Dear Friends,

Greetings from the heart of Tanjung Benoa to all four corners of our magnificent island paradise and to all corners of our beloved mother earth.  As always we hope that this note finds you well healthy, happy and in great spirit.

October was once again filled with lots of great happenings within our little Balinese family restaurant. In fact it was the busiest month ever.  

This time we would like to share with you a real fun exercise, which we organize for several groups.  I am certain within your family or during your next company meeting you look for something real special which stimulates friendship and team building.

BALINESE COOKING COMPETITION AND TREASURE HUNT

This fun events starts in the hotel of your choice, right after breakfast, where I meet participants. First we need to divide your guests into groups of five.  Each group will then need to go through proper body search and leave all valuables behind.   Then they receive a note with instructions, directions (written in Bahasa Bali), and Rp. 50.000.  The first challenge then is to make their way by public transport (taxis are not allowed) to the nearest market and go as per list shopping, and purchase the following items:

Two Live Chicken (Dua Ayam Hidup)
One Live Frog (Satu Katak Hidup)
500 gr Seaweed (Bulung)
Shrimp Paste (Terasi)
Tamarind Paste (Asam)
Washing Detergent (Sabun Cuci)
Cigarette (Rokok)
500 gr Galangal (Kencur)
Matches (Korek)
1 kg Snake Fruit (Salak)

Within 90 minutes our shoppers must make their way back to Bumbu Bali  and to prove their skills as Balinese master chefs.
Each group is given their own work station together with five recipes which they have to prepare within 90 minutes.  Of course the food is Balinese and what makes this skill event even more challenging, is the fact that participants on the end have the honor of actually eat the fruits of their labor.

Judging criteria are as ridged as it can be expected from such an event.  Beside speed, timing, creativity, noise level, entertainment aspect, and humor during their cooking time are the most important factors.
Well enjoy your challenge, and see you back in Bumbu Bali in the not too distant future.
With best personal regards,
Heinz and the happy team.

PS. You will shortly receive more interesting news about our village project, our favorite marine reptiles the turtles, and the start of the filming of the Food of Bali