SWEET SENSATION
The Harvest, one of Indonesia’s most beloved purveyors of European style cakes, desserts, pastries and baked goods, enters the Bali scene with a hip and happening new location.
When we visited a mere two weeks after its opening, we could see The Harvest’s latest location, on Sunset Road in Kuta, Bali, had already attracted a great many patrons and fans, and it’s easy to see why. Balinese residents who’ve been to any of The Harvest’s stores in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung or Malang will rejoice in knowing that their favourite European-style baked goods are now within easy reach. But the Balinese branch is more than just their usual bakery and pastry shop; a spacious setting in a strategic location has seen The Harvest take their dine-in menu to the next level.
Outside, bold red lettering proudly proclaims the bakery’s name, and this unabashed approach to their aesthetics is also reflected inside. The interior carries a different concept to their other marble-floored stores; it features an industrial chic meets modern art exhibit atmosphere, with a smattering of antique details here and there. The main dining area is open – a mix of warm wooden furniture contrasted with the cool grey hues of the concrete floors that make for a vogue but convivial feel. At the far end, winged, gold gilded armchairs invite you to make yourself at home, so definitely aim to secure one of those if they are yet to be occupied. A more secluded corner houses two small tables, a communal high table and old school typewriters sitting on an antique dresser. Black and white portraits of pop culture icons and the occasional golden bust complete the artistic setup, but the true art lies in the delights carefully crafted in the kitchen.
Those who’ve been to The Harvest outside of Bali will come for the sweet and savoury treats behind the glittering glass cabinets, but this Balinese branch also boasts a more diverse menu for a simple and beautiful sit-down brunch or dinner. Staple breakfast items with a twist such as their Salted Fish Omelette or Gourmet Breakfast Basket will start your day off on the right foot. Sandwiches and burgers come with mouth-watering combinations of fresh ingredients on a variety of their famous, freshly baked breads.
Of course, no meal is complete without dessert and at The Harvest, you have the option of choosing a plate from the menu or from the seemingly endless variety of cakes, pastries and chocolates on display. Dessert items on the menu include the Chocolate Melt (chocolate cake done right with a warm, gooey centre, served with classic vanilla ice cream and topped with a crunchy brandy snap), Pralinette Crêpes (praline-flavoured mousse and fruit jelly wrapped in thin, delicate crêpes with caramelised cashews for some delicious texture) and Vanilla Panacotta (light, melt-in-your-mouth vanilla panacotta accompanied by an indulgent caramel butterscotch sauce and a beautiful crumble with a slight hint of cinnamon).
As if choosing between the desserts on the menu wasn’t hard enough, The Harvest’s display of sweet treats and savoury pastries will also beckon and tempt you. They say you eat with your eyes and if such is the case, your eyes will definitely be feasting here. On your left, rows of decadent cakes, exquisitely decorated cupcakes, pastel-coloured macarons and luxurious chocolates line the cabinets. On your right, sumptuous Danishes and delicately handcrafted savoury pastries are baked to a glistening golden perfection and sit in front of the flour-filled, see-through kitchen. Chocoholics, be sure not to pass up their Chocolate Devil Cake – double chocolate cream sandwiched between layers of moist chocolate sponge and finished with a chocolate glaze.
In addition to dining in and takeaway, The Harvest also caters for weddings, birthdays or any celebrations that require a sugar high. Moreover, gift hampers, elegantly packaged boxes of chocolate truffles and tins of cookies that come with cute little stuffed animals make this a destination for those who are present shopping for any occasion.
All in all, a fresh dine-in menu, scrumptious savouries and their famed decadent desserts make The Harvest a much welcomed addition to Bali’s bakery scene.
