November 2012.
Bali.

Still about Bali, I am going to share a wonderful experience at a small little cafe in the Jimbaran area. The place was cute, kinda classy with big window glasses. You can easily notice the place if you pass the Jimbaran street (I usually pass the road on my way to Uluwatu or Ungasan). And of course, it took my attention. So, after visiting Uluwatu for beautiful beach moments, we decided to visit the place on our way back to Kuta. The name is Chocolate Cafe (in the Jimbaran Corner).

We went inside and apparently, there were several dining area. The best area is the one by the window, where you can sit back and relax, enjoying the street view through the clear window.

This place is not just a cafe for desserts, but it offers main courses as well. The menu books listed a lot of appetising menu. But at the time, we had our lunch already, and we just needed a sweet closure.  What could be a better closure? Cakes! The cakes in the display fridge looked absolutely gorgeous, like seriously. And what’s better, the prices of the cakes in the display fridge were pretty affordable with the average price of IDR 20 k – IDR 30 k. Please note that prices might change as time goes by.

Service-wise, I had a feeling that the waitresses were quite pushy. When we sat back after ordering, the waitress came to us and brought us the menu book. I said politely that we just had our lunch somewhere else, and would just love to have cakes. The waitress left us, and came back again to ask us for our drinks. I explained again briefly, and she left with flat expression. But I guess, maybe it’s just her job to offer us what they have. But maybe putting a smile on her face when meeting/serving patrons might make everything better. Just maybe. 🙂

# Classic Napoleon (IDR 26 k)

This one was really lovely! Especially with the beautiful (yet simple) plating and arrangement. We ordered the cakes directly at the display fridge corner, and we didn’t expect that they were going to give a pretty touch with the plating. Taste-wise, the Classic Napoleon was really good. The crispy layers of pastries and vanilla milky flavour were just perfect for each other. In between the layers, there was fluffy and soft cream. There was a good combination between the savoury pastries and the sweet fluffy cream. I could even taste the flavourful raspberry. When I ate this, I could even think of one tagline: One (messy) spoonful-cut and you’re hooked. <3

# Passion Bavaroise (IDR 25 k)

As beautiful as the Classic Napoleon, this cake was seriously good. The exotic tropical taste of passion fruits did an amazing job in tickling my taste bud. There were a strong taste of sourness and freshness from the passion fruits and a sweet chilling sensation from the cream. As another plus point, the soft spongy texture at the bottom and the chilled creamy mousse-like texture were in contrast, and with that, it added a great kick to a whole new level. 10 for the look, 10 for the heavenly taste (in consideration for the price too).

With those two sweet closures, I just fell in love instantly with Chocolate Cafe. The ambiance of the place, though not extraordinary, is great enough to build a good and relaxed mood, as if time passes slower here. The cakes were just appetizing, in terms of look and taste. I would love to have a try of every cake and pastry there, but if I do that, my cholesterol and fat will jump at me I might as well have a heart-attack. 😛

In terms of service, there are room for improvement. I also think that as a cafe that specializes in patisserie, they should always provide plain water for the patrons. Cakes are usually sweet, thus providing water is the least they can do. That’s just my personal suggestion, in hope that it will make them thrive to a better state.

But seriously, foodventurers, if you go to Bali and happen to pass this cafe, visit this place for cakes. (if only you have a sweet tooth) 🙂

CHOCOLATE CAFE | BALI
Jimbaran Corner Shopping Centre
Jalan Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Bali 80361, Indonesia