I haven’t been to Bali. I know, sometimes it feels like I’m one of the only people in Australia, but somehow we have missed the wonders of our neighbouring friends on our travels so far.

I can say, however, that Indonesia is definitely shooting up my list of places to visit and the reason for that is the food.

Wow.

On Saturday, from the comfort of home, we journeyed to this volcanic cluster of islands. With smoky chicken satay, to the crunchy and fresh goodness of Gado gado, to the caramelised tangy depth of flavour that a perfectly rendered Beef rendang provides – each bite felt like a mini excursion in the wonders of taste. When each delicious dish wielded space on the plate, it became a wonderful combination of creamy, salty, smoky, sour and sweet. From the coconut hit of the chicken curry, to the moreish stir fried noodles, the famous Nasi Goreng and coconut rice – each part fit together perfectly.

Then there were the cocktails – the salted caramel essence of the toasted coconut sugar syrup in the salted coconut espresso martini had eyes widening at each wonderful sip and the sweet and sour coconut water mojito was just a little too easy to drink.

Dessert was tropical and vivid – with a fruit platter that looked as if it had been conjured it was so intricately crafted, crunchy Banana fritters with whipped cream, and an apple and pineapple crumble cake.

There was a moment, right when I was finishing up the batter for the fritters, when John Legend’s All of Me was belting out over the buzzing conversations that I felt it. The wonderful alignment of everything in life. Friends, laughter, food, delight, new connections, conversations, kids bonding and making their own fun – for me, this is what heaven feels like, what I hope it will be.

A friend asked me recently why I do these gatherings, why The Enchanted Table is something I’m passionate about. I reflected for a moment, sifted through the myriad of thoughts that surfaced, and I came back to that moment. I love setting the stage, providing space for connection to flourish. There is something about the feeling of these feasts that I wish I could bottle up, sprinkle out, share around. Life can be so chaotic and complicated, and the chance to just be with friends (particularly when kids come along) can shrink if we don’t carve out dedicated time.

My own childhood was filled with experiences of thoughtful hospitality. My talented mother, who isn’t keen on the spotlight by any means, worked tirelessly to create incredible dinner parties – three course, perfectly presented meals. I loved just being at these occasions – making friends with the kids, running off to play murder in the dark, blind man’s bluff, hide & seek. As I watch the little figures tearing around our house during our feast evenings, it brings a piece of that back to me. Nostalgia evoked so sweetly.

There is a cost, and I asked the kids on Sunday if their experience of The Enchanted Table was a positive one. With the tasks of getting everything ready, sometimes I worry that they feel overlooked in the lead up to a gathering, although most often they are just very keen to help – wiping down tables, hanging decorations, placing hands under hoisted tables as though they are carrying the weight. They each looked at me puzzled and said that of course they loved it! Even the aftermath of exhaustion and grumpiness from all of us passes relatively quickly and we start plotting the next instalment.

So, here’s to many more journeys with friends to delicious places, here’s to the making of new friends over the brilliant connection point of food. I can say with absolute clarity that these memories are ones that will undoubtedly linger on in my mind, and hopefully our children’s, forever.

These nights are open to anyone who loves to explore new cuisines, meet great people and share good times together. If you live locally and want to be a part of it, just let me know and I can add you to our group! Or if you want to host your own, (like my friend Christina Hubbard did all the way over in America recently!), just let me know and I can send you through a menu guide (you can choose from Indonesian, Argentinian, Japanese, Turkish or Portuguese).