Each country has their own take on what makes them happy. In a sub-set of America, Hawaii, there’s “aloha.” It means “being in the presence of and sharing the essence of life,” according to Go Hawaii.
In Russia there’s “azart,” meaning a “burning urge to lunge at everything life throws your way, to take chances, no matter the consequences. . . . There’s also a hint of suffering involved, the idea that you will suffer for your pleasure.”
The Italians have “dolce far niente,” which translates to “the sweetness of doing nothing.”
When the Swedish people get a little stressed they take a “fika” break, which means they stop and socialize with friends, usually eating comfort food. Read about what other countries do here.
In Bali, one of the ways I seek happiness is to see what folks are building around me. I get on my scooter and drive around.
Last week I came across a brand new French cafe that opened in my neighborhood. I knew I was in luck when I found out that the owner graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, specializing in pastries (and management).
The following (scroll down) is a review of the cafe that I shared on my blog.
I’ve said this before but it’s worth repeating. Bali is unlike every other island in Indonesia, as well as all other Asian countries. For decades expats have been coming and opening all sorts of businesses in Bali, which over time has created a unique blend of local and expat life.
It is one of the main reasons I decided to retire here. The diversity of people creating things that they’ve borrowed from their mother country, and then re-casting it on the “island of the gods,” is such a treat.
In Bali there are many surprises. A local Balinese blesses a road intersection. An expat opens a combination barbershop / felafel stand. A kite falls from the sky, into your backyard.
And now there’s Esperluette, a white on white cafe on a nondescript street, popping into existence like a sweet summer dream. Confidently run by Nina, a graduate of the famed Le Cordon Bleu pastry and management programs in, you guessed it, Paris, France. Our little town of Pererenan can now be known — in addition to being the quiet neighbor of busy Canggu — as a pastry paradise.
Nina and her brother (center) are flanked by their lovely staff
Nina’s dad has had experience in entrepreneurial ventures in Bali, but now it’s Nina’s time to shine. Her courage to fling her cafe’s doors open during a pandemic is a testament to her belief in her abilities (and her family’s unwavering support).
For my first pastry I decided on a something that looked like a coconut snow ball, and it was a glorious choice. With a marshmallow-like texture and a mango jam-like center, dressed with tiny coconut flakes, it was delectable! Sitting on top was a couple of slices of dried coconut so that you can remember you’re not sitting in front of a real snowball 🙂 Under the ball is crunchy pastry dough that pleasantly enhances the creme-like experience.
I decided to come back the next morning for something warm, and chose a classic: French Toast. It proved to be a wise decision, as the bread was hefty with a rich egg and milk (and maybe some cream?) mixture. If there’s one thing I can’t stand is French Toast where the bread barely touches the egg mixture, making the center of the bread dry. Not to worry, Nina has trained her staff well!
The caramelized pineapple toppings with a touch of cinnamon was the perfect addition to make this the best French Toast I have ever had in Bali. And in my top 5 worldwide!
The atmosphere of the cafe is intimate, with outdoor and loft-like spaces buttressed by steel containers. The cool white look doesn’t leave you cold. On the contrary it’s a very relaxing setting.
And more good news: the menu will never become tiresome, as there are weekly pastry specials.
Looks delicious....can’t wait to try it once Bali opens up again. I love the wicker chairs!
How lucky for you that this pastry shop opened nearby!