Food Tasting : Open Restaurant, Double Tree by Hilton Hotel

You may be surprised as I am, but did you know there's this luxurious hotel tucked in the area of Cikini ? Yes, the 1st Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Indonesia are here in Jakarta ! My first impression of this hotel, Hidden Gem! From the front of the road, you will be asking in your mind "Really ? Is this a right hotel?" The car entrance was quite small from the road, but after you get in and you see the facade, you'll be amazed. 

That time I have been invited by Double Tree to try their restaurant, Open. The restaurant was located next to the swimming pool, and it makes the whole room feels airy, relaxing and fresh. Just like it's name, they also had an open kitchen concept, so the customers can see how high they're maintaining their quality and hygiene in their food.

 

Fresh Baked Bread for Appetizer

So let's try some of their dishes shall we? Since it's during the fasting month, they're not serving buffet for lunch time. So that time I'm trying some of their Signature A la Carte Menus. The first one to try is their Rendang Pizza! Yessss it's rendang! Rendang is a signature Indonesian Food, and in Double Tree, they're really highlighting Indonesian culture throughout this hotel. I love how crispy and thin the pizza was, and the rendang tasted good. I just think that they need to put more of the rendang or maybe use the rendang sauce for the based, so the rendang taste are more elevated.

The next one is Rasa Nusantara Platter. This dish was presented beautifully on a square stone plate, and it's showcasing some of Indonesian classic dishes. Like Nasi Kuning, Sate Lilit Bali, Rendang, Ayam Goreng and Udang Masak Cabai. The taste was sooooo authentic ! Even though the presentation was so fancy, the taste was just like it's made by 'ibu-ibu' ( Indonesian Mother ). I'm loving the sate lilit because it has the spices-kick in it, and also the shrimp, which not overcooked so you still can get the 'crunch'. 

For another Indonesian-twist food, you can also try Ayam Bakar Club. This sandwich was also tasted nice with the smokey taste of Ayam Bakar.

Craving for some western dishes? You could try this Trio of Burger. Served in bite-sized burger, the patty was served with choices of beef, chicken and fish. I love how they put the onion ring inside, because it gives a nice crunch to it. 

For a sweeeeeet ending, you definitely won't miss this Double Tree Chocolate Chips Cookie Cheesecake ! Kidding not, this cheesecake is one of the best! They're using their signature Double Tree Chocolate Chips Cookie for the based, which I love! The cookies was packed with chocolate chips and walnuts, so it's really yummy. The cheesecake was also not too sweet and not too 'heavy', so it's just perfect ! You can also enjoy it with their berry sauce, so you can get more balance flavor of sweet and sour.

For the drink, you can try Detox. It's a mix of apple, celery, ginger and orange.

Oh they also had ongoing Ramadhan Buffet Dinner for IDR 288.000++/person and it's free for 1 person if you going with group of 8 peoples.

Batik Pattern !

Open Restaurant 
Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Jakarta
Jl. Pegangsaan Timur No 17, Cikini, Jakarta
Phone : ( 021 ) 3190 44 33

Food Tasting : Ramadhan Buffet at Olam, JS Luwansa Hotel

When comes to Ramadhan Month, we Indonesian had some 'habit' that I really love. We called it 'BukBer' , or it means break-fasting together with friends, colleagues or family.

Food Tasting : Breakfasting / Ifthar Buffet at Bengawan

The month of Ramadhan has coming again. What I like about this month is the moment when we gather and have breakfasting or Indonesian called it 'Buk-Ber' together. In this month, Bengawan at Keraton The Plaza Jakarta offer you a good deal of IDR 350.000++/person, and it's already including hot beverages and tajil. 

Bengawan is already well known with it's authentic Mexican food. With Mexican Native, Chef Lamberto Valdez Lara, you can taste their homemade tortillas and other delish Mexican dishes. Because most of the chefs in Bengawan had been working in Dubai before, that's why they're also bringing Middle East feast during the Ramadhan buffet. 

From the appetizer, you can enjoy classic Middle Eastern dishes such as Baba Ghanoush, Tabouleh, Hummus, Pita Bread and also they're salad like Chickpeas Salad, Fattoush or Couscous Salad. What I really like from Middle Eastern dishes are it's really healthy. They're using olives, nuts, fruits in many of their dishes. And yes, I really like what they served in Bengawan. All fresh and tasted authentic !

And yes, you can't missed their Shawarma, which is skewered chicken/beef/lamb that also similar like the churrasco. That's why in Bengawan, they served the shawarma with Mexican twist, which is it's wrapped in Spinach Tortilla. It's tasted quite nice actually. I also tried their Cheese Sambousak and Kofta. The cheese sambousak was quite fluffy but too bad the Kofta was bit dry.

You also can't miss this classic Lentil Soup. It was quite savory yet light. Heartwarming!

Since Bengawan was best in Mexican food, of course I have to try their Mexican food. I opted some Quesadillas and since Chef Lamberto mentioned about the hottest chili from Mexico which is Habanero, I'm quite interested to try it! So I ask to put just a bits of Habanero in my quesadilla. The tortilla was in pink color! So cute right! It turns out that they made their own Chipotle Tortilla. I love my quesadilla, but the habanero just give a hint of spicy and I'm totally can handle it. Next time I will order to put MORE ! ( lols... Bring it on! )

You also can enjoy some of their sushi and sashimi, bread and cheeses, and their variety of Indonesian food. So .... let's move to dessert shall we? In the dessert station, you'll find some Middle Eastern desserts such as Um Ali, Baklava, Malabi, Kurma. I tried their Um Ali, and it was reallyyyyyy good! One of the best Um Ali I've had so far. It's not like the usual Um Ali though, since I think they use a whole wheat bread, so it's really tasted like eating an oatmeal. Their Malabi was also milky and creamy. Yum! And yes, don't missed their Baklava. Even though it's not layered in fillo pastry, but you really can taste the pistachios in it. Nice.

Their Signature Ice Teas !

Bengawan Signature Restaurant
Keraton at The Plaza
Jl. MH Thamrin Kav 15, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Phone      : ( 021 ) 50680000
Facebook : Keraton at The Plaza
Twitter      : @KeratonJakarta

Nottingham : White Rabbit Teahouse

Long long time before I finally got a chance to visit Nottingham, I've known this place from a dear friend of mine. He always sending me pictures every time he visit this teahouse, and I fall in love immediately, only by seeing his pictures! How'd you not fall in love? This place is sooooo dreamy ( and dainty! ). 

I want all !

Located in small alley, White Rabbit definitely like a rabbit hole in the city. They had another one in Bridlesmith Walk, but my friend said the first one,which is in Hounds Gate are better. So here I am! Ready for some tea time, British style! ;D

The cake that we tried that day was Lemon Poppyseed Cake - £3.20. I always like this kind of cake, it's crumbly in texture and the taste of lemon makes it light and refreshing.

 And also Apple Cake - £3.20. This one was quite moist, as you can see, the batter was quite heavy ( like brownies ) compared to the lemon one. However, the taste was still good. 

And for the tea, I opted some Lapsang Souchong - £1.80, because I love the smokey flavor of this tea, and it's good to balanced the sweetness of the cake. 

Finally, another bucket list of mine has been checked. I always love a small place like this, and I always dream of having one ( someday! ). And yes, Hopefully I could pay a visit again to this place! And oh, thanks my lovely Andy for your kind treats ! ;) You're the best tour guide ever! ;D

White Rabbit Teahouse
12 Hounds Gate, NG1 7AB,
Nottingham, UK
Opening Hours : Monday -Saturday : 10am - 5pm
Facebook : White Rabbit Teahouse
Twitter : @wrteahouse

Food Tasting : Press Lunch at SKYE

SKYE already well known as the hippest sky-dining place in Jakarta. They continuing to bring something new for the customer, and this time, it's the NEW Executive Chef from Auckland, Hamish Lindsay. That day several media and bloggers are invited to try the new menu by chef Hamish. Without further ado, shall we start the lunch ?

The view !

We start our lunch with Sesame Chicken Salad - IDR 65.000,-. With Crispy soy chicken, lettuce, baby corn and sesame mustard dressing, it turns out pretty refreshing. But the chicken was a bit chewy and dry.

Next appetizer is Double Baked Cheese Souffle - IDR 85.000,-. Oh my, I would love to go back to Skye and have this again! The presentation wasn't like the usual souffle, but the texture was still the same. Fluffy, cheesy, creamy but balanced with the Heirloom Tomatoes, Olive Salsa and Basil. Yum!

Last Appetizer is Beef and Foie Gras Carpaccio - IDR 140.000,-. This one also served with Parmesan Mousse, Rocket, Truffle Oil, Capers and Blackpepper Tuile. I love how the beef just melts in your mouth, but I think it's lacking of the foie gras taste.

Next we move to Main Course, Tagliolini Nero Al Frutti Di Mare - IDR 150.000,-. It was cooked al dente, and tasted light with the seafood and tomato sauce.

Then, Thai Stir Fried Seafood - IDR 145.000,-. This one has nice textures and not-too-heavy dish.

200gr Black Angus Tenderloin - IDR 390.000,-. The meat was very tender, and cooked just how the way I love it, medium well! The truffle potato puree and and crispy string potatoes added the texture and flavor to this dish. Yum!

Seabass Polonaise - IDR 160.000,-. The seabass was perfectly cooked with crispy skin and soft meats. I love how they add almonds for the sides, because it gives a nice texture. The one thing that I don't like is the breadcrumbs, because it tasted a bit weird.

And my most favorite section, dessert ! First is  Peanut Butter Pannacotta -IDR 60.000,-. OMG, this is one clever combo that have been ever made. At the first time I'm pretty skeptical, but it turns out pretty good! You really can taste the peanut butter on the pannacotta, but the creaminess was balanced with sourness from the Strawberry and Thyme Granita. Yum!

Mango Cheesecake with Coconut Whipped Cream, Passion Fruit Sauce and Coconut Tuile - IDR 65.000,-. This cheesecake was pretty light in texture, but I love the coconut taste on the base and mix it up with the passion fruit sauce. Again, it's a harmony in your mouth when sweet and sour dancing together in your tastebuds. 

The last one is White Chocolate and Sticky Date Pudding - IDR 75.000,-. I love the moist date pudding and pairing with the 'Russian Ice Cream' was really good.

SKYE Restaurant & Lounge
Menara BCA 56th Floor,
Jl. M.H Thamrin, Jakarta
Phone : ( 021 ) 2358 6996
Facebook : SKYE Jakarta
Twitter : @Skye_56

Food Tasting : Yo' Panino

Such ashamed for me I haven't been trying this place, even though they're already been around since 2013! Well, I'm actually not a 'sandwich-person', but it's nice to have a good 'subs' sometime. Since the famous chain Subw*y been closed in Jakarta, I still looking or wanting some subs when I'm visiting Singapore or Malaysia. Well, lucky us! The subs are back in Jakarta now !

When I look at the menu, I'm quite surprised that they had a nice or 'crazy' subs on the menu. (Talking bout  the French Fries Subs or Tempeh Salad ! ) In Yo' Panino, you're also allowed to customized your subs. Throw your favorite items and have a happy belly later !

For the food tasting, we've been served with their various side-dishes. There's Truffle Parmesan Fries, Buffalo Wings, Cheese Nachos and Chick Pops. It was all good! And good for sharing before you had your subs. 

They also served Cold Pressed Juices here ! Cold Pressed juices are using a special juicer that will keeps the vitamins because there's no direct heat. So we've tried some of their yummy juices which is, Beet it Imunity Builder ( Beetroot, Carrot,Apple, Strawberry, Mango ), Vitamin C Detox ( Carrot, Apple, Orange, Ginger ) also their newest addition, Pineapple Express ( Pineapple, Mint ). I really love the beet one, because the flavor was balance, and the 'earthy' flavor of the beet wasn't too strong.

For the appetizer we tried their famous Java Tempe Salad. This salad consist of Crispy Tempe, Java Slaw and Romain Lettuce. I love their Java Slaw! It's light, flavorful and just a hint of spicy. The taste will remind you of 'bumbu sate' but in lighter version.

And the food that we tried that day is Beef Rendang Rice Wrap. You could say that this is an Indonesian Burrito! The taste was actually good. You really can taste the 'rendang' and it's good if you look for heavier meal. 

Next is, Meat The Butcher. This subs consist of Salami, Smoked Ham and Crispy Turkey Bacon. The savory meats was balanced with the sourness of gherkins and mustard. Yum!

Their classic favorite, Philly Cheese Steaks. I love their bread, because it's fresh ! Especially this farmhouse white, it's so soft but still bit crusty on the outside. If you love cheese, you will love this subs !

The next one is my most favorite ! Crispy Dory ! I love how crispy the dory is, and it's perfectly cooked! It's actually reminded me of F*llet-of-F*sh from that fast food chains, that I'm already missed ! So yay! I know where to go when I had that cravings !

Overall, I'm really impress with their passion and quality in Yo' Panino. Thanks Mr. Jitin and Diana for inviting, I'll definitely be back !

Yo' Panino 
Plaza Indonesia, 4th Floor
Jl. Jendral Sudirman, Jakarta
Phone : ( 021 ) 29924020 
Facebook : Yo' Panino
Twitter : @Yopanino