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!

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

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. 

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?

Fountain Lounge : Tea & Tell

My friend invited me over to enjoy a cup of tea just yesterday at Fountain Lounge which is precisely located at Grand Hyatt, heart of Jakarta, which is one of the most vulnerable by Jakartan's hustle bustle and without any further ado, i said yes! since i've got nothing to do on last Monday, so stretching up a bit for an afternoon tea isn't really a bad idea. right? Another reason why i got to popped up because in a matter of fingers counts she will continue her study to Singapore. This is sort of confusing state where to happy or mourn since i'll have a free shelter to stay when i happen to be around. Tee-hee! 

Mustache Me

Not too far from Ninotchka another dessert diner has emerged in Citra Garden 6 housing complex. The name Mustache Me surely piqued my curiosity, it appeared not only me who intrigued. A friend of mine braved a stressful jam and floods from Gading-Citra just to took a peek by herself what this mini restaurant is all about. I love how the place was being humble, homey yet cozy at the same time and (hopefully) the munches are worth the traffic. 

DJOURNAL Coffee

A waitress with brackets and glasses took my orders armed with pretty smile on her face and undeniably friendly gesture that took my breath away, such as i was enjoying my Nutella Cake spoon by spoon with grin hovered. Another great additional came from Ismaya, the brain of those unbreakable chains of innovative concepts upon their establishments.

Kitchenette

The one i'm gonna make a review is the one which is located at Central Park . Actually i have been several times went to Plaza Indonesia Kitchenette's outlet . And the comparison was quite sharp . Plaza Indonesia Kitchenette's was smaller than the one located at Central Park , the air conditioner was hotter comparing to the one at Central Park , and personally i prefer their Central Park outlet . It just more sophisticated with outdoor touch where the bridge that connecting Central Park and Kitchenette is surrounded with beautiful fish pond.

The interior inside still so Kitchenette . The different between their outlet at Plaza Indonesia and Central Park are the outdoor , and the setting . There are chairs with the Green garden just a few steps near the entrance. And i was mesmerized by it.

Anyway , Kitchenette also established by a rising company named : Ismaya . I love every Ismaya works . Their concepts are innovative , creative , expensive , hip , and comfortable according to my point of view. I ate several desserts from Kitchenette and to be frank , based on my desserts-ing experience . I found no desserts that gave me that wow effects afterwards . Just ok . Not too good but not bad. Mediocre. So , i decided to tried their main course.

Baked Truffle Macaroni and Chesse ( IDR : 69.000 )
Served on the folded red checkered table fabric . Boring presentation . I could only see the ham and macaroni inside along the plate . No dressing . Tasted plain. After mixed the macaroni with the cheese it tasted better but still kinda plain . I don't know . I felt not worth for what i paid .

Carbonara ( IDR : 59.000 ) and Cookies & Cream ( IDR : 38.000 )
And again the carbonara came with boring presentation . At least it was smelled good. The same as macaroni , i could only see pasta with ham *pokerface . Tasted just ok , better than the macaroni . This one quite good . Not too watery . But , what's wrong with a little dressing? seriously.

The drink came in a glass which my school canteen was used to served drinks. Tasted sweet and ordinary , somehow reminded me of ice blended pop ice cookies and cream flavored and adorned with choco chip biscuit.

Kitchenette is a nice place for hanging out with friends , and stretching your bones after tiring activities . Kitchenette never sleeps. As long i went there . it always packed . People loves this venue and i consider this as a successful Ismaya's hip venue. But not so much for awesome meals. Desserts ok.

all the credits are for my ablay who treated me for her late birthday celebration!

 

Kitchenette

Phone: (021) 5698-8888

Central Park, Tribeca G Fl Unit PAV 3 A

Jl. Let. Jend. S. Parman Kav. 28, Jakarta

Sam & Jolly - One Stop Sweet Delights

Ah , at last i had the chance to visiting this cute eatery which is a dessert specialist . Sam & Jolly also provides heavy meals such as oxtail soup , pasta , and a menu that kinda attracted my attention . The innovative yoghurt fried rice , but i won't bother to try it . Because i like to play safe and i was already full back then .

Sam & Jolly located just beside little thing she needs . I found it cute there were directions arrows that leads us directly to the shop . And i was shocked , why the hell Sam & Jolly was such a small eatery . But i was wrong . The outdoor was quite big and located just across Tribeca Park . You can see Patio and any others restaurants throughout the Tribeca.

The indoor was so cute . Sam & Jolly together with SourSally drew on the walls. The red telephone box drew my attention . But i prefer the outdoor . I felt that i could stay all day long there with those delicious yoghurt desserts . Yes it was a bliss since i am a yoghurt loving type. Big yay for me . As i opened the menu which is quite cute .. oh Sam & Jolly i am a fan already .

This is the first time i visited Sam & Jolly and all of sudden i already being in love with this place . colorful concept that didn't make your eyes hurt . Also i amazed how the designers of this place made this place so comfort . The golden Liberty statue  , hot air balloon , UK flag sofa ( correct me if i'm wrong ) , and the garden concept was simply brilliant . I don't know i just love it.

The menu itself was innovative and simply tempted you . The preview from the meals even made my full stomach asked for more . Also with many variety complete from appetizers - deserts . It took a quite a time for me to chose what to ordered . I wish i could eat them all . Then my choices went to :

Bread butter with stawberry Yo-stick with strawberry sauce ( IDR : 39.000 )
Came with a beautiful and neat presentation , made my appetite grew wilder . The raisins were crunch , a lil bit sour but sweet . The Strawberry Yo-stick was good but the strawberry or maybe cherry sauce , i'm not sure but it was too sour for me . Combined with bread butter . it was a sweet delight . If only the sauce was less sour it could be better . Because the Yo-stick itself already sour . The bread butter came in warm condition . When i ate it together with the Yo-stick and the bread. I knew it . I came to the right place .

Lava Mountain ( IDR : 45.000 )
Sam & Jolly exceeded my expectation . Another dessert came into a nice and neat presentation . Somehow i also found the desserts itself was cute beside the store . Yes , i'm quite babbled around about Chocolate molten cake , choco lava , whatever it called as my favorite dessert . So i was hoping much for this lava mountain to be good . Anyway i loved how they put apples and strawberry as their garnish . plus point from me . I started to had a full spoon of the cake . It was warm melted and condensed chocolate . The chocolate itself wasn't too sweet . More of dark chocolate characteristic , then i combined it with the plain Yo-stick and the strawberry sauce or cherry sauce ( again , i'm not sure ) it was blended beautifully . Also loved those astor biscuits pieces placed in the plate . How can i resist these sweet delights ? i am also getting fatter day by day *sigh

Green tea Yo-stick ( IDR : 27.000 )
It was my friend's . I prefer the plain one than the flavored Yo-stick . The Yo-stick was dipped to a ( maybe ) white chocolate liquid . That made the toppings attached with the Yo-stick . I loved that liquid thingy . And overall i loved this Yo-stick . Yo man , you guys should eat this rather than fattening ice cream.

Mango Berry Shake ( IDR : 32.000 )
A mixture from mango and strawberry which is obviously printed from the name . Refreshingly sweet drink . If only the Yo-stick was completely sweet . i might had already threw up because nauseated .

Overall , i was having a pleasant and good times killing at Sam & Jolly . The services was also nice . The waitress was explaining to us . How to get a free Yo-stick ( ah.how i love free stuffs ) and i did it . i got free Yo-stick . I chose to have a plain Yo-stick with cha cha chocolate , mini cocoa as its topping . Loving the atmosphere and the ambiance . Relaxing place . And the wind was calmly blowing . I am so looking forward for my next visit trying their heavy meals . maybe i'll get myself trying their yoghurt fried rice . Thanks Sam & Jolly . and wow this is the longest review i ever wrote :)

Sam & Jolly 

Central Park Mall Level UG
Jl. S Parman Kav. 28
West Jakarta
www.samandjolly.com

Redeeming Beef Wellington at Otel Lobby

Fine dining concept restaurant is just quickly popped after one another . But that is a bliss for me , since i love killing time in this kind of places .Otel lobby is located on one of the lavishest yet promising location here in Jakarta . Kuningan Bakrie Tower . Which you can say it is a rival from another fine dining venue just across the street called Bluegrass.

This is the second time i've been here . A little flashback , my first time i came here was on Saturday . it was packed . I had to waited to get a seat . A waitress welcomed us , she said she's going to save a place for us . After waiting for quite a long time . We asked to the waiter ,was there any empty seats now? . And how fortunate we are . There is . and he led us to our seat .and by the way , i was also surprised there were very limited choices on the menu. But they also provide several kinds of wine , liquor etc.

That was a tolerable disappointment remembering it was packed . So the waitress might just forgot about our presence there. Meh!

My camera lagged in my friend's car , so i can't took any pictures . But i was having a pleasant time having a glass of Dominico di luccio moscatod' asti . and its buffalo chicken wings which is lack of originality and the taste didn't impressed me. 

Then somehow on last Tuesday i stepped my foot back again here . Redeeming my free beef wellington . aye!

Been here twice yet i was mistaken about the entrance . I got in through the back door not the front door which is allowed you to seeing the hotel receptionist look a like desk with a big lcd tv behind it straight from the entrance.

At the first glance , i was wow-ing this place because it's giving me that sumptuous impression . strengthened with the elegant minimalist interior that makes us like to stay linger long here.
I was also infatuated by that big antique clock attached on the wall straight in front of me.

When the foods came i was ravenously eating them . but..

Beef Wellington ( IDR 145.000 ) :
A round shaped steak coated pastry covered with rich cheese outside . The cheese itself was melted in my mouth . Then i started to cut the meat which i ordered it medium well . Several first pieces was beautifully done like i wanted . It was tender and juicy . Until i found the part which is still kinda raw and uncooked . When i sliced it , fresh blood flowed from it . I can't finished the meat , my expectation was messed up. I was looking forward for a satisfying meat lunch.

Nasi Campur ( IDR 55.000 ) : 
Consists of well cooked and flavored vegetables , balado eggs , chicken breast and thighs , and spring rolls . Lack of seasoning , a little bit plain , and so does the spring rolls and the chickens . But i enjoyed the vegetables. It was well cooked and tasty.

Toblerone Puff ( IDR 40.000 ) :
Ah! at least this one is very good and succeed to fulfilling my sweet tooth craving . A delicious padded puff pastry with vanilla ice cream and separated chocolate syrup .

 

Lychee Ice Tea ( IDR 25.000 ) & Strawberry Juice ( IDR 25.000 ) :
Ordinary and mediocre drinks.. the strawberry juice mixed with milk. sweet .

I think this place is somewhat relaxing . I love the ambiance and how natural sunlight coming all around from the huge windows around the area. But not so much for an awesome meals.

thank you for the hospitality Otel Lobby :)

Otel Lobby

Jl. Epicentrum Tengah South Gate Entrance

The Annex Building of Bakrie Tower

Kuningan

Jakarta Selatan

 Phone: (021) 299-41324