking women said that Coffee Cat, parked at the Jetty was the best.   They were correct.  The cappuccino was delicious and large .  Finally, strong enough!  In addition, I tried one of their Melting Moments (a popular cookie in Australia and New Zealand….basically 2 buttery shortbread cookies sandwiching butter cream frosting.  What makes a good MM is the ratio of butter to sugar…the more butter the better.  Coffee Cat’s were buttery, yummy goodness. 

If traveling in Esperance, check them out.


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Daintree Ice Cream Company

The Daintree Ice Cream Company has ice cream made from the exotic fruit they grow at their farm.  You get a cup with the 4 flavors that are available that day for $6.00.  The day we were the flavors were: passion fruit, sapote, pineapple and cherimoya.  It was hard to pick my favorite flavor.  I have to say this was some of the best ice cream I ever had.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Jester Cafe









The Jester Cafe was a lovely spot to stop for tea on our way from Nelson.  After feeding the tame eels...we had tea and walked around the beautiful gardens.  They had a nice selection of baked goods and a nice choice of teas in addition to coffee.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Crepes in Nelson, NZ

The price of breakfast aka brekky, in both NZ and OZ is outrageous.  2 eggs, bacon and toast averages $16.  We were looking for brunch one morning and found a creperie, La Gourmandise that had fabulous galettes...savory buckwheat crepes.  For one with eggs, cheese and bacon we paid $8.00.  They were filling, reasonable and delicious.  We returned the next day.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Purangi

Went to the coolest winery in Cooks Beach, NZ.  Purangi Estate Winery.  One of the owners, Danny, does the pouring, the regaling of the history of New Zealand, makes the pizzas and is an all around great guy.  They grown their own organic produce and then make everything from liqueurs, rum, aperetifs, and wines.  Our favorite was the Feijoa Liqueur that he mixed with sparkling water (or with champagne.)  The feijoa is also known as the pineapple guava.

The Tasting

Some of the Selections



Danny making Pizza
After our wonderful tasting we enjoyed their wood oven pizza.  The experience was delicious, entertaining and educational!