Faith.Hope.Love

World fills with the love of food, fashion and some art pieces. Copyright © 2010 – 2014 Mel Budiman. All rights reserved.

[melbudiman]

My 2014 TOP List

As it is the end of the year, I guess I’ll wrap it up with my TOP List of Restaurants I’ve visited this year. Do check out my previous one from 2011.

Breakfast/Brunch: COMMON GROUNDS

Hotel Buffet: KEMPINSKI AND SANA SINI

Ribs: TONY ROMA’S AND WAHAHA BALI

Dessert: UNION

Sorbet: OTEL LOBBY, LELLO LELLO AND GOURMAND

Boulangerie – patisserie: KEMPI DELI, MONSIEUR SPOON

Tiramisu: CAPOCACCIA

International Resto: SALT GRILL, OTEL LOBBY AND CANTEEN

Chicken Wing - American Style: PIZZA HUT, PIZZA E BIRRA AND H5

Chicken Wing - Japanese Style: KAMIKAZE KARAAGE

Mexican: CHILI’S

Tacos: TACO LOCAL AND POBLANO

Italian: TOSCANA

French: AUROZ

Spanish: TAPAS MOVIDA AND CUCA

Japanese: ENMARU AND KIRA-KIRA GINZA

Ramen: IKKUDO ICHI

Udon: MARUGAME UDON

Sushi: UMAKU DUREN TIGA

Hanito: EN DINING

Korean: CHUNG GI WA

Vietnamese: MONVIET AND VIETOPIA

Thailand: CHANDARA

Asian Mix: SARONG AND EASTERN ORIENTAL

Middle East: TURKUAZ

Chinese: DUCK KING AND IMPERIAL CHEF

La Mian and XLB: PARADISE DYNASTY

Noodle: MIMI MIE UDANG SINGAPORE AND MIE BELITONG - CHRONICLE

Indonesia: SATE SENAYAN AND KAFE BETAWI

Bebek: BEBEK TEPI SAWAH

Peranakan: PENANG BISTRO

Meatballs: OTEL LOBBY AND TAPAS MOVIDA

Bakso: AKIAW

Pork: PORK BELLY – SARONG, CANDIED BACON – BACONERIE AND EATWELL

Kopitiam: QQ KOPITIAM

Kaya Toast: OLD TOWN WHITE COFFEE

Coffee Shop: GIYANTI AND TANAMERA

Happy New Year!!

[melbudiman]

Dinner with George Calombaris

Two months ago, there’s a Master Chef Australia road trip hosted by Lifetime Asia. The well-known-over-the-top reality cooking show from the land of Kangaroo, was whipping some heat throughout Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. The one and only Georgie paid a visit.

I got a chance to attend the dinner session. It was a four-meal Chef Degustation. George with his two chef from his restaurant back in Melbourne, prepared a Chicken Parfait as the entrée, Green Greek Salad, Poached Chicken and the similar version of Press Club Chocolate Cake for the ending.

It was one fine dining experience, however it didn’t impress me at all. The chicken parfait was paired well with butter and bread. Somehow, I didn’t like the coffee taste in it. It’s just too much. While using the pumpkin seed and the chocolate baklava gave a nice dimension of texture. He did bring it to another level as he mixed the entire flavor from bitter, sweet and sour.

The salad on the other hand was very light and enjoyable. The crab and lobster meat was sweet enough to compliment the kale and broad bean. The poached chicken was cooked to perfection. The meat was still juicy and enjoyed well with the mango salad and the rice crackers. I love how he used black sesame to give more flavor.

The dinner was ended perfectly as the chocolate cake arrived. Those who love chocolate really should pay a visit to Press Club and order it. The richness of every layer of chocolate was all over the plate. Enjoyed it with the sea salt to give a whole different world in your mouth.

Overall the food was ok, yet I felt something missing. Something that I believe he could turn my world upside down. Afterall, a visit to Press Club would do the justice. 

[melbudiman]

I'm Back!

It’s been quite a long time since the last time I poured my heart out on things that I love – food, it is. For the last year, I have channeling my passion on the industry itself. Yes, am currently working on the restaurant industry and it consumes me a lot.

It’s a fun journey; see things from different angle than I used to be. I have cast away my idealist at some point as the reality bites. I would say am more tolerate on the so-called stupid mistakes happened although it’s killing me inside. The knowledge that I have is way too high than the reality I faced on. At the end, am glad to be on this rollercoaster rides. Thrilling, scary and fun!

So yeah, even though I haven’t blog that much, I still enjoyed my food journey every now and then. I normally post in on Instagram and more private with uncensored comments on Path. Haha!

I actually missed the joy that I had through sharing my insights on food. So here I am, trying to put down every single word and let you enjoy it. As you may have noticed, me being me without any sugar coating. I guess that part won’t change a bit. Munch on!

[melbudiman]

Thought via Path

There's always first time for everything. The question is, 'are you willing to learn or just let it passed by?' Being the first time in the industry, apparently is not as beautiful as what it seems like from outside. Having a passion, it's not-even-close to enough. It was a shocking therapy at first. Looking at all the costing paperworks already drained you a bit. Furthermore, you still need to be creative with all the marketing programs. Not only that, the operational side is very difference. Who would have thought about product sourcing and glazing? Me? I didn't ever notice that the word is exist! Thanks to my buddy who always remind me to learn and see the bigger picture. Being passionate is not enough. I would say it's just the starting point for you to jump in to the pool. It's only the 1% of the process. And here I am, going through all the product sourcing, costing, pricing, marketing and bla bla bla... Please bear with all of my questions, I'm still learning. 😉😘 with Daniel – Read on Path.

[melbudiman]

Home away from home at Otel Lobby

It's always good to be back at home. Otel is indeed home away from home (an hour ride, at least, I consider it as away). Whenever I paid a visit, it's always feels great and homey. I normally spend around two to three hours or maybe sometimes more than that. I don't know why, but my heart say so. Laid back, cozy, exceptional service and most of all the food itself. It feels right and just the way I have it back at home (but yeah only self service at home).

Last Sunday, I was around the area and without hesitation I decided to have lunch there. I heard they have some new creations and I noticed that they have changed the menu book. Although I still love the previous menu book better, the new creations kinda stole my heart, especially the 'Pig in the Blanket'. Totally a spot on! The sausage was incredibly juicy wrapped perfectly under the cheesy buttery crispy pastry. One bite is never enough. It's a massive appetite turn on!

Otel is definitely one of the creative restaurant in the culinary industry. Who would have thought you could have a black and white fettucini. Yes! In one strip you could have two different color. I had it with tomato, prawn and Otel's signature crisp (that crispy black thingy). They cooked it just the way I want it to be. The pasta was al dente, seasoned well and tasted originally from the tomato. Call me old fashioned, but I love the authentic flavor rather than an imposed flavoring and definitely no additional extra condiments needed (read: tomato/chili sauce). While some might think it's rather bland, I think it's palatable.

Obviously the cronut craze hits Otel too. They have three flavors and I tried the Coffee Caramel one. The pastry was very crispy and just the right amount of sweetness. I love the coffee cream inside. Crispy, sweet and tangy coffee flavor, suitable with a cup of tea or coffee. Although I found it too greasy.

Oh, they do serves homemade walnut-raisin bread. You better don't skip it! Keep it playful, Otel!

[melbudiman]

Auroz

Since I first heard about the buzz of Gilles' new baby in the Twitter-land, I've been eagerly anticipating to just sit tight and enjoy a well-crafted masterpiece of art. Yeap! I'm one of Gilles' fans. Yet, shame on me, I haven't manage my time to pay a visit to his well established Amuz.

The bird chirps quite fast, I was curious about Aprez at the beginning, but then just in a second, the new baby Auroz popped out from its womb. 

While Amuz is more in to sophisticated fine dining, Aprez is the catering services. On the other hand, Auroz is a twist of French gourmet bistro and American steak house. Located around the parliament district, this casual fine dining restaurant gives another vibe of contemporary luxury paired well among Indonesia's hero in the wall-art. Greeted with an exclusive glass wine-cellar and substantial open kitchen before you're directed to the dining room. The dining room is not that spacious yet fully equipped with few private rooms which it very intimate.

I went there with my friend for a spontaneous dinner. We were very impulsive, not dressed well (read: shorts and sandals) and it's quite late around 8.30pm. Impressively, casual is permitted, eventhough we felt like a fish-out-of-tank due to the entire guests were dressed properly. Despite it stated as casual, we were overwhelmed by the modesty. Tell me, where would a casual dining decorated with crystal clear chandelier and serves amuse bouche?

We were served with Cheese Profiteroles, Angel Hair Pasta and Homemade bread. Then, I ordered the classic Duck Confit. Served with sauted mushroom, baked potatoes and salad as the side dishes. The duck was very moist and easily teared apart from the bone. Although I would like to have crispier on the skin.

For the dessert, I chose Raspberry Souffle and my friend ordered Apple Tart. The souffle was baked to its perfection albeit the portion was too small. You could taste the freshness and sourness from the berry and if you paired it with the milk, it gives a balance of sweetness. While the Apple tart was layered up precisely topped with sesame tuile and served with cinnamon ice cream. I love the apple as it still in shape and not soggy. If you a cinnamon lover, you'll definitely love the ice cream. I gave a thumbs up for it.

Auroz promised 'Efficient, professional and welcoming service will look after all your needs and make your experience memorable', indeed it was one memorable dining experience. I voted as my top three restaurant!

Hats off to the chef and his team. I'm looking forward for another memorable experience wether it will be in Auroz or Amuz.

[melbudiman]

Hilton Bandung

Few weeks ago, I went to Bandung for a little family getaway. Yes! it's been a while since the last time we visited the Paris van Java.

We stayed at Hilton. It was our first time there and it was a great experience. The hotel is spacious with modern minimalist design. As you walked in to the lobby, you could see the all day dining buffet and also the lounge which very cozy. While at the evening, there's a live jazzy-lounge music in the lobby.

The room itself is very spacious and clean. You could choose either one king bed or two queen bed. The room with one king bed has a sofa as a small living room. While the two queen bed one doesn't have any sofa. All pretty up with the glass through bathroom view.

The mattress is cushioned with choices of flabby and intense pillow. In the bathroom, there's a small make-up table completed with a hair dryer (a must have item for woman). In addition, they used Peter Thomas Roth as their bathroom products. While some amenities are available as requested.

Feel the Bandung breeze and dive in the blue oceanic pool located in the sixth floor. Put on some tanning lotion and chilling out in their cocoon-bed. You could also enjoy the chef masterpiece at the alfresco restaurant.

Whereas in the all day dining buffet, the food selection is vary from Indonesian, Chinese to Western. They also have dozens choices of crackers. I'll guarantee you'll go out with quite a bloated stomach.

We were tremendously satisfied with the hospitality. And what I love the most is they personally greeted you with a welcome card from the General Manager himself.

I definitely would love to come back and have a little heaven on earth getaway from the hustle Jakarta.

[melbudiman]

Cuca

The culinary industry here in Indonesia is keep evolving, especially in Bali. You'll see lots of new culinary gems around the area. One of them is Cuca. 

Recently opened late July 2013, Cuca, where you could indulge in a casual sharing experience all about taste. Set in the beautiful expanse of a coconut grove, the restaurant is helmed by Chef Kevin Cherkas, his wife Virginia Entizne and with the help of Chee Kok Sen who lead the Cuca's culinary team.

Chef Kevin has an enviable track record developed in some of the world's most outstanding restaurants. Arzak, elBulli, La Broche in Spain and Daniel in New York, Blu-ShangriLa Singapore, Lafite-ShangriLa Kuala Lumpur is where he honed his skills.

In Cuca, you will be showered with the best and freshest local ingredients served in western cooking style. The chef himself handpicks all the tastiest products and cooking up a storm in sharing portions tapas.

As it is already mention earlier that you will enjoy a casual experience, you could choose whether to dine in the front row seats in the kitchen-theater, intimate dining room or cozy cocktail bar and garden lounge where you could enjoy the Bali breeze.

Some of the signature dishes are Chilled Watermelon Salad Deep Ocean Tiger Prawn 'Puddle', Pink Lime Cocktail, Tokyo Mojito and Cocoa 8 for sweet pleasure.

Whenever you're in Bali do stop by and enjoy some chill creation from the chef.

(photos courtesy of Cuca)

[melbudiman]

Udon Feast at Marugame Udon!

While the Ramen phenomenon continues now and then, apparently the Udon starts to shine its bright. There's this recently open Udon restaurant, Marugame Udon, serves mainly Udon and Tempura. I found it one of the best in town. The Udon is silky in perfect consistency. You could choose wether you like it hot or cold. Also they comes up with selection of dashi soup, curry or chicken broth.

The other day I had the Kamaage and Kake Udon. The Kamaage is hot udon dipped in to the dashi soup. So, it's dipping way of eating instead of a bowl of soup with udon in it. While the Kake, is your common udon with soup. Both Udon was delicious. Although the soup was a bit too salty for me, yet it's still enjoyable.

For the Tempura, I had the Ebi, Sweet Potato, Kakiage and Beef Croquette. The Ebi was sweet, moist and cooked to its perfection. The Beef Croquette was mixed well with the potato and you can tasted some curry flavor. All were fried perfectly. Crispy on the outside and tasty in the inside. Just how Indonesian like their 'gorengan' to be.

Bored with Ramen? You should try this Udon for sure!

[melbudiman]

Koultoura

The light is ON!

Whenever you pass through Taman Ratu, you will be greeted by the warm orange cup with coffee-thunder inside it directly from Papa Bear, Mr. Owl, Bunny and Foxie.

Koultoura, which definition of culture, brings up new culture in the West Jakarta. One of the vision is to acquaint some western culture through food and coffee over a communal table, which is rare in the West. It's a surprise to find one well decorated coffee shop in that area. Two floors building mostly decorated with wooden chairs and tables, and the signature characters all over the walls. Splendid decoration! Warm and homey eventhough sometimes it's bit too noisy.

Not only well decorated, they do serves good coffee!

If you a coffee lover, go ask the barista or even the owner himself as he normally around, for their coffee blend and even for the seasonal coffee from overseas.

If you're feeling a bit adventures, go try their Fluffy Latte. It's latte with a scoop of floating homemade ice cream. Even though it's a bit too creamy for me, the ice cream did a great job took my heart away. The mixture was pretty impressing and playful.

For something usual with a twist, try the Caramel Latte. The caramel syrup is a top notch! I'm not a fan of caramel, but this one did steal my heart.

This neighborhood coffee shop indeed the heart of coffee lovers in West Jakarta, (not to mention, overseas peeps did pay a visit!)

[melbudiman]

Djournal Coffee by Ismaya

Who would have thought that the coffee industry here in Jakarta is rising up to the surface as quick as the wind blows. There's many new coffee shop opened recently and one of it is Djournal Coffee.

Djournal is the new venture from Ismaya focused on Coffee. From the Espresso Bar to the Manual Brew, you could have it based on your preferences. My favorite is the Ice Caramel Macchiato. I've never tasted something sweet and tangy yet the coffee still strong. From the manual brew, you could try the Toraja or check out the Djournal Daily.

Other than the coffee, you should try the pastry and cakes. The Croissant is the best I ever tasted (so far) in town. The sexy perfect pastry layers do well without any addition butter spread, as you could taste the butter within it. While the cake selections is from Colette Lola (another venture of Ismaya), I love the Hazelnut (all time favorite), Carrot Cake and Bittersweet Chocolate Tart.

They also serves some main course. The other day I tried the Meatball Sandwich. To my surprise, it's not the tomato kind of meatball. Although it's different from usual, the meatball was pretty moist and enjoyable.

Djournal, definitely is the new hippest hang out coffee place!

[melbudiman]

Ketjil Kitchen

The first time I heard about this restaurant was from my friend. He posted something interesting about Ketjil Kitchen. So much about curiosity, I then had a dinner there while I was around the area.

It's located closed to 1/15 Coffee. What comes through on my thought was that they served 'peranakan' cuisine. Apparently I had it all wrong. They served Indonesian and Western in homey 'peranakan' vintage atmosphere.

I went there during the breakfasting time few weeks ago. It was full house and I stranded on the window corner. I guess, eventhough it's not breakfasting, it still going to be packed with people.

Grilled Chicken Rosemary, served with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies and drizzled with generous amount of mushroom sauce. The chicken was juicy, albeit there wasn't strong flavor of rosemary. The mashed potatoes was too creamy for me, noted that I don't favor too much cream. The mushroom sauce was seasoned perfectly, right consistency with generous amount of mushroom. And they did cooked and seasoned the veggies too! (because sometimes most people forgot to cooked it right)

Lasagna. If you love cream and cheese, you surely don't want to miss this beef-pasta-sandwiches. The juiciness from the cheese drips all over the places. Eat it up and don't you ever think about the calories!

Bored with poultry? Tried Dory Arrabiata. The sauce was a top notch. With a hint of spiciness, it suited well with the succulent fish.

I heard the Nasi Goreng Buntut is highly recommended. Perhaps, another visit won't hurt much despite the long journey from the west.

[melbudiman]

Another great coffee-perience at 1/15. This time I had Guatemala accompanied with Pineapple Cake. The coffee was a bit too light for me, yet it's perfectly suited for afternoon snack. The pineapple cake was gorgeous. Moist, fluffy, served with generous amount of caramelized pineapple on top and just the right amount of sweetness. Although, I would love to have it fresh from the oven, as it will be very moist and pleasant to my tastebud.

[melbudiman]

Oh how I miss having a good ol' brunch. At least this Smoked Salmon Tartine from Monolog did cure a bit.

[melbudiman]

Cronut Craze part two!

I couldn't agree more with my friend Umi about this Cronut craze. She was the first person who tasted and joined the buzz. You could take a peek on her post (click 'Umi' and you will be directed to the post).

After tried the two different creations, I felt so hard with MO's. Chef Wita did a great job in stealing my heart. Although, it was soggy due to it's overnight, yet it tasted heavenly beautiful. The layers were made perfectly (You need to slice it with serrated sharp knife). Dusted with just the right amount of sugar and cinnamon. Topped with cream and a little bit of almond sliced. I flied to heaven right away as the first bite melted with the cream running in my mouth.

I wonder how it taste just right from the oven... hmm....

[melbudiman]

Cronut

Apparently, the Cronut wave hit Indonesia like the rest of the world. Some of you might wondering what is Cronut exactly. Well, according to Dominique Ansel, who invented this little creation, it is the pastry hybrid between Croissant and Doughnut. First introduced to the world on earlier May 2013 and spanned throughout continents, making it the most viral dessert item to date. 

Jakarta, surely didn't want to miss the buzz. Mandarin Oriental then created the exact thing as Ansel did. On the first launch, not many people knows even never heard about it. Thanks to the word of mouth, now it's becoming the talk of the town.

As fast as the bird chirp, Union comes up with their Cronut creation too. They have three selections such as Cinnamon Sugar, Chocolate Boston Cream and something like Chocolate Swirl (I forgot the exact name).

I just tried the Cinnamon Sugar and Chocolate Boston Cream. The Cronut itself was intended to serve cold as it filled with cream. Apparently, I didn't have a serrated sharp knife with me, so as I cut it, the layers a bit crumbling apart. Yet you could still able to see the sexy perfect layers.

The Cinnamon Sugar was a bit too sweet for me. I have a sweet tooth but not enjoying too much sugar as some people do. The cinnamon was perfectly dusted and didn't overpowered the whole thing. Unfortunately, I barely taste the cream.

While the Chocolate Boston Cream, I found it lovely. Eventhough the chocolate a bit too strong and kinda overwhelmed the original taste of the cronut. On the other hand, I would be extremely happy if they put more cream in it.

Please bear in mind, this little creation have a short life and never refrigerate it as it will get stale and soggy quickly.

Let's get crazy with Cronut!

[melbudiman]

Godiva at Keraton

It won't be wrong with Godiva. Luckily, now, we could enjoy the afternoon tea selection at Keraton serves with Godiva. It's available everyday from 3 - 6pm.

They have four types of selection. Fruity, Nutty, Fragrance and last but not least the Luxury. For every set cost around IDR 250.000 for two includes choices of tea or coffee. Each set comes with a selections of sweet and savory.

For the Tutty Fruity, they serves two glass of smoothies (with chocolate sauce in it), seasonal fruit pralines and strawberries covered with chocolate. 

The Nutty one, serves with two glass of hot chocolate with nutty flavor and all pralines consists with nuts.

Both the Fragrance and Luxury, serves with plain scones and chocolate scones. Both scones were delectable. The differences between the two set is they served chocolate mousse with rose flavor and chocolate frappe with a hint of mint, for the fragrance. While the Luxury, serves with hot chocolate cocktail and lots of pralines.

Let your afternoon be delightful with the Godiva Allure!