Azul Beach Club – December 1, 2016

The combination of relaxed vibes, live music, tasty food and Tiki cocktails is already proving a hit for the newly opened Azul Beach Club.
Overlooking the sands of Padma Beach in Legian, the sprawling bamboo tree house structure has a number of areas to eat, drink and be merry across its three floors. At the very top – the crow’s nest as it were – a private dining room provides a commanding VIP style spot for large groups and functions. The mid-level breezy bar area is the epitome of tropical cool, with it’s balcony seating bays, eye-catching bar motifs and comfy furnishings. For daytime hangs, head out the back to grab a lounger and soak up the sun around the sizeable infinity pool. Down on the ground floor sits the crowning jewel – Azul’s casually chic restaurant, which is open all day from 6.30am for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Shaped by renowned Indonesian chef Arief Wicaksono, the menu at Azul feature a concise mix of international style dishes with the occasional local touch. The crowd-pleasing fare perfectly fits the chilled vibe, and is complimented by Azul’s unique Tiki-inspired cocktail list, which is built around that most tropical of spirits: rum. Not just any old rum either – most of the creations on Azul’s drinks menu use up-and-coming Bali-based distillery Nusa Caña. Bringing back the forgotten story of Indonesian rum, Nusa Caña is a premium spirit blended for today’s tastes, and is the cornerstone of Azul’s Tiki cocktails.
Unsure as to where to start on my first visit to Azul, I ask one of the friendly bar staff to whip up whatever is the favourite, which turns out to be the deliciously refreshing Mai Tai 2.0 (100k++). Each drink comes in its own unique Tiki glass – designed to compliment the sipping experience, and so clutching my huge blue Polynesian-style head I mosey downstairs to get cracking with something to eat.
From the starters list I go for the Snapper Ceviche (95k++). Although the dish has South American roots, here Arief adds a local touch in the form of the lemongrass and lime granité with coconut foam. For my main I check out the mouthwatering Azul Beef Sliders (140k++), which are served with aged cheddar, salsa verde and aioli tucked inside black bamboo flour buns. Served with a side of fries, the portion includes four sliders, meaning they are also perfect for sharing. An Island Nectar (100k++) takes care of the next Tiki, before I move on to a helping of the Caramella Chocolate Brownies (85k++) with dark chocolate ice cream and white meringue for the sweet course.
Impressive in every respect, it’s easy to see why there’s such a buzz around town for Azul Beach Club.
Dan Ashcroft
Azul Beach Club
Jl. Padma No. 2
765 759 | www.azulbali.com