The winner

Today this post is dedicated to Chee, the hero of the day. Chee is Kevin’s right hand and has been with him for 5 years, first in Malaysia and later in Singapore. He also followed us to Madrid when Kevin participated in Madrid Fusion 2011 and did a great job cooking under the pressure of being observed by some of the most famous chefs in the world.

Last year Kevin heard of the program “ICEX Training of Young Professionals in Spanish Gastronomy” (a scholarship to live in Spain for 9 months learning about Spanish foods and cuisine and working at Michelin Restaurants) and did what he could to get Chee selected to participate: he nominated him, filled up all the paperwork required, even took him to the Embassy of Spain to submit it. Kevin always thought Chee deserved this opportunity and was delighted when he got chosen to represent Singapore.

For these last 9 months Chee has studied Spanish (in Salamanca!!!) and has traveled everywhere in Spain to learn about Spanish gastronomy. Last night took place the final competition among the 11 participating young chefs from around the world in which they had to create a dish that captures the taste of Spain. Chee’s dish was called “Sobre de Mar” (Envelop of the Sea) and consisted of a whole, deboned salmorete (fish) stuffed with baby squid, almonds, pickled onions and served on a bed of ajoblanco.

Probably by now you have guessed that Chee won the competition and Kevin is now a proud mentor, smiling while reading about the judges praise for his protégé. Congratulations, Chee!

Bali

Bali is definitely a special place. I have been here many times since 2000 and every trip has made me fall deeper in love with it. I recently read that the longer one stays on the island, the more one is impressed by it and I am so ready to take it all in! From time to time I will share here with you what makes Bali magic as I discover it for myself. 

Bali is one of the 18,307 islands that comprise Indonesia and it lies 8 and 9 degrees south of the equator so it enjoys a tropical climate. It has a total area of 5,633 km² and a population of 3 million people and increasing.  Denpasar is the capital and Bali's main industries are agriculture, fishing and tourism. 

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The island presents an enriching paradox: it embraces and accepts foreign and innovative elements (brought by its many visitors) and simultaneously enjoys an ancient, traditional society that is still incredibly alive and vital. To top it all, these elements coexist in Bali blessed by an extraordinary nature. 

Bali es definitivamente un lugar sumamente especial. Lo he visitado muchas veces desde el año 2000 y en cada viaje me he enamorado más de él. He leído hace poco que cuanto más tiempo uno pasa en esta isla, más te impresiona ¡y tengo los brazos abiertos! De vez en cuando compartiré aquí con vosotros lo que hace de Bali un lugar mágico a medida que yo misma lo vaya descubriendo.

Bali es una de las 18.307 islas que componen Indonesia y se encuentra a 8 y 9 grados al sur del ecuador por lo que su clima es tropical. Tiene un área total de 5.633 km² y una población en crecimiento de 3 millones de habitantes. Denpasar es su capital y sus industrias principales la agricultura, la pesca y el turismo.

La isla presenta una enriquecedora paradoja: absorbe encantada los elementos extranjeros e innovadores importados por sus muchos visitantes y al mismo tiempo conserva una sociedad antigua y tradicional increíblemente llena de vida. Para colmo, estos elementos conviven en Bali bendecidos por una extraordinaria naturaleza. 

About Us

Cuca is the name of a dream, our own restaurant.

The reason for this blog is to share the many unique experiences we are bound to encounter on our journey to open up Cuca in Bali.

We are a couple who met in Malaysia and are now sharing a dream. My husband is a Canadian born Chef and I am a Spaniard with experience in business management and in many other odd little jobs. I always wanted to have my own business and Kevin his own restaurant so we were thrilled to come upon the amazing opportunity of starting something together in this paradise island.

We are above all passionate about what we do and ready to embrace, every step of the way, whatever is lying ahead of us. You are more than welcome to follow us on this exciting venture!

En español...