Warung Kampung Gili - Gili Air (Lebaran'12)

 

I wanted to taste what the real 'kampung food' or in a better way of saying 'local food' really taste like. I asked the friendly people at Omah Gili and he recommended us a 'Warung' (A Food Stall) not far from the inn; around 5 minutes walk from the inn. By the way Gili Air is not a big island, pretty tiny actually. You can circle the entire island 360 degree less than 2 hours and that is by normal adult walking pace. Go figure the size, pretty small right ?

The 'Warung' actually exceed my expectation, I thought it was going to be dirty and sloppy, but nothing like that. A handful of local and international tourist were there, blending in with the community trying to communicate with broken bahasa indonesia, english and hand sign language. The Warung was in fact pretty clean, good home cooked food were served here. Nothing fancy or 5 star, but definitely a good portion meal, relatively cheap and using super fresh ingredients.

Menu : Nasi Campur
Price : RP 15,000
Score : 6.0 / 10

>> Size portion is decent here, enough to cover 3/4 of my tummy capacity. I like the peanut satay sauce with steam vegetables on the side; tasty! I'd give this another half point if only the chicken wasn't that dry. I had quite a tough time chewing it. I wouldn't recommend you guys to try this.

Menu : Ayam Pelecing Pedes
Price : RP 20,000
Score : 7.5 / 10

>> The star dish of the day is this beautiful red colored dish over here! I love the generous amount of chili poured across the chicken. Unlike the overcooked chicken above, this one wasn't at all. Crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy still on the inside. By the way, look at the size of the chicken, huge isn't it? Good stuff !!

Menu : Tumpi Tumpi
Price : RP 15,000
Score : 6.5 / 10

>> I was curious when I read it on the menu and asked the owner about it. He explained it was like 'perkedel' but instead of potatoes, they uses finely shredded coconut instead. Combined with spices, herbs and chili then portioned and deep fried before serving. I thought the taste was pretty interesting, it was like eating well seasoned shredded coconut basically :)

Menu : Pelecing Kangkung
Price : RP 10,000
Score : 5.0 / 10

>> I thought I was going to love this dish when I saw it on the menu. All I can think was the amount of chili that this dish will blow my tongue off. In fact, it wasn't the case at all. It was definitely a different 'pelecing' sauce with the 'ayam pelecing' dish above. This sauce was leaning more to tomato base instead of chili and for your information, I'm not a big fan of sweet tomato base chili sauce.

However, I must say the 'kangkung' itself was well cooked.

Menu : Nasi Campur
Price : RP 15,000
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> Nasi Campur here is basically you go to the kitchen and there were a few plates of cooked dishes displayed. Choose anything you want and they'll pick it and serve it for you! What I love most is the 'Tempe Orek' or another similar to 'Tempe Balado'. It was spicy and mind blowing! Yummmehh!!


Warung Gili

Gilir Air, Lombok Indonesia

The Angel's Bar and Cafe - Lombok (Lebaran'12)

Lombok is mainly populated by the Muslims and thus during the fasting period, very little restaurants were opened. This lunch trip to 'The Angel's Bar and Cafe' was a random pick and on an average was alright. It is situated at the center heart of the city. Even though the service was super slow but however we were informed in advance before the waiter took our order. It was due to the 'Lebaran Holiday' that many took leave from work.

Menu : Nasi Goreng Angel
Price : RP 30,000 ++
Score : 6.0 / 10

>> A reasonable good plate of fried rice, nothing too special or damn good about it but definitely far from horrible. The portion is okay, the seasoning is good, the eggs is well cooked and even got 2 chicken satays at the side. But nothing scream 'damn delicious' to me. I did finished it but might order something different if I got the chance to revisit.

Menu : Ayam Taliwang

Price : RP 35,000 ++
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> Another round of Ayam Taliwang here in Lombok. I was determined to survey as many Ayam Taliwang as possibly could during my stay in Lombok and this one was a seven pointer. The chicken is beautifully grilled; very moist and juicy still. But the chili in 'Taliwang Raya' (Date of Post : 2 Sept 2012) is by far the most spiciest! There is nothing wrong with the chili here and pretty good on an average, thus I will still recommend you guys to have this a try.

Taliwang Raya - Lombok (Lebaran'12)

This is my first real encounter with 'Sambal Lombok'. For those who don't know, 'Lombok' literally means 'Chili' in Sundanese language and with that meaning behind the name of the island, I wanted my tongue and mouth to be burnt by the 'sambal', the food served here uphold to the name and did not disappoint me at all. Bravo! The restaurant is situated in 'Mataram' area and was  actually a quite famous place, upon reaching the place I understand why. Not only the food was good, the place was well kept, spacious, clean and has a view of rice fields at the back of the restaurant.

Menu : Ayam Bakar Pedes Manis

Price : RP 25,000 ++

Score : 7.0 / 10

>> The chicken meat itself is not good, very very dry and too tough to chew. But the chili sauce is mind blowing good (which translate to very very spicy) hahaha! The portion is relatively small, enough for one. They uses 'ayam kampung' and thus resulting in the smaller size in compare to 'ayam negeri'. 

Note : Organic chicken is healthier!

Menu : Gurame Bakar Pedas

Price : RP 35,000 ++
Score : 8.0 / 10

>> Unlike the chicken, this piece of fish is grilled to perfection. Flaky meat yet not soggy and definitely moist and juicy still. Bottom line; not overcooked! The chili spread on top is similar to the chicken except a notch hotter (I assume from the title of the dish). It has been so long that I finally got myself wanting to chew on ice cubes due to chili burning sensation in my mouth. I wanted to take away the chili in bottles and bring it home to Jakarta, but they can't prepare on such short notice and thus next time maybe!

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

Ikkudo Ichi - Revisit

I ate the food reviewed below back in late August but hasn't find the mood to write about the revisit post, maybe too close to my first Ikkudo Ichi post (3 August '12). Anyways, after my first trip there and after a handful of comments recommending me to try their meat slices which I really appreciate, I came back and tried those recommendations. Bottom line, I'm not disappointed :)

Menu : Fried Chicken Katsu Curry

Price : RP 46,500 ++

Score : 6.5 / 10

>> Good plate of curry, definitely suited to the Indonesian tongue and taste. However, I might be having too much expectation for the fried chicken (Tori Karage) and fall slightly short of 'damn bloody tasty'. The chicken batter is good, crunchy and all that, maybe it's just me, my expectation and my head :p hehehehe. As for the curry, it is exactly the same with the 'Pork Chasu Curry' which I already commented on the first Ikkudo Ichi review post on 03/08/12. A decent curry rice and  remember to sprinkle those cut chilis to 'spark' those taste buds of yours.

Menu : Buta Chasu Aburi

Price : RP 48,000 ++

Score : 7.25 / 10

>> This pork slices are the exact cut of meat found in the buta signature ramen, but upon eating this. I learn that it is due to the hot ramen soup that makes the chasu flimsy and lack of bite. However, these pork chasu here are grilled and thus has a better texture in the mouth. It is firmer and gives a better bite too. 

As for the thickness of the chasu, I think it should be improved. Still too thin for my liking. I didn't pay too much attention on the condiments they spread on top but certainly a matching combination. I know a lot of you guys love the fatty part of pork meat, but I'm not that into it so much. I like it but prefer mine to be less fatty and more meat instead. 

Menu : Premium Pork Cheek

Price : RP 58,000 ++
Score : 8.5 / 10

>> I was slightly reluctant to give this a try initially, the imagination of 'pork cheek' scares me. However, I'm glad I gave this a go and the verdict; very yummy! The price is slightly pricey, remembering the venue. But who cares if it is justified by the taste. I like this way better than the Chasu. Surprisingly, the meat is more firm than the Chasu, not sure why...as I imagine the cheek to be all fatty and oily. Certainly not the case here!! Do order this the next time you guys are here!

In addition to the three dishes mentioned above, I had a dish called 'Gyu Chasu Aburi' (RP 48,000++). It is similar to the 'Buta Chasu Aburi' but beef instead of pork. I was too busy focusing on the speed my chopsticks and mouth hahahaha that I forget to snap a picture of it. I like the beef better than the pork, it has a better bite, more firm and less fatty part. If I must give it a score, it's a 8.75 / 10. The next time I'm at Ikkudo Ichi, I will have a plate of 'Gyu Chasu Aburi', a plate of 'Premium Pork Cheek' and a bowl of steam rice with lots of chilies. That is all ^_^ v !!!

Ramen Ikkudo Ichi
Rukan Crown Golf Blok D No 2 - 3 Pantai Indah Kapuk
Phone : 021 - 966 28677

May Star - Revisit

My last post on May Star was in 2010 and so here a revisit post !! A few weeks back, before Lebaran Holidays; FW and I were cruising Emporium Mall on a Wednesday and he was urging for some Chinese cuisine. The decision came down to either 'May Star' or 'Dian Xiao Er' and because we had Dian Xiao Er a couple of weeks back we end up going for May Star. I wasn't feeling hungry and my flu is still going on thus wasn't very much in the mood of eating for dinner.

Menu : Sup Asam Pedas Szechuan

Price : RP 34,000 ++

Score : 7.0 / 10

>> They provide all the basic taste of what a Szechuan Soup should taste. The sour level is exactly where I would like it to be. I don't need additional black vinegar for this bowl. The heat is lacking a little bit (but hey it's me a chili fanatic talking hehehe) but the seasoning is correct at all department. The only additional thing they should do is to at least imitate Duck King's Szechuan Soup. They have a piece of prawn wonton inside.

Menu : Sosis Taiwan Special

Price : RP 54,000 ++ (for 4 sticks)
Score : 6.0 / 10

>> If you notice exactly next to the current May Star at Emporium Mall Pluit, there is a new 'to - go' May Star counter. They sell this exact sausage for RP 12,000 / piece (including tax). Price wise it's cheaper there. It taste slightly like 'lap chiong', those chinese pork sausages. A good snack but don't count on it to fill your tummy and as for taste wise, it was alright; rather mediocre. If you are curious, buy it at the 'to - go' counter instead.

Menu : Babi Cincang Tim

Price : RP 68,000 ++
Score : 5.0 / 10

>> I'm disappointed at this dish here. It lacks of salt! Tim babi is suppose to be salty and has that strong punch of Chinese soy sauce flavor. The color looks right but eventually not so much on the flavor. The positive part is that the portion is reasonable for 2 - 3 people. 'SKY' restaurant at Muara Karang serves a better same dish than this one here. Skip this dish the next time you're here. I wouldn't say it taste bad, but rather disappointing.

May Star
Emporium Pluit Mall, 4th Fl Unit 26 - 29
Jl. Pluit Selatan Raya Bl S 6, Jakarta 
Phone: 021 - 66676280

Cafe Aria

This post might be the last one before I go off for my Lebaran holiday which I'm super excited to have!! I'm desperate to get out of Jakarta -__-"....

Anyways, I had a quick catch up with my cousin and his friends on a Thursday night and made up our spot at Cafe Aria. If you guys are puzzled where is this, it's at 'Ratu Plaza', the old Tony Roma's building is now changed to Cafe Aria. There were a good buzz on that night, maybe due to 'buka bersama' and the interior of the place was very very different to the Tony Roma's. Cafe Aria's decor is simple, clean, leaning to modern minimalistic feel.

The restaurant is separated into a few sections. The smoking, the non smoking, private rooms (no doors, separated by partitions and full body length blinds, and a section where local designers' clothing are up for sale. The space is big enough to contain all that. One factor that is not to standard was their service, very slow and difficult just to get their attention. The waitresses seemed to be 'hiding' somewhere and after managing to get their attention, it takes a long time for them to cater our needs. Very frustrating if you are chasing for time.

Menu : Crispy Chicken Rucola Salad

Price : RP 46,000 ++

Score : 7.5 / 10

>> I like this! If you like 'Rucola' leaf then you'll like this, if you don't then do not order. Rucola leaf has this distinct taste, spicy, peppery and yet fresh with a hint of citrus when chewed. The crispy chicken was ordinary but when combined with the rucola leaf, it give a good texture and bite. Love the citrus dressing, more of a vinaigrette than a cream base dressing. The portion was okay for a starter salad, rather pricey but bearing in mind that you need to import Rucola as I'm pretty sure they don't grow in Indonesia, I can agree with their price tag.

Menu : Duck Aglio Olio Pasta

Price : RP 58,000 ++

Score : 6.0 / 10

>> The pasta was too dry for my liking. Aglio Olio supposed to be shining and slightly oily covered and dressed with olive oil but this one need a good additional 3 seconds of olive oil. The chopped duck was generous, it's crispy and tasted alright in the seasoning department. However, I couldn't taste the Aglio Olio characteristic taste that it should have. Definitely not enough garlic, olive oil and chili.

Menu : Salmon Belachan on Spinach Bed

Price : RP 145,000 ++
Score : 6.5 / 10

>> Portion is a big issue here. For RP 145,000 this dish is overpriced. The salmon and the belachan sauce itself tasted good but not so much on the spinach bed. Too buttery and soggy for my liking. They should have provided baked potato with bacon and cheese, and fresh salad on the side. I'm pretty sure that won't cost too much for the owners. Personally, this won't fill my stomach, unless I finished the Duck Aglio Olio Pasta before this.

Cafe Aria

Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav 1, Gedung Bank Panin Pusat

Phone : 021 - 5793 1501 / 02

Mad For Garlic

Where did you guys ate on last Saturday? I was touring Grand Indonesia with FW and couldn't make up our mind what to have for dinner and then a sudden outburst of 'lets have garlic aja lahhh' with a positive response coming from me landed us both here! It's been quite a while since my last visit here, might be around 10 to 12 months ago I supposed. 

A typical family restaurant I must say, with tables of kids running around and their babysitters trying to feed them while the mom and dad sit at the side eating their food. One aspect of the interior that gave an impression was actually the 'raw garlic chandelier'. Very cheesy but unique at the same time. The drop lamp is basically a  hanging round light with raw garlic cloves decorated all around. If vampires are really afraid of garlic then this eatery must definitely be clean 'vampire swept clean'.

Menu : Garlic Snowing Pizza
Price : RP 115,000 ++
Score : 7.5 / 10

>> Mad for Garlic special sweet pizza topped with shrimps and pineapple slices. 

Base on first glance, it seems to be unattractive, very one tone color no excitements coming from the usual pizza color. But I've never tasted a pizza like this one over here. It has a sweet cream sauce at the bottom, relatively mild to medium garlic smell, thin crust base (just how i like it), crunchy fried garlic generously thrown on top. Pretty unique and recommended to be try!!!

Menu : Garlicpeno Pasta

Price : RP 60,000 ++

Score : 7.5 / 10

>> This is a pasta that is full of garlic and mexican pepper. It has 3 chilies written on the side of the menu, but I could barely taste the heat. I expect it to be similar with Aglio Olio but surprisingly very different, in a positive way. The pasta was well cooked and I love the bits and pieces of herbs, mexican pepper and chopped garlic at the bottom of the plate floating together with the olive oil. The crunchy fried garlic on top not only serves as a garnish but also an additional texture to the dish. A good alternative for those who like Non - Creamy pasta!

Mad For Garlic

Grand Indonesia West Mall Ground Floor 20A

Phone : 021 - 2358 1076

Champs Patisserie

Menu : Champs' Strawberry Thousand Layer Cake
Price : RP 26,000
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> I was a little bit reluctant to buy this cake but end up buying just because I had this itch for having something to bring home for my mom. Anyways, they provided me with testers and bought 4 slices; strawberry, cheese, chocolate & oreo. I only got the chance to eat this one slice as my mom finishes the rest of the flavors.

A very pleasant surprise upon the first spoon. The stacked crepes wasn't as tall as 'First Love Patisserie's" but taste wise was pretty damn good. Maybe I was desperately irking for something sweet but I was aware of the aspect in the cake. 

- Sweetness level : checked

- Strawberry Taste : checked

- Thin Crepes : checked

- Smooth Butter Cream : checked

- Leaving Me Wanting For More : checked too !

Champs Patisserie

Emporium Pluit Mall 4th Floor (Booth Stand exactly across KFC)

Starbucks

Menu : Beef Felone
Price : RP 26,000++
Score : 5.0 / 10

>> I was waiting for my manicurist at Plaza Senayan as I arrived 40 minutes early for my appointment. So I head for Starbucks and I placed an order and had my afternoon coffee plus snack there. Neither both of my all time favourite Bolognaise Sandwich or Chicken Rustica were on the display and thus I had a gamble on this beef sandwich instead.

The beef fillings with the complete cheese and mayo were all there but it was just too ordinary for me. It was decent but wouldn't choose this over my old favourites. Definitely missing on taste and seasonings. The bread was the same with the rest of the sandwich on display but probably the meat was dry and tasted bland. The packet chili sauce didn't do any much justice in addition to the taste.

Starbucks

Plaza Senayan