Joannes Rhino's Blog, page 14

Courtesy of Tamarind Hill Restaurant Singapore

Time to entice yourself with Thai Food
It’s always energizing going to visit a newly build restaurant, and I remained eager to do that. I am a great admirer of Thai food and never leave a chance to indulge myself in tasting it. Having seen Tamarind Hill in its development stage I was anxious to make my first excursion.
Landing there, you’d think you’d some way or another crossed the fringe without figuring it out! This spot is outwardly shocking. Besides being concealed tough in the gorgeous greenery that is Labrador Park, Tamarind Hill is set in a delightfully composed provincial house on a ‘small scale slope’ which neglects the ocean. It’s the sort of spot you’d envision an Ambassador’s ball occurring in the mid-1900s, gracious sweetheart!
Tamarind Hill serves ‘delicate feasting Thai’. I wouldn’t fret saying that my typical longings for Thai lead me to my magnificent nearby vendor and delicate feasting. Well, I am charmed to say that what started to be served was out wonderful.
Beginning with the Tamarind platter – Mahoi, Calamari tidied with kaffir lime ocean salt, Prawn cake, and Salmon Tataki – this was a super start to the dinner. While every one of the four servings was great; I need to give extraordinary applause to the Prawn Cakes and Salmon Tataki. The Prawn Cakes were simply ravishing! Delicately mixed – appetizing onion-capsicum-prawn filling and a fresh outside, they were so high they didn’t require any plunging sauce. As for the Salmon Tataki, this was a percentage of the super highlights of the feast.
Besides being delightful, crisp bits of fish and expertly singed, the dressing they utilize is beyond words! I had a little speculate the fixings however simply think lime, garlic, bean stew, coriander and sweet stew. I need a jug of this at home! To improve it, even the fish adaptation was served on a bed of julienned radish, which doused up all the sauce give it the kind of surface of a Som Tam. Excellent!
The following dish was a Scallop Tempura in PhanaengCurry. Another diamond! Overlooking the way that I cherish PhanaengCurry, most importantly other Thai curries, this surface and taste blend was heavenly. Delicate Scallops in a somewhat firm Tempura are splashing up the thick red, rich nectar.Grilled wagyu sirloin and foie grass finished with a green curry lessening. Pardon me while I wipe the dribble far from my mouth. This dish was crazy!
Succulent and consummately cooked medium-uncommon lumps of Wagyu; a fat, somewhat salted foie grass chunk, and green curry sauce to make any Thai Chef blush. This was the piece de resistance. It took my breath away! On the off chance that you go to Tamarind Hill, which you ought to: Order it!
Hand on heart; this developed lunch at Tamarind Hill was one of the best eating encounters I have had here in Singapore. The fixings are crisp and the dishes consummately executed. Also the delightful setting and astounding administration, Tamarind Hill has instantly bounced to the highest priority on my rundown of must-attempt eateries.
For Thai food lovers, I can say ” It’s Pure Bliss, you won’t resist the feel to have more and more”. I loved each and every dish I had, and I still crave more to the taste. I will soon make another trip to fulfill the cravings of my taste buds.
www.tamarindrestaurants.com/tamarind-hill-singapore.html www.sethlestath.com

Courtesy of Eco Energi Lestari

Eco Energi Lestari is one of the companies that deals with solar systems in Bali. However, before we dive more into this company, I believe it is best that we first understand what a solar system is. The easiest way to define solar system is that it is a mechanism of harvesting energy from the sun. In essence, solar systems allow us to harvest solar energy. Solar power is like any other form of power and it can allow us to do things that normal electricity would, and has a number of advantages which is probably why it is getting popular these days. The biggest advantage of solar systems is the fact that they provide reliable energy, because the sun is always there and absolutely reliable, regardless of the part of the world we live in. The other big advantage is that it is cost effective. Solar system saves tons of money. Once you have procured your system, you are assured of energy for a very long time. The best thing about this system is that it gives energy independence. We do not have to rely on energy companies, such as PLN,to supply electricity. Once you have the system installed, the energy will be all yours and no other person can monopolize it.

Truth be told, the advantages of a solar system cannot be depleted, which is probably why the Bali provincial government resolved that the province’s target for the next five years would be to use renewable energy. By renewable energy means a number of energy sources, one of which is solar energy. The government saw the many uses of solar energy in today’s economy and thought that it would be an added bonus for its people to take advantage of this rich energy source. In October 2015, the Bali governor stated that all construction and development in Bali would be based on sustainable and renewable energy. From the time this announcement was made, Bali became an ideal market for solar energy, and investors knew that it was fertile ground for start-up companies that supplied solar systems. From the announcement, Bali has seen an increase in the number of solar system companies operated from outside of the island. However, though the market for solar systems in Bali is present, not many locals are daring enough to take on this venture, which is what makes Eco Energi Lestari much more special than all the other companies controlled by foreigners.

Founded in February 2016 and with just a few competitors on the island, it is clear that Eco Energi Lestari is one of the first companies to bring solar systems to Bali. The main idea behind this company is to save the earth and at the same time saving money, which is not a common thing to see in today’s world. From the government’s October announcement, many people saw this as an opportunity to make money off the Balinese, which was not what the government intended. However, Eco Energi Lestari saw it as an opportunity to save the earth and preserve the beauty of the island. The company supplies and installs the latest solar technology for the companies and properties in Bali and the neighboring islands, and across Indonesia. They supply items like pool pumps and solar inverter air conditioners that are top notch quality and absolutely efficient. As the company’s mission is to save both money and the earth at the same time,their products and services are affordable and suitable for the people of Bali. Being a local company, Eco Energi Lestari truly does know how to reduce the electricity bills and organize it with the biggest energy company in Indonesia, PLN.

It is often hard to talk about a company without talking about the brain behind the concept. The company was founded by a local Javanese woman and had what many refer to as a brilliant concept. It takes a very special woman to enter into a business with tough competition and with people who have tons of expertise in that particular field. Though she did not have such expertise, she had the passion and the vision to make this company what it is today. Her vision is simply to make Bali survive for many generations to come and keep the money to support the locals for other projects. As a single mother, Eerma Lestari as the founder of Eco Energi Lestari wanted to make the earth safe for her children by conserving the land that she lives on. One of the challenges she faced in running this company is the narrow-minded impression from people that often women are not taken as seriously in business, and it gets even worse when you are venturing into a business that is filled with experts. Without hard work and resolve, it would definitely have been hard for this local Javanese woman to succeed in the solar system world.

Jalan Veteran Gg. Jempinis 17 Mengwi, Badung, Bali 80351

+62 896 0257 8818

www.ecoenergi-lestari.comwww.sethlestath.com

Courtesy of The Leaf Jimbaran - Improve Your Health During Holiday with Healthy Drinking Selection

Drink is one of the most crucial aspects during traveling that we should take seriously. Ongoing research states that 80% of travel-related illnesses are caused by unhealthy drinking water. It is our job to ensure whether or not the drinks around us is safe to consume.
The fact that the water systems in many countries do not purify water adequately to ensure it is safe to drink, most of the travelers go to the safest choice by consuming soft drinks or sodas. While soda is calorie-free, but it actually will put them at high risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Now, who wants to experience such diseases during holiday?
 Here are some healthy drinking beverages that will safe you from diseases and at the same time improve your health while you are on vacation.
1.    Green Tea
This beverage contains a rich concentration that may protect cells from the inhibit tumor growth by helping to neutralize free radicals in the body, and at the same time guard against heart disease by relaxing blood vessels. Most of 5-star hotels/villas serve Green Tea during breakfast and/or provide it in the guest room.
2.    Soy Milk
Soy milk contains some ingredients which lowers cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Not all 5-star hotels/villas in Bali prepare this healthy drinking selection for guest, but they normally store Soy Milk in the kitchen.
3.    Hot Chocolate
Consuming chocolate regularly helps to improve one’s mood and protect against heart disease. This is not a fancy healthy drink, and therefore you can find it everywhere.
4.    Orange Juice
Orange is an excellent source of vitamin C, and it will boost up the immunity of your body. Drinking Orange juice every day will protect against a variety of diseases including cataracts and lung cancer. You can find this type of healthy drink even in the small stalls.
5.    Sparkling water with a splash of juice
You can serve Sparkling Juices on your own. All you need to prepare is sparkling water and just an ounce of juice. For additional flavor, add sliced citrus or fresh herbs like mint.
6.    Fresh Ginger Beer Recipe
For those who consume beer regularly, Ginger Beer is an alternative you may want to consider. It is a mixture of sparkling water, lime juice and fresh ginger. So Ginger Beer is definitely not an alcoholic beer. Ginger has been used for years to fight against stomach aches and morning sickness, one of the reasons why you need to drink this after last night’s hangover.
There are so many other healthy drinks available in hotels/villas, and you may want to ask the staff about the type of healthy drinking choices they store in the kitchen. Just remember, what you drink makes more difference than you think!
www.sethlestath.com

Courtesy of The Leaf Jimbaran - Create a Memorable and Distinguished Epicure Experience

Every once in a while you need a vacation to relax and see what else this lovely island has to offer. What you see every day is not enough, knowing Bali has a lot on the table. The trick is to choose a destination based on what you love the most. Whether it is a day spa treatment in Ubud, crazy shopping in Denpasar,or beaches hopping in the south of the island, what matters is where you choose to enjoy your holiday. From invigorating excitement to soothing relaxation, you can experience the magical events in this island. Having such facts, this week, let me take you to an awesome Jimbaran experience with its newest culinary journey.

Situated idyllically within an easy reach from the legendary white sandy beach of Jimbaran, Sattvic Restaurant is located on the second floor of The Leaf Jimbaran. This fine dining establishment serves the healthiest food in Jimbaran area. Proudly present the famous television celebrity in the USA, Chef Daniel Green – as the brain who delivers the healthy recipes, Sattvic Restaurant will shape your experience with local food which is market-inspired, intensely seasonal and engineered, to supply your body and mind all the healthy ingredients.

The Leaf Jimbaran’s dining menu brings beauty and harmony to your taste buds; not at the expense of your metabolism, but to its favor. The concept and philosophy of the menu are supplying primal, powerful, nourishing, healthy food that made succulent. There is no greasy excess on the menu either; it’s clean and fresh, which makes the small touches of opulence all the more indulgent. Paleo regime is restraint and simplicity at its best – your attention is allowed to linger on the freshness and sweet flesh of the meat, the perfume of the lemon and the vegetal balance of the greens. The next thing you know is the silence, as forks go to the food and food goes into mouths, as well as suddenly you start nodding and chirping, staring at the cooks who suddenly might as well be magicians.

With such impeccable attention to detail lavished on everything, from the outstanding menus, to the flawless service, immaculate linens and perfectly polished tableware, Sattvic Restaurant will be Jimbaran’s most talked about, and at the same time be your perfect Jimbaran experience.
www.theleafjimbaran.comwww.sethlestath.com

Courtesy of The Leaf Jimbaran - Indulge Yourself to a Perfect Bali Escape

Going on a holiday is the best way to recharge yourself from a routine life. It is advisable to treat yourself while traveling. Instead of stressing about what to do during your vacation, these are some tips and tricks to make your Bali escape worth spending.

Relax
Take plenty of time to do and think nothing. It’s a holiday! You are not supposed to think anything else besides how to live the moment.
No Complaining
Positive energy means positive attitude and positive thinking. If somehow you are facing bad experience, just look at the bright side. Your Bali escape is too short to spend with complain!
Be Spontaneous
Stop pushing your brain by making plans during your Bali escape! Just go where the day takes you. 
Try New Things
Avoid yourself to do routine activities of your daily life. Try new foods, explore new places, meet new people, and do some awesome activities you haven’t done yet. Just take a leap and discover new experiences.
Massage
What a holiday means without pampering yourself into a spa day. Since you are in Bali, take a 2-hour Balinese massage treatment. It will be worth to rejuvenate and recharge your body.
Unplug
This could be the most important thing that people should do when they are on holiday. We do realize how much technology has taken over our lives. And the sad fact is, we keep ourselves busy even when we not in the office. People got distracted all the times with the phone ringing, checking emails, updating status at social media, or browsing the internet. You can do all those at night. Just enjoy everything around you during the day and take all other worries out of your head.
www.sethlestath.com

Courtesy of Bali Go Live

Bali Tourism Office, through Bali Tourism Board (BTB), has officially selected Bali Go Live as Bali's official video channel to promote Bali using YouTube channel and social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Thumblr, Linkedin, and many others. The signing agreement between Bali Go Live and BTB will take place in Denpasar on April 26, 2016. Through this signing agreement, Bali Tourism Board will officially appoint Bali Go Live as the official organizer for Bali tourism video channel on YouTube.
In this partnership, Bali Go Live will be a video provider on YouTube in promoting the Bali tourism and the neighboring islands. Bali Go Live has created so many interesting videos about tourism in Bali. Millions of tourists who are about to take a holiday in Bali will get complete information by watching the videos uploaded by Bali Go Live on YouTube.
 “Do you have plans to visit Bali? All the best destinations, the must-visit events, the most delicious dishes, the hotel and the diversity of culture awaits you! All you need to know about Bali, the island of gods, will be presented every week in the form of a short informative video!”
 What sort of channel is Bali Go Live? According to Bali Go Live’s Content Manager, Ryna Sukma Dewi, Bali Go Live channel contains video of everything you need to know about Bali. “Bali Go Live is a video channel discussing anything about Bali. Our mission is to be a digital Bali’s encyclopedia and to become a place where the business people can reach their target consumers, and to bring Bali as the best tourist destination in the World. Currently, we had produced videos about culture, events, destinations and Balinese lifestyle, and will continue to develop in order to stay ourselves ahead, one of the samples is using the virtual 360 reality technology video that will be released soon,” told her while shooting a virtual 360 reality video in Kuta Beach. For more information about Bali Go Live, you can visit http://baligolive.com
 In the meantime, AVB Media Asia, who supervises Bali Go Live, with their Managing Director, Herry Arianto, said that Bali Go Live is here not only to promote Bali. We also encourage young people in Bali to be more proud of the Balinese’s philosophy and culture. “We have high-quality videos which explain the daily life of Balinese culture, so that the youngsters can share the videos to their friends outside Bali through social media,” he said.
 Herry pointed out when Bali Go Live created a video of Canang sari and its philosophy by presenting a fun and yet informative style. What is Canang and its function has always been a question mark for those who visit Bali. Based on his testimony, that video has been viewed and shared thousands of times and still counting up to this day.
 To find out what else that Bali Go Live offers, you can enjoy the videos and subscribe at http://youtube.com/baligolive
 Bali Go Live will participate in the ASITA event - Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) on June 22nd to 26th. In this event, Bali Go Live will have a booth to promote Bali via the latest technology video presentation, namely Virtual 360-degree reality video.
www.sethlestath.com

Courtesy of Jazz Market by The Sea

A three-day cultural festival set in a beautiful garden by the see, Jazz Market by The Sea which is typically celebrated in conjunction with Indonesia’s Independence weekend, will take place from Friday, 19th - Sunday, 21st August at Taman Bhagawan, Tanjung Benoa, Bali. With performances, markets, and festivities running from 2-11PM over the three days, this event emphasizes on creative collaboration and improvisation of traditional Indonesian and Jazz music.

This year’s Jazz Market will be infused by fashionable heritage element, with its Clothing The Nation theme. As clothes and textiles are inherently rooted in Indonesian archipelago, Jazz Market by the Sea hopes to express elements in culture crafting and fabricating the nation’s identity. The event will showcase some Indonesian textiles, clothing, and how customs have evolved. It combines traditional and modern style, through fashion show for young designer labels, class for Batik making, weaving, embroidery, jewelry making as well as educational textiles & fashion related workshops.

Proud to be Indonesian, Jazz Market aims to promote growing Indonesian talents by capturing the free spirit of Jazz and spontaneity. Famous for its unique and legendary performers, artists such as
White Shoes & The Couple Company, KLA Project, and Lisa Soul, as well as local favorites with the likes of The Blessing Child, Rockabally Mob, Fendy Trio, Sound of Mine, 4units, Sunday Jam, Erik Sondhy, Gypsy Jazz are just a few talents named that will grace the stage.

The Market concept is inspired by the traditional ‘pasar seni’ in Bali, where the local community comes together in a colourful market environment, full of hustle and bustle and bargain opportunities. More than 80 carefully curated market stalls, featuring stroll-around traditional cuisine, refreshing beverages, handicrafts, amusements and plenty of engaging activities for children, including arts and crafts, kite making and many more. It is in this hustle and bustle where there is insight into real culture and the like-minded gather.

Be sure to be part of this community based annual cultural event, where chill out and jazzy music blend with a market feel environment.
www.jazz-market.comwww.sethlestath.com

Courtesy of Tamarind Kitchen and Lounge at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel

Time for a treat to your taste buds
I love traveling and while on a vacation, I always admire good food. I remain open to taste new, regional dishes and always give treat to my taste buds. With all encompassing perspectives of the Lombok Straits and the Indian Ocean, Tamarind Kitchen & Lounge at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa is grasping the way of life and relishing the flavors in my trip to imitate the wealth of nature, society, and charitable otherworldly existence and quiet that makes Bali such an enchanted destination.
The Tamarind Kitchen and Lounge experience permits you to appreciate a world class stretch of white sandy shoreline in a rich setting outlined in impeccable concordance with nature. It additionally offers a delightful mix of culinary joys and well being cognizance to guarantee the prosperity of their recognized visitors.
 The place has a provincial vibe and you will get an impression that you are about to eat in a tent-like shelter, to some degree exceptionally "back-to-nature-ish". Go to sit upstairs to enjoy the ocean view while having dinner. Going through the menu, you will find out that there is something for everyone, from light crisp and heavenly plates of mixed greens to new grilled fish and delectable side dishes.
 I decided to start my dinner with Tamarind Avocado Salad. When it arrived I hardly resist myself to eat it. It consisted of a mix of Mescalin, tomatoes, carrots, fennel, baby raddish, spring onions, black olives, yogurt and sesame dressing. It is the best thing to start your meal with. After this, I was eager to taste Tuna Millefeuille and Tamarind Special Fired Rice. As the dishes arrived, the aroma just made me even hungrier. Their Tuna Millefeuille was full of asparagus, tomatoes, brie cheese, green beans, BB jus, Ice plant and Broccoli, whereas Tamarind Special Fired Rice had a taste of Indonesian flavors with mix vegetables, chicken and lamb satay.
 After eating those two heavy dishes in my main course, I just had a little room left for the dessert, which I didn’t want to miss. So I ordered Island Breeze with mandarin and white chocolate parfait along with freshly diced papaya and berried coulis.
Everything was perfect; the food, the ambience, the view and the soft music played during dinner. I enjoyed my time to the fullest. My taste buds were dancing with the tastes of different exotic flavors. It is a pure bliss that one can't resist!

www.tamarindrestaurantbali.comwww.sethlestath.com

Courtesy of Ju-Ma-Na Restaurant at Banyan Tree Resort

When it comes to fine dining, it is often best to go with a place that will not only allow you to relax, but also give you the advantage of tasting the best food. One of such place is Ju-Ma-Na Restaurant at Banyan Tree Resort, which in simple terms can only referred to as a true paradise. If you are a fan of the Indian Ocean, then this is the perfect place for you to enjoy and admire its tide. 
The restaurant is painted in what can only be described as a sultry Moroccan charm that makes you feel like you are simply floating over the Indian Ocean. With the cool breeze on your cheek and the lovely ambiance, it is truly possible to forget about all the stress of the day and simply focus on the moment. As soon as you walk into the restaurant, what will first catch your eye will be the perfect lighting. Not too bright, but not too dim either. The perfect place to dine alone and reflect on all the treasures of life, or the perfect place to have that dinner date.
 The best time to dine at the resort is in the evening. It is simply breath-taking and the lighting in the restaurant makes it all truly magical. If you are a nature lover, I recommend that you sit outside to have the perfect angle of the ocean. Ju-Ma-Na Restaurant at Banyan Tree Resort has a policy of fast service, which is why their staff are ready to serve customers as soon as they sit. One of the recommended meals at the restaurant consists of the Asparagus Salad for appetizer, Char grilled Angus beef tenderloin for the main course, and Chocolate cake for desert.
 It is the meal that will make your salivary glands go into super active mode. When all the flavours fill your mouth, and you taste the juices of that tender beef, you will not be able to help taking more and more portions of the meal. The asparagus is the perfect balance between crunchy, salty and spicy. The fact that it is served perfectly fast is a plus, and eating it at the ocean side is definitely the perfect way for you savour it. From the perfectly grilled beef tenderloin to the delicious chocolate cake, Ju-Ma-Na is truly a wonderful place to dine.
 www.banyantree.comwww.sethlestath.com

The Memorial of Abul-Qasim Ferdowsi Tusi - Courtesy of Amir Khojasteh

The 15th of May and its following week is dedicated to the memorial of Abul-Qasim Ferdowsi Tusi, or Ferdowsi. Ferdowsi is renowned for his work, the “Shahnama”, or “Book of Kings”. The world's longest epic poetry written by a single poet. Putting such literary treasure in writing and having it revised, in 500,000 verses, is the result of to the least 30 years of constant effort around more than thousand years ago. This literary masterpiece contains Heroes, Myth, and the history of Iran from its beginning with the creation of the world and the very beginning of the arts of civilization (discovery of fire and metal, learning how to  cook, and the rule of law) , and ending with the Islamic Conquest of Persia in the 7th century.
Shahnama has as well had a great influence on international literature. In 1835, Alphonse de Lamartine (French author and poet), on the Civilization Magazine discussed the Tale of Rostam around the topic of contemporary and history's greatest and the most genius. Amongst many tales and stories in Shahnama, the tale of Rostam and Sohrab became very famous in Europe and was translated into multiple languages and created profound literary beauty. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German writer, and statesman who had a great deal of respect towards Persian literature mentioned Ferdowsi and his greatness at the end of his poetry book West – östlicher Divan. Victor Hugo (Victor Marie Hugo, French poet, novelist, and dramatist) in his work, Les Orientales, has been inspired by Ferdowsi and mentioned him on numerous occasions. We acknowledge Ferdowsi as the beholder and savior of the Persian language. In his time, Arabic was the language of science and literature in Iran. Ferdowsi put Shahnama in words with such objective that if it was not for him, Persian language would not have built such foundation that would travel as far as Chinese Turkestan to the Mediterranean coast, and from India, Kashmir, Bengal to Caucasus and central Asia, more than half of Asia and even in Europe as far as Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ferdowsi concludes the Shahnameh by writing:
بسی رنج بردم در اين سال سی
عجم زنده کردم بدين پارسی
نميرم از اين پس که من زنده ام
که تخم سخن را پراکنده ام
هر آنکس که دارد هش و رای و دین
پس از مرگ بر من کند آفرین
I've reached the end of this great history
And all the land will talk of me:
I shall not die, these seeds I've sown will save
My name and reputation from the grave,
And men of sense and wisdom will proclaim
When I have gone, my praises and my fame.
Translated by Dick Davis.
Written by Amir Khojasteh