Capocaccia

Pacific Place is one mall that I seldom go, maybe once a month or at most twice. And maybe the Indonesian crowd are behaving largely like me (or the other way around) and thus explains the fact that this mall is not as busy as the others around that area. But noticing the amount of new eateries that are popping up there, I might visit there much more often. Just to name a few; Hard Rock Cafe, Potato Head, Goods Dept, upcoming Lafayette department store and of course 'Capocaccia' a new place that I had just went.

Capocaccia's menu features specialties from Italy, to be more specific; Milanese! Just a quick historical background: the first Capocaccia was opened in Monaco in 1995 followed in Florence (1996) and Geneva (2001). In 2008, the Florence chapter came to a close while a new Capocaccia restaurant was opened in Jakarta! Go figure why they chose Jakarta out of all countries, but hey, it's welcomed!

This place is suitable for any occasion, whether to dine out at the restaurant or stop by the bakery. You can treat yourself with home made pastries, have a relaxed business lunch or an informal meeting for coffee near the office.

Menu : Tomato Soup
Price : RP 35,000 ++
Score : 8.0 / 10

>> Whenever I gave a seven or above it's an obvious sign screaming 'Gooooddd Stufffff' and this surely deserve an eight! The consistency is perfect, not too viscous, not to watery. The seasoning hit a home run and pricing is definitely inexpensive for the taste! Garlic bread was well toasted and even though this standard bowl won't fill your tummy, you'll have a big grin across your face upon licking your empty bowl.

Menu : Onorina
Price : RP 75,000 ++
Score : 5.5 / 10

>> This is basically a simple sandwich stuffed with cold cut smoked salmon inside a lightly spread buttery baguette. I like smoke salmon and this sandwich is definitely has a generous fillings of it. But will I order it again? Maybe not. Don't get me wrong, it's tasty but I would prefer the Aglio Olio by a mile. And to think about it, this is suitable for those who wants a light snack as the portion is rather too small as a main course.

Menu : Aglio Olio
Price : Rp 85,000 ++
Score : 9.0 / 10

>> I thought I was in heaven for a two seconds when I had my first bite at this!!! Let's start the review! Portion is good, I was full when I had this, the amount is generous and this comes with a choice of beef, ham or chicken (included with price). Seasoning : picture perfect, the spicy of chili kicks your taste buds, amount of salt and the silkiness of the olive oil which covers the spaghetti swirling inside your mouth is heavenly good! Hear me people! Order this one and the tomato soup and you may ignore the rest of the menu. Do I sound hyperbolic? Try and let your tongue do the talking...

Menu : Alfredo
Price : RP 85,000 ++
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> When you had the Aglio Olio, this definitely wasn't as good. But still good! The amount of portion, the seasoning, the generous fillings of choice beef, ham, chicken are all a thumbs up. But as a whole package, Aglio Olio triumph !! It's a matter of taste actually, to begin with, my favourite pasta is Aglio Olio and not tomato base nor cream base. Alfredo is an obvious tomato base and thus I could be biased. But it's still a seven pointer coming from a stingy marker :)

Menu : Desserts Selection
Top Left : Tiramisu  : Rp 69,000 ++  : Score 5.0 / 10
Top Right : Tartalino  : Rp 49,000 ++  : Score 6.0 / 10
Left : Panna Cotta  : RP 59,000 ++  : Score 8.0 / 10

>> Tiramisu : My least favourite and rather a disappointment. They used whipped cream instead of mascarpone cheese which might explain the consequences it had on my scoring. No rum nor coffee kick. Just plain and boring.

>> Tartalino : The chocolate ganache is alright, the short crust pastry was okay too. But it comes down to the ultimate question, will I order it again? Um...sadly no. For fifty thousand, I'd rather get a double scoop of haagen dasz ice cream.

>> Panna Cotta : This is definitely the best! The panna cotta jiggles to perfection. And the butterscotch sauce at the side oh lalaaaa !!! It makes me go gaga!! Simply goodness in a saucer! I'm not sure how much calories there is in such sauce but it made me forget about my waistline and just indulge. I will order this again for sure !!!!

Capocaccia
Pacific Place, Ground Floor #G - 51 B
Phone : 021 - 5793658

Omah Gili - Gili Air (Lebaran'12)

This is the establishment that I had mentioned before. Omah Gili is owned by FW's high school friend and it only made sense to visit his place during our holiday trip. Not a 5 star luxury place to pamper yourself but certainly a decent, reasonably clean place, but most importantly very friendly service and a sense of blending into the local Gili Air community. This small establishment is relatively new, located around 200m behind Manta Dive so it's a good alternative for Manta Dive accommodation even if no sea view available. Omah Gili has 8 cottages, two types of room offered: 4 units of Joglo (Geladak) and 4 units of Lumbung.

Our room was clean and air conditioner worked well. We liked much the outdoor bathroom. They provide a 5-galon bottle drinking water in each room. No problem at all for water supply - not fresh water though - and electricity was fine. Note: no TV provided. By the way, you would regret your visit in Gili Air if you spend time watching TV because the island is just too beautiful. The staff are all friendly, particularly the front desk officer.

The breakfast okay, and although it wasn't located on beach-side, it was not far from the beach. It was a perfect location for a holiday hideout-- nice and quiet, not too close to the crowd. It feels just like home, but with extra services, cleaner air, and other island treats. No lunch and dinner offered so you have to find meals for yourself but no worry, there are many beach front restaurants with reasonable prices ready to serve you in Gili Air. I recommend Biba Beach Cafe & Chill-Out, great tasty food, unforgettable view towards the sea and Lombok island, nice service with good price. 

Omah Gili
Behind Manta Dive & Sunrise
Gili Air - West Nusa Tenggara Indonesia

Lau's Kopitiam

I had countless 'Lau's Kopitiam' visits since they opened their very first branch in Benton Junction, Lippo Karawaci. A friend on mine is the owner and I must say Lau's Kopitiam was among the first few who get into this 'kopitiam' business before the craze starts mushrooming everywhere in Jakarta. One of the biggest difference they offer is their 'toast'. Most of the other Kopitiams offer their toast as this thin and crunchy while Lau's toast is thick (picture below) and this depends on individual's preference, some like their pizza thick crusted, some thin crusted. Which do you like ?

At this moment, Lau's had just opened their 16th branch (congratulations!!) at Mangga Besar and I must give my friend a 2 thumbs and 2 toes up. Within 4 years upon opening their 1st branch at Benton, he has his 16th now. In Pluit area, there's two. One in Emporium Pluit Mal (4th floor, next to food court)l and the second is at Jl. Pluit Utara Raya (Next to United Oil Car Wash) and my review today is base on my trip there in Jl. Pluit Utara Raya.

Menu : Nasi Goreng Cakalang

Price : RP 25,217 ++
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> I had my first plate of 'nasi goreng cakalang' at Benton Junction and gave my experience there a 7.5 / 10. The portion here is smaller but taste wise, pretty good and similar to the one in Benton! It has that spicy chili kick, cakalang fishy smell (smells fishy in a good way), sweetened black soya tasting rice. Overall a good comfort food during moody days. The rice portion is actually reasonable but what I meant was that Benton's serving size is bigger. Therefore for those ladies watching their carb intake, warning zone here! hehehehe

Menu : Kaya Toast (Medium)
Price : RP 19,130 ++
Score : 6.0 / 10

>> As I had mentioned above, Lau's serves their toast thick and in here they offer a choice of white and brown bread (additional Rp 2,000). I personally like thin crusted bread as I have this delusional mind thinking 'smaller bread, less calorie intake' but bearing in mind that this choice of thick bread will full your stomach better! If you're hungry and doesn't mind which kind of bread, go for Lau's. The only advice is that, go for slightly less salted butter spread on top. The one I had was too salty for my taste. I like their 'Srikaya' jam though, very home made feel and you can actually buy those in jars from the restaurant. Besides kaya flavour, there are a variety such as; chocolate and cheese.

This branch in Jl. Pluit Utara Raya opens till 12 midnight on weekdays and when I arrived there at 10 pm for a supper, there were several tables occupied which means pretty good business bearing in mind the late timing. Nevertheless, a satisfactory visit and since it's super close to my house, I'm definitely having their 'Kwetiau Goreng or Kwetiau Lada Hitam' for my next supper trip there.

Lau's Kopitiam

Jl. Pluit Utara Raya No. 70 (Next to United Oil Car Wash)

Phone : 021 - 666 00 613

Starbucks

Menu : Bolognaise Chicken Sandwich

Price : Rp 29,000
Score : 8.5 / 10

>> Who likes cafeteria sandwiches? Well, I don't! But I usually have my 'Rustica Chicken Sandwich' on my way to 'Tangerang'. I'll usually stop by the gas station and have a quick breakfast. And I stick to that menu until yesterday I had my first 'Bolognaise Chicken Sandwich' and I was truly taken by surprise! 

A super duper tasty Bolognaise gravy, good amount of minced meat, compatible tasting cheddar cheese. The only downside was the white bun was too thick. The gravy is really good and with that, actually made me wanna have it with a good bowl of spaghetti.

So...to you all Starbucks' drinkers, the next time you queuing up for your lattes, cappuccinos and frappucinos, do remember to peek at their display counter. If you see this, hopefully it'll remind you of my post. Grab and try it for yourself. Hopefully you'll enjoy it as much as I did !

Roppan

It has been 30 hectic days since my last post. I have been bombarded with work as the tax report submission deadline is due on 30th April. My company have yet to finish it --___-- and yes my 'panic button' is definitely blinking BRIGHT RED ! Nevertheless I steal somet lunch hour today and update this blog of mine. I missed writing, I missed sharing, I missed posting...aahhh love and passion for food :)

There is a new mall just opened recently; "Gandaria City", it's situated slightly off the central of Jakarta but the selection of food is just marvelous! I had a go of snacking at this cute cafe called "ROPPAN" it sounds Japanese and yes the food served is definitely Japan inspired. Here are some variants I tried on my first trip here, enjoy!

Menu : Motto Choco

Price : Rp 11,000++

Score : 7.5  / 10

>> This dish is actually relatively very very simple. Chocolate spread with chocolate shavings on top of slightly toasted white bread. But the strong and well balanced chocolate spread is to die for! Not to mention, the soft bread that just melts in you mouth...hmm...yum!!

Menu : Ike Banana

Price : Rp 11,000 ++

Score : 6.5 / 10

>> I liked Motto Choco slightly more than this because it is rather more simple with nothing standing out. I love the generous grated cheese though, to die for!

Menu : Godzilla Burger

Price : Rp 18,000++
Score : 7.5 / 10

>> I love this, good stuff! The home made beef patties is well harmonies with their home made mayo and the melted cheese oozes on your tongue. A great company to have while enjoying their "lychee beer".

Menu : Roppan Udon

Price : Rp 33,000 ++
Score : 5.0 / 10

>> Their 'udon' is a let down, in compare to their bread stuffs. I can't forgive restaurants that serves bland food or under seasoned. I think it is the most basic skill anyone should have before entering the kitchen. The cook might have forgotten to taste before plating because this sure taste salt-less.

ROPPAN

GANDARIA CITY GROUND FLOOR

021 - 2900 7942

Pizza Hut

It's been ages since my last trip to a Pizza Hut joint, more than 2 years maybe. Last week, I was sitting in front of the TV and Pizza Hut's advertisement played and since then I have been craving for a slice of their pizza. Marketing gimmicks works I guess. I went in last Thursday and their special Thursday menu (HEBAT = hemat banget) is a 50% off on Crown Crust Black Pepper Chicken and also on their Puff Pastry Mushroom Cream Soup. Therefore a complete meal for two person, the bill came down relatively cheap; Rp 150,000.

I had the appetizers, entree, main and chocolate ice cream to end my lunch. The overall experience was okay, even though I was mildly irritated by the talkative waitress. All of the waitress were trained to speak in a certain way and memorize a certain paragraph. The whole thing becomes an act and in a way 'fake'. Nevertheless, it is a junk food chain restaurant and thus I can expect too much out of it.

Menu : Garlic Cheese Bread
Price : Rp 14,500++
Score : 6.0 / 10

>> I wanted to eat garlic bread so badly and when I saw this on menu I was derailed; tempted by the melted cheese all over on top. Even though I like just the garlic bread better, this garlic and cheese topping works beautifully together. The taste definitely works for me.

Menu : New Orleans Chicken Wings
Price : Rp 27,000++ (6 pieces)
Score : 6.5 / 10

>> Whenever I come to a Pizza Hut joint, I'll always order this BBQ chicken wings. It is damn tasty!! The small size of the wings actually compliments to the entire dish, you can just easily pick one up and bite the juicy meat easily off from the bones.

Menu : Puff Pastry Mushroom Cream Soup
Price : 17,000++
Score : 3.5 / 10

>> Bland, bland, bland. No seasoning what so ever. I really think the chef forget to sprinkle salt and pepper into the dish. The pastry was fine but the taste was just utter disappointment!

Menu : Crown Crust Black Pepper Chicken
Price : Rp 32,000++
Score : 6.5 / 10

>> Crown crust simply means; fish finger lay over close to edge of the rim. This personal pan taste yummy! The black pepper sauce was tasty and seasoned well, the vegetables on top was not overcooked, the chicken were still juicy and the dough was the right thickness.

Menu  : Choco Mania
Price : Rp 24,000++
Score : 4.0 / 10

>> Super market bought chocolate ice cream and I assume the brand might be "Diamond" or "Wall's". Nothing special about this, just bits and pieces of chocolate bits thrown together into a big bowl. The only great thing is that this has 4 big scoops!!!

Nanny's Pavillon

The first Nanny's Pavillon was opened in Bandung and their first out of state branch was in Jakarta's Pacific Place Mall. I was sick of work and escape myself during lunch time to meet up with my friend (RP) who worked in that area. I choose this eatery because I haven't tried it before and the decor was just too cute to miss out. 

The setting of the place was like an European Barn, the tone of the color was white and green; very soothing and comfy. The waitresses was dressed into a milkmaid costume, the tables, chairs, hanging items and even the menu was in line with the theme of the restaurant. Overall, my lunch experience here was a pleasant one, I wouldn't say extremely great but definitely something I haven't had before. And with the addition of the decor, I was not surprise that the place was busy with young and elderly eaters.

Menu : Sausage Cheesy Waffle
Price : Rp 24,000++
Score : 5.5 / 10

>> The downside to this dish was that the waffle was soggy when it reaches my table. It would have been much better if it was still crispy. To add on, definitely need more seasoning to the sausage and cheese toppings.

Menu : Chicken Baked Rice
Price : Rp 31,000++
Score : 5.5 / 10

>> Not sure what type of sauce they have on this plate, but it was actually good. The rice was the problem here! Not cooked fully, I can still feel the grit of raw rice feeling. They should have leave it in the oven 15 minutes more.

Menu : Beef Baked Rice
Price : Rp 34,000++
Score : 5.5 / 10

>> Same situation with the chicken baked rice. The mysterious sauce over the rice was good but the downfall was to be blame on the rice. Not cooked fully, I can still feel the grit of raw rice feeling. They should have leave it in the oven for more time.

Menu : Arlene's Stuffed Mushroom
Price : Rp 29,000++
Score : 6.25 / 10

>> My friend Ratna loves this (she even clicked the like button on facebook). The cream cheese sauce at the bottom definitely made the difference to the entire dish. The stuffed meat was alright but the mushroom was slightly too soggy or else it'll get a 6.5 for sure.

Menu : Heavy Alvin's Potato
Price : Rp 29,000++
Score : 6.75 / 10

>> I like this very much. This dish might have salvage my trip experience to this restaurant. The potato was thinly cut and crispy. The minced meat with baked beans and generous melted cheese on top made me forget that I was on a diet:p

Menu : Nanny's Cocktail (Blueberry)
Price : Rp 40,000 ++
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> Not too sweet thus I assume it has no serious amount of added sugar. The bottle has mountains of fruits, blueberries, apples and all the goodness of vitamin C.

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Sanpachi : Jigoku Ramen (level 5) Price : Rp 36,000 ++ (small)

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Sanpachi : Jigoku Ramen (level 5) Price : Rp 36,000 ++ (small)