Melinda Joe

@rumaribali is a portmanteau of the Indonesian words for house, sun, and moon. Perched high in the hills over Jimbaran, with mesmerizing views of the bay, Rumari lives up to its name. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky glows amber-pink with wisps of lavender, and dinner is served on the open-air terrace.

This is the place @gchef1 has called home for the past four years. It’s a far cry from his native Lyon, but Chef G has a deep understanding of Southeast Asian flavors, after working his way across Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. He employs them to stunning effect in dishes like the organic duck egg with coconut and Kristal caviar; delicate mud crab with green chili, green mango, and torch ginger flower; and a vibrant dish of crayfish, chili, and heirloom tomato. But the umami-rich course of octopus and silky eggplant, dotted with the tiniest urutan pork sausages, is perhaps my favorite dish. The dessert of orange, lemon, kefir lime, and Lintong coffee provides a refreshing end to the meal. Less

Terrific experience at @kermistokyo, where they hit the sweet spot between fine dining and your favorite neighborhood hangout. Everything was delicious, presented on exquisite ceramics with warmth and charm by the wonderful Yuko-san. I especially loved the succulent grilled asparagus with homemade wagyu charcuterie and karasumi aioli.

Great food, wines and people. Will definitely return! Less

It’s been a big year for Team @restaurant_moko_kyoto. Their first Michelin star, followed in quick succession by their first pop-up in Tokyo! As part of the new Secret Kitchen series at @andaztokyo, @alexismoko and co took over the restaurant-within-a-restaurant inside @thetaverntokyo. No shabby digs.

Moko has a winning way with seafood, and I loved the amberjack with charred spring onion dressing and canola flowers, the smoked hotaru ika with white asparagus and parsley sauce. But the runaway star was the meaty scallop, drizzled in an irresistible koji butter with clams and daikon. So good!

The Secret Kitchen is such a fun idea. The next edition will feature pastry queen @joannayuenhk of @oterahk from Jun 14-16 and 20-23. Less

It’s been a big year for Team @restaurant_moko_kyoto. Their first Michelin star, followed in quick succession by their first pop-up in Tokyo! As part of the new Secret Kitchen series at @andaztokyo, @alexismoko and co took over the restaurant-within-a-restaurant inside @thetaverntokyo. No shabby digs.

Moko has a winning way with seafood, and I loved the amberjack with charred spring onion dressing and canola flowers, the smoked hotaru ika with white asparagus and parsley sauce. But the runaway star was the meaty scallop, drizzled in an irresistible koji butter with clams and daikon. So good!

The Secret Kitchen is such a fun idea. The next edition will feature pastry queen @joannayuenhk of @oterahk from Jun 14-16 and 20-23. Less

Opened in early June, @kobayashi_roppongi_tokyo offers a luxe dining experience that pairs creative Chinese cuisine with fine French wines. Chef Kobayashi blends traditional Chinese techniques with Japanese sensibilities to craft exceptional dishes with an international twist - some prepared a la minute behind the counter. This was such a fun dinner! Highlights to follow in an upcoming post. Less

@rumaribali is a portmanteau of the Indonesian words for house, sun, and moon. Perched high in the hills over Jimbaran, with mesmerizing views of the bay, Rumari lives up to its name. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky glows amber-pink with wisps of lavender, and dinner is served on the open-air terrace.

This is the place @gchef1 has called home for the past four years. It’s a far cry from his native Lyon, but Chef G has a deep understanding of Southeast Asian flavors, after working his way across Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. He employs them to stunning effect in dishes like the organic duck egg with coconut and Kristal caviar; delicate mud crab with green chili, green mango, and torch ginger flower; and a vibrant dish of crayfish, chili, and heirloom tomato. But the umami-rich course of octopus and silky eggplant, dotted with the tiniest urutan pork sausages, is perhaps my favorite dish. The dessert of orange, lemon, kefir lime, and Lintong coffee provides a refreshing end to the meal. Less

Terrific experience at @kermistokyo, where they hit the sweet spot between fine dining and your favorite neighborhood hangout. Everything was delicious, presented on exquisite ceramics with warmth and charm by the wonderful Yuko-san. I especially loved the succulent grilled asparagus with homemade wagyu charcuterie and karasumi aioli.

Great food, wines and people. Will definitely return! Less