It has been almost four months since our family arrived on the island of Bali. I have to say that I’m already feeling like a local. I know where to go for the best cup of coffee, freshest grilled mahi mahi, shadiest spot on the beach, and even the best place to buy diapers in bulk.

There’s no question that the hands down winner of our favorite restaurant; especially for the mind blowing chocolate desserts goes to the Casa Luna Restaurant located in the bustling mountain town of Ubud. Chocolate mousse, chocolate decadence, flourless chocolate cake – you name it, they make it and along with the ambiance, it’s magical!

Built on a lush, steep ravine; Casa Luna is the successful dream child of powerhouse Bali expat, Janet De Neefe, who arrived on the island in 1974 and has built an iconic empire that includes two fabulous restaurants (Casa Luna & Indus), a world famous cooking school, and a charming hotel in downtown Ubud called the Honeymoon Guesthouses.

She is also the author of a delicious novel aptly named “Fragrant Rice” and she spearheaded the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival which is gaining tremendous momentum. Last October, the festival attracted internationally acclaimed guest writers including Fatima Bhutto and Wole Solyinka.

One of the most wonderful surprises about Bali is the amazing quality of food available on the island. The variety of the restaurant scene is endless and you soon find your favorites where the menu is divine and the prices are equally attractive.

In October, we (five adults and two children) spent my mother-in-law’s birthday dinner at Casa Luna and gorged on salads, homemade pasta topped with scallops and fresh veggies, a few beers, a couple of watermelon martinis, dessert (of course) and perfect espressos. Our tab? Approximately US$100.