Faith.Hope.Love

The Coffee industry has recently raise to the surface. There are...

Sun, 19 May 2013 16:00:09 +0700

The Coffee industry has recently raise to the surface. There are so many new coffee shops. One that captured my attention is 1/15.

It’s a whole new dimension of coffee for me, as I’m not a coffee person. It’s a third wave coffee, very rich with its own character. As I sipped it, it’s more in to acid rather than bitter. I couldn’t enjoy it at first, but after few sipped, I started to love it.

I also tried their Varlhona Chocolate Cake for the companion. I immediately falling for it as I cut through the cake. The melted chocolate overflows out. I guess the third quarter of the cake is the melted chocolate. Although they served it not that hot, I couldn’t resist to finish it all by myself, to every single bites. They also served it with cream and some pineapple coulis. The coulis put some sensation to the cake. Perfect.

I really love this coffee shops and definitely would come back pretty soon!

Dill Gourmet

Sat, 18 May 2013 15:29:04 +0700

One of my favorite Catering Services, Culture Royale, just opened their Gourmet Cafe, named Dill. They offers small light bites, from sandwiches, bentos, pizzas and dessert selections.

The sandwich is not your typical one. It’s more into Subway style. (Oh, how I miss Subway!) This time I tried the BBQ Beef Cabernet Sandwich. I love the bread they used, it’s crispy on the outside, very soft in the inside and not soggy. I already fell in love with the relish sauce since the first bite. Sweet sour tangy tasty, just like Vietnamese sandwich. Unfortunately, I barely taste the smokey flavor and the richness of the beef itself. It might be that they sliced it to thinly and the relish overpowered the whole dish. On the other hand, the rocket gives another sexiness. A playful mix of sweet, bitter and sour. Hopefully they add more rocket inside.

As I’m such a dessert person, I wouldn’t miss their sweet collections. I’ve tried the Mango Pudding, Tiramisu, Vanilla Apple Crumble and the Avocado Coffee. Mango Pudding still the best one! The Tiramisu couldn’t satisfy me enough, lack of flavor. Both the Apple Crumble and Avocado Coffee was nice.

Will I come back for more? I think I will. Give another try for their sandwiches….

Eastern and Oriental

Fri, 17 May 2013 23:31:56 +0700

You might have noticed, I’m quite a fan of Will Meyrick’s cooking style and his masterpiece. Thankfully, no need to go far to Bali as He just opened his third restaurant here in Jakarta. Eastern and Oriental, mainly focused on Thai cuisine with a bit of Vietnamese, is a collaboration between Will Meyrick and the famous Loewy-Union group.

With the same philosophy, Will brings the concept of family meals up to the table. Share the laugh, joy and meals together. Other than the side dish selections, all meals comes up in sharing portion.

It’s one huge restaurant with the bar at the side-front and also open kitchen. The host will greet you and bring you towards to the bar to try the signatures beverages also some thai street food snacks. And as the table is ready, you could sit down, relax and enjoy the scrumptious meals.

Bangkok Fizz, Nahm Jim Bloody Mary, Thai Lady and Pineapple Margarita. Those are some of their creation. If you like something new, fresh and challenging, try the Nahm Jim. It’s one interesting drink, as they used the classic thai dressing for the drink. A little hint of spiciness and sourness.

The menu selection is not that much yet it makes you want to order all of them. Some are the same one like in Sarong and Mamasan.

The all time favorite Oyster and Betel Leaves is a must! On the other hand, have a little sweet before you enter the spicy world. I used to love their Ma Horn, it’s caramelized duck with orange. Unfortunately, they no longer have it in the menu, they have changed it to Scallop Duck Minced. It’s quite the same only they used Scallop rather than orange as the based. Both delicious eventhough I love the orange one better.

For the entree, I would recommend the Soft Shell Crab Salad, Pomelo Prawn Salad, Duck Salad, Beef Tartare and the Tom Yum. Hot alert for both Duck Salad and Beef Tartare. Be careful with the sliced chillies. While the soft shell crab and pomelo prawn is more in to the safe side, just the right amount of chili.

The duck salad is not your common salad, as they served it with soup. Pour the soup in to the salad, enjoy it at its best. The tom yum is really one huge portion with lots of condiments. However the last time I tried, it wasn’t that spicy for tom yum.

If you love curry, definitely you don’t want to miss Will’s creation. The chicken curry is superb. The chicken is very moist and tender. The curry based, I couldn’t describe it as you need to experience it by yourself. The first time I tried, I immediately fell in love with his Beef Wagyu Penang Curry. Just serve me the curry based, I’m already on top of the world. PS: Order the mantou and dip it in to the curry.

There’s so much choices for protein, if you in to fish, go for Steamed Barramundi. Another hot-delicious alert. I barely finish my first bite, as it is too spicy for me, yet I still want more. For some meat, you should order Short Ribs Beef. It’s slow roasted and cooked to its perfection, effortless. Last but not least, you definitely should order the Crispy Pork Belly. It’s almost the same like the one in Sarong, but they used Tamarillo for this one. My favorite one still the one in Sarong.

Enough of the heat, let’s munch on some sweet. The Duck Egg Custard is took my heart away. Sweet and tangy with some ginger hints. The Fermented Cassava also blown my mind away. It was my first time eat fermented cassava and turns out I enjoyed it. For some fruity senses, tried the Mango Tiramisu. And if you love Durian, you should try their Durian Pannacotta.

The creation that they offer is basically Will’s signature styles. If you already tried Sarong and Mamasan, I guarantee you will love E&O!

A glimpse of the newly open Liberte, Gallery Lafayette Pacific...

Sun, 12 May 2013 10:52:00 +0700

A glimpse of the newly open Liberte, Gallery Lafayette Pacific Place

I love love love this couscous and haloumi cheese salad. It was...

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:00:05 +0700

I love love love this couscous and haloumi cheese salad.

It was my first time tried couscous. The first taste was quite strange but after some few spoonful, I started to love it. The balsamic give another sensation and the haloumi really made a perfect twist.

Let’s have some Middle East-Greek flavor!

Another Canteen Experience

Thu, 09 May 2013 16:00:13 +0700

This Canteen will never bore me.

This time I tried the Nicoise Salad, Apple Walnut Salad and Chorizo Papardelle.

The Nicoise salad, unfortunately they take out the tuna and used smoked salmon. It’s bit lame as its supposed to be with tuna. Luckily, it’s still enjoyable with the mix of flavor from the aragula and salty smoked salmon.

On the other hand, the Apple Walnut Salad was a top notch. It’s a great combination in a plate. Cheese, Apple and Walnut.

The Chorizo Papardelle was lovely. Eventhough it’s bit too spicy for me, yet I can’t get enough of it. They used some pine nuts too.

Last but not least, it’s the one that you shouldn’t ever miss. It’s one of the best Chocolate Lava. They always served it perfectly cooked. When you half it, the chocolate melt out and definitely won’t stop you from lick it out.

CACCIUCCO ALLA LIVORNESE It’s the best mixed seafood soup!...

Wed, 08 May 2013 16:00:17 +0700

CACCIUCCO ALLA LIVORNESE
It’s the best mixed seafood soup! In addition, it comes in huge portion for sharing and also generous amount of seafood. One hearty soup!

Cinco de Mayo!

Tue, 07 May 2013 19:45:04 +0700

It’s the month of May and let’s celebrate in Mexican way!

It’s quite hard to find good old tacos, burritos or nachos here in Jakarta. The last time I enjoyed it was back then in Melbourne. There’s a small shop that sells burritos, nachos and tacos, it’s called BBNT. It’s one enjoyable lovely snack-shop.

I was craving for it and finally, last year, there’s one shop open around Panglima Polim area. It’s Taco Local. Tacos, Tortas, Burritos, Quesadillas, Nachos, you named it, they have it!

Mainly focused on Mexican food, this small shop really brings back the good old memories.

I’ve tried their favorites, Al Pastor and Lengua.

The Al Pastor used grilled shoulder, while the Lengua used grilled tongue. Surprisingly, both were tender, juicy and moist. If you love some texture on your meal, go for Lengua, as they add crispy pork rind. The only downside, the salsa verde wasn’t that strong enough to my liking.

I’ll definitely pay a visit for other favorites!

Nasi Jeruk Dory and Tropical Twist from Mangia. The rice is...

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 21:38:21 +0700

Nasi Jeruk Dory and Tropical Twist from Mangia.

The rice is like grilled rice, not too oily, not too dry. Unfortunately, both rice and fish was too salty. However, I love the perfectly cooked fish. It’s fresh and the meat was moist.

The downside, I barely taste orange or citrus flavor. I don’t know whether it’s only the name of the dish or they didn’t put it right.

The other thing that I found quite annoying from the dish was the sliced lemongrass and sliced green leaves (I don’t know the name of the leaves). It’s like every spoon consist of it and quite annoyed me.

For the drink, it’s refreshing. Sour with a touch of mint.

Will stop by next time to try their famous Nasi Tuk Tuk and Swedish Meatballs.

Sweet tooth heaven

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 09:15:02 +0700

Let’s give a break from some heavy courses and have a (not so) light satisfying meal.

Dessert is the usually sweet course that concludes a meal. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy it on its own.

Here’s my recommendation for you dessert person:

Triple Chocolate Melt
Never go wrong with chocolate and this one surely couldn’t be missed.
From white, milk until the dark chocolate is in one plate.
Baked to its perfection, the cake is very moist and the chocolate run all over it.

Triple Creme Brulee
Three selection of creme brulee; Coffee, Vanilla and Orange.
What makes a great creme brulee is their custard and the hard caramel on top of it. If it’s cracking then it’s beautifully executed.
Each creme brulee has a great strong flavor. My favorite is the orange.

Chocolate Mousse
This one is the new dessert from Cork and Screw. I forgot what’s the real name is.
If you love mousse, then you’ll definitely love it. Serves with a scoop of ice cream and some brownies and jelly pieces on the side. Perfect combination of sweet and sour.

Sauvignon Blanc 🍷 New chilian wine from Dimatique. Not too...

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 00:53:16 +0700

Sauvignon Blanc 🍷

New chilian wine from Dimatique.
Not too strong. One enjoyable wine.

The Chardonnay in the other hand more fruity and light.

As for the red wine, the Merlot is light and the Cabernet Sauvignon is more intense.

They also have Syrah from Pangea, it’s full body and very strong.

The price is reasonable and you can get it in Pullman Central Park.

Common People Eatery

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 20:48:10 +0700

Last December, there’s this new Eatery and Bar just open its door. Located in the fussy area in Kemang, where Common People gather to have a meal or glass of cocktail.

The sophisticated mix of modern-rustic interior with bricks, designer-inspired chairs, colonial table and buttoned sofa window-seated, build up a great atmosphere to chill around. While the food is mainly focused on Western cuisine, from breakfast, pizza, pasta and steak.

The other day, I paid a visit for a late lunch. I tried the Clams, Pizza, Rigatoni and Paella.
The only enjoyable food was the Pizza. It’s thinly crust just like crackers. Eventhough it’s not your proper pizza, yet it taste good.

The clams was spicy and I felt like something missing in the ingredients. The spiciness a bit overpowered the whole dish and also the super tiny clams make it one disappointed meal.

I was surprised with their Paella style. As I know, Paella consists of saffron which make the rice yellowish and have a strong flavor of the saffron. While this one, was more like tomato rice. The color was more into red instead of yellow and also it was too mushy. Definitely not the kind of Paella I savor.

On the other hand, the al dente rigatoni was well executed, despite it’s a bit too salty.

After all that experience I had, I guess, I’m not your Common People. Might stop by only for their Pizza and maybe for their breakfast. Rumors said it’s tasty and I do hope too.

This pork belly is seriously to-die-for! It was very moist and...

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:22:59 +0700

This pork belly is seriously to-die-for! It was very moist and melted in your mouth. They served it with egg, Japanese radish and sweet-thick-sauce. The sauce is really unbelievable. Just give me a plate of rice with the sauce and am very happy!

Attention.. It’s porkylicious and one definitely not enough!

La Creperie

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 21:45:21 +0700

It’s not easy to find Creperie here in Jakarta. Back then there was a famous Creperie named Praline. Apparently it’s shut down and I lost my favorite one.

The past few years, the trend is back. There’s one (another famous) restaurant open and serves all things about galette and crepes. Not really fit in to my preferences.

And just around a month ago, a new Creperie jump in to the business. Located in the hustle bustle PIK area, La Creperie.

Look at those scrumptious galette! Those two are their favorites one. I totally forgot the name. The first one contains bacon and mushroom. The second, my favorite, contains smoked salmon, spinach and egg in the middle. Both used buckwheat. It’s thin layered, not crispy yet not too flabby (as it’s using buckwheat, it’s easily burn, so they couldn’t make it any crispier), generous amount of fillings. Although the dijon mustard on the salad was too strong, it still did win my heart. That egg and salmon made a great companion.

Move on to the sweet one, I tried the Caramelized Apple and the Caramelized Banana. Too bad, both not satisfy me enough. Might give it a try for their other crepes.

Eventhough I still haven’t found the one like the Breizoz Creperie, yet La Creperie did cure my heart.

Catering Service

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:53:38 +0700

Having a problem while throwing up some party?
Don’t know what to cook? Don’t know where to buy?
Now your life can be so much more easier with catering service.

Ismaya, well known for their restaurant chains, has started its own catering service since 2009. Corporate events, private functions, weddings, birthdays, you name it they handle it.

As its rapidly growth and growing consumer demand, they came up with a pop-up cafe and gallery concept. Opened its first door in Grand Indonesia back then in 2010. Purposely to become a meeting point for its clients yet serves their fabulous creations for public.

Earlier this year, they re-opening its second exciting pop-up cafe and gallery. Continued emphasis on customer convenience, homey and bigger space. They also have a little kitchen area for some cooking demo even hands-on cooking event.

Some of the beautiful creations you can find in the cafe, Popcorn chicken with Strawberry and Thai Chili Dips, Sweet and Sour Fried Dory with Onion Rings, Crackling Pork Bites with Tangy Chili Dip, Thai Minced with Rice.

As for the beverages, which I highly recommend, Lychee Refreshers and Arthur Float.

So, don’t worry, your event will be tasty-licious!

Sarong, am in love!

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 20:42:14 +0700

Do you still remember my post about Sarong Inspirations? Finally, I have the chance to experience it.

Last November when I went to Bali, Sarong was already on top of my list. It’s a BIG NO NO to miss it (again). Stupid me, I didn’t make a reservation earlier on that day and when I arrived at Sarong, which around 7.30pm, it’s already fully booked and the waiting list keeps going on and on. Big thanks to the manager, he managed to give me a seat at the terrace.

I fell in love so deep with the restaurant. It feels like home. Terrace, main dining room, bar and lounge. In addition to that, the concept of the restaurant is serving a family meal. (The server will explain it to you before you make your order.) Will wants to spread the culture of eating together, sharing the fun, laugh, joy and foremost the meal itself. All the dishes comes up in a quite huge plating, even the rice serves in one huge bowl.

Sarong, which serves Asian Cuisine, well known for their Curries. I ordered the famous Penang Curry Wagyu Beef. I’ve tried it before in Jakarta Culinary Festival and fell so deep with his creation. Due to I’ve been missing his cooking, I ordered it again and extremely happy, eventhough am very curious with the other curries. (Ah, there will be next time!)

The beef was very moist and melted in your mouth. The sauce itself was a top notch. Am already happy only with the sauce. I was nearly bloated yet I still licked all the sauce ‘til the last drop.

To accompany the curry, I ordered Garlic Naan. Delicate and the garlic didn’t overpower, make it a great companion.

Oh, I also ordered starter which turns in to the King of the Day! It’s Crispy Pork Belly with Baby Mandarin and Black Vinegar Caramel. It’s the best pork belly I’ve ever tasted in my whole life. Crispy crackling, perfect sliced, not too fatty and very juicy. I couldn’t stop munch it. And again, the killer sweet tangy sauce dancing in my mouth, blow me away.

It was one very pleasant journey and I left my heart in Sarong. Thank you Sarong for a wonderful culinary experience.

Cordially invites you to the Grand Opening of Maaya Shoes. 👠🎉🎁

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 22:04:07 +0700

Cordially invites you to the Grand Opening of Maaya Shoes. 👠🎉🎁

Enough said about ramen.. But this sexy egg is a top notch! The...

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 00:32:20 +0700

Enough said about ramen.. But this sexy egg is a top notch! The best tamago ever!!!! As you bite, the filling inside, salty-yolk, overflows within your mouth.. Eventough it’s way too salty for me, yet I enjoyed it so much.. Would definitely stop by only for the tamago.
While the chasiu, I still love Ikkudo’s better…

Eat, Drink and Donate

Sat, 15 Dec 2012 19:02:41 +0700

Every Jakarta Culinary Festival usually closed with a special Chef Degustation Dinner. This year theme was ‘Eat, Drink and Donate’. JCF partnering with few foundations, such as ‘Drive Books, Not Cars’, ‘Sahabat Anak’ and ‘Taman Bacaan Pelangi’, gather this dinner to help raised money to support unfortunate children on their education.

The Dinner was served by 7 of Indonesia’s Best Chefs, Hugo Adrian, Gianfranco Beltrame, Steve Diaz, Sandra Djohan, Gilles Marx, Arimbi Nimpuno and Vindex Tengker.

Hugo Adrian, who majored in Japanese Cuisine, prepared Tuna Carpaccio with Okinawa Sauce and Daikon Salad. It’s one refreshing and appealing appetizer. I love the sauce. I tasted a bit of wasabi. The shaved veggies were fresh and crispy. It’s a great paired with Cape Discovery Rose. It would be even better if the tuna was colder.

For the Hot Appetizer, we were served with Grilled King Prawn with Green Curry Espuma, prepared by Arimbi Nimpuno. The prawn was a bit too small, I don’t think it’s a King Prawn thou. It’s spicy and peppery. The Curry was thick in right consistency. I recognized something about the curry, but couldn’t remember what was it.

Sandra Djohan, who loves french cuisine, brought her pieces of Pumpkin Soup with Foie Gras. Pumpkin and Foie Gras really a great companion. The soup was tangy but a bit too sweet for my liking. The Foie Gras could never go wrong. Melted in mouth and fragrant.

Next dish was Ravioli Stuffed with Cepe Mushroom and Yellow Pepper Sauce by Gianfranco Beltrame. The Ravioli was al dente, however my friend’s was overcooked. The Stuffed Cepe Mushroom was very nice and I love the Tuile. The sauce, it has a strong peppery sauce, just not my cup of tea.

Gilles Marx, this time he cooked Asian Cuisine. Steamed Fega Barramundi with Ginger Scented Rice and Lime-Coconut Sauce. I was expect him to cook something French as He is the Chef of Amuz, most-awaited restaurant to dine. The Barramundi, mine was a bit fishy. The sauce was too watery and all I tasted only the coconut, not enough lemony flavor. I love the fragrant of the rice, however it was too dry, or maybe he just wanted it that way, just like ‘kerak’.

Move on the the last main course by Vindex Tengker, it’s Roasted Bultarra Lamb Shoulder. It was juicy and not smelly at all. Too bad, my friends’ didn’t cook well, stingy and some undercooked, some overcooked. Mine, I got the fatty part and made me hard to chew it. The salsa verde and the jus was tasty.

It’s time for dessert. Steve Diaz, the pastry chef of Colette and Lola, the upcoming Ismaya Pastry and Bakery concept, prepared Golden Hazelnut Praline with Amaretto Nougatine Ice Cream. Totally Sinful! I love the Hazelnut Praline and the Coulis. Perfect Combination of sweet, sour and crunchy nutty flavor.

The Dinner wasn’t that memorable as the last time I had back then. The food didn’t really speak for itself. There’s also some major issue like the Granita which supposed to be as palate cleanser, but served after the Lamb come up. At least it was a fun night with my fellow foodie. Looking forward for next year and hoping for a better one!

Let’s shop our ‘lil black shoes collections at...

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:46:44 +0700

Let’s shop our ‘lil black shoes collections at www.maaya-shoes.com 👠👠👠 at Maaya Shoes HQ – View on Path.