YEYO

Spending a saturday afternoon after spa surely has to be closed with a nice meal at nearby resto. I remember there is a newly opened place called "yeyo". It is located on Jalan Senopati, right accross Emily French Resto and Awfully Chocolate. South Jakarta.

Curious with its meaning, i googled and "yeyo" means something cool or nice in spanish.

I walked in with the expectation of some exotic cuisines. The architectural of this place is amazing. The parking area is on the semi basement, eating area on the first floor and outdoor bar on the second floor. I assume it is designed by a highly respected architect called Andra Matin. I wont be surprised if it is really him.

Beyond my expectation, on the menu book, there are pastas, soup, and steaks. Nothing is really extraordinary. My friend ordered "Roasted chicken breast with potatoes" (55k) while I ordered "Yeyo wagyu burger"(57k) as it bears the place's name. It supossed to be good. And for the drinks we had "Melon tea"(20k) and "iced green tea"(20k). For the first time, I was asked about the drink quality. Only for teas. Well, trying to be critical, they were too plain, just like water.

 The wagyu patty was quite juicy but not tasty. I asked for a chili and tomato sauce for that. But the fries, wow, the msg on the seasonings was really working. Could not help but to finish it. And I kept feeling thirsty afterwards.



And the chicken breast. It was a very big portion and cut. Unfortunately, the chicken was not marinated long enough. Or maybe it was cut too thick that it tasted nothing inside.

What i loved from this resto apart from the building, was the crowd. I think it was younger, preppy yet stylish people. Inspiring.

TACO LOKAL

Celebrating the long weekend, I asked my close colleagues to try the new eating place called Taco Lokal. She has tried that the week before and recommended it to me.

It is located on Jl. Panglima Polim, aligned with Seven Eleven and Sinou Restarant. The place is small yet intimate. It is actually connected a bicycle shop.

As recommended, I tried the one with the "shoulder meat". Single is 30k and double is 55k. Pretty small the portion it was. But was very tasty with the jalapenos. All you can eat jalapenos and hot sauce ( not really hot though).

The nachos (35k) was so-so. The one at Kafe Aria is the champion!

Spending the rest of the night at the begining of long holiday with good food and lots of laugh = priceless ;)

SKYE

Finally went to this famous SKYE. It’s located on the 56th floor of Menara BCA, just next to Grand Indonesia. And indeed I was really excited when I got there. It was like a mini version of Marina Bay Sands. But here, you got extra fog on your views. Fortunately it got really much clearer and better at night as you can see the beautiful lighting from those skyscrapers.

If you like a fancy and rustic ambience, with a bit of pop colours as the accent, this place is the perfect place to see and to be seen. In general, this place is divided in 2 areas. After arriving at the lobby, the left side is for the lounge and pool, whereas the right one is dedicated for the restaurant. You have to make a reservation first and please be aware of the dress code.

I went to the dining section and ordered Green Tea Frappucino (45k), Scallop dumpling with potato yoghurt(90k) and Caramelized Pork Belly with pickle (130k).

The caramelized pork belly reminded me of my home cooking “babi kecap” but with more of Javanese taste because they put more chili and fried shallots and serve them in a wok. LIKE it!

I did not really like the scallop tho.

FRENCH AND ITALIAN FOOD

Going to the origin place of certain cuisine sounds very berry exciting and amazing. Last month, I luckily got a chance to visit France and Italy.

I was so excited when I saw the full menu during the trip. Full of french cuisine, pastas and very delicious titled desserts. Nom nom nom.

Here are the name list of food that I tried :

Day 1: 

20:45 DINNER AT: FONTAINE DE JADE
PEKING HOT AND SOUR SOUP
FISH FILLET WITH SPICY SAUCE
DEEP FRIED CHICKEN WITH 5 SPICES
CHICKEN OR PORK WITH ONIONS / PORK SICHUAN STYLE
FRIED SEASONAL VEGETABLES


Day 2:
13:00 LUNCH AT: LA BELLE EPOQUE
6 ESCARGOTS DE BOURGOGNE (6 SNAILS)
BOEUF BOURGUIGNON POMMES DE TERRE ( BEEF BURGUNDY
AND POTATOES)
ILE FLOTTANTE (FLOATING ISLAND)

Day 3: 

18:30 DINNER AT: LES BALCONS
PLATE OF CRUDITES (ASSIETTE DE CRUDITES)
FISH FILLET AND RICE (FILET DE POISSON ET RIZ)
OMELETTE NORVEGIENNE (BAKED ALASKA)
BREAD INCLUDED (PAIN INCLUS)
Day 5:
DINNER AT: LES METS DE PROVENCE
SOUPE DE LEGUMES (VEGETABLES SOUP)
CUISSE DE POULET ROTIE AU ROMARIN ET POMME DE
TERRE SAUTEES
(ROAST CHICKEN LEG WITH ROSEMARY AND PAN FRIED
POTATOES)
MOUSSE AU CHOCOLAT (CHOCOLATE MOUSSE)
Day 6:

13:30 LUNCH AT: L AURORE
HORS D'OEUVRE VARIES (MISED OF RAW VEGETABLES)
ROTI DE VEAU ET HARICOTS VERTS RISSOLES (ROAST
VEAL AND FRENCH BEANS)
DESSERT DU JOUR (DESSERT OF THE DAY)
EVENTAIL DE CHARCUTERIE (BUTCHER'S PLATE)
FRICASSEE DE VOLAILLE, LIGUINES SAUCE FORESTIERE
(POULTRY FRICASSEE AND LIGUINE PASTA WITH MUSHROOM
SAUCE)
TARTE AUX POMMES MAISON (HOME MADE APPLE TART)

Day 7:

MIXED SALAD
*CHICKEN ESCALOPE WITH FRENCH FRIES AND VEGETABLES
*CARAMEL CUSTARD


Day 8:
LUNCH AT RESTAURANT MATTERHOR PARADISE.
MENU G8: SOUP OF THE DAY,
SZECHUAN CHICKEN, STEAMED RICE

Day 9:
14:30 LUNCH - UNDER OWN ARRANGEMENT
18:30 DINNER AT: BEBBIS
FONDUE COMBO MEAL
*CHEESE FONDUE AS STARTER
*FONDUE BOURGUIGNONNE (CHICKEN, PORK AND BEEF
FONDUE IN OIL)
SAUCES, FRENCH FRIES, RICE
*CHOCOLATE FONDUE AS DESSERT


Day 10:

ASIAN SET MENU 5-DISH, SERVED AT TABLE *
CHICKEN BROTH WITH VEGETABLES / GRILLED PORK AND
VEAL SAUSAGE WITH
ONION SAUCE / GRILLED MARIANTED CHICKEN WINGS /
SLICED BEEF WITH OYSTER
SAUCE / FRIED VEGETARIAN NOODLES / STIR FRIED
MIXED VEGETABLES /
STEAMED RICE / COCONUT TAPIOKA WITH SWEET CORN /
WATER AND TEAN "ENGELBERGER STUBE" *

Day 11:
12:30 LUNCH AT: ACADEMIA RESTAURANT
*SEASONAL VEGETABLE SOUP
*SLICED BEEF ON SAUCE, FRENCH FRIES, ONE SEASONAL
VEGETABLE
*DESSERT OF THE DAY

Day 12:
11:30 LUNCH AT: TERME DEL COLOSSEO
CAPRESE SALAD
PIZZA MARGHERITA
SALAD
PANNA COTTA WITH FOREST FRUITS SAUCE
BREAD INCLUDED

Day 13:
SPAGHETTI CARBONARA ( EGGS SAUCE AND BACON)/
SALTIMBOCCA ALLA ROMANA (PORK)
POTATOES/
PANNA COTTA / BREAD INCLUDED

Day 14:
CAPRI 13:30 LUNCH AT: TERRAZZE
RISOTTO WITH SEAFOOD
MIXED FRIED FISH (SQUIDS AND SHRIMPS)
SALAD
FRUIT SALAD OR ICE CREAM
BREAD INCLUDED
18:00 DINNER AT: SOFI
SPAGHETTI WITH CLAMS 1 SLICE OF PIZZA MARGHERITA
MIXED SALAD CAPRESE CAKE


Day 15: 

13:45 LUNCH AT: STALLA RESTAURANT
SHORT PASTA WITH TOMATO SAUCE
CHICKEN IN THE OVEN WITH POTATOES
18:30 DINNER AT: VOCE DEGLI ANGELI
PENNE ALLA NORCINA (SHORT PASTA WITH SAUSAGE AND
TRUFFLE'S SAUCE)
SCALOPPINA DI VITELLO ALLA PERUGINA (VEAL ESCALOPE
WITH CHICKEN LIVER
SAUCE) SERVED WITH LITTLE CARROTS COOKED WITH MINT
MIXED SALAD
PAMMA COTTA

Day 16:
13:00 LUNCH AT: EMILIO
SPAGHETTI "BOLOGNESE" (TOMATO MEAT SAUCE)
ROAST TURKEY
VEGETABLE
"SEMIFREDDO" MOULDED DESSERT
19:30 DINNER AT: CERTOSA
TUSCAN STARTER
FLORENTINE STEAK 400 GRMS PP
MIXED SALAD
DESSERT FROM THE TROLLEY

Day 17:
12:00 LUNCH AT: CASTAGNO MATTO
SPAGHETTI WITH CLAMS
BAKED FISH OF THE DAY FILLET
MIXED SALAD
TIRAMISU
18:30 DINNER AT: PAGODA
EGG AND TOMATO SOUP
TROUT IN SPICEY SAUCE
STEAMED CHICKEN WITH SAUCE
SAUTEED SHRIMPS - OMLETTE
VEGETABLES - RICE
FRUIT - TEA

Day 18:
13:15 LUNCH AT: ALBACHIARA
RISOTTO MILANESE
MILANESE VEAL CUTLET
SALAD
TART WITH JAM
18:30 DINNER AT: GALILEO RESTAURANT
SPAGHETTI WITH CLAMS
TROUT A LA MEUNIERE
FRIED POTATOES
SALAD
FRUIT SALAD

The differences between French and Italian food that i had been served, in France, they served us salad as the entree, protein and carbs as the main course and dessert. While in Italy, they served us pastas as the entree first, then vegie and protein as the main course and then the dessert.

The full menu above sounds so perfecto right?

Hahaa... Well.. Let me tell u this first.  From the first day of the trip, few moms (my mom's friends) offered me some chili paste from Indo. I thought, "why don't u try it first? that's not the proper way to appreciate the chef and their cooking, just get used to new food".

Towards the end of my 3 weeks trip. I was really tired of those plain looking and tasting pasta. I really felt  that Italian food back home is much much better. (I was more friendly to Italian food in Jakarta before). I even hated to see bread. ( Silly!) I reckon that is because they have beef modified to our liking taste. I bet they put much much much more herbs to the modification.

As the contrary to my opinion above, I joined a tour, which they have thought much about the profit they could gain. They have probably given us bad and cheapy food. So, they were not a balance comparison. No offense italian!

Well, too bad i could not really meet my expectation. My conclusion is, i cannot really judge food on other countries. To me, I believe Indonesia is the paradise of great food.

ALBA FATTORIA

Last week, I went to this place TWICE. Its name is Alba Fattoria. Located on Jalan Barito 2, next to Interni Asia. South Jakarta

Upon its grand opening, I have been very interested to drop by.  But after I found out that the interior designer is my friends, I became very eager to put my feet on that place. Very curios!

The interior theme is "a barn with orange twist". There's a cake bar at the center of the room, and fruits display on the side. Very sweet..

After a very passionate suggestions from the pretty waiter, (Yes! She was very persistently suggesting us more food even though we have ordered two dishes for both of us). I finally put on my decision on the "Salmon with asian sauce" (95k). Even though i have more preference on sweet food, the sauce was too sweet for me. I had "Es buah pala" (25k) for the drink. It had a very very strong 'pala' taste, that's all i could say. My mom loved it tho'

The next days, I ordered the "Chocolate Souffle" (35k). To be honest, it was my first souffle ever. Well, without other comparison, I would say that it tasted pretty delicious. Crunchy outside, and soft inside.(Will try another souffle). My drink, a sour "Kiwi lemonade"(33k) could balance the souffle's sweetness. I was interested on the Paninis and Cheese Souffle too, a savory souffle..humm..will try it next time =)

Overall,  the ambience and the food have strong points to be your next favorite place to hang around.

COFFEEBEERIAN

Few weeks back, a new coffee and beer shop proudly opened on Jl. Panglima Polim 9 no.8.

From its apparent name, it's obvious that it sells coffee and beer.

My friend suggested me to try their speciality, which was CoBe(30k). Yes, coffee and beer mixed together. As someone who does not have beer as their first preference, this CoBe is very acceptable. The hint of lemon zest and additional flavour softened the beer taste. Just follow what the waiter told you. Stir it properly. The more you stir the more you get the sweetness. CoBe really reminds me to lemon lime bitter with richer taste.

Then the other time, I tried another drink that called "Milky gut"(28k). It was actually not on the menu board, but the barista said I would love it. It's beer combined with coffee, cut cherries, and vanilla ice-cream. VERY interesting. But next time, if you do not really have a sweet tooth, please kindly ask the barista to reduce the sugar.

Overall, this cafe offers a unique variety of coffee and beer. What lacking were the foods as they haven't had much variety of snacks to accompany the drink. But they say they have been working on the menu.

And they actually have Lemon Cheese Cake which was everyone's favorite but it's not available at that time. Can't wait =)

ZZZZzzz

Long time no write. Actually I have been to few restos, and actually worth to retell here. But I was taken aback to compose a post because I forgot to bring a camera or my mobile phone's camera wasn't good enough to capture the paradise I were in. Sorry.
Pictures could have said 1000words.

SANTOUKA RAMEN

Another Ramen Euphoria.

Last week I went to Plaza Indonesia for this famous long-awaited Santouka Ramen. Well, that's according to my friends who have tried the one in Singapore.

There was quite a long queue at the front as the restaurant is not that spacious.

We waited about 20mins on the queue. That included the time when we gave up our table for my friend's boss who was standing before us on the line. Fortunately, we got a better table =)

I order the miso soup based ramen, small size(65k) and gyoza (35k). Very nice and delicious for the first half bowl. But I slowed down towards the end as the broth was somehow very heavy and felt oily.

I think Yellow fin's Ramen is much better.

CAFE ARIA

Yesterday, I went to "Cafe Aria" for a catch-up session. Located on Jl. Jenderal Sudirman kav.1, where Tony Toma's used to reside.

The area was looked very, very spacious as there were only few people there.

First, we ordered Nachos (58k) to wait for another friend. It came out quite surprising because I have always had ones which condiments put together on top of the nachos. But Cafe Aria served it separately.

Bit weird as the nachos were put on a dim sum basket. But maybe it worked well because it kept the nachos crispy until the end. The salsa tasted really good, sweet and good sour. The guacamole tasted milky and refreshing too. Two thumbs up.

Then, I had "White egg omelette with sautee spinach and chicken sausage"(38k).
I have never had an egg omelette before, but I really like the texture. The spinach was soft and tasty too.

I think this place is good for a business meeting or a date as it would not be that crowded.

Good ambience. Good food. =)




Ps: if you are on a meeting with your laptop, make sure you put the battery on. The electricity was once dropped for about 2 mins.

DO AN

This is actually my most favorite Vietnamese restaurant that I have ever tried.

Located on the upper level of Cilandak Town Square - South Jakarta
It's always full during the lunch time.

Almost everything is full of flavor. The spicy pho with beef sliced and the grilled beef with tomato rice.

However, my favorite is "bun ga nuong xa" or Rice vermicelli salad with grilled chicken satay (48k).
The portion is quite big for the so-called salad.

Full of texture with the sweet, sour and hot sauce. The spring roll and the chicken satay complete each other.

YELLOWFIN

Located at Jalan Senopati no. 42 - South Jakarta. I passed this resto at the corner soo many times. And it has always been full since the opening. So I have been really curious!

The waiter said their specialities are tonkatsu ramen and grilled salmon. Obeying the suggestion, we tried tonkatsu ramen with level 1 spiciness (55k) and grilled salmon with crunchy seaweed (85k). We ordered Tuna salad as the entree.


The tuna was ok, but I think it could have been better.

 The ramen was unexpectedly nice. Very tasty and quite hot ( for level 1). Thick but not too much.

Unfortunately, the Grilled Salmon was just a mediocre, I only enjoyed the crunchy seaweed.

Next time, I should order the sashimi or the yakitori instead.

What really enlightened me was the restroom. Yes the restroom. The wash basin has the view of a tree..haha..cute.

PANDAN BISTRO

One of my family fave resto. Pandan bistro is located On jl. Pakubuwono 6 no. 10 - South Jakarta. I am not sure whether it is the branch from the on in Pluit.

Almost everything is delicious. My most fave one is tahu kipas(29k).

Apart from other yummy seafood stuff. So now, my family dont have to go too far to pondok laguma to get a nice seafood session.

SEDAP RAOS

My latest addiction. Batagor from Sedap Raos(12k). A humble resto located on jl. Cipete raya.

It actually reminds me of my junior high school time. And it actually beats my fave batagor from "meetbowl" in Melbourne. What my colleague use to order during overtime too!!

SHINMEN RAMEN, REMBOELAN AND TIN PAN ALLEY

 It was quite a fun holiday last weekend. Met 3 of my fave girlfriends and had several chances for trying several new places.

Saturday lunch, we went to Shin Men Ramen. Located on Wijaya 2 no. 122. Just across the Wijaya Grand Center, south Jakarta. The Shinmen special ramen will always be my favorite.(Before I tried ippudo sg). Sorry, I forgot to take pic, I was tooo hungry that I ate everything straight away.

(Psstt...after ippudo sg ramen , I realized, it's just the best of all because its broth is thick and very tasty but does make u bloated, but this shinmen is worth to try too=)

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Saturday dinner, we went to Plaza Senayan and tried the new restaurant at the top of the atrium. The name is Remboelan.

Indonesian soulfood, that's what they say about their food.

At dinner time, we have to wait for about 30mins to get to our table.

In my opinion, the dramatic part was when you have to climb up through the grand staircase to enter the main area. But the down part was I felt like I was in a cage.

I ordered gado-gado (25k) because of the lent. I think the peanut sauce is too thick and not that tasty. My companion ordered Garang Asem (55k) and Pindang Ikan (55k).

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I started to think my girlfriend as my boyfriend because I kinda spent my whole weekend with her...hahaa..please don't think thatt wayy..I'm still normal.

Sunday late lunch, we finally got into Tin Pan Alley at UOB Plaza. Just next to Grand Indonesia. Not that crowded during weekend.

We ordered Creamy Mushroom Soup (38k) and Phillo Veggie Triangles (48k).

At first, I was a bit disappointed by the look of my phillo. A bit overtoasted I guess. But the triangles really tasted so rich and refreshing. It must be because of the veggie and creamy feta cheese with the sour refeshing marinara sauce. The phillos were very crusty too. Love it.

The soup was ok. Got the fragrant of the toasty mushie at first sip and the the richness of the seasoning.

LUCY IN THE SKY

Lucy in the sky. Located on SCBD that used to be Bengkel night park. I remember that it was one of the hippest club on my brother's generation.(hahaa..that was soo long time ago)

I went there after office hour. The place is quite interesting, outdoor seating with 250 degree sky scrappers view. But when it comes to be a bit dark, mosquitos started to come out, looking for their prey. Next time, if i want to go there, I will make sure that I am wearing long pants.

The choice for food is not much. Well, my friend and I were looking for something light, but there's none. Or maybe there was something wrong in our eyes but we ended up just having our regular teas (25k)


At 7pm, the waiter politely asked us to go as their having a private birthday party there. So ciaoo!

It's been a month. I have lots of overdue post here

Last week, I dropped by to Singapore to meet some people and had some nice meal. But the one I love the most is Ippudo Ramen in  Mandarin Gallery, Orchard Road - Spore.

Lots of people has recommended this Ramen to me. Fortunately, I arrived right before lunch time, so we didn't have to join the long queue after us. My parents and I only had to wait for about 10mins.

We tried the original tonkatsu ramen and the spicy tonkatsu ramen. They all each $15. You can ask for additional topping for various prices.

After waited for about 10mins, we got out order. Out of those two soups, II prefer the spicy one. The soup was very thick, creamy, but once you tasted it, it tasted very light and had longg spicy aftertaste. Love it.
The original one was somehow too gingery. But the pork loin and the egg were amazingg!!

Oh ya, you can choose the texture of the noodle, I tried both medium and soft. I prefer the soft one. And you actually can ask for additional noodle if you still have lots of your soup by yelling some Jap words. (Please look around to see how it works)

I will definitely come back again to enjoy the spicy tonkatsu ramen and the pork bun. My friend said it is really a worth to try.

LUNA NEGRA

Happy New Year!

This is an overdue article, oh no. I actually went to this place about 2 weeks ago. Two of my best friends came back from Melbourne for their holiday. So I asked them to this place called Luna Negra, located on Plaza Bapindo - Jakarta.

I liked its lobby where it has a wine cellar next to it. It looks like an American 60-70's style. The interior was very nice =D

I ordered Pan Fried Chicken Breast with Lemon Sauce while my housemate ordered the one with white wine sauce (79k). Not much different. The chicken is just a mediocre but a bit turn off on the vegie gratin. Very soggy. Dont know why they called it gratin.

My 2 other friends ordered some pasta. They said it was very rich and very creamy. But they did not complain much.

Well, recommendation from my friend, order the fruit infused-beer.

They are great !=)