0 The beach-side temptation of Tanjung Benoa

Put simply, the Paon Beach Club is long-awaited good news for the epicurean crowds who reside on the southern tip of the island, a region stretching from Nusa Dua in the east to Uluwatu in the west. These crowds often have to brave frustrating traffic jams and dare-devil Balinese drivers to reach Seminyak, where most of the island’s top-notch diners are located. Now, they can save themselves all those headaches by stopping-off at the Paon, which conveniently lies in Tanjung Benoa.

Set in the lush and spacious landscape of Taman Bhagawan, the latest creation by one of the island’s most powerful men, Frans Bambang Siswanto, visitors can enjoy heart-warming food while being mesmerized by manicured and carefully designed architectural pieces set around the expansive green lawn facing the beach. Among the pieces are imposing Javanese joglo-style open pavilions with elaborately carved teak columns and ceiling, towering gates constructed with specially made red bricks, a small-scale replica of a Javanese Hindu temple, colonial-style tiles, authentic horse carts nestled amid palm trees and an unhindered view to the deep blue ocean.

All these things are truly a feast for the eyes. Taman Bhagawan is designed to be an alternative meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) facility that can accommodate up to 2,000 people, while the Paon was originally part of that arrangement until it grew into a sort of sovereign entity. It means that a visitor can have a good time at the Paon, as well as savoring the beauty of Taman Bhagawan, without having to book Taman Bhagawan for a wedding reception first. “We want to offer a facility that showcases heritage, cultural diversity and the excellent craftsmanship of our nation.

Every building here has a story to tell, from the Hindu love epic that inspired the Rama-Sita open stage to the specific rituals Javanese master-carvers must undergo before constructing a joglo,” Taman Bhagawan’s director, Astari Siswanto, said. The food and drinks served at the Paon are as stunning as the landscape surrounding it. Paon chef Citra R Putri not only has a beaming, infectious smile but also a rare talent for presenting something obvious but with a surprising twist. The Gazpacho shooter (cold tomato soup with avocado, green pepper and cucumber) may make a diner apprehensive — until it is tried.

It tastes wonderful.
The beach club’s home-style poached clam and fish cakes (served with palm sugar sauce) are more than sufficient to tempt a lady on a diet to succumb to the pleasure. The grilled barbecue pork ribs, arguably the most common among western culinary offerings on the island, are presented with a generous amount of baby green beans, a friendly gesture for a meat-lover who also loves vegetables. Yet, it is the Paon’s innovative drinks, cocktails and dessert list that shines the most and will provide patrons with the best excuse to linger longer.

Its signature drinks include the Strawberry Honey Fiesta, Kiwi Mint Soda, Pineapple Burb, Chocolate Factory, Oompa Loompa (rum, coke, almond syrup and vanilla ice cream) and Tipsy Brownies (chunks of brownies soaked in Kahlua, topped with fresh strawberries and cream). Their funny names clearly reflect Astari’s vision to turn the Paon into a laid-back establishment where visitors can come with nothing other than be in need of good food and a good time. “We also want to present the Paon as a place for families, where children can play, swim and learn new things while their parents enjoy a leisurely meal,” Astari said, adding that their weekly Sunday market event was designed to advance that concept.

source : bali daily