Ming Dine & Chill

It's been a while since my last post.. Somehow i just kinda lost that grasp to blog, but finally, i started to getting that feeling back.

I never known before, there's a really nice Chinese restaurant on the topmost of Epiwalk, which i came here only for Otel lobby or Bluegrass. It was sort of a farewell invitation from Jenny, my dear friend who finally find her next stop destination. Best of luck, dear!

Upon arriving, i notice there's a bar with some of their collections. It's quite rare to see a Chinese restaurant with a bar, you know..  swaggy enough?

I think Ming set one high standard for Chinese restaurant, thinking of Chinese restaurants avant-garde. Surprisingly huge with some private rooms with minimum purchase. I just love their interior, they definitely gives a classy touch toward the entire restaurant. Friendly services either. What's not to love?

smoking area

Prosecuting tea revolution as its theme, every dishes accompanied with different kind of teas as its pairing. Not a tea kind of person, proven by my almost-never habit not to order tea as washing down company, instead chocolates, and mocktails. So, i can't give much comments on the teas because basically it tasted just much the same for me. Pardon me.

Steamed Chicken Char Siew Cheong Fan, Steamed Shrimp Dumpling, Steamed Truffle Dumpling with Wild Fungus paired with Chrysanthenum tea

I had this trio as appetizer, their steamed shrimp dumpling came as my most favorite compared to the other two. Delicate dumpling with splashing shrimp stuffing, delicious. While, both of cheong fan and truffle were standard. 

Steamed Fish Fillet with Taiwanese Black Bean paired with Oolong Green tea

Definitely a spoonful of pleasure. Pretty soft steamed fish fillet with appealing black bean taste (Taosi). It was delicious, healthy because it is a fish and steamed. What can i ask for more? I could eat this all day, all night without feeling guilty.

Japanese Handmade Noodles with Handmade sauce and Crabmeat paired with Black tea.

A bit thick type of noodle with quite an amount of crab meat. Bit soggy with not so much savoriness going on. I prefer if it was savory with balance sweet taste. But, gotta appreciate the generous crab meats given.

Emperor Chicken paired with Black tea

This was a special menu that haven't been launched yet. This spectacular made in progress chicken dish carrying IDR 350.000++ price tag. As an emperor, this chicken got the privilege to be protected by a hard shell made from clay. During its cooking proccess, i could smell a fragrant smell came from the clay. After quite some times, the clay cracked down by a blunt tool then crack! finally, the emperor chicken reveal itself. It was fragrant, you can smell ginger-ly appetizing smell from the chicken along with its other components inside. I love how the chicken was so tender and complicated with their unique seasonings. On the other hand, as a person whose ginger isn't my favorite thing on plate.. That ginger-ly after taste was a bit overwhelming. Overall, this is a pretty delicious and healthy dish.

Deep Fried Sesame Ball with Salted Egg Filling paired with Long Jing

If Miley has her wrecking balls, then Ming has its own addictive sesame balls. Careful, it's hot. Got to bite it slowly because the yolk filling inside could burst out at any moment. I love how the yolk melted and tasted sweet but a bit salty at the same time. They did deep fried the sesame balls, it was crunchy and went so well its filling. Accompanied with laboratory kind of serving beverage which beautifully consists of two colors. If my memory didn't fail me, it was a mixture from guava and orange. Exquisito.

Dear discount hunters, you might wanna see this.

Cozy Chinese restaurant with edgy interior, good foods and friendly services. You guys should try their sesame balls which for sale/pieces. 好运 Ming Dine & Chill!

Ming Dine and Chill
Epiwalk Rasuna Epicentrum
2nd Floor Unit #318-330
Karet-Kuningan
Jakarta Selatan 12940
021-29912323

UNION

No matter how much times has passed or many restaurants keeps popping. My heart always stays for this one. Been here once, it was like 1-2 years ago when i wasn't a food blogger and finally! i went there just yesterday and decided to make the review a.s.a.p because by far, their red velvet still ranked as the best red velvet in town (at least for me) and as long as i remember if memory don't failed me, Union was the first one whose red velvet booming in no time.

Full house during lunch hour, well.. i've expected this much and so, i put my name on their waiting list. Not long after that, they called me to informed me that my non-smoking seat was ready. I think this place needs no introduction further more since i seriously think everyone already knows it, good or bad.

Talking about the interior, nothing changes much or maybe at all.. I love how the sunlight naturally illuminate through the black glass windows. It was packed and quite noisy but the services are still first class. Despite the hustle, the waiter took our orders in no time, the foods were fast enough to reached our table, and their waiter could explained the foods in detail, friendly and at the end of the day, he took two good shots of me and my friend.

Pardon this narcissistic selfie 

and.. yes.. this timing rule still applied even on this very hour.

this is what i called complimentary bread. warm, fluffy, fresh baked bread with good quality of butter. 

It took a while for us to figured it out, what to order.. our choices went to

Tropic Berry IDR 55.000

Life is Good IDR 55.000

Both of us chose something which hopefully turned out to be refreshing beverages. Not too impressed with their Tropical Berry because it wasn't too refreshing, almost tasteless for me. Not sweet, not sour. Just where this berry was? But.. Life is Good surely remind me why life has been good lately and drinking something so fresh like this one is another one of the reasons why. It was sweet and really refreshing with all of those clicking mixtures in one glass. The only thing i could complained was.. too much ices. 

Braised Osso Buco ((braised beef shank) IDR 130.000

A generous portion of scrumptious beef shank served with delicate mashed potato below and sauce. The sauce was a bit oily if you ask me but seriously, i love this dish. For me, the components were completed each others. The beef shank was soft and tender. The sauce was also delicious. What's not to love? My friend also love this very much. I'm glad i made a right choice. Fulfilling dish.

Crispy Pork Belly IDR 130.000

My friend felt a big time guilty but don't left the pleasure behind ; because for her, it was too fatty then she afraid she will gain kilos after eating it. For me, yes.. it was fatty and thick but tasted wonderful! I really really love it especially when eaten with their sauce. Honestly, i don't know what was the sauce they used below the porks or even that shiny and oily brown-ish sauce. What i know is : it tasted superb and that's all i need to know. Literally one of the best pork bellies i've ever eaten. Ah.. and that crunchies on top deserves no other word beside : magnifique.

Red Velvet IDR 55.000

Union Made is Well Made ; IKR! that clean plate of red velvet is definitely one authentic proof

Back then it was only IDR 50.000 if i'm not mistaken. And.. yes, here i am proudly stating Union's red velvet still ranked as #1 in my heart. While Mad For Garlic's ranked as #2 bearing the same price tag as Union's. What made Union different from the others, i think it is the crispy peanuts topping covering the cake which giving that addictive crunch crunch while enjoying the delicacy delivered from the cream cheese and the moist beetroot-y textured cake. I LOVE (yes, with capitals) it. Moreover, the portion is huge.. Ladies, to dodge that guilty pleasure syndrome later on. Please, share it with me =P. I even ordered another of it for take away.

the take away appearance. yes.. after a really full lunch at Union. We were waiting for my friend and happened to be sat again at Momi's & Toys which served Japanese cold creepes. Been twice here and their creepes were superb! 

And there it goes..Union successfully spoiled my tummy and no.. this time our tummies happily.. We were really full since the portion was generously big.. Though some of my friends didn't like Union for some reasons.. But, for me. Union still strikes me back to come back anytime soon.. Maybe, their Cronut is another good reason why i have to? But.. no, this journey wasn't over yet.. Then we rushed to Potato Head Garage for early dinner with bloated tummies. Doh!


UNION

Plaza Senayan Ground Flr (inside Sogo)

Jl. Asia Afrika No. 8

South Jakarta

Ph. +6221 57905861

Egg Nest Bistro

Armed with a pair of headset playing Lana Del Rey songs continuously, a glass of little bland mango yoghurt and a book given by a friend, i was sitting in a bistro which precisely located at Oak Tree Urban Hotel waiting when the fasting time will be over, impatiently. Egg Nest Bistro looking modest and simple yet quite expensive at the same time with strong grey bitumen colored flooring, natural bird trinkets and bird's nest shaped lamp hanging on the ceiling giving this place a contemporary touch. 

YummThai : Everyday Thai your Way

Thailand, one familiar name scattered across the world mostly known for its cultural diversity, exotic beauty islands, tourist attractions and recreation, and you can't missed this one.. yes, the cuisine. Even in a wide range of foreign countries, Thai cuisine has positioned itself lined in the world most anticipation cuisine. Emerging Thai restaurants along with the enthusiasm from its lovers is the most tangible evidence in this case and you can't let through the name of Indonesia from this rapidly growing Thai cuisine.

MOJO Kitchen & Bar

Dear culinary hunters and readers,

I know, nowadays i rarely posts consistently but tonight is different... I am writing this as soon as i pixilated by one of the newest (can i say) gastropub at Senopati area. Skipping classes were surely worth for Mojo.. There are some meanings for Mojo itself such as : "magical charm", "sexual charm", "sauce" in Europe and literally meaning "charm" of "fetish" is an amulet, often a small flannel bag containing one or more magic items, worn by adherents of hoodo/ voodo.

Outback Steakhouse : Carnivores Gone Wild

As i logged in to my email, i found one email with mouthwatering pictures inserted inside. Those pictures were definitely the reason why i was willing took such a distance from my house to Kuningan City without second thoughts. Moreover after hearing good rumors enveloped it, pumped up my curious taste buds and distance wasn't enough to separate us (Thanks Elvina, who kindly offered me a drive). Bedraggled upon homing also wasn't a big deal, really?

Steakology : Seven Wonders of Sauces

People, they keep and keep using foreign products as their raw and main materials while there's one humble looking steak house in Tebet area stand strong using local meats as their ideology. Steakology as they called, which is owned by a group of friends including Tantri from Kotak Band and Prabu Revolusi in it. As a guy who now never watches any television programs, i don't know who Prabu Revolusi is, but to look at him personally, this guy has tough charisma and hopefully the steaks aren't as tough as him. 

Commune 25

 

Right after one unsatisfactory early dinner at (just call it) Y, me and the three musketeers immediately rushed to one of the nearest place from it and the decision fell on Commune, Senopati which wasn't too appealing at the same time. The only reason why i went to Commune because my one of my friend recommended it to me. As for me who just recently undergone bad dining experience, this poor stomach demanding to be filled soon with scrumptious dishes although its already quite full. I prayed splashily in my heart, this place gotta be good or the distance taken from my house to Senopati will be die in vain. 

Steak Hotel by Holycow!

Just today, two tired slanted eyes not to mention disturbing blackened eye bags tucked right under the eyes caused by acute insomnia push itself to remained standing tall since the mouth refuse to rest but instead to keep munching. So, we swerved straight to Holycow! we went to TKP Radal, which Radal stands for Radio Dalam. Holycow's eco green building concept took place on the 5th floor of its building. There lies a rooftop with calming breeze that flows naturally surely gave one distinct coolness. 

Bluegrass Bar & Grill

It was Friday and i was looking a place to indulge myself despite all the boredom because my bestie is on her trip to Bangkok for a whole month. So, i decided to made a reservation at Bluegrass a good looking restaurant strategically located just across Otel Lobby. It appeared that Bluegrass is under reconstruction or something. From afar, that fancy looking entrance of it didn't gave any signs. So, i got confuse a little bit. But, there we were, with hungry tummy looking something good to munch.

Spageddies : Monday Fever

I just hate when Sunday has come to its peak. Means i gotta face the boring routine as an ordinary college student, which i hope mine was a witch, vampire hunter or something. Facing a day full of idleness and lethargy. I decided to wreak my ire with an All You Can Eat ( AYCE ) package from Spageddies for IDR 85.000++ which is strategically located on the 4th floor of Senayan City. Actually, this is my very first visit since personally i am not a fan of Sency and the AYCE promo is too good to be miss.

Ginger Li

Kemang is known as one of hippest area in Jakarta. As if it's never sleep, an ever-changing area where new places mainly restaurants, bars or even clubs keep popping out after one another. These days, the clubs aren't that crowded and hip anymore. I visited Barcode about several weeks ago and it was nearly empty, unlike my very first time went there, it was so packed and stuffed. Therefore it is a paradise for a blogger such as myself yet i haven't explore it thoroughly. Ginger Li is a fine dining restaurant which is located at South of Kemang. An upper-class restaurant with refreshing atmosphere with catchy and soothing music, A Chinese restaurant mixed between Oriental-European. I love the qi-bao lady picture embedded on the wall. 

Hotti-kultura World Diners

Hotti-Kultura is a minimalist restaurant with outdoor area for smoking and indoor area with some pastel colored seats and modest appearance. Hearing the word " World Diners " surely pumped my enthusiastic. What was captivated my attention was their mini bar and a mini book shelves filled with some readable books. Looks like they also serves a quite variant of liquors. It gave a homey nuance as i sat and look around. 

Downtown Bistro

A few days ago, i went to one of the newest establishments ( is it ? ) at Central Jakarta which is specifically located at Landmark Building, Sudirman. I was intrigued after hearing several good talks from friends who preceded me. Unfortunately, by the time i was there with one of my friend, their indoor area was unavailable due to the some colloquium, talkshow, whatever you name it. Inevitably, we sat outside. Hoping they all would moved immediately. Poor us, they didn't moved even just a little bit.

Convivium Cafe Deli

Strategically located at Panglima Polim there lies an authentic Italian deli with homey concept and atmosphere strengthened by its warm lighting to lighten up those gloomy hearts. Stand under the name Convivium which means a banquet , dining-party , entertainment in Latin. In a nutshell, Convivium is a place for eat & drink , it's a place for gathering and having good times. It's an ordinary house which decorated extraordinarily, upon the entering, i saw well-furnished with wooden touches including their wooden shelves and wood panelling around the place, while the floors covered with cheerful wallpapers. For some peoples it's the type of place which binds you and make you want to come here again & again , but i don't know if it's apply to me. We'll see.

NEGEV : Art Dining & Gallery Bar

Dear NEGEV , I'm really sorry that i doubt about their good babbling about you . 

Yes , yes , yes . I mean it, NEGEV The only reason why i paid it a visit in this late century since it stood because the hesitation to try . Some of them said their food was sucks . Some of them said it was worth visiting . Located at City Plaza Building , no wonder if their luncheons are mostly filled with business peoples during Weekdays. Today is Wedne(shit)day, after a had an hour full of bewilderment faced the France exam. I found myself sitting beautifully in a beautiful place with polite , well-trained waiter and waitresses . No wonder they won over Jakartans hearts , they really turned this place out into a good art dining eatery .

Coffee Time at Monolog

Monolog is .... a....well , already rather old yet very well-known coffee bar at Plaza Senayan face-to-face with La Luce , those who often visits Southern area must be familiar with this place . Fell in love with its location that you can see an appealing wooden touches everywhere from in front of Monolog and others neighboring restaurants . Ambiance-wise , Matching and synch colors in harmony . Monolog has its own magnet to make ( at least ) for me to come over again and again .

RumoRoso : House of Flavors

Stand under the same roof with the worldwide Tony Roma's , here's RumoRoso with its authenticity trying to ingratiate jakarta's Southerner . Precisely located at Senayan City's apartment . By the power of words , i heard that this minimalist yet chic restaurant offers delicious Indonesian's flavors pizzas such as : balado and rendang . Curiosity could kill a cat , so that day i'm happily sat beautifully and listening the explanation from the manager and the owner about their pizza , concept and target . One of the waitresses looked cool with tattoo at her hand could explained about the beverages very well , well done .

Shutting Down at Pad@28

Standing gallantly fueled by two upright white pretty pillars on the corner of Jalan Senopati and the road that takes you to SCBD , pad@28 which i believe stand for padkeeper28 adding itself as an another alternative place to rejuvenates yourself after faced a week of hectic bustle , i found this restaurant is a really good one . Their strong and bold outward appearance strengthened by their balmy , cozy , and engrossed interiors inside that i'm sure will make you extend your stay longer . I believe this place just about to make hits and splashes for active Jakartans who loves to hunts good places for shutting down a little while , having quality times with their fellas or just plain to enjoy good foods in a good place.                              

NANNINI's Beetle Juice

Established on 1995 , Nannini firstly opened their outlet at Plaza Senayan under the name of Nannini Grill , then evolved into freshen air Nannini which took place at Plaza Indonesia . At the first glance i thought Nannini offered modest foods with average price but i wronged , Nannini is an upscale restaurant with minimalist concept yet chic and stylist .