Tamara Chaikin has been a food entrepreneur and traveller most of her life. In 1989 she opened and established a very popular restaurant in Ubud, Bali, when the world was very different.  The restaurant, Bebek Bengil (the Dirty Duck Diner), was among the first to offer a diverse menu that featured not only traditional Indonesian fare and Balinese specialties, but also international dishes. The "Duck" as it was known, has since been franchised into 5 different locations across the archipelago.

Tamara has put together a lovely dinner evoking the fond memories of that far away time and place, featuring the restaurant's signature dish, Bebek Betutu, a traditional Balinese dish of whole duck roasted in banana leaves. Tonight's dinner will also showcase a performance by Anna Sulastri, a traditional Balinese dancer. 
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Indonesian Lumpia
Delicate spring rolls made with a thin, crispy wrapper filled with chicken, shrimp, veg and vermicelli served with a freshly made, authentic Indonesian peanut sauce. Available vegetarian

Guac & Chips
Avocados are considered a sweet fruit in Bali, appearing in desserts and milkshakes, preparing it as a savoury appetizer was a genuine novelty in the 80's. A touch of sambal olek give it an Indonesian twist, and the local melinjo nut crackers have a slightly bitter taste that beautifully complements the natural sweetness of the avocado.

Bebek Betutu
A traditional Balinese dish often linked with ceremonies and special gatherings. Whole ducks are marinated in blend of local spices before being wrapped in banana leaves along with aromatics like galangal and lemongrass, and slow-roasted for hours to develop rich, layered flavours. Served with Nasi Kuning (turmeric-infused Indonesian Yellow rice known as "Party Rice") and a variety of sambals.
Vegetarian option: Kari tempe (Tempeh and potato curry)

Sayur Urab Bali
A classic Balinese side served alongside dishes at countless warungs (street food stalls); a fragrant vegetable salad with toasted coconut and a slightly piquant dressing.

Apple Crisp
A taste of home in a far away place. Made with plenty of nutmeg, clove and cinnamon — a nod to Indonesia's history as the "Spice Islands" and the origin of these spices in Western cooking. These also complement the scoop of durian ice cream, which relocates this dish firmly in South East Asia. 
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Tamara Chaikin is a life long food entrepreneur who has been involved in diverse culinary projects for decades, from the Dirty Duck in Bali, to Plus que Parfait in Montreal, to the Localista Food Truck in Toronto. She recently helped put together a pop up fusion brunch with Harissa & Hibiscus and is exploring other food projects in 2026. She has spent a lot of time in the kitchen at The Depanneur over the years in her capacity as Director of Operations for Newcomer Kitchen, and this is her first time hosting a Dep dinner of her own.

Anna Sulastri was born in Surabaya, East Java to a Balinese mother. She has been entranced by dance from a very young age and has been certified by the Indonesian ministry of culture as both an instructor and a performer.
@anna_iphank