Shammah - JS Luwansa Hotel & Convention

Left To Right : Pastry Chef, Chef, Executive Assistant Manager

14th June 2013 was the grand opening day for this four star hotel situated in the heart of CBD area in Jakarta; Jl. Rasuna Said, Kuningan. Within that short amount of time, JS Luwansa debut entry into the competition arena between hotels in Jakarta is something to be watched out by her peer. I was thinking to myself, what would make a hotel to be a great hotel? That I wonder and came to a conclusion that service and experience will simply be it. Grand hotels can many times overlook their occupants, be it because of the size scale or the fact that they weren't too worthy of their attention. But I would say that the amount of warmth, attention and hospitality shown by the JS Luwansa team was impressive. And I can sense their sincerity and passion into turning this hotel as not only one of the best but also serves to last !

But anyways, this review will be on their food catered in the 'Shammah' Restaurant. You wouldn't miss out on this place because it is exactly on the front porch of the lobby. The decor was a straight forward modern and sleek design. I like the fact that Shammah has a limited amount of ability to contain people; because then the attention poured to every customer would be at their maximum. I would say around 50 people would label Shammah as a 'full house'. Their capacity to contain people might be considered as 'petite' but the flavors that is produced was simply beautiful ! Six of us was treated for a dinner course of Mediterranean feast. Hey, I'm not fasting during this Holy month of Ramadhan but I could definitely feel the blessings upon me ^_^ haha !

Menu : Duo Ahi Tuna
Price : To Be Advise (Not in the Menu)
Score : 7.75 / 10

>> Ahi tuna done in 2 ways; poke and seared. Freshness checked, seasonings checked, portion as appetizer checked, taste a BIG checked, would I want a second portion ... yes please! I love raw fish because of a lot of factor, not only it is loaded with good oils, it super healthy doesn't make you go side ways hahaha. But above all, the freshness of the meat when seasoned the right is just heavenly. I love how this has a strong flavor of local herbs. I could definitely smell curry powder but still didn't overpower the tuna itself.

Menu : Soup of the day
( Country Pea Soup with Crispy Pancetta )
Price : Rp 60,000 ++
Score : 8.0 / 10

>> I have to be honest, when I saw 'pea soup' on the menu list, I wasn't too excited about it. But on the first glance of the beautiful bright green color made it tempting to me. Green has that 'healthy' connotation in my mind and that is always a good thing I suppose. Upon the first sip, I love it ! I never knew something so 'boring' such as 'pea' when handled under the right hand can be turn into something so tasty !! I love the calmness of the taste, you can still sense the peas but it didn't smack you on the face. Do you get it? In simpler way, it was subtle and harmoniously collides with the cream and seasoning when it settles on your tongue.

Menu : Surf and Turf
Price : To Be Advised (Not in the Menu)
Score : 8.0 / 10

>> This is not your normal surf and turf you get in your usual continental restaurant. This is definitely a few notches higher than that! The lobster was delish! I was glad that they didn't hold back on the ingredient and appreciate it by a mile. Lobster was beautifully grilled and beef fillet was all juicy, tender and cooked to a perfect medium. By the way, saw that mountain of yellow behind the beef? That is the super yummy potatoes !! Imagine hash brown but instead of grilling and frying, it's cooked with broth and a little cream. Greatness !

Menu : Paella Mixta
Price : Rp 120,000 ++
Score : 8.5 / 10

>> How I love the Spanish rice; paella ! This is my favourite main course dish that was served! Imagine the rice was seared, braised, simmered slowly in a shrimp saffron broth! Just imagining it and writing about it is making me drool. One of the best paella I ate was at Tapas Movida (Date of review : 3rd June 2013) and I must say this is a serious contender.

The way they both serve the paella is a huge difference, Tapas Movida do it a huge pan for around 5 servings while Shammah is more of a single portion. Additionally, the shrimp and tender slices of beef were nothing short of tasty !! A recommendation from me.

Menu : Braised Rosemary Lamb Shank
Price : Rp 128,000 ++
Score : 7.75 / 10

>> I must say Shammah undercharged this dish. I would pay around Rp 150,000++ for a several factors. First, the portion is more than enough for one. There is a bed of steaming garlic mash potatoes which I must say delicious!! Secondly, the lamb shank was beautifully cooked. The meat flakes off from the bone easily and the rosemary sauce was the perfect condiment! Third, I love how the taste of the sauce manage to hold the whole dish together. It was delish with the garlic mash potatoes, it was also great with the steam vegetables.

Well, pricing is a relative issue but I reckon this must be one of the more popular dishes in Shammah both because of the very reasonable pricing and also most importantly taste.

Menu : Mashawi Bahria
Price : To Be Advised
Score : 7.5 / 10

>> A platter of goodness. Grilled lobster, prawns and snapper accompanied with mixed grilled vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplant, paprika served with Rice Saydieh on the side. Lobster was as expected; grilled to perfection. The prawns and snapper was nothing short of it too.

But what I want to highlight was this Saydieh Rice. It was my first time having it and I must say it's a cross between long grain and risotto. It has the shape of a small size risotto but not as mushy. It's a more intact form like our day to day long grain white rice. Shammah cooked it with saffron and I love it. It's not like everyday that I get to eat 'fancy' rice. Hahaha !

Menu : Mahsawi Mushakala
Price : To Be Advise
Score : 7.5 / 10

>> This resembles a lot like the one on top; Mahsawi Bahria. You can judge from the similar name I bet. Well anyways, the difference between these two is the everything except the Rice Saydieh. Mahsawi Mushakala is more of meat on the side while Mahsawi Bahria is seafood! We have grilled tenderloin, lamb chop and chicken served together with mixed grilled vegetables; tomatoes, paprika, eggplant and the
'fancy' rice on the side.

If you are allergic to seafood then this is would the one to order for. Nothing short of goodness !

Menu : Green Tea Crepe Cake
Price : Rp 40,000 ++
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> This is your mille crepe done in a slightly different way. Instead of plain, Shammah offers with green tea or better known as 'matcha' powder. And in addition, besides using vanilla pod mixed in vanilla or butter cream, Shammah infused Grans Marnier, mascaporne and cream as the fillings in between. The dollop or mango citrus on the bottom was a big surprise. That sting you get from eating a sour sweet mango cuts through the heaviness of the cream filling. It taste good inside and out.


Shammah Restaurant - JS Luwansa Hotel & Convention
(Besides Plaza Festival Epicentrum)
Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav C 22, Kuningan Jakarta 12940
Phone : 021 - 29543030

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

Jeeva Klui - Lombok (Lebaran'12)

So here I am, slapped back from my 8 days Ramadhan holidays from Lombok, Gili Air & Bali. I'm actually desperate for another extra week to pamper myself but nevertheless, reality is cruel and thus face it -__- lll. I am going to write a series of post with '(Lebaran Holiday 2012) at the end of the title just to mark as a continuation of my 8 days food journey. It might be quite long but i'll try to be as concise as possible. So relax, put your feet up and start feasting your eyes!

Above are several pictures of the resort I stayed (Jeeva Klui) during my trip in Lombok. Jeeva is situated near to the city center and has a stretch of private beach (Part of Pantai Senggigi) connected directly to the resort. Certainly a breath taking view! The resort only has about 20 bungalow cottages and thus it felt very homey. There were a handful of European tourist but even with that, the place still seemed serene to me. A good recommendation for those looking to visit Lombok.

Jeeva Klui only has one restaurant, bearing in the mind the small scale resort that I classify them to be, it make a lot of sense! The partly outdoor resto sits directly in front of the resort pool and open for all breakfast, lunch & dinner till 11 pm.

Menu : Corn Fritters

Price : Complimentary (Free)

Score : 5 / 10

>> The sweet and sour condiment sauce at the bottom suits my taste but I think the fritter itself was rather cold and soggy. But at the end of the day, this was a complimentary dish so I'm not going to complain too much about it hahahaha!

Menu : Aromatic Beef Salad

Price : RP 65,000 ++

Score : To Be Advise

>> I must honestly say that I sort of forget what this taste like. But definitely and surely not horrible! If it was bad, it's impossible for me to forget the dish. On the other hand, it didn't leave an impression on me and thus it is logical to say this salad didn't blew me away :p

 

Menu : Tuna Sambal Bawang

Price : RP 85,000 ++

Score : 6.5 / 10

>> I was surprised by the size of the tuna fish. I am not sure how much does a kilo of tuna cost but man...Jeeva is generous with their portioning. I like everything about the dish, the salad was tasty, rice was perfectly steamed and cooked, the 'sambal bawang' (chili onion) makes the perfect condiments EXCEPT...the tuna was overcooked and thus slightly too tough for my liking. Nevertheless, it might be a one time mistake made by the chef. Thus if you are a tuna lover, you might wanna have a go at this.

Menu : Ayam Taliwang

Price : RP 85,000 ++

Score : 7.0 / 10

>> Again! Thumbs up for the portioning :) Unlike the tuna, this time the chicken is well cooked. Slightly burnt grill on the outside but still tender and juicy on the inside. The only thing that I would like the chef (if possible) improve is on the sauce. Ayam Taliwang is suppose to be spicy and hot but the taste here lean more towards 'coconuty and peanuty' flavor if you can imagine what I'm trying to explain. It is like a satay sauce but with a stronger coconut flavor instead of peanut.

Menu : Trio Tomato Risotto

Price : RP 80,000 ++

Score : 9.0 / 10

>> This might be the best risotto I have ever tasted in Indonesia. I had a couple of good bowl of risotto back when I was in Melbourne, but in Indonesia?? Hell NONE! At Jeeva, the rice were all plump, soaked with all the goodness of the tomato gravy sauce. The risotto is far from overcooked, exactly right on point! The sunripe tomatoes were extremely sweet thus the name of the dish 'Trio Tomato Risotto'. After the 2 Indonesian dish on top, I understood that the resto cater to the European tourist that come to stay at Jeeva and thus adjusting the taste of the food to their tongue not the local Indonesians.

 

Menu : Penne Zucchini

Price : RP 80,000 ++

Score : 7.5 / 10

>> Another good pasta dish! Now I am more certain with the statement I made above; the fact the chef at Jeeva caters to the European tongue and taste. This is my first try on a Zucchini pasta dish. It has a cream sauce base, similar to "Carbonara" but not as thick. I am not a big fan of cream base pastas but this I certainly don't mind having :)

Menu : Chocolate Fondant 

Price : RP 55,000 ++

Score : 7.0 / 10

>> My meal wouldn't be complete if I haven't had dessert to sum everything up. I chose chocolate fondant and it was an average one. The technique behind was nailed; right temperature, soft texture, melted chocolate oozing out from the center upon cutting into but it lacks a little bit of sugar and a gigantic scoop of vanilla ice cream at the side (instead of whip cream). Nevertheless, not a disappointing menu!

Jeeva Klui Resort

Jln Raya Klui Beach No. 1 Lombok Indonesia

Phone : +62 (0) 370 693 035

Fax : +62 (0) 370 693 036