QQ Kopitiam

Jenzcorner, Urukyu and I had lunch together at QQ Kopitiam in Plaza Indonesia yesterday. We agreed to meet at 11.30 am.

When I arrived at the QQ Kopitiam, Jenzcorner was already there and had order for Kaya & Butter Toast and Kedongong Juice. 

I was not so sure what to order then Jenzcorner came with an idea to order a main meal that we can share together. The Mie Kangkung Terasi is one of Jenzcorner's favorites in QQ Kopitiam and that became our choice. I asked the waiter to tell the chef for making the Mie Kangkung Terasi not too spicy but unfortunately, it was still too spicy for my taste bud. At the end, Jenzcorner had to finish it all by herself and I ordered another dish - Mie Garing Singapore.

Urukyu came a bit later. She ordered for Hor Fun Daging Kepiting. I was actually tempted to order it but maybe next time.

The service here was not good. The waiters could not answer my question when I asked about the dish on the menu. Then, every time we asked for something (the menu, extra bowl/ plate/ spoon), we had to ask at least twice before they brought it to our table.

After 12 pm, this place was packed. There were so many people standing and waiting to get a table. We even had to share our table with other people.

As soon as we finished with our meal, we directly asked for the bill, paid and left the place so other people could have the table.

Kaya & Butter Toast - Rp. 15.000

Mie Kangkung Terasi - Rp. 28.000

Spicy noodles and morning glory with shrimp paste gravy. 

 Hor Fun Daging Kepiting - Rp. 28.000

Chinese noodle made from rice cooked with crab meat.

Mie Garing Singapore  - Rp. 28.000 

Dry noodles poured with Singaporean gravy. It tasted decent.

Kedongdong Juice (Ambarella Juice)- Rp 20.000

Barley Peng  - Rp. 12.000

The Barley drink mixed with a slice of citron, tasted OK. I like the ambarella juice which tasted more refreshing.

Current currency: 1 USD = Rp. 9.500

Location:
QQ Kopitiam
Plaza Indonesia
Jl. M.H. Thamrin Kav. 28 - 30
Jakarta
Tel:  2992-3699

Disclaimer: The review and opinion expressed here are purely according to my personal taste. There's a possibility that the taste of the food might change later on, which could affect the review and opinion here. I also affirm that no monetary or non-monetary compensation has been received from this restaurant for writing this review.

Häagen-Dazs - Sushi Ice Cream

This afternoon, Häagen-Dazs Indonesia together with yukmakan.com invited some food bloggers to try the new creation "Sushi ice cream" from Häagen-Dazs at Plaza Indonesia.

It is served with four types of Sushi Ice Cream on a plate.

Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Sushi - Rp. 88.000 plus tax

(from left to right: Manggo Salmon Sushi, Strawberry Gunkan, Raspberry Kani Sushi, Kiwi Gunkan)

During the gathering, each food blogger was served  only one piece of Sushi Ice Cream (Manggo Salmon Sushi or Raspberry Kani Sushi) thus to be able to taste the other Sushi Ice Cream, most of us, had to take a spoon from the other food blogger's plate who sat in front or beside us. 

Despite the unique appearance, the taste of Sushi Ice Cream is dominated by vanilla flavor. The manggo and raspberry flavors are hardly to be recognized except if you eat it separately.

Will I order this Sushi Ice Cream on my next visit to Häagen-Dazs? Nope... I prefer a single or double scoops of my own flavors' choice.

Current currency rate: 1 USD = Rp. 9.500

Downtown Bistro Jakarta

Ah.. I was too early... The invitation supposedly at 8 pm but at 5.15 pm, I already arrived at the Downtown Bistro. 

Oh well, I did not have a problem to wait for a long time. I felt comfortable instantly to see the cozy front porch of Downbistro 

As soon as a waitress greeted and brought me inside the Downtown Bistro, I met the friendly owners. My first impression of the decor that came through my mind was a library but I was wrong. I found out later on, the decor of Downtown Bistro is actually American classic that expected to bring back to the 1950's atmosphere with those nostalgic jazz collections playing as the background. Convenient meeting point for business and leisure is the concept of this new 3 weeks old bistro. 

Goodfoodgoodlife showed up not more than 30 minutes later after I arrived. Why he was also too early? Because he thought the invitation was at 6 pm :) Yeah... finally, I was not alone anymore to spend the rest of 2.5 hours until the other food bloggers came along.

After 8 pm, the food was served to each of us.

Breakfast Set Menu

Available from 10 am - 12 pm

 Black coffee or tea from the extensive list, freshly squeezed orange juice included. 

New York Breakfast - Rp. 82.000

Homemade toasted English muffins with bacon and smoked turkey, topped with two perfect poached eggs and served with creamy hollandaise sauce.

Paris Breakfast - Rp. 86.000

I like the French toast drizzled with powder sugar and cinnamon, served with maple syrup, sliced fruits (grapes, melon, watermelon). There are choices of pork or beef for the bacon and sausage.

Below menu is available from 12 pm to 9.30 pm

APPETIZER

Wild Mushroom Soup - Rp. 29.000

The creamy mushroom soup served with a touch of white truffle oil is a perfect start for a hungry tummy.

SANDWICH

(Served with seasoned french fries and vegetable slaw)

Smoked Turkey Sandwich - Rp. 59.000

Fresh and tangy smoked turkey, chopped lettuce, tomato, red onion, smothered with melted Swiss cheese and cranberry mayonnaise. Every single bite of the sandwich was excellent!

The George Sandwich - Rp. 63.000

Unfortunately, I did not try this seared skillet beef patty, caramelized onion smothered with double cheese melt and homemade sauce.

MAIN COURSE

The George Steak - Rp. 175.000

Flame broiled tenderloin served with mashed potato, glazed with balsamic reduction. The aroma of extra virgin oil was pretty sharp in the mashed potato.

Purple Pig- Rp. 74.000

Slow cooked pork belly served with white bean cassoulet and apple compote was another dish that I did not try.

PASTA

(Served with toasted parmesan bread)

Escargot Linguine Pesto - Rp. 57.000

Linguine served with lovely pesto sauce, escargots, dry chili, sundried tomato and parmesan cheese. I wish there was no dry chili in it then it would be totally perfect for me.

ASIAN FAVORITES

Crisp Glazed Orange Chicken - Rp. 45.000

Crunchy breaded chicken coated in zesty orange-flavored sauce, served with soft rice and broccoli. As for me, the broccoli was too salty.

DESSERT

(Served with vanilla ice cream)

The George Pie - Rp. 40.000

Luscious granny smith apples baked in flaky crust, drizzled with powdered sugar and caramel sauce. Definitely, I will come again for this heavenly George Pie.

 StickyTofee Date Pudding  - Rp. 35.000

Moist sponge cake made with finely chopped dates, covered with toffee sauce that melted nicely in my mouth.

BEVERAGE

Espresso & Coffee (Iced or Hot)

Espresso Rp. 15.000

Tasted quite acid for my taste bud. 

Caffe Latte - Rp. 27.000

COCKTAIL

DK 80 - Rp. 85.000

Triple Sec, Amaretto Liqueur, Crème de Cassis, lime juice, Syrup de Gomme, Lime Wedges. I adore the idea of using Amaretto Liqueur in this cocktail.

Creme Brulee - Rp. 85.000

Absolut Blue, Peach Syrup, Peach Liqueur.

Prices are Subject to 21% Government Tax and Services.

Current currency: 1 USD = Rp. 9.400

Thank you so much for the delectable food and warm hospitality, Downtown Bistro!

Note: The above food portions are only for the purpose of this food tasting event.

Location:
Downtown Bistro
The Landmark Central Ground Floor
Jl. Jendral Sudirman No. 1
Jakarta 12190
Phone: 5296.0064

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 7 am to 11 pm
Last order. 9.30 pm
Sat - Sun will be opened starting 23 June 2012 onward.

Fonterra Pastry & Cooking Challenge 2012

Yesterday, Jenzcorner and I attented the "Fonterra Pastry & Cooking Challenge 2012" press conference at Borobudur Hotel. It was held by PT. Fonterra Brands Indonesia - a multi national company, owns and markets high quality dairy products from New Zealand that provide health and natural dairy nutrition of life (Anlene, Anmum, Anchor Boneeto, Chesdale)

The objective of this competition is to develop and improve Indonesia's culinary industry standards and also to provide a place for the chef in the country to develop their skills and talents to be ready to compete in the international level. Besides, the winners from each category will get a chance to represent Indonesia in international competitions Singapore Food and Hotel Asia 2014 and entitled to a cash prize of USD 1,000.

There were 25 local Indonesian chefs (pastry, bakery and cooking chefs) representing their hotels, restaurants or bakery shops that competed in the Fonterra Pastry & Cooking Challenge. 

The press conference with the media.

From left to right: Chef David Warren - Advisory Chef Fonterra Asia and the Middle East; Chef Manfred Kohlen - Senior Advisory Chef Fonterra Middle East Asia; Denny Herdian Ardiwinata, National Trade Marketing Manager Fonterra Foodservices; Agustin Muara, Director Fonterra Foodservice; Master Chef Jean Francois Arnaud, Pastry Master Chef MOF

After the press conference, we were allowed to see the competition. Although we were not given the chance to try the food but it was interesting to see how the chefs prepared their food.

Along with the professional judges, there were mystery judges too (local, non-expert but have food passion) in order to judge from the customer taste.

The winners:

 Pastry category : 

 1. Chef Sudar Pramoto, Hotel Borobudur, Jakarta 

Chef Sudar Pramoto prepared his cakes.

 2. Chef Ertina Pudji Rahayu, Grand Hyatt Hotel, Jakarta 

 3. Chef I Ketut Candranata, Retreat & Spa Bali 

Cooking category: 

 1. Chef Agustono, Pullman Central Park Hotel, Jakarta 

 2. Chef Wayan Juni Ardhana, Nikko Hotel Bali 

 3. Chef Beno Wicaksana, Bvlgari Hotel Bali 

Bakery : 

 1. Chef Imron Rasidi, Hotel Borobudur, Jakarta 

 2. Chef Nano, Cizz Cake Bandung 

 3. Chef Eva Yoga Swara, Four Seasons Hotel, Jakarta

Queen's Tandoor, Jakarta

Last night, I had a very pleasant dinner experience with my expatriate colleagues at Queen's Tandoor. We really enjoyed the taste of the food and the service was so excellent.

I believe every Indian food lover would know about Queen's Tandoor which serves traditional and fusion Indian food. It was first established in Seminyak Bali in 1986 then over the years, it has been establishing a string of franchise in Jakarta, Bali, Singapore and Saudi Arabia.The restaurant has garnered numerous awards including "Best Indian Restaurant".

Appetizer (complimentary)

3 condiments: mango chutney, mint chutney and pickle shallots

Naan

Leavened bread made with refine flour cooked in the tandoor.

Garlic - Rp. 24.900

Mixed Herbs - Rp. 24.900

I really like the warm and moist mixed herb Naan.

Masala Tea - Rp. 25.900

Tea with Indian rare spices.

updated 5 May 2012: according to Laveena - my Indian friend, Masala Tea doesn't have rare spices (as it's written in the menu book), it's usually a powdered mixture of cardamom seeds, cinnamon, dried ginger, black pepper pods (optional), a clove and nutmeg

Pappadum

A delicate thin crispy bread made from pulse flour.

Masala - Rp. 37.900

Pakora - Rp. 54.900

Batter fried vegetables

Chicken Tandoori - Rp. 73.900

Chicken steeped in a marinade of aromatic spices, grilled on glowing embers imparting smoky flavor. A specialty from Amritsar, a city in the north-western part of India.

Vegetable Curry Navratan Jalfrezi  - Rp. 54.900

A variety of nine garden vegetables cooked in fresh herbs and spices.

Lamb Curry  Mutton Sashi Korma - Rp. 80.900

Tender pieces of boneless mutton cooked in mild spices, ground cashew nut and cream.

 Butter Chicken Curry - Rp. 73.900

Grilled boneless chicken smeared in butter, tomato and cream.

Matka Briyani

Basmati rice cooked with masala and filling with carrot, beans, potatoes and peas

Not so sure the name of this dish but it's a very hot spicy vegetable curry.

Sizzling Brownie - Rp. 44.900

Hot brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, nuts and chocolate sauce.

This is how it is served on the table.

All prices subjected to 10% government tax and 7.5% service charge

Current currency: 1 USD = Rp. 9.600

Location
Queen's Tandoor
Indian & Fusion Cuisine
Permata Plaza
Jl. M.H. Thamrin Kav. 57
Jakarta 10350
Tel: 3903287

Disclaimer: The review and opinion expressed here are purely according to my personal taste. There's a possibility that the taste of the food might change later on, which could affect the review and opinion here. I also affirm that no monetary or non-monetary compensation has been received from this restaurant for writing this review.