At my first attempt to find Alam Sari, I even missed the turn off. In the middle of the sleepy little village of Tagallalang, you turn left [west] down a narrow laneway that crosses the river and then winds through the mountains for a couple of kilometres. Out of nowhere there are suddenly small carparks on either side of the now fairly main bitumen road, and a set of steps climbing the rock face behind. Up above is the picturesque and peaceful resort of Alam Sari, and you are in the cool clean hills of Keliki.
The restaurant is a pleasant open space, surrounded by gardens, just before the swimming pool. Furnished more like your own dining room, it is a place to relax! The food is quite simple, very well presented and represents excellent value. It is International in content, but definitely Asian in style.
A traditional Indonesian soup is the Soto Ayam, a chicken and vegetable soup with glass noodles and spices. More modern is the Pumpkin & Rosemary soup and very different is the Tomato Basil soup that is filled with frozen cubes of both papaya and lime.
The Mid-Eastern & Asian Tapas plate is as mixed as it?s title. Humus, Tabouli, Grilled Eggplant and Marinated Peppers in lemon and garlic, Olives, and Tempe Tofu in lime, tarragon and olive oil with home made pita bread.
The Filet Steak Sandwich is served with a pesto and mayonnaise dressing. Other traditional coffee shop snacks include Lumpia [spring rolls], Club Sandwiches and other toasted ones, Beef Burgers and even a Tofu Burger for the Vegetarians. Or a Sate Ayam, Nasi or Mie Goreng that all are above standard.
Green Ginger Chicken consists of tasty strips of chicken that have been stir fried in butter with red & green peppers, onions, fresh ginger, cashew nuts and served with a yellow rice. The Stir Fried Chilli Beef is done with broccoli, red peppers, shallots, garlic and chilli. Both are very pleasant luncheon dishes at this peaceful mountain retreat.
The Kebabs can be ordered with either chunks of beef or tofu. Either way they are combined with pieces of green pepper, eggplant, courgettes and tomato, and come with french fries or a salad.
A Spinach Pasta Provencale is a home made spinach pasta served with a sauce of tomato, onion, red and green peppers, and mushrooms in olive oil.
To finish with a clean palate, how about a Tamarillo & Passionfruit Sorbet? A Pineapple Boat is half a pineapple with ice cream, whilst the Chocolate Fudge Sundae is vanilla ice cream that has been blended with chocolate sauce and topped with whipped cream and crushed nuts.
The wine list is simple, but very well priced. Consisting of a few Australian wines, as well as the usual local ones. The service is what you would expect in such a peaceful setting, only there when you need them.
Well worth the pleasant drive for such a relaxing hour or two!
