Tuesday 25 June 2013

Bakmi Orpa

Bakmi Orpa - Pork
Alot of people calls Bakmi Orpa as the rich man's noodle or 'Bakmi Orang Kaya'. Well, due to the obvious reason that the price tag is rather expensive in comparison to other noodles in Jakarta. This beauty on top cost Rp 38,000 while the other noodles in Muara Karang & Pluit area cost around Rp 18,000 to Rp 24,000. But nevertheless, I'm one of their loyal customer. My office is super near to this place and I watched it grow along the way, from their rented ruko, to a better but still 'run down' ruko and now their own estblishment (all along in the same area). I have to say, I rather like their noodle and would give them an 7.5 / 10. They do home made their own noodle and the portion in a bowl was just right. I'm able to finished the bowl without feeling too full nor sick. The meat and the seasoning were on the track too! Good stuff...
PS : Bakmi Pejagalan still taste better (Review Post Dated : 22 May 2013)

Suikiaw Kuah
These are the bomb! I'll score these an 8.0 / 10. I like this much better than their noodles. I'm a sucker for dumplings and their home made skin used to wrap the meat are super thin and flaky thus you can get minimal carb with maximum taste of the meat fillings. Some people like their dumpling skin thick (which I don't understand why), thus if you are those kind, then you won't like these so much. Regardless, the meat itself is generously filled and definitely seasoned well.

Menu : Tahu Isi Daging
Price : To be advise
Score : 6.0 / 10

>> Slightly too mediocre for me and thus I supposed you don't need to bother to order this. The tofu and the meat was well done, but didn't hit my taste buds and made me go 'Wowww'. However, still a decent snack while there. You could order this or not, won't missed out on anything.
Menu : Bakso Goreng
Price : To be advise
Score : 7.5 / 10

>>  Who don't like deep friend Pork Meat Balls. I loooveee it and always have it along with noodles. Their's in Bakmi Orpa was tasty and well fried! You're still able to taste the crunchiness of the outer skin while the gooey inner part of the pork meat was still intact. The chili sauce at the side helped in a big way too. It cuts the oil and thus making this one of the must try during your trip to Bakmi Orpa.




Bakmi Orpa
Jl. Malaka 2 No 25. Bandengan Jakarta Utara
Phone : 021  - 6912450

Wednesday 19 June 2013

MonViet

It's a tough thing to find a good decent Vietnamese restaurant here in Jakarta. Well maybe it's due to the lack of 'marketing' I suppose? Japanese, Korean and Thai restaurant has been flooding our go to destination shopping malls all over Jakarta and not so much for Vietnamese food. I'm not quite sure why, but maybe it resembles Thai cuisine? Nevertheless, I was in Kemang Village and decided on this for dinner. As it turn out, I left the place deciding on being a return customer! I believe just base on the 2 dishes I tasted below, the other menu were worth my second trip later in the near future.
Menu : Fresh Spring Roll with Prawns
Price : Rp 32,000 ++
Score : 6.0 / 10

>> The appetizer was a so - so but maybe it was because I opted for fresh raw vegetables instead of the fried one. Anything fried would taste way better, all the time. But anyways, the vegetable were really fresh, with a strong smell of 'Kemangi leaf'. With the additional brown sauce they provide, it's just the right condiments to go with the menu. Prawns were steam and sliced and arranged in such a way that it is visible through the almost see through thin rice skin. A good appetizer to begin, but I'll order the fried one next time !

Menu : Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
Price : Rp 43,000 ++
Score : 7.75 / 10

>> YUMMM ! The soup is goooood. With additional chili given on the side, I poured everything into this, swirl it around for a good mixing and slurp away I go. The broth was splendid with beef goodness and the right amount of seasoning. The vermicelli was spectacular too!! It's difficult to describe the texture of the noodle but it's nothing I had tasted before. It's not too spring, but enough strength for slurping without breaking down too easily. The mouth feel it gave was to my liking. The only thing that I might want more is the beef slices. It's too little in comparison to the amount of vermicelli. It's a meal that is full with carbohydrate and lacking in protein. But hey! I love carbs and would come back for this again.


MonViet
Lippo Kemang Village Mall 
(Outdoor Section; Food Junction)
Phone : 0815 8455 2945

Friday 14 June 2013

Hawaiian Bistro

A girl friend and her husband made so much noise saying that this restaurant called 'Hawaiian Bistro' situated along Ikkousha Ramen in Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) was delicious and that I got to make time for it. To be honest, I noticed this place many times as I'm used to hanging out in PIK area, and will definitely notice any new eatery or restaurant there. I saw Hawaiian but wasn't attracted to come by and try their food. I must be honest that their decor was in line with the "Hawaii" theme but wasn't welcoming nor cozy at all. What about the food then? Is it as good? Did my friend's taste buds got screwed up or is the food really is good? Read this review and visit them yourself to get your own verdict.

I've never been to Hawaii, thus I'm not sure what restaurants in there look like. While here, the owners really made an effort and try to give an authentic feel. There are 2 sitting area, smoking and non - smoking. The non - smoking area has a dim dark feel, with big 'Aloha' murals on the wall. I personally prefer the smoking area (even though I'm not a smoker) due to several facts. It's a closed outdoor seating, meaning well air conditioned and thus solve the issue of being 'sticky'.

Menu : Bistro Bento
Price : Rp 72,000 ++
Score : 8.0 / 10

>> Well it's an eight which equates to yummy ! This is the menu to order for all first timer here in 'Hawaiian Bistro'. There's so much things in here that goes so well together; spam, special battered fried chicken, bbq beef, short ribs, battered fried fish with pineapple dressed salad on the side, served on top of white rice. It's a big portion and you don't have to worry of not being full. I love the beef ribs and the battered chicken. It's something in the sauce and the formulation of the batter. Bottomline, this is a go !
Menu : Spam Rice Sushi
Price : Rp 24,000 ++
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> A very very simple dish. Rice at the bottom, with a piece of long rectangular spam place on top. Smeared with a good brush of 'special bbq' home made sauce (which is the star of the dish) and then wrapped in a sheet of crispy seaweed. Healthy and a good snack before you hit the gym maybe? But being a glutton that I am, I had this after I ate my 'Bistro Bento' above. Hahahahaha, this was yummy. But I recommend you to eat this before any big meals because if it is after, your tummy might not have enough room and that could definitely affect your palate.

Menu : Ahi Poke
Price : Rp 32,000 ++
Score : 8.0 / 10

>> Likeeee this ! Bite size sashimi tuna marinated in their own special soy sauce. Definitely a neon green light for sushi lovers ! The tuna was at room temperature when it came to the table and I liked the portion for a Rp 32,000 per plate. Besides the pricing, I lovveee their sauce! They call it their 'special soy sauce' which includes a good kick of garlic, onions, chives, sesame, pine nuts, macadamia nuts, hint of lemon juice and of course soy sauce. I'm a big fan of garlic but if you're not then this might annoys you a bit.

I'd eat this anytime of the day and night, not only it's super low in carb and healthy, it's super yummy and rather cheap I supposed. This is a must order dish for all readers intending to come !
Menu : Low Carb
Price : Rp 70,000 ++
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> Well this is for those going on a Atkin's diet. This menu has low carb (just like the title of the dish) and high in protein. It includes BBQ beef, chicken, short ribs and 2 eggs any style. NO RICE for the health nut; a low carb diet ! You can find all the dish here in 'Bistro Bento' but you get more meat in this dish instead. But overall, would still recommend you to try the 'Bistro Bento' first, due to the variety of other component on the plate. Then maybe on the subsequent trips, you may opt for this instead. ** Bistro Bento is yummy but makes you gain weight too fast too easily hahahaha **


Overall, I'd like to come back and having dinner here again, the portion is good and the pricing are reasonable too! Not so much of a 'hang out' place but definitely a good casual weekday dining place to go to!

Hawaiian Bistro
Pantai Indah Kapuk Rukan Garden House A25
(A few ruko to the left of Ikkousha Ramen PIK)
Phone : 021 - 29033185

Monday 3 June 2013

Tapas Movida

Last Sunday, I had a super late lunch with a bunch of pretty interesting people, interesting meaning in a positive way of course! Hahaha..anyways I was introduced to this Spanish Restaurant that had opened in 2011 in Cipete Raya, South Jakarta. I was all excited and pumped about it and I must be honest that I'm a virgin with Spanish food. The only time I tried was at Moya and way back to remember anything about tapas, paella nor sangria. So this place called 'Tapas Movida' was a great welcome, differentiating itself from all the fusion food that Jakarta is flooded with !

As mentioned in their website; 'Tapas' refers to the authentic and original Spanish appetizers and 'Movida' refers to the post Franco-era eruption of entertainment and artistic freedom enjoyed in Spain which they celebrate with their emphasis on enjoying yourself. To add on, besides the great food and a pleasant service they do try and set an ambiance that resembles true Spain setting. I've never been to Spain but upon entering the door, it's obvious that their presentation of Flamenco themed indoor and Gaudi inspired outdoor areas was nailed!














Menu : Montadito de ternera con queso azul y cebolla caramelizada
Price : Rp 30,000 ++
Score : 9.0 / 10

>> This was the first tapas that was served and I was blown. Presentation is simple and straight to the point as  a 'tapas'. This is basically beef tenderloin, blue cheese and caramelized onion stacked on top of each other with a piece of cut bread on the bottom. One bite and I smiled ! Today's meal is going to be really good! The flavor was packed full and gotta loveeeeeee the caramelized onion. Sweet, salty and a the combination with blue cheese was surprisingly a good marriage!

Menu : Pintxo de pollo moruno con salsa de yogur y queso
Price : Rp 17, 500 ++
Score : 8.0 / 10

>> Look like your ordinary satay? Well, it's chicken skewers with much much better cooking herbs and condiment at the side. The sauce inside the shot glass is actually yogurt with cheese and it's gooooddd. The chicken was cooked well, and the herbs infused into the meat was surprisingly has this familiar taste with 'satay'. Must be the 'smokey taste' effect from the grilling process. Nevertheless, gotta try this too !
Menu :  Champinones rellenos
Price : Rp 25,000 ++
Score : 7.5 / 10

>> This is a good breakfast or a brunch menu but because it taste great, it's very much quite alright to have it in the afternoon. Mushroom cooked in garlic butter fill with ham, mozzarella cheese topped with fried egg. Well apology for my photography skill, thus you can't figure out much about the layers but all you need to understand is that, this is delicious! Ever heard the phrase 'breakfast for the champions'...champinones, champions..resembles right? Hehehehe...silly ^_^
Menu : Cordero al horno
Price : Rp 195,000 ++
Score : 8.5 / 10

>> If you are a loyal reader, then you'll know probably by now that I'm not a big fan of lamb but this might be a game changer. This roasted lamb shank with sauteed potatoes, pan fried asparagus and lamb juice is not only NOT heavy with lamb 'smell' (which is the main reason as to why, I'm not a fan of the meat), the meat flakes so easily off the bone and the tenderness of the meat just screams 'cooking to perfection'. This is the menu to try if you are a lamb shank lover.
Menu : Panceta Asada
Price : Rp 70,000 ++
Score : 9.5 / 10

>> Holly Molly, damn it was a blessed Sunday afernoon and look what I got to eat !! It's roast pork belly with red wine juice reduction on the side. Look at the glistening layer of pork belly fat that is just shining and calling out your name! Hahahaha, disregard my 'drama' writing but this dish deserves all thumbs up. The crispy layer of the pork is crunchy, still manage to keep the layers of belly fat intact and gooey! Pour the beautiful red wine juice, swirl the pork belly to get every angle covered and pop it into your mouth. Boom! Foodgasm is guarantee! This is definitely worth you ignoring your cholesterol level.


Menu : Esparragos trigueros con huevos pasados por agua
Price : Rp 30,000 ++
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> For ladies that are keeping a crazy eye on their waist, try this and you'll still able to enjoy your meal. This appetizer dish is pan fried green asparagus wrapped in Spanish ham, served with a 4 minute boiled egg. I love the presentation, it's pretty and aren't you curious what does a 4 minute boiled egg look like? You got to come, order and take the top off the egg! I have to recommend that the Spanish ham is drop dead good ! It's different from Panchetta or your average bacon, it is actually called 'Jamon Serrano' or more commonly known as 'Serrano Ham'. This taste better than your morning fried bacon by miles.


Menu : Albondigas
Price : Rp 45,000 ++
Score : 9.0 / 10

>> Another yumm, another smile, another dancing tastebuds! This is a dish of Spanish style meatballs, cooked in red wine and caramelized onion sauce. Gosh, anything Tapas Movida does with caramelized onion, it's goooood !

Look, the meatballs itself were alright, good bite size pieces, quite a handful of meatballs too for the portion. But the beauty is in the sauce ! Thick consistency, with chunks of onions happily submerged in the soup of red wine sauce. Rip the bread and dip it deep until it is soaked, put it your mouth and yeaaa! I bet you'll having dancing tastebuds, or at least, I did ^_^.

Menu : Gambas al ajillo
Price : Rp 55,000 ++
Score : 8.0 / 10

>> I know alot of the pictures in this review involves a bowl of something with sauce and chunks of bread at the side. Well, I realized that but it just further explains that the sauce is damn good ! Again, this traditional Spanish prawns cooked in olive oil, garlic and white sauce is beautiful. The prawns was cooked very well, wasn't chewy and still maintain that firm texture in every bite. The sauce is of course glorious, same style as above; rip the chunks of bread and dip it into the sauce until it is soaked and enjoy it! For those 'vampires' who are scared of garlic stench staying behind in your mouth, don't worry. It is subtle and yet impact-full.







Menu : Paella de Marisco
Price : Rp 330,000 ++
Score : 9.5 / 10

>> Wohooo !! I found the best paella in town and I mean it ! I love this yellow rice and could never find a good restaurant selling a decent paella. Find no more yulian, because Tapas Movida is here ^_^ hahaha. This chicken & seafood Spanish yellow rice is so big that I'm pretty sure it's enough for at least 5 adults, especially with all the additional tapas, you'll go home a happy happy man with additional 2 kilos on the scale. The rice is beautifully done, it has that uniform yellow color from the saffron and love the rather 'sticky' effect this rice got. I'm not sure whether it is a special kind of rice or a special cooking method but let the Spanish chef do the working and us do the eating.
Menu : Sangria (Traditional)
Price : Rp 295,000 ++
Score : 8.5 / 10

>> Hahahaha, okay I first didn't record down the pricing on this drink but  a friend helped out and hence much details now. There is two types of Sangria served here, the traditional and the deluxe (Rp 395,000 ++). The difference is this traditional sangria is not too strong on the alcohol. Well, it definitely involves wine and a good splash of sprite, with all the fruit juices and fresh fruits inside the mixture. A very refreshing and complimentary to  the food served. Trust me, you won't be thrown away by the alcohol if you're not much of a drinker. While the deluxe is slightly more pricy but with a good mixture of 14 spirits of alcohol. So, depending on your mood and your alcohol tolerance level, the sangria is definitely one of the 'must try' among the menu list !





Overall, I know the title of the dishes are a bit tricky, but bookmark my page on your phone and just show it to the waitress when you're there. No big fuss right? Bottom line, like ambiance, like the price tag, loooooove the food. Which comes down to 'Yes, I'll definitely come back' and you all should all try it for yourself. I bet you'll come back as a regular !!


Tapas Movida
Jl. Cipete Raya No 66, Jakarta Selatan.
Phone : 021 - 7510851