OLIVIER

It is almost 2 years since my last post. I don't even know why i'm writing this. It is frickin almost 9 o clock and i'm starving. Nothing to do.. So, yeaa... It's amazing how food blogs weren't so famous back then. And, now like BOOM SHAKALAKA. I remember when people were like staring weirdly at me for taking food pictures or restaurants and now everything seems so normal and common.

To be honest i kinda miss attending those restaurants invitations, meeting new friends with the same love for food. I just do.

So, one of my best girls were coming to town. It was a really nice meeting over lunch. Sadly, she's going back to Shanghai and London anytime soon. I went to Olivier straight after class. It is located just beside Mad for Garlic. There was a big stained glass door with Olivier sign on it. The workers were all polite and prompt. 

Dominated by the dark colored furniture all over the place, this place gave quite an expensive impression upon entering. It was a lovely afternoon, i just love chilling at this place and had a quality chat with my date. 

The welcome bread was tasty, we finished them all hahaha. Moreover, that butter to spread was so good with peppery hint. 

Risotto with sauteed squid and crunchy pork skin (IDR 98.000) 

I don't know if i can use the word al-denter for risotto but it had that really good texture that i like. It was satisfying. Flavorful, The squids were fresh, mine came with some pork cuts also despite the menu said "pork skin" yay. I love every spoon of it. 

Caesar salad, charred lettuce, with grilled chicken (IDR 85.000)

We were on seriously serious diet. Since after this olivier kinda trip. We were going to eat sumoboo, and honey glazed chicken from kkuldak. You know, i am not a fan of salad, really. I never order salad in a restaurant. Then, i tried this and i like it. I love the dressing. I don't know what kind of dressing it was. Kinda tangy but fresh yet a bit sweet at the same time. Of course, i wouldn't bother myself to check what was it since i don't know if i'm going to write again lol. 

Truffle french fries. I don't know if it cost more than olivier's ordinary french fries or nah but it was so good. I am a hardcore fan of truffle. haha how i wish we all have foods with truffle in it for daily basis. 

So, that's all. It was one quick meal. After we bought sumoboo's nutella bomb and kkuldak. We rushed to our friend's and left our sumoboo at car without realizing it because we were chatting like ggedgfegvfrvegferebfri haha. bye readers, I hope you guys still remember Hotty Potty! (that's if i still have some left) hahaha. adieu! 

OLIVIER 

Grand Indonesia Shopping Town 

UG Floor, West Mall 

(Next to Mad For Garlic)

Jl. MH Thamrin No.1 

Jakarta 

IG: @olivierjkt 

C's Steak : Asian Wok do the Talk

The number one hit list playing non-stop in my brain when it comes to Sunday is : (Damn, tomorrow is Monday and i have to figure it out what are good reasons to skip classes tomorrow?) Ha! kidding..

Somehow....

Although i didn't want skip any classes at the moment BUT that temptation came in my mail, one of them was from C's Steak (Grand Hyatt) to attend bloggers lunch date, precisely to tried their Asian Wok promotion which already started from 16-29 September 2013. Just grab it while its hot. 

A bit worrisome as i came out last that afternoon because i missed out big times including their Amuse Bouche. Luckily, i managed catching up with the others and tried (a spoon or two spoons) every of the dishes. Our lunch date remind me of how a group of friends sharing one same passion having delicious lunch together in an upscale Chinese restaurant. 

C's also dedicating on providing more or bit less than 3000 wine collections with special kind of wine machine that lives those bottles of good way much longer. 

Without any further ado, here what Asian Wok was all about.

Kway Teow Seafood black bean sauce IDR 115.000

White and chewy textured kway teow with thick black bean sauce bombarded with generous seafood toppings and tofus. This one is delicious moreover they cooked the tofus into perfection where the tofus were smooth and tasted bold. All the components were just beautifully synch. 

Cauliflower with  Shrimp, ginger and garlic IDR 100.000

Healthy and delicious, the flavors were there soaked into the prawns and broccoli. I ate quite a lot of the broccoli simply because it's healthy. They cooked the shrimps beautifully, juicy and tender while that clear broth tasted nice and savory with quite strong gingerly scent. 

Proudly present : C's Lamb fried rice IDR 486.000

I know what you are thinking right now!! And, here i am answered your wondering thoughts of why, why and WHY.. Why a mere lamb fried rice cost half a million including tax? Because, it really worth the tag.. 

To sum it up

why #1 

Because it tasted out of this world, means super delicious thats enough to really turned on that gluttonous button inside of me. Mean to be shared with 3 peoples, but no thanks.. I don't want to.

why #2

Generous amounts of lamb cooked into perfection ; tender, flavorful and orgasmic.

WHY #3

That feeling when you eat something so scrumptious enough to dare you to state, okay, this is the most delicious fried rice i ever had in my whole existence (so far..)

Really, i hope they will reconsider on reducing the price though.. 

Organic spinach noodles with vegetables IDR 100.000

Healthier version of your everyday fried noodles, made from the mixture from flour and organic spinach. I musy say this one was quite decent but definitely my less favorite. Dear healthier person aim to be : this one is a perfect alternative upon enjoying both tasty and healthy hearty meal. 

Frog legs Sichuan style IDR 100.000

Frog legs or better known as Swikee is an ingredient that (most likely) would turned into something dashing if it handled by the right hands. My last time stumbled upon this swikee thing was about many years ago. Lucky, i can tasted it once more... Hmm, soft swikee accompanied by delicious poured sweet, bit spicy and savory Sichuan sauce. It would be more delicious if eaten by bare hands but no..

Organic chili noodles with minced beefs, spicy garlic and oyster sauce IDR 115.000

Crispy textured noodles resembles ifumie in every possible way (ofc, it is an ifumie) with yummy toppings. Now, some of the attendance said it was spicy whereas it didn't that spicy for me. I love that rich sensation when it happened to be eaten with that bit soupy toppings. 

Spicy Tofu with vegetables, chinese cabbage and chili IDR 95.000

Another satisfying tofu menu, nicely fried on the outside while soft and smooth on the inside. That chili definitely giving an additional kick toward the dish.

Nothing fancy? I second that on appearance.. but, keep reading..

Didn't expect all of those ice creams would turned out great! All of them were enjoyable with distinctive differences. 

My heart went to Mango ice cream because i was in the mood for something cold and refreshing. Lovely mango ice cream with vivid mango taste and right level of sourness. The others were also really satisfying especially their chocolate ice cream which tasted so chocolaty and milky plus it wasn't too sweet. But, i really couldn't chose between chocolate or strawberry, surprisingly their strawberry ice cream as milky as well and really soft. I bet coffee lovers will tip their hats off for the coffee ice cream, strong coffee taste and aroma. While truffle is more like a peanut-y chocolate taste. As for you who seeks another refreshing sensation, just dig that raspberry ice cream out. Fantabulous.  All of those goods came along with too sweet tuile

Thank you C's for having me, it was such a lovable luncheon. All the foods were pretty amazing though. Man, i just crave for their lamb fried rice right now.. 

C's Steak & Seafood Restaurant

Hours :

Lunch - 12.00 pm to 15.00 pm daily

Dinner - 18.00 pm to 22.10 pm daily

4th floor Grand Hyatt Jakarta

Jl.M.H Thamrin Kav 28-30

Jakarta 10350

(021) 2992 1234

@CsJakarta

Altitude : Salt Grill by Luke Mangan

a lil bit grumbling or maybe an excuse

It's been quite a while since i became a loney lonely abandoned cat at home while my family went to an oversea trip. Blame it to my upcoming daily routines as a student which soon would be over in matter of days as of the time this post is written. And..... my dad, he bought my camera with him which then it lead to this post where all the pictures taken with phone. 

It was a brilliant Thursday escapade for two very best friends sitting on a comfy purple U shaped sofa while took gazed upon Jakartan's hustle bustle, face to face from the place we seated. I've made a reservation in advance just in case Salt Grill would be packed by lunch hour.

Hearing this and that hurled about this Altitude, where 3 different restaurants with different cuisines joined in a complex. Therefore, i carry a mission to try all those babies out which sadly only one so far has been beautifully wrapped. No worries, it will take quite some times but i'll definitely paid them a proper visit.

As for our power lunch, their business lunch package won our heart by giving quite reasonable price for IDR 190.000 for two courses (tax excluded) or IDR 240.000 for three courses start from 11.00AM-14.20PM. Reasonable price considering the flawless services given, breathtaking view offered and good foods provided. I am truly a demanding, not easily satisfied type of a guy when it comes down to services. Hence, i hope they're just still that good on the future.

First of all, they're taking their complimentary bread basket seriously. They smelled fresh baked straight from the oven served with selections of condiments.

Baby Barramundi, capsicum salsa, char grilled squid

Examined my plate thoroughly, i thought that reddish colored sauce below tasted spicy but no. It tasted complete with the right click from sweet, spicy and bit sour from its capsicum salsa. Capsicum which commonly known as paprika or red pepper, green pepper, bell pepper as its large mild form gave quite a touch toward the entire dish. Although, i expected it would delivered a bit intense peppery kick from it. I love how the baby barramundi easily cut, soft in texture and seasoned beautifully. Enjoyed my every spoonful of it. I thought they deep fried the skin crisp-ly but no. Beside the salsa, char grilled squid also placed below the fish. It was nicely done.

Grilled Chicken in cajun spice, roast pumpkin, aspargus, persian feta, red wine sauce

A bit too tough to cut from outside but luckily, it was quite tender inside. Again, it seasoned nicely strenghthened by its delicious sauce. A safe dish for whose taste bud adjusted to play safe.

Long Island Berries Tea IDR 50.000

Despite the weather was sizzling hot back then, this (i think it supposed to be) girl's drink managed to chilled me down. Refreshing mixtures from berries ready to sweeten up your day.

Green Canyon IDR 45.000

Amazed how they could pull this drink off beautifully. I mean, that green color is no other produced from blend of green vegetables. Healthy + tasty ; what you can ask for more?

Liquorice parfait "signature"

I love the idea of putting xiancao (cincau; green colored jelly in a nutshell) on the plate. The dark green layer of crumbs on the bottom vividly has that liquorice flavor. This dessert is somewhat unique but tasted wonderful for me. Also, the lime syrup added an extra kick toward it. Sweet & sour dessert with a bit medicine plus matcha tasted like.

Passion fruit cheesecake, orange sorbet

Cheesecakes & chocolates never bores me. But, this is my very first time having cheesecake combined with passion fruit's gentle touch. As for the taste, i had no complains at all. That orangey crumbs beside the orange sorbet was a line of full surprise! It literally was like exploded in my mouth like certain types of candies back on my childhood. Happy i managed to chose such a woke up call dessert like this.

At the end of the day, the two best friends gone home (no, but actually continued their journey) with happy tummy and smile on their cheeks. Au revoir, Altitude!

Sombrero

Have you guys ever tried that famous Korean chicken franchise named Bonchon? Michelindo company who brought this Bonchon to Indonesia finally proceed their next step opened their very first Mexican restaurant which precisely situated on the west wing of Grand Indonesia shopping town just across Yoshinoya. Bearing the name Sombrero, this casual Mexican restaurant invited some of food bloggers to tried some of their menu selections.

I must say Sombrero's wasn't so Mexican, very much fusion-ed so that Indonesian can get their pallate adjusted. The portions were too petite especially when it has to be shared with 3-4 souls on the table. Hence we rushed our way not to home after that but to satisfied our hungry tummies. Nonetheless, here what i've tried and my honest opinion toward it.

Sampler Tapaz (IDR 45.000) which consists of 3 out of 5 selections available. Start from the rearmost one was Chi Mi Changa, deep fried tortilla shell stuffed with beans and your choice of grilled chicken, beef or cheese. Quite crunchy with not so much generous stuffing and honestly, i could enjoy neither of the sauces. Fuerro Burito was flanked between Chi Mi Changa and Dip'n Wings. Put it simple, Fuerro Burito was the soft version of Chi Mi Changa while some of you might asked, how was that fried chicken tasted? It was an okay chicken dish with not much happening on the taste area.

Again, please take a note that i tried my best to zoom it as much as i could. So, don't be disappointed if you came by and the portion wasn't as big as my picture shown. Mex-Ixxa IDR 55.000 Sombero's specialty pizza with cheese, your choice of chicken and greens. I love the sauce they used on the pizza, I ate it without the dipping, the dipping were the same with previously shown Sampler Tapaz. Unfortunately, the dough itself was very very thin not the way a good thin crust pizza should be like.

Every purchased of specialty menu, you will get one free side dish such as, White Rice, Mexican Fried Rice or this Spicy Sombrero Fried Rice IDR 15.000 which came in a very very tiny portion. Luckily, it was quite enjoyable like your spicy good homemade spicy fried rice or maybe even slightly better. The spiciness might  be too spicy for some but for me, it was quite mild.

And this short journey has come to an end, beautifully closed with Black Tie Churros (IDR 23.000) i must say the way it cooked was really nice. When i ate Churros at my usual churros shop start with "C", the churros there were too crunchy and after digested some of it, my mouth got tired from all of those chewing activities. But, Sombrero's was cooked evenly with appropriable crunchiness and softness from the dough pastry itself. Finally, something good to bragged about! However, the weakness point lies within their dipping. Its chocolate dipping was a bit too sweet for dark chocolate dipping, they need to made it more "noir" while the white chocolate dipping was way too sweet.

At the end of the day, we received IDR 100.000 worth of voucher but didn't get the chance to use it. Although, the foods weren't great beside the churros but i do think as a newborn baby, Sombrero has much rooms to improve. They need to strengthened their recipes and voila! That will be good. And, pretty pretty please... they seriously need to added more volume in every portion of their menu.

Sombrero
Grand Indonesia, West Mall 3A Floor
@Sombrero_id
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SombreroIndonesia

Cork & Screw : Triple Treats

About few weeks ago while having a sort of crazy conversation ourselves, we accidentally overheard something interesting from across our seat. It was a group of friends discussed certain places to rent branded bags. It was seriously an irresistable temptation situation where we have to slowly but with wholly enthusiasm respond to their topic for ourselves. Jakartan's especially me and my friends called it "kepo" but.. i think it's okay to have a finger in the pie once in a while. It's good to be good, but it's better to be bad. Nah, i'm just kidding..... Well. we just need a thing we called it balance and that what makes us, human.. i guess =P

But, nah.. we didn't fire away bad comments about it anyway..

During fasting season, they have special buffet package for IDR 125.000/pax but now, it is no longer fasting season, isn't it?

When you hear the name, Cork & Screw.. what firstly crossed your mind? Wine! Personally, i didn't see where they put their wine collections, but from what i've heard they have wide selection of wines from all over the world which is a magnet for wine adorers out there. But, we came there not for wine time instead having one good lunch and chatting at the same time. This restaurant which is situated just across Opus Cafe, Plaza Indonesia definitely not a newcomer therefore, i'm certainly sure most you have been here. I know, i'm so late posting this.. i know, i know but please feel my sincerity to share it with you guys, okay? har har har..

Upon arrival, they asked whether we wanted to be seated at the smoking or non-smoking section. Knowing their non-smoking was only the bar area indoor with one elongated table plus to be share with the other costumers, and that definitely will reduce our quality chatting time, so we decided to seated at the smoking area which wasn't smoky at all.

A waitress came to our table to noted our orders, she successfully answered every questions about the foods we asked. Prompt and politely served us. A different feeling when you noticed their pr or something wearing all black uniform looking at us when i took pictures with that somehow less pleasant feels.

har har har.. narcissistic a bit won't kill, right?

"Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what's for lunch"

                                                                                        -Orson Welles

While i had dori for lunch, my friend had Baked Tuna Cannelloni instead. An italian dish with pumpkin sauce. Cannelloni is a large type of pasta generally served baked with a filling and covered by sauce. The sauce itself was intriguing. Usually cannelloni served with tomato or bechamel sauce. Bechamel also known as white sauce made with a roux of butter and flour cooked in milk. This dish was like ten times better than mine. Its meat filling inside was quite generous and the cannelloni itself was fulfilling and tasted good. It wasn't flavorful exploding, savory or peppery but it was nice with homey feeling eating pastel in a bit bland and Italian version The pumpkin sauce gave a nice kick toward the entire dish. 

This was like my most overrated dish for the month. Sniffed something good when it served on my table but apparently it was just the smell. This Dori was nowhere crisp and savory. Very soft (not in a good way) dori fish that will crumble like pastries even when you softly cut it with your spoon. The sauce itself didn't help so much. I think it was the cut which made the dori texture felt so thin. I couldn't bring myself enjoyed this dish although i've tried. Plus, the wedges which i hoped will be the rescuer also tasted flavorless, wet and mushy. 

Nonetheless, the disappointment have to end here because right after this point nothing will gone bad. For the drink we had refreshing Holly Berry which really refreshing blend between soda, strawberries and yoghurt then topped with strawberry ice cream. I love this drink, i must say their ice cream was really good, quite thick and milky. It was my friend's also, while i had something-something beverage which wasn't as good as holly berry. pic no2 which was mine was milky but not sweet for my liking. The berries inside didn't stood up so that the milky tasted was the dominant. Followed up vaguely with not sweet banana then served with satay-style banana and strawberry on top.

And meet the Triple Chocolate Melt

hello... we are trio chocolate buddies, from Cork & Screw kitchen. our biggest happiness when we see our  buyer satisfy after savoring us. those happy smile on their cheeks are our happiness.

i'm the oldest from triple melt family, i'm the mighty dark chocolate melt. I have gooey dark chocolate melt inside me. my body made from quality batter. I love you when you tore me down (is this cake a masochist?) because many of them said, i'm the most delicious one.. especially when you eat me together with white chocolate sauce poured on your plate.
............
(yes.... it really was the best and most favorite out of those three. It was a pleasure lingering in my mouth.)

puh-lease.... you have to eat me carefully, slowly, and the most important happily because i have sweet white chocolate melt inside my body which is different from the other two. As the second brother from triple melt family, i might be too sweet for some, not too chocolaty for some but i know, you are happy to have me... in your belly.
............
(it wasn't too white chocolaty but quite enough to spoiled my tastebud, too sweet for some, but for me.. sweet-toothed gentleman, it feels right)

yippie ho! i'm the youngest from triple melt family. i have the "noir" from my big brah, dark chocolate and the shy side from white chocolate. I'm chocolaty enough but not too chocolaty like my biggest brah yet not too sweet and less chocolaty like second brah.. I'm quite sad to be last for you eat, so when i cry, my body got the melt a bit watery
............
(Honestly, the taste between this and the white chocolate one wasn't that much different. The differences were only on the color, but.. this one was less appealing in the presence of the dark chocolate melt yet on the same grade with the white one)

Cork & Screw is quite a nice place to hang out, enjoy afternoon tea time or indulge yourself with a glass of wine but, not so much if you are aiming to have one full lunch or dinner. Actually, this wasn't my first time coming. Before, i became a food blogger, i've been here before, and yes.. the food didn't impressed me either. Their desserts weren't much of selections. But, really tempting. Next time, i'll try those babies out. 

Cork & Screw

Plaza Indonesia, Ground floor 

Jl.HR Rasuna Said, Wisma Kodel

12920, Jakarta Pusat

+62 21 52902030

SevenTo7 : A Brief Flight to Seventh Heaven

I never thought before that meat is fairly complicated until yesterday i listened about it from Ms.Martha, one of those business women who kindly share about her broad knowledge about meat. So, meat lovers.. you are now currently on the right channel. Located behind the majestic pillars of Sampoerna Building, this humble looking meat shop is quite occupied for luncheon. From Sampoerna to Pantai Indah Kapuk, they also has a branch at PIK area. Some of you might be wondering, why Seven to 7? it was originally operating from 7AM - 7PM. that's quite explained it, no?

Madame Lily

Actually i've been passing through this gray swan looking restaurant when i paid Moovina a visit and been curious since then how good this Madame Lily is, since i did some blog walking and slightly dazed how the price range is quite steep. By the time i passed it through, Madame Lily was quite packed with high-aunties (don't bother it, it's only available on my dict) it's my own appellation toward those aunties whose carrying branded bags with peacock high hair style, usually those who enjoys high tea time and pile of arisan (regular social gathering)

B-Side Wakai Cafe

This is a terribly late post around October. Yes, last year. That day after a stop from Downtown Bistro, I paid Plaza Indonesia a visit just to fulfill my longing to my all time favorite Yakult green tea from MyCha and spotted a new cafe (at that time) standing under the same roof with Japanese fashion's brand and connected to each other. I was tempted to tried their mochi simply because getting lost on Ivy's life. She praised their mochi as she wrote. Every paragraph as drugging me to really soon enjoy those petites.

We Are The Belly Clan!

Sabtu kemarin gue with some of my friends went to one of the newest establishment located at Intiland. Namanya cukup unik dan bikin penasaran "The Belly Clan" dan harusnya sebelum kesini gue reserve tempat dulu deh, soalnya pas sampai disitu tempatnya udah reserved semua tapi kita masih bisa makan disitu sampai jam setengah 8 dan cukup annoying pas setengah 8 itu langsung di kasih tau buat pindah ke bar. Well, next time visit udah wajib banget ya yang namanya reserve apalagi kalau hari Sabtu. Talking about the interior sih sebenarnya biasa aja, masih di dominasi dengan interior kayu berwarna gelap yang cukup enak di lihat mata. Ga terlalu spacey juga, yah menurut gue sih serba standard aja but in a good way. Nothing too fancy or less. Everything just right.

SKYE : A Dine In The Sky

ALERT :  I highly suggest you to reserve your seats at least a week before the day . Especially on Weekend , it can be very crowded . On my very first visit i've booked my seats since 2weeks ago because on the 1st week i booked the seats , it was full already . This may not apply on Weekdays .

 

 Babblement before the content 

Social House

Recalled those times when i passed through social house sign on 3rd floor of Grand Indonesia's foodhall  . But , i never got the chance to paid visits . If i'm not mistaken it was located one floor above the foodhall. But it appeared that they've changed their location to the 1st floor of East part of Grand Indonesia and you can only get there by using the lift in front of Gramedia.

Yesterday , I paid it a visit to killed my curiosity toward the one of most famous Ismaya's venues at Jakarta. The entrance itself wasn't big ,when i stepped inside there was a hallway to the main restaurant . I found it quite pretty.

hallway to the main restaurant

Mad For Garlic

I knew this restaurant since a long long time ago but never tried it before because of its name " Mad For Garlic " yes , i am not garlic fan . but curiosity could kill a cat , so i decided had a lunch there and hoped it would be nice . Under the same roof with Tony Roma's of course i demanded nothing less. And anyway this famous Italian restaurant originally came from Korea . An outstanding reputation for having 11 branches in Korea , 1 in Singapore and 1 in Indonesia .