Rush Bamboo is yet another quality restaurant hidden inside a private villa complex, The Elysian in Seminyak. It is open to the public for all day dining, and worth the effort it takes to locate it. The restaurant and cocktail bar adjoins an attractive swimming pool which is lined with striped bales, for the swimmers to escape the sun, eat or drink. On the terrace above the restaurant and beside the foyer entrance is a glass walled private dining room [air-conditioned], the perfect setting for a private dinner for 6-8 people.
As soon as you have ordered you will be served with a plate of either crackers or bread sticks. They are accompanied by one of those combinations [in this case a blend of pesto and mayonnaise] that are irresistible. Just try stop eating this one, smile nicely and the waiter may bring you another dollop!
Start with Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls, perfect for a hot day. Prawns, cucumber and grated carrot are rolled inside fresh rice paper. Dip them in a chilli and coriander dipping sauce. The Tuna Carpaccio sits on salad leaves topped with crushed pistachios and parsley oil. The Japanese mayonnaise gives it an extra bite. A Flour Tortilla is stuffed with avocado, bell peppers, Swiss cheese, spring onions and a tomato coulis.
A number of things bug me on a regular basis, dining in Bali. The selection of Salt & Pepper available at the table, is one of the foremost. Traditional Pepper and common Table Salt became no-no's years ago. Unless they are on a death wish, no one adds processed salt to food other than in the cooking stages. Freshly ground Pepper Corns are so much superior to packaged Pepper in taste and are much less likely to cause stomach problems. But an even bigger hatred is the hovering waiter brandishing an oversize pepper grinder in your face, and even before you have tasted the food. Here at Rush Bamboo they have got it 100% right, and they are one of a surprising few! Small simple glass grinders are presented, one with black peppercorns the other with rock salt. They sit on the table for you to use as and if you wish. Other restaurateurs please take note and copy!
The Chicken Soup is a little like Thailand's Tom Kar Gai, the chicken pieces being combined with galangal, lemon grass and lime leaves in a coconut milk broth. Also Thai is the Shrimp Salad; split prawns have been tossed with shredded paw-paw and iceberg glass noodles in a chilli and coriander dressing. 'Thai' is probably the most misused word on Bali menus, but at least this one actually tastes Thai.
For the all day 'snacker' there are other salads, a Malay-style Laksa made with Udon noodles, and even some exotic sandwiches. The Tandoori Chicken one is on Romaly bread, the Tuna Steak on Whole-meal and the Minute Steak in a Baguette.
Amongst the noodles and pasta dishes is a little gem, Goat's Cheese Ravioli. Round pasta pockets are stuffed with that tasty cheese and then doused in a wonderful mustard butter sauce. Even the rocket leaves on top are also enhanced by being dunked in this tangy sauce. There is also an Angel Hair Pasta dish with a liberal sprinkling of scallop and salmon chunks that have been cooked in a chilli jam. A bit fiery this one, not for the faint-hearted.
A variety of Grilled mains are available. Amongst the wok dishes there is a Crispy Skin Salmon, just seared to keep in the moisture. It sits on a pile of risotto, whilst a spiced apple salsa and chilli oil are spread along the top of the salmon. A Padang style Beef Rendang, a Chicken Saffroniani Jingga [fancy name for yellow chicken], a Prawn Curry with Sumatran spices, or simple grilled red snapper or yellow fin tuna are also available.
Desserts include a Chocolate Samosa with roasted pistachios, a Caramelized Apple Tart and a Creamy Vanilla Risotto [with sautéed strawberries and a citrus tuile]. Ice Cream for grown-ups includes wasabi, tiramisu and a basil sorbet.
Parents, whether they be local residents or visiting tourists do dine out with young children. At least Rush Bambo offers you a Kid's Menu. Fish Fingers or Crisp Chicken Strips do away with the need for awkward cutlery, let them use their fingers as they prefer. As they can with the Chicken Sate or mini Cheeseburger. Or a healthier Penne dish if you kids are that well trained. They even have Desserts for Kids [Sponge Fingers with chocolate dip and all of their favourite ice cream flavours]. Fruit drinks, smoothies and milk shakes as well. Your kids will want to come here every day.
Whilst the wine list is quite small it is also a well-balanced one, Service is friendly and helpful, even the chef will talk to you about the composition of the dishes from behind his counter in the open kitchen
Latest Visit: Now also have a range of special BBQ Dinners, your choice of Meat, Seafood or Combined.
