Ikan Restaurant @ The Westin Resort

    ikan Restauran

                  sweet

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This months search for decadent desserts leads us to  Ikan Restaurant and Bar at the Westin Resort,  an attractive property nestled into the gentle curve of Nusa Dua beach. The restaurant occupies a sprawling  pavilion and we take a seat on the vine covered terrace just meters from the sand. The setting is classic tropical resort, sun loungers  line the beach, the pool seems to go on forever and there are two separate island bars serving up super size cocktails, smoothies, fresh juices and gelati.

The Westin offers a unique ‘Superfoods’ menu  - which incorporates nutritional ‘powerhouse’ foods that are health enhancing and rich in antioxidants. Salmon, green tea, turkey, olive oil, avocado, berries and dark chocolate all fall into this group and we are keen to try the dessert range. The presentation of each dish is superb, and comprised of an ensemble of small offerings garnished simply with fresh fruit. Firstly there is Crème Brulee, a tear shaped ceramic bowl filled with a golden topped brulee flavored with lemongrass and speared with a sweet sesame tuille, another small dish holds segments of pink grapefruit and orange. The combination is lovely. The Ebony and Ivory is a sweet mix of white and dark chocolate mousse, with hints of Grand Marnier and coffee. Valrhona chocolate creates a silky texture and rich taste. On the side is  a mixed berry compote and a slightly spicy fruit biscotto. The Berry Berry  is a baked white chocolate cheesecake with subtle infusions of vanilla, and citrus,  a base of oat cookies - and more of that wonderful  mixed berry compote. The Green Tea Panna Cotta wobbles gently with the sea breeze and is encircled by a tangy mixed fruit compote marinated with lemon and ginger. Coconut ice cream and a sesame tuille provide contrasting textures and flavors.

Other sweet offerings include Sweet Balinese Sensations, a mix of traditional Balinese desserts and cakes served ona ceremonial decorated stand. There is Balinese desserts and cakes served on a ceremonial decorated stand. There is also a range of homemade ice creams with unique Indonesian flavors, such as avocado, soursop, green bean and jackfruit. As well as Supersize Sundaes that are designed to be shared. We finish with a divine Ice Vienna Coffee which is more of a sundae than a drink and is served in a hurricane glass with lashings of ice cream and cream layered over a good  strong espresso. The cream is so firm it looks like meringue and even when I stir everything up my spoon still stands upright.

If you want something savory before you hit the sweet stuff, the menu provides a  range of Indonesian and western foods including seafood, pasta, and Wagyu beef. I highly recommend the Cing Klak Ikan an appetizer for two, with a range of Balinese offerings including spring rolls, prawns, satay, beef and perkedel (corn fritters) with a selection of sauces, served on a wonderful wooden carved Cing Klak (a traditional Indonesian game). A jazz trio plays live from Monday to Saturday. AB

IKAN RESTAURANT @ THE WESTIN RESORT,
Nusa Dua. Phone  +62 361  771 906
Open 11 am – 11 pm. Seat 150
Nusa Dua Map D - 4