Ma Joly is probably one of the most famous places in Bali for sunset romantic getaway. The name itself illustrates the sweetness, derived from the French phrase my pretty, which means "sweetheart".
But it is not only the name that made Ma Joly such a mythical place to celebrate love . The place itself exudes love; part, the atmosphere, and, surprisingly, location. Although this restaurant is located in Kuta, a region synonymous with noise and traffic, the opposite is what you'll find at Ma Joly. I live in Bali for about a decade and have visited many great places to beautiful places, but I'm always surprised that this enchanting place can still be found in Kuta. It's like a lush oasis with a flowing energy of pure love.
I visited Ma Joly to experience a sunset sweet escape, hoping that I could replenish the loving energy that seems to be lacking in me lately. To get there, head towards what people call German Pantai , or the German beach, a stone's throw from the international airport Ngurah Rai. Just before entering the driveway to the beach, take a right turn that will end Sandi Phala Hotel and Ma Joly restaurant.
I entered the entrance Pergola and was immediately greeted by the fresh smell of the sea breeze, with flowing curtains and vines that adorn the aisles. I was stunned by this reception point of view I felt like I had entered a fairyland.
Ma Joly is an open air restaurant with a luxurious yet relaxed setting, allowing you to enjoy fine French cuisine and friendly Balinese weather . The restaurant is separated into three sections: Dining, Pergola and beach area. A good place to start would be at the bar, where you can order conventional or inventive concoctions and comfortably sitting under lush trees while enjoying the mild sun of the afternoon. Sunset is the highlight of the day in Bali, and a place like Ma Joly refines this experience with its subtle atmosphere and happy hour that continues 14 hours up to 19 hours. During my visit, jazz soothing sounds lifted my mood.
With a drink in one hand and the canvas of God before me, this is how we, the people of Bali, enjoy our afternoon.
The dining room at Ma Joly, Bali
Take the architecture of authentic Balinese style semi frame outdoors as inspiration, room decor dining Ma Joly is accented with Balinese paintings Kamasan style, chandeliers, a thatched roof and flowing curtains, creating vibes of a Balinese palace.
The second area, Pergola, is the preferred area for everyone to dinner. It is not private, but once you take a seat and take in the beautiful French-Italian setting with a tropical touch, you will not see the presence of other people sitting next to you.
Not only do they enhance their obsession with romance and a Garden of Eden in their decor, Ma Joly also surprised me with their intricate details on a plate. I was served a shrimp salad, an appetizer that reminded me a happy sailor garden; five settled beautifully bold fresh shrimp with potato, lettuce and zucchini. It is light to start, but the sweet taste of yellow egg yolk sauce added depth to the flavor, perfectly accented with a pinch of caviar and small pieces of dill.
And it seems the inspiration did not stop there. Seafood Garden "continued to be the theme for my main course, and this time the chef sent a sunset on a plate with the roulette salmon, each roll filled with pesto and creamy beet sauce base. Rose was the main color, and if I could illustrate the flavor in one word it would be "sensual".
Salmon Caster Ma Joly | Photo by Tanjung Intan
My time finally ended when a plate of Lava cake was served at my table. I am fond of this particular dish cake, and it was surprisingly nice to know that this cake is not made of chocolate, but green tea. Although it is rare, I am pleased to discover, when I slipped in the wet treatment, he has not lost its richness and flavor was raised with the addition of coffee ice cream and sweets on the side. It is a perfect twist and balance, giving just the right amount of sweetness, acidity and bitterness in a spoon. The dessert was my ultimate love.
As I savored my supper I watched a couple having a romantic candlelight dinner in a private tent on the beach. Their faces shone velvety dusk sky in the background makes the perfect setting for their romantic dinner. I'm sure Ma Joly has witnessed more than a thousand romantic scenes since it opened 11 years ago; it's hard not to fall in love when you are engulfed in such a perfect setting. With the beach, sunset, luxurious and delicious dinner, it's romance is Ma Joly, and love is just another way to share this beauty.