Naughty but Nice

For the past fifteen years Naughty Nuri’s Warung Ubud has been luring people with it’s legendary barbecue pork ribs and wicked martinis. Finally Nuri’s has made it to the beach, with the opening of a second restaurant on Jalan Batubelig. It’s easy to find just look for the sidewalk barbecue and a lively crowd.

Eva is our vibrant hostess and tells us that she and husband Bruno would regularly make the drive up to Naughty Nuri’s in Ubud and became good friends with the owners Nuri and Brian. Eventually they asked if they could open a branch down in Seminyak, and the rest, as they say is history. While much of the same menu is in place, Bruno, a French chef has added some ‘Batubelig twists.” However die-hard Nuri’s  fans will be pleased to know that the famous barbecue pork ribs are just the same. As Eva says, “We wouldn’t dare change such an infamous recipe.” The Martinis too are faithful to Nuri’s originals and every bit as lethal.

The laid back atmosphere, breezy terrace and big chunky wooden tables are reminiscent of Ubud, but the Batubelig branch definitely has its own personality. Eva, an interior designer has obviously had a lot of fun  creating a  comfortable space that is rich with quirky details and imbued with irreverent naughtiness. Ornamental pigs turn up on the tables, the bar and the walls, while a flying pig dangles over the entrance. The lamps she created out of aluminum buckets and glass beads were torched – to give them a barbecued look. Fulfilling a secret fantasy to be a graffiti artist she then spray painted her kids names across the base of the bar. The graffiti theme continues in the bathroom which has a blackboard for people to scribble the kind of naughty things that you often find on the back of toilet doors. Another blackboard next to the bar lists famous Martini drinkers; James Bond, Ernest Hemmingway, Billy Wilder, below which is NNW’s Hall of Infamy – if you drink four Martinis and are still able to hold a piece of chalk, you can add your own name.

Behind the bar is a sign ‘Drink Responsibly, We Want You Back (hic).’ Rather apt in view of the self proclaimed “Brutal Martinis,” a glass of straight up, shaken not stirred pure naughtiness with five shots of Absolut, or gin served with an olive or a twist. Margaritas are also popular, but I am quickly seduced by the Naked Shrek a refreshing, dark green grassy looking drink dense with fresh mint, Bacardi, gin and lots of lemon. A generous plate of Nachos accompanies our cocktails, crispy fried tortilla chips and homemade refried beans, laden with tangy salsa, cheese and big juicy jalapenos.

As our Ribs sizzle on the barbecue, we try the French influenced Bebek Goreng. This innovative and tasty dish features Duck confit prepared and baked French style, then fried Bali style, the result is crispy salty skin and flavorful succulent  flesh. The Ribs are huge, tender and meaty, basted in Naughty Nuri’s much loved, highly sought after and slightly sweet secret sauce (staff have to sign a confidentiality agreement.) Other grilled delights include The 200 day grain fed Black Angus Steak, Tuna Steak and Gourmet Sausages. Indonesian dishes and burgers are also offered, and the homemade sambal makes a spicy and delicious addition to everything. We finish with a seriously good Cheesecake that is light, fluffy and gelatin free, drizzled with crunchy passion fruit pulp. Cheeky tee shirts and other items are for sale and gift certificates are available.

I read on the menu that this is a “Funky street side haven especially for the naughty but nice people in Bali.”  You don’t need to be naughty to enjoy Nuri’s but come hungry and don’t forget  to bring your sense of humor. \AB