Discover Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran through The Lens of its Design Concept

Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran redefines luxury with its chic and contemporary architectural ideas designated for the guests to discover a new perspective.

Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran, a new luxury resort which is just inaugurated on 9 May 2013, presents unique architectural touches of modern yet understated that adorn all parts of the resort’s interior and exterior design. Standing on an area of 1.5 hectares, the water-themed resort with 118 rooms assures a pleasant holiday experience featuring the signature 1,300 square meters lagoon pool that surrounds the resort’s centre space. Professional architects from Studio TonTon and a leading interior design firm, FBEye, trusted by PT Tiara Raya Bali International as the owning company of Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran, teamed up to work on the project intended to be the resort of choice for many travellers to relax and unwind.

Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran offers a diverse imprint that sets the resort apart from the other luxury accommodations in surrounding by bestowing the concept of chic and contemporary style. Various art installations are also being exhibited to elevate the appeal of this resort, such as colourful photography works 'Liquid Art' by a Germany artist – Markus Reugels, an installation resembles face covered by hands made of drinking straws which is one of the masterpieces of a South Korean artist – Sang Sik Hong, up to the conspicuous paintings by Indonesian artists that also embellish the walls mostly shaded with colours of grey, white, light blue and other natural colours.

As soon as arriving at the main entrance gate of Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran, guests who are familiar with Southern Bali must have realized how close the resort is with the renowned seafood restaurants along Muaya Beach in Jimbaran Bay. Guests will be welcomed with the distinctive industrial colour accents of the resort’s building. The modern wooden decor is also consistent with the architectural theme of the resort, Aqua Marine. Ample parking space able to accommodate approximately 30 vehicles is also available nearby the main drop-off area.

The resort with a total of five floors is also designed as an environmentally friendly hotel, but still ensuring an expedient stay for the guests. Any type of vehicle is not allowed to go up to the lobby area located on the third floor. Therefore, Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran provides guests with buggies that can accommodate up to four persons and luggage. This is aimed to reduce the noise pollution resulting from vehicle engine and air pollution resulting from vehicle exhaust fumes. Open air spaces and LED lights are used throughout the resort premises as an effort to the energy consumption efficiency. The resort also implements one of the green initiatives of Starwood Hotels & Resorts by recycling and effectively using water heaters so the soothing water will not be wasted.

Sights will also be indulged with a variety of discovery by inspired ornaments that complement the decor of the lobby area, also known as The Hub, of Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran. The Hub is a space fashioned not only as a reception area for guests to check-in and check-out, but also as a comforting dwell to gather and hang out with friends or family while sipping a cup of tea, Illy coffee or other concocted drinks specially orchestrated by the indigenous baristas at Latitude 8 bar. A pair of white and black statuette with gold accent that describes the philosophy of Yin and Yang is put on a display in lobby front area that is seemed to welcome the arriving guests with a discovery sense that stimulates curiosity of the resort’s artistry. Cosy sofas and couches with bright colours, a number of flower-shaped wooden fans on the top, and water-ripples walls that accentuate its water theme are deliberately designed by Studio TonTon, the resort’s architect. With an open-air concept that overlooks the circular Aqua Suite Towers and the resort’s signature lagoon pool, guests are invited to breathe fresh air and hear the soothing sounds of sea breezes right from The Hub. This concept is truly heightening the position of Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran as not just an ordinary five-star resort.

Just 20 minutes away from the Bali’s international airport – Ngurah Rai, Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran also offers spacious rooms and suites, Sky penthouses with a private rooftop deck with pool and dedicated dining area, up to four well-appointed villas with a robust touch of Balinese architectural style set on the elevated location with astonishing views overlooking Indian Ocean and Jimbaran Bay. Each room has been designed creatively by a renowned interior design firm, FBEye, and bedecked with a very modern contemporary feel with bright blue colour that represents the resort sited in Bali coastal area. In addition for the guests to sense the distinguishing impression of Indonesia-style, Batik-patterned headboard and bed-side hanging lamps inspired by fishing nets are also adorning the guestrooms. The bathroom is also lavishly furnished with the finest Turkish marbles. Each guestroom also has private balcony where guests can adore the views to lagoon pool – the resort’s main feature. For those who stay in the room on the first floor, guests will have direct access from their own balcony to the salted-water lagoon pool with the enormous size of 1,300 square meters that surrounds the resort.

Featuring the main attractions on the top floor of the resort: Bale Banjar – a unique ballroom with the capacity for up to 150 guests featuring the one-of-a-kind ocean-inspired chandelier with 1,800 handcrafted fish ornaments; and Celebration Pavilion – the one-of-a-kind event space surrounded by water features and overlooks Jimbaran Bay, this all-glass pavilion is an idyllic venue for weddings and other celebrations with the capacity up to 50 guests. Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran is envisioned to be a versatile accommodation where organizers can choreograph memorable events, in Le Méridien style. Beyond romantic is the seamless phrase to describe how impressive it will be for an event to be hosted with the hospitality of the resort’s dedicated creative event team.

Three-storey building located right between the resort’s main building and Aqua Suites Towers is the home to the resort’s dining venues, such as the signature Pan-Asian restaurant – Bamboo Chic, a night club for the-it crowds to see and be seen – Smoqee Lounge, a rooftop bar to enjoy decent Sunset-session lounge music – Smoqee Sky Bar, as well as gelato and Illy coffee bar to refresh – WaLa. Open for public patronage, the building has a back entrance access for the guests to enjoy the local tastes at the seafood restaurants along the Bay.

For more information, please visit www.lemeridienbalijimbaran.com

Indonesia Juarai Jetski AS, Jalur Juara Dunia Kian Lebar

KISAH sukses dua bersaudara menjadi headline berita balap internasional sepanjang  akhir pekan ini. Di Belanda, duo Marc Marquez dan Alex Marquez, sukses menjuarai kancah balap motor MotoGP dan Moto3 di Sirkuit Assen. Di benua lain, Amerika Serikat,  kakak beradik Indonesia  Aero Aswar dan Aqsa Aswar meraup prestasi gemilang di arena balap jetski The US Open of Watercross yang berakhir Minggu (29) petang waktu AS atau Senin (30/6) dini hari WIB.

Event tersebut adalah kompetisi puncak jetski AS dan salah satu serial paling kompetitif di dunia dengan melibatkan para pembalap pro dan tim pabrikan.  Aero yang disokong pabrikan Yamaha di kelas elit Pro Runabout  Open memulai start Moto 1 hari Sabtu (28/6) dengan melakukan holeshot (posisi terdepan selepas start).  Posisi terdepan bisa dipertahankan hingga 4 lap awal Moto1. Memasuki lap ke-5 dari 12 lap jadwal lomba (satu putaran berjarak 12 km), masalah teknis menghampiri pacuan pemuda 19 tahun itu. Supercharge hose-nya kendor. Meski masih bisa diajak kencang, namun akselerasinya sedikit bermasalah. Jareed Moore (Afrika Selatan) yang berpredikat  juara dunia pun mampu mengejar Aero dan kemudian menyalipnya di lap 8. Tapi, dua lap kemudian giliran pacuan mantan rekan satu tim Aero itu yang bermasalah. Aero menyudahi race ini dengan gelar juara, disusul jagoan tuan rumah AS Erminio Iantosca dan Baldwin.

“Cidera otot lutut kini tak terasa sama sekali. Itu hal terpenting yang saya rasakan di Moto1. Biasanya juga begitu, kalau balap maka yang ngilu-ngilu juga hilang semua. Ini menambah kepercayaan diri memasuki dua Moto selanjutnya,” ujar Aero yang mengaku tak terganggu dinginnya angin kota Sparks Marina, Nevada, yang berada di angka 15 derajat celcius.

Benar saja, Aero pun tak tertandingi pada Moto2 keesokan harinya. Ia kembali finish nomor satu. Sayang, sedikit masalah menegangkan terjadi saat persiapan ke Moto3. Bahan bakar di dalam drum ternyata kurang karena lupa ditambahi. Dalam keadaan darurat, BBM lantas disedot dari jetski cadangan tim lain. Padahal, seluruh peserta sudah berancang-ancang di garis start. Karena diburu waktu, bensin yang tersedot pun hanya sekitar dua galon.

“Mau tak mau harus irit bensin selama balapan, syukur masih dapat posisi kedua. Kalau bensin memadai tentu bisa juara lagi,” ujar Aero yang dengan hasil di tiga moto menjadi juara umum diikuti Jareed (runner up Moto2 dan3) serta Iantosca.

Ini kali kedua musim ini Aero menjuarai serial US Nation Tour yang sudah berlangsung tiga seri. Pada seri kedua lalu ia finish di peringkat kelima. Untuk sementara, Aero masih kokoh di puncak klasemen sementara.

Hasil gemilang pun diraih adiknya, Aqsa di kelas Pro Runabout Limited yang level kompetisinya setingkat di bawah kelas yang diikuti Aero. Ia borong semua sesi balapan dengan menjuarai Moto1, 2, dan 3. Luarbiasa!

“Setelan mesin sangat pas. Handling pun nyaman. Saya bertekad teruskan hasil ini pada seri berikutnya,” tandas ABG berusia 17 itu dengan penuh ceria.

Tampil dengan bendera Tim Jetski Indonesia, prestasi kedua atlet muda Indonesia bernomor start 19 dan 17 itu menjadi  berita besar media olahraga AS, khususnya media online yang spesifik olahraga maritime seperti  proridermag.com.

”Amazing!” komentar proridermag.com yang menyiarkan langsung aksi-aksi Aero lewat livestreaming di website-nya.

Fully Aswar, ayah sekaligus pelatih, memuji penampilan Aero dan Aqsa. Persiapan fisik memasuki event ini menurutnya jadi kunci penting keberhasilan putra-putranya. Ia pun menggarisbawahi insiden kekurangan bahan bakar jelang Moto3 sebagai koreksi penting buat seluruh anggota tim.

“Ambil positifnya saja. Semua yang terjadi di sini, insiden tersebut maupun hasil-hasil balapannya, menjadi bekal penting Aero pada World Final mendatang. Itu sasaran puncak di mana tim menargetkan Aero menjadi juara dunia 2014,” ujar Fully sembari memaparkan peluang Aero kini lebih terbuka seiring dengan pengalaman dan tingkat persaingan yang ia lewati.

Pada World Final sebelumnya Aero sudah mencapai 3 Besar dunia. Pesaing beratnya tak lain adalah Jareed Moore yang tahun lalu adalah rekan setim Aero. Musim ini atlet Afsel itu masih jadi rival terdekat di kejuaraan dunia. Pertemuan rutin mereka di ajang US Nation Tour pun jadi semacam arena saling intip dan saling uji skill masing-masing jelang World Final pada Oktober mendatang.

Ramadan @ The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place

The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place welcomes the month of Ramadan this year with special Middle Eastern cuisine festival. A commemoration on the special occasion where The Holy Our’an is revealed and deriving this month as the holiest month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar.

Celebrating the Holy month of Ramadan, Pacific Restaurant & Lounge is hosting a visit from guest chef, Chef Hussam Al Hariri from The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai. Together with our dedicated culinary team, the guest chef will present the lavish Iftar dining experience complete with a large selection of Middle Eastern and local delicacies from 28 June – 21 July at The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place.

Guests can begin their Iftar with an abundant of Tajil selections, a traditional sweet snack to break the fast, followed by a sumptuous selection of Middle Eastern cuisine served in the vibrant-island buffet by Chef Hussam. From the Mezze section, there are Musakaa (Chickpea, Tomato, Eggplant) and Keshkeh (Yoghurt, Wheat, Mint, Nuts) while for the main dishes, the highlight will be Chicken Moutaban (Traditional Chicken Rice), Moroccan Chicken Olives Tagine and Sheik Al-Mahshi (Zucchini, Lamb Pine Nut Filling).

Intricately detailed decor of Arabic cushion and carpets as well as live music performance will enhance the breakfasting experience in Pacific Restaurant & Lounge. The Iftar buffet can be enjoyed with price at Rp 328,000++ per person and Rp 168,000++ per child aged 5 to 12 years old.

Guest can also host their Iftar gatherings at the Grand Ballroom to impress their clients and colleagues. Featuring a variety of Middle Eastern, Indonesian and Asian menu, price starts from at Rp. 338,000++ per person. Besides the Ballroom, guest may enjoy a unique outdoor experience at the garden. The culinary team will cater to all guest requests for Iftar celebration with their family and friends with price starts at Rp. 338,000++ per person.

The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place also has special room rates for Ramadan, starting at Rp 248,000++ including club benefits. Ramadan promotions are valid from 25 July - 3 August. All rates are subject to 21% service charge and governmental tax.

The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place is a place for those who prefer to have the comfort of home while indulging in the legendary personal service and warm hospitality from The Ritz-Carlton Ladies and Gentlemen. Conveniently located next to The Jakarta Stock Exchange, easily accessible from anywhere in the city, the hotel is perched on top of Pacific Mall & Entertainment complex. The hotel features 62 guest rooms which include 20 Superior Grand Club Rooms, 23 Deluxe Grand Club Rooms, 8 Executive Grand Club Rooms, 7 Mayfair Suites, 2 Mayfair Spa Suites, 1 Ritz-Carlton Suite and 1 Presidential Suite. A total of 139 residences are available in 1 bedroom, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms units. The Club Lounge features ample seating and working space, 2 meeting rooms, business center services and complimentary Wireless Internet access. Pacific Restaurant & Lounge offers a buffet selection and ala carte menu with International and Asian cuisines. Four private dining rooms are available for exclusive functions. 8 Lounge an ideal open air lounge to enjoy romantic escape. A 3,800sqm ballroom and 3,800sqm pre function area can cater up to 10,000 people for standing reception or 2,400 people of sit down banquets.

For reservations please call Pacific Restaurant & Lounge at 62 21 2550 1993. For Iftar gathering bookings at the ballroom or the garden, please call at 62 21 2550 1888

Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran Resort

Bringing Contemporary Design and Rich Cultural Experiences to the Island of the Gods

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) debuts the Le Méridien brand with the newly built Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran resort. Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran, combines chic, modern design with a passion for the arts, culture and creative cuisine to offer travellers an enriching escape on Bali, Indonesia’s famed Island of the Gods.

Complementing its idyllic location, Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran juxtaposes rich elements of traditional Jimbaran heritage with sleek contemporary elements, inspiring art, and a relaxed, understated style. The resort features the newly developed Le Méridien Hub experience, which re-interprets the traditional lobby into a social gathering place for creative people to converse, debate and exchange views.

Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran offers four distinct dining venues in a three-story complex, including the signature restaurant Bamboo Chic, featuring Pan-Asian flavours fused with an authentic Balinese palate and made with organic ingredients sourced from the local Bedugul Mountain area; Smoqee Lounge & Sky Bar with hand-crafted cocktails, unparalleled sunset views, and soothing tunes from resident DJs; Latitude 8, offering coffee by day and wines and tapas by night in the hotel’s Hub; and WALA, an casual spot for handcrafted gelato and perfect cups of coffee.

Surrounded by serene and refreshing water features, the hotel’s 118 guest rooms and suites feature modern batik motifs and striking liquid art imagery by German artist Markus Reugels.  Ground floor guest rooms open directly onto a uniquely designed 1,300 square meter organic form saltwater lagoon pool.

Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran provides the perfect backdrop for a range of events, from weddings to corporate functions. Located on the rooftop level, the glass encased Celebration Pavilion and Bale Banjar Ballroom affords panoramic views of Jimbaran Bay and its famous sunsets. A modern conference center provides 600 square meters of multi-purpose space, state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, a business center, and creative event staff.

Other amenities include Serenity, a rejuvenation spa with six ‘Experience’ treatment rooms and a lounge; a well-equipped fitness center with a variety of health programs; and J Kids Club that keeps young guests engaged with an array of activities, discovery programs, and a dedicated outdoor children’s pool.

In addition, hotel guests will be welcomed at Kendra Art Gallery’s exclusive exhibit space, as a partner of Le Méridien brand’s UNLOCK ART™ program.

Located on the southwest coastline of Bali, Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran is set by the pristine white sands of Jimbaran Bay, a secluded, tranquil locale that once housed a small fishing village. The famous Jimbaran Bay transforms itself at night as the world famous beach-side cafes cook up fresh seafood. A short drive from Denpasar International Airport, the hotel is situated near many of the island’s natural and cultural attractions, including the majestic Pura Uluwatu, one of Bali’s most sacred temples.

Visit www.lemeridienbalijimbaran.com

Follow Le Méridien on Instagram: @LeMeridienHotels

Digital Publishing is Revolving

Kehadiran digital publishing tak bisa dibendung lagi. Bila tak ikut, kematian perlahan pasti menjelang.

Digitalisasi merambah ke seluruh aspek kehidupan manusia, termasuk dalam dunia penerbitan. Perlahan tapi pasti, proses digitalisasi media terus berlangsung. Cerita tutupnya majalah konvensional (cetak) bukan hal baru, sementara lahirnya majalah-majalah digital adalah sebuah keniscayaan.

Di AS, seperti dituturkan dalam artikel di Econtentmag.com, yang ditulis oleh Keith Loria, Alliance for Audited Media melaporkan bahwa pada semester pertama 2014 industri media digital menunjukkan sinyal perkembangan yang positif.

Sementara itu, seperti dilansir dari AdAge.com, PricewaterhouseCoopers melalui Global Entertainment and Media Outlook memperkirakan nilai iklan di media digital akan menanjak tahun ini. Besarnya sekitar 22,4 persen atau US$ 3,9 miliar, dan akan mencapai US$ 7,6 miliar pada 2018. Hal ini berbanding terbalik dengan apa yang terjadi di media cetak.

Memang, tidak mudah mengubah kebiasaan dari cetak menjadi digital. Sebuah artikel yang ditulis Atlantic.com mengungkapkan bagaimana Time Inc memiliki masalah, dan perubahan platform menjadi digital juga bukan solusi yang dipandang tepat. Permasalahannya tak hanya mengubah dari kertas menjadi file digital, tapi lebih dari itu.

Mungkin film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty bisa menjadi gambaran betapa move on itu tidak mudah. Dalam film tersebut dituturkan, Walter Mitty adalah pegawai yang memiliki tanggung jawab atas klise film analog yang dikirimkan oleh beberapa fotografer. Permasalahan timbul ketika media itu berubah platform. Selain jasa Walter sudah tidak diperlukan, masih ada beberapa pegawai lain yang akan terkena perampingan. Sebuah perubahan ternyata tidak menguntungkan semua pihak, ada pihak-pihak, yang apa boleh buat, harus dikorbankan.

Celakanya, perubahan ke arah digital bukan berarti semua persoalan menjadi beres. Setidaknya ada sejumlah PR yang lain yang harus dikerjakan untuk mencapai hasil yang diinginkan. Di internal ada masalah kreativitas, di eksternal ada persaingan yang tidak kalah sengitnya. Belum lagi pasar digital yang memang belum matang, ini yang disebut masa transisi dari konvensional ke digital.

Dalam masa transisi, media digital adakalanya mengalami fase stagnan. Dalam hal ini, biasanya beberapa orang dengan data yang sangat minim akan langsung menjatuhkan vonis bahwa di dunia digital pun tidak ada masa depan. Benarkah?

Yang jelas, fakta yang tidak bisa dimungkiri adalah, berbagai macam kecanggihan teknologi dimiliki tablet komputer yang dipakai sebagai media. Untuk memenuhi inovasi di ruang digital yang luas, hadir banyak pilihan untuk membuat artikel menjadi lebih menarik. Salah satunya dengan memasukkan multimedia di dalamnya. Dalam hal ini, contoh paling simpel adalah artikel yang dilengkapi video. Dengan adanya fitur tersebut, pada akhirnya artikel yang dibuat memang bukan tulisan belaka.

MALE Edisi 88

Marcus Rich, kepala publisher majalah terbesar di Kerajaan Inggris, percaya, dengan meningkatkan inovasi, seperti programmatic advertising dan kecerdasan penggunaan software untuk memberi ruang iklan digital secara lebih efisien, kesempatan akan berkembang lebih baik. Untuk memenuhi kebutuhan itu, workflow yang digunakan pun tentunya berbeda dengan budaya media cetak.

Belum berhenti di situ, media digital pun bisa menjadi lebih menarik lagi dengan adanya fitur interaktif. Fitur Tap & Choose, Swipe, dan foto 360 derajat, misalnya, menjadikan artikel yang dihadirkan jauh lebih menarik ketimbang sekadar tulisan. Belum lagi adanya direct link yang bisa ditambahkan untuk membantu promo pihak tertentu.

Beberapa hal tersebut seharusnya bisa menjadi ajang pembuktian kreativitas, baik dari redaksi maupun pemasang iklan. Nah, apalagi jika berbicara mengenai iklan yang ada di area digital, pihak pemasang iklan memiliki keleluasaan menyampaikan pesan dari brand-nya dengan berbagai fitur yang tersedia. Kecanggihan teknologi dalam komputer tablet terhitung memiliki banyak sisi yang lebih menguntungkan ketimbang merugikan.

Well, whether you like it or not, the digital era has arrived.

Sumber: MALE Zone by Witanto Prasetyo, MALE Edisi 88 http://male.detik.com

The Wine Cellar

Wine lounge di Jakarta makin merebak, seiring dengan gaya hidup masyarakat metropolitan yang makin akrab dengan minuman anggur. Salah satu yang baru adalah The Wine Cellar yang berlokasi di  The Residences at  Dharmawangsa,  Jalan Brawijaya Raya No. 26, Dharmawangsa.

Saya dan beberapa teman food blogger, beruntung bisa menjajal beberapa koleksinya, seperti Lanson Ivory Label Demi-Sec, Champagne, France; Bollinger Special Cuvee; Vina Ventisquero Grey Chardonnay, Maipo Valley, Chile; Cape Discovery, Sauvignon Blanc; Purple Angel, Carmenere, Petit Verdot; dan Bellissimo Moscato, NV. 

Dipadukan dengan makanan ringan yang disajikan oleh Chef Vindex Tengker, membuat icip-icip wine di cellar by Dimatique itu menjadi pengalaman yang menyenangkan dalam suasana kemewahan hotel di area Jakarta Selatan itu. (Abe/Photos: Ellyna Tjohnardi)

Mangia, Mangia!

• 100 Favorite Pastas Debut at Bene Italian Kitchen
• New Italian restaurant at Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort  offers 100 types of authentic pasta and 100 wines, each from IDR 100K++

Bene Italian Kitchen at Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort is pleased to present the Top 100 Pastas, a celebration of the beloved Italian culinary staple. Bene’s new menu will feature 100 different pasta dishes – inspired by authentic heritage Italian recipes from just IDR 100K++ and they would go along well with a selection of 100 different wines from Bene’s international cellar.

“Italian pasta is an enduring favorite around the world, and we are delighted to showcase the best of Italy to our guests,” said Rossano Renzelli, Executive Chef of Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort. “Our pasta is fresh and authentic accompanied by 100 percent homemade sauces. Inspired by Italy’s rich culture, we’ve discovered dozens of heritage recipes and have created 100 unique and authentic Italian pasta dishes using a variety of noodle types and the freshest ingredients for sauces. There is truly something for everyone to love on our menu – and something for everyone to discover. Mangia Bene!”

Bene Italian Kitchen, which made its debut when the Sheraton Bali Kuta opened a year ago is rapidly becoming the “go-to” place in Bali for authentic Italian cuisine. Set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean with views of the Kuta Beach skyline, Bene is a contemporary trattoria with a comfortable and inviting ambience. Bene offers dining on three different levels, including al fresco by the pool, or shared family-style on the second level, or a spectacular rooftop terrace with ocean views.

Led by Executive Chef Rossano Renzelli, the menu at Bene is decidedly unpretentious utilizing simple cooking techniques and the freshest ingredients that allows the original flavors to shine. While Italian is the main focus on the menu, many dishes also reflect regional flavors by incorporating fresh local ingredients.

           

Originating from all the regions of Italy, the Top 100 Pastas include traditional items like Rigatoni alla Carbonara and Pennette all'Arrabbiata to more adventurous choices such as Spaghetti alla bottarga vongole e capperi (Spaghetti pasta with clams, capers, bottarga, white wine and olive oil) and Tagliolini ricotta e salmon (Tagliolini pasta cooked with smoked salmon, ricotta cheese, olive oil and parsley).

To accompany such a large variety of delicious and authentic pastas, Bene has enhanced its beverage menu with an international selection – 100 different varieties – of world class wines.  Bene’s wine menu has been hand-selected by Pamor Budi, the proud winner of 2014 “Indonesia Sommelier Competition.”  With such an extensive variety of premium wines, Mr. Budi can recommend the ideal pairing for guests based on their tastes and menu choices.

Bene is open daily for dinner from 5:00 – 10:30p.m. Reservations are recommended, and can be made at (62)(361) 846 5555.

About Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort offers an exclusive retreat with a spacious open-air terrace, outdoor rooftop pool and unrivalled panoramic views of the ocean. Ideally situated in the heart of Kuta’s Beachwalk, the resort offers 203 guest rooms and suites ranging from 46 to 265 square meters, each fitted with the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® Bed, and spacious private balconies with uninterrupted views of either the Indian Ocean or the resort’s signature social courtyard.

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort houses three signature dining destinations – Feast®, an all-day dining venue with a vibrant open-kitchen overlooking the Kuta Beach; Bene, a casual rooftop Italian trattoria with beautiful ocean views setting, where guests can also relish mesmerizing views of the beautiful Bali Strait on the rooftop deck level; and The Lounge, an open-air cocktail lounge with locally-inspired drinks and beautiful Indian Ocean views.

For reservation, please call (62) (361) 8465555 and for more information about Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort, please visit www.sheratonbalikuta.com.

Eric Pellen, The New Executive Chef Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta

Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta is very pleased to announce the appointment of the new executive chef Eric Pellen. Eric has been in the industry for over 20 years and comes to Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta from St. Regis Doha, Qatar. Previously he has worked in various parts of the world including in the US, Middle East and Asia Pacific. He had different stints with many hotels and restaurants around the globe from Hilton Sufren in Paris to the Al Bustan Palace in Muscat where he served 23 head of states.

Originally from Brittanny, France, Eric’s local culinary influence stemmed from time spent in Le Bretagne, a Two Star Michelin Restaurant in Questembert and another Michelin Restaurant Le Manoir De Lan Kerellec in Trébeurden.

Eric is now concentrating in putting his own personality into the menu at the five star luxury hotel in Jakarta. His style of cuisine is unpretentious but elegant with an emphasis on French gastronomy with a bit of New York influence that he embraced during his time honing his crafts in the Big Apple.

Vikram Reddy, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta says, “Eric has done an amazing job since he first joined us as the executive sous chef last year, he revamped the Hotel’s offerings of cuisines with exciting new menus and signature dishes. He enhanced guest experience when visiting The Steak House by putting more attractive dishes with his carefully created one-of-a-kind presentation. He created a new ambience of The Cellar by launching a new style of Wine & Cheese and putting additional Tapas menu in the list which have become guests’ favorite now.”

“He is great with the surrounding and he brings Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta’s culinary team up to the new level of creativity. He truly deserves the recognition and I am very pleased to announce his promotion as our new Executive Chef”, he added.

As the Executive Chef in one of Jakarta’s cosmopolitan culinary scenes Eric will oversee all nine dining outlets in the five star global brand luxury hotel which includes its five key restaurants such as The Steak House, which offers a variety of prime and wagyu beef presentations, all prepared on its signature wood burning grill; Lai Ching, a contemporary dining scene with garden views and an authentic ambiance serving a wide variety of Chinese cuisine and its popular dim sum menu; Seasons Café, serving western, Indonesian, Asian and home style choices including city’s favorite Sunday Brunch and The Deli, offering freshly baked breads – made on the premises, sandwiches, pastries, cakes, pies and chocolates.

Outside the kitchen, Chef Eric enjoys reading, watching movies and he also appreciates a glass of fine French wine.

About Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta

As the world’s leading operator of luxury hotels, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts currently manage 92 properties in 38 countries. Open since 1995, Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta provides a preferred address for both business and leisure travelers, and the highly personalized, anticipatory service that Four Seasons guests expect and value around the world.

Recent awards and honors include 2014 Certificate of Excellence Winner on Trip Advisor and The Winner of Indonesian Sommelier Competition 2013.

Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta

Jalan HR. Rasuna Said, Jakarta 12920

Telephone: (62 21) 252.3456, Fax: (62 21) 252 0287

Facebook: FourSeasonsHotelJakarta

Twitter: @FSJakarta

Instagram: FSJakarta

Pinterest: FSJakarta