The happier the chicken, the better the egg. The better the egg, the tastier the food.

Oh, we love eggs! But not all eggs. We love really good eggs, and it has kind of become an obsession. Actually, they are quite possibly our favorite ingredient. But sadly, we have come to learn that not all eggs are created equal.

Essential to a great kitchen, eggs are a staple in baking, fundamental for a good old fashion breakfast and the easiest solution to a quick meal. They can be found in all sorts of food, and maybe that’s the problem. High demand always encourages speed and production over health, and the quality of the eggs we consume today is very different from that of the good old times.

You can basically separate eggs into two categories: one is packed with protein, full of healthy omega 3 fatty acids and nutrients, and the other is basically an imposter containing less than half of the nutritional value and full of things that we probably should not be eating. Now, it’s nice to pass by a farm and see a sign “EGGS FOR SALE”, grab a dozen and problem solved, but that is not practical for a business going through a few hundred a week. So, what’s the solution? That was the same question we were wondering until we recently began talking to the fantastic people from the NGO Animals Don't Speak Human, who opened our eyes to the extraordinary contrast between battery-caged and cage-free chickens. Hens raised in battery cages spend their whole lives in tight, terrible circumstances, unable to spread their wings and walk freely and we couldn’t let that be part of Cuca’s food story—so with this NGO’s guidance, we scrambled to make a change.

We learned that unlike batter-caged chickens, cage-free hens have the space to walk around and behave naturally like birds, laying in nests as well as selecting the food they prefer like wild flowers, grass, seeds and insects. This transforms the yolk into a rich, creamy custard, the white into a magical firm protein-packed jelly, and the shell into a hard impenetrable force unlike its opposition.

We have always believed that the food we serve in Cuca must be primarily nutritious, so much so that we did not serve eggs in any form for the first few years, just because, quite simply, they were trash. The result of treating chickens as machinery, their food as performance fuel and the product as a commercial good focused not on flavor or nutrition but volume and uniformity, is unsurprisingly a smelly, dirty, unthinkable food source in the shape of an egg.

If we are not willing to eat them ourselves, we would never serve them to a customer. With that said, Cuca is excited to announce we are using only cage-free eggs in all our dishes. Here’s to happier chickens, better eggs, and tastier food!🥂 🐥🥚😋

Adventure Awaits!

We grew up with the most incredible playgrounds as kids in Canada and Spain. Giant timber castles to climb and run through encouraging creativity, imagination and personality. Today, sadly, that has all changed and what you normally get are colorful plastic molds that are merely copied and pasted with the same boring stuff: a slide… a swing… a tick-the-box and “we are done” approach to fulfilling the obligation to kids.

Well… that’s not our style in Cuca and we wanted something that would make kids lose their minds. Something that was a throwback to the good old days of fun and excitement, where the ideas and obstacles are limited only based on your imagination.

The problem is that that requires thought, time and work, and nobody was interested to help us do something different. The proposals we received were so boring and so pathetic that we ended up losing 3 different deposits to avoid settling for mediocracy. Through the years, we continued to push forward to find incredible. We wanted a structure that felt part of the tropical forest, something that blended into the beautiful environment we are in and gave the feeling of camping, adventure and nature.

After 13 months and too many idiots to count, finally we are days away from revealing our new playground in Cuca. Now… there will be a few kids who hit the deck, a few who scratch a knee, a few who bang an elbow, but all will run mentally towards it, drawn to the raw natural excitement and unbeatable adventure that awaits!

We made the list!

For those seeking a magical destination that seamlessly blends awe-inspiring temples, pristine beaches, and verdant rice paddies, Bali stands as an unparalleled choice. Its energy, a captivating mix of tradition and modernity, has a universal allure, attracting everyone from wellness enthusiasts to beach lovers and design buffs.

While Bali's charm is undeniable, finding the hidden gems amid the plethora of options can be daunting. The internet is flooded with information, making it nearly impossible to discern true greatness. In this sea of choices, a friend's recommendation has traditionally been the beacon of trust, but it's limited in scope. Fortunately, there's a solution, at least for those planning a trip to Bali. Travel+Leisure wraps all of it up and delivers one heck of an article for anyone making the journey to the beautiful Island of Bali. And yes, you guessed it, Cuca made the list!

In the realm of travel guides, Travel+Leisure emerges as a reliable source for unearthing the best places to eat, stay, and explore around the world. Their discerning eye separates the exceptional from the merely good, offering a curated selection that ensures an unforgettable experience.

Being featured in Travel+Leisure's esteemed list is not just an accolade but a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation. As we reflect on a decade of culinary innovation, we can't help but feel a surge of pride. From a hidden gem along a quiet road to becoming one of South-East Asia’s most celebrated foodie destinations.

To our beloved Cuca fans, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your support has made us a culinary destination. As we continue our journey, rest assured that Cuca remains committed to delivering the very best, ensuring each visit is a magical and unforgettable experience.

To wrap things up, we encourage you to be a hero by spreading the word about the Travel+Leisure's Bali guide. Share it with friends and fellow travelers looking for an unforgettable Bali experience. Cuca, proud to be part of the island's best, hopes to bring joy and inspiration to those embarking on their Bali adventures.

Cheers to Bali, to Cuca, and to the extraordinary experiences that await! 🍾