Celsius Cafe & Grill

Celsius is the latest in number of well established restaurant chains from Jakarta and/or Surabaya 'testing the water' in Bali by opening a local branch or franchise. Over the past 10 years many such successful Javanese operations have tried to do this but most have failed and have since long departed. The recent arrivals appear to be more successful. Celsius Cafe and Grill is situated on Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai, not far from the statue roundabout at Kuta Graha it adjoins a surf shop and appears to be connected.

The menu is very user friendly for tourists unlike some of the other arrivals who make no such concessions even though setting up in tourist areas, and trying to snare tourists dollars. The menu is mix of traditional Indonesia, a touch of Asian and quite a percentage of very International dishes. Fried Dumplings are Chinese style, stuffed with squid with a mayonnaise dip. Chicken in the Basked is slices of crumbed boneless meat. Interesting platter of mixed Satay and Snacks are perfect for two persons. Thai Papaya salad combines green papaya with long beans, red chilies, dried shrimps with lime juice.

The Chicken Cordon Bleu is not only spelt correctly bit is stuffed with layers of smoked beef and cheddar cheese not the local 'processed' variety. Grill Duck, which includes a leg, is very good, covered with a sweet super spicy Rica-rica sauce and Jukut Urap. Pha Thai, Thailand's noodles dish, is surprisingly good and tasting very original. Instead of normal dried shrimps this is studded with small juicy prawns. It is served 'in a blanket', a wrap of thin egg omelet . It was just a shame that the blanket was cold. Deserts include a steamed sweet cassava with honey, very popular.