It come from anywhere, at any time. You never know that lurking beauties are hidden on the highways and byways of Bali. One of these totally unexpected pleasure is the Mozaic Restaurant. Traveling along Jl. Raya Sanggingan in Ubud, which is well known for its art galleries and the Neka Museum, stands the unpretentious entrance of the Mozaic Restaurant. New York Magazine described Mozaic as the best deal on the planet.
You're greeted by a lovely hostess an escorted down a few feet of stairs and voila, it's transformed into a lush tropical delight.
A young man in chef's attire approaches and introduces himself as Chris Salans, the owner of the restaurant. It's 5:30 P.M Chris wanted me to come a bit early so I could experience the sunset at the water pond area, a Cliffside jungle view piercing through rice fields in magnificent sunset. The area looks like a tree house along with seating nooks and holds about 10 people.
At thirty-one, married with two children, Chris from Washington, DC. His journey took him to cooking school, specializing in design, concepts, food and the kitchen. Opening the Mozaic last August, rather than try to intimate Europe or the U.S. he uses local ingredients for his own recipes.
"I have a full time driver who does nothing but look for ingredients all over Bali. I'm constantly coming up with something new".
The menu is set 6-8 course meal. There's also a chef/s special tasting menu. If four people sit down for dinner, each person gets a completely different dish. About 32 dishes in all, and that's according to what's available at the market. So the chef's special is spontaneous.
The Chef's Special is a great conversation piece. Each dish takes about 15 minutes and every bites is an experience.
As all the dishes are different, it's a challenge not to share and exchange thoughts. None of these dishes are on the menu. What is on the menu is changed by 50% every day according to what's available at the market. The staff has been with Chris wherever he goes and it shows.
To recite this whole menu word for world is mind blowing. These are too many dishes to describe so here's just a few of those mouth-watering gems.
Appetizer: Crispy Seared Veal Sweetbreads Crusted in Fresh Sechuan Peppercorn, Tender Green Asparagus and Caramelized Walnuts in a Garden Citrus Carrot Reduction. Main Course: Fresh Garden Herb Pasta, Baby Koi Snapper, Indian Ocean King Prawns and Baby Squid in Fresh Calm Juice & Garden Herb Emulsion, Roasted Gippland Valley Rack of Lamb in a Black & Green Olive Sauce, Sauteed English Spinach infused with Coconut and Fresh Mint. Dessert: Warm Dark Valrhona Chocolate Fondant, Fresh Ginger Ice Cream, Sour Cherry Chutney & Coulis.
The price range varies from Rp. 50.000 - Rp. 240.000. Dinner starts at 6 p.m, last seating at 10 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Telp/Fax: (62-361) 975768.