OpenRice Meet the Chef Event with Hog's Breath Cafe and VMAD Vegetarian Restaurant

Got invited to OpenRice event: "Meet the Chef" at Central Park Mall last Sunday. Well who doesn't know OpenRice? I bet you've at least heard of them, as they're the 1st culinary site in Indonesia, providing an online dining guide written by local people, featuring more than 71.000 dining places in Indonesia. This time, collaborating with Central Park Mall and Local Taste ID, they are organizing "Meet the Chef" event, a live cooking demonstration by restaurant's head chefs. Not only the visitors could learn how to cook a restaurant quality dish, they can also taste it on the spot, for free!

The first cooking demo was held by Chef Anto from Hog's Breath Cafe. Hog's Breath cafe is a chain of steak house restaurants which originally came from Australia, and now they've opened their first Indonesian outlet at Central Park Mall. Not only specializing in steak, they're also serving choices of burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas.

Aussie's Burger (IDR 89.000)

Time to judge the book by it's cover, guys, because this burger tastes as good as it looks! Hog's home made all beef patty in BBQ sauce topped with cheddar cheese, crispy beef bacon, lettuce, beetroot, pineapple, tomato, onion, and sunny side up, served with soft bun, salad, and curly fries. What's not to love? Me personally, the thing I love most -- other than that thick juicy patty in BBQ sauce of course -- is the pineapple inside the burger, which is unusual, but gives the burger the fresh and tangy sensation.

Prime Rib Steak Sandwich (IDR 149.000)

Tender prime rib char-grilled steak with cheese, tomato, lettuce, onion, and hickory BBQ sauce on a toasted Vienna loaf, served with salad and curly fries. Another jaw dropper, I just love everything on the plate.

Virgin Mojito (IDR 40.000) and Strawberry Mixed Smoothies (IDR 38.000)

Both of them were so good and fresh, a great companion for the meal in such a hot day. The mojito has the perfect balance between the lemon and mint flavor, while the smoothies is tangy and sweet. Oh please note that this glass is not their actual servings.

The second cooking demo was held by VMAD, a Vegetarian Indian Restaurant located in Sarinah and Sunter. I know some people are being skeptical when they heard the word "vegetarian". They immediately judge the food to be plain and tasteless. Well I was one of them, to be honest, but lately I've tried some vegetarian restaurant, and I even tried the vegan diet for health purpose, and not all vegetarian food is plain and tasteless. I found some of them to be delicious and addictive too. VMAD here is also trying to let people know that vegetarian food can be as good as the non vegetarian food. And they're obviously healthier.

Hakka Bakka Noodle (IDR 49.000)

Fried yellow noodle mixed with sauteed vegetarian chicken and mixed vegetables, and gently mixed with black pepper sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, and olive oil. Even though it looks like a normal fried noodle, the taste was not just normal. It was BOLD. It's sweet and savoury and peppery in the balanced way. The vegetarian chicken they used here are actually made of soya bean, but it tasted quite similar to chicken.

Murtabak Ceylon (IDR 29.000)

Thin crusted pancake stuffed with spicy minced vegetarian chicken filling, served with Indian curry sauce. As expected from Indian food, this one's also bold and spicy. Nicely done, love the crispy outer layer and also the spicy chicken filling.

Jamaican Cooler (IDR 36.000) and Green Fantasy (IDR 35.000)

Jamaican Cooler is made of mocha syrup, vanilla ice cream, milk, and cashew nuts, while Green Fantasy's ingredients consists green veggie, lime, and pineapple. Both are cold and refreshing, but I love the Jamaican Cooler more as it's sweet and creamy but not heavy.

Thank you OpenRice for inviting me to this event :D 

Oh and for you who loves to capture your food and share it with others, you can now download OpenSnap for free. It's OpenRice's mobile apps which let you share your food experience with lot's of foodies from all across Asia! Download now on your AppleStore or Android PlayStore. Because sharing is caring, rite? ;p

Hog's Breath Cafe
Central Park, Tribeca Park, GF, Unit 15
Jl. Letjen. S. Parman Kav. 28, Slipi
 ph. (021) 29200114 

VMAD Vegetarian Madness
Jl. Danau Sunter Utara Raya Blok R No. 46 - 47 - 48, Sunter 
ph. (021) 6516075
Sarinah Building, Jl. MH Thamrin no. 11
ph. (021) 3903533

E&O

It is now my third year of blogging, and it has never crossed my mind (or even my wildest dream) at the beginning that one day I could get the opportunity to eat the food of such talented and experienced chefs as Will Meyrick and Palm Amatawet -- with them also sitting in the same table. But well, it did happen last week.

I received this E&O's private media dinner invitation earlier while I was in the office, and I got really excited that I felt like jumping off my chair. I accepted the invitation and replied the email immediately. How can I not? I've been a big fan of Chef Will Meyrick since I read my fellow blogger's review on his amazing collaboration with Chef William Wongso at JCF Dinner last year. And I also have heard a lot of praises of E&O from other bloggers and friends who work around Kuningan area.

About E&O

E&O is the newest addition of the group behind Loewy, Union, Cork&Screw, and Casa Kemang in collaboration with Chef Will Meyrick and Chef Palm Amatawet, the men behind the famous Sarong and Mama San in Bali. The name E&O stands for Eastern and Oriental, representing the food they serve in the restaurant, which mostly are Thai and Vietnamese dishes. The interior has the characteristic of Loewy, but they're covering the column and ceiling with ceramic tile, adapting the Dutch Bunker in Colonial Era in Indonesia.

Pre Dinner Cocktail and Canapés

Dinner started at seven, but they're serving cocktails and canapes before the dinner time. The canapes were  made from their actual menu, but served in a bite size. 

Before we get into the pictures, I have to say sorry that some pictures don't look as good as it should be. The restaurant was warmly (if it's not dimly) light so this amateur photographer (read: me) was having trouble capturing the gorgeous food.

Pineapple Coriander Margarita (IDR 90.000)

It is a combination of pineapple, lime juice, coriander root, and silver tequila, but mine has no tequila in it. Well I'm not so into alcohol, so this one is enough for me. I am a big fan of pineapple, and combined with lime juice, it was so refreshing.

Crispy Pork Belly with Tamarillo and Tamarind Sauce (IDR 190.000/portion)

This is the only canape I tasted because I was too busy taking pictures, but the others said this one is the best among three canapes, so I feel no regret. It was indeed very good. Soft and savory at the upper part, while the bottom was very crispy. The sauce also complimented it well.

Salmon Betel Leaf with Galangal, Dried Shrimps, Roasted Chillies, Coriander and

 Salmon Roe (IDR 32.000/pc)

Chicken and Prawn in Egg Net with Peanuts, Lemongrass, Mint, Pickled Cucumber 

and Shallots Relish (IDR 65.000/portion)

The 8 Course Dinner

The 8 Course Dinner is divided into five rounds. I did noted Chef Palm's explanation of the food, but I lost it :( So all the reviews below are based on my memory. lol.

Before the dinner started, we were told by our waiter that most of the menu were meant to share. Some are spicy, so we better pair it with the white wine or the red wine.

Selection of Northern Thai Relishes with "Nam Prik Ong (Chicken and Tomato Based Condiment)", Nam Prik Goong (Ebi and Tomato Based Condiment)", Nam Prik Num (Eggplant and Tomato Based Condiment , and Crispy Tempura Vegetables (IDR 125.000)

The actual way to eat this is using the fresh vegetables as the outer skin, fill it with your choice of tempura and condiment, and eat it like Tacos. My favorite condiment was the Nam Prik Ong, as it is the least spicy.

Southern Hot & Sour Soup of Fish with Tamarind Leaves, Turmeric, Chillies, Lime Leaves, and Coriander (IDR 80.000)

It tasted great at first, but it was getting spicier that I cannot finish the soup. Well I'm not really good at eating spicy food, but maybe it will be a grat dish for chilli lovers. The only thing I managed to finish was the fish as it was so fresh and soft.

Grilled Beef Salad with Green Mango, Shallots, Peanuts, Mint, and Nahm Jim Jiaw (IDR 90.000)

It was love at the first bite! Sour and tangy green mango was actually great to be paired with the medium grilled beef. It kept me wanting for more and more, oh I wish this wasn't meant to share. lol.

"Cho Chee" of Crispy Barramundi with Chilli and Thai Basil (IDR 170.000)

The sauce tasted like red curry. It was hot and spicy, but in a delicious way. It is better to eat this dish with rice.

Oh and the rice, it is worth an extra paragraph. They are using Jasmine Rice, improted directly from Thailand. It smelt really good and made all the food more appetizing. 

Twice Cooked Beef Short Ribs with Sweet Fish Sauce, Cucumber, and Nam Pla Prik 

(IDR 220.000)

The beef short ribs was very soft and tender, and seasoned perfectly that it was sweet but also savory at the same time. 

Massaman Curry of Slow Braised Lamb Shank with Cardamom, Shallots, Pumpkin, and Tamarind (IDR 170.000) and Roti Canai (IDR 45.000)

This dish really brought our dinner into climax. Well massaman curry is the champion of the top 50 best food in the world according to CNN Travel 2011, so no wonder it's good. It's sweet, savory, spicy, definitely very rich. Usually I smell a certain aroma that I don't like when I eat lamb, but this lamb doesn't have it. It is great to be eaten with rice, but I think it is best to pair it with their Roti Canai. Definitely my favorite dish of the night.

Cocoa Ganache with Peanut Butter Palm Sugar Ice Cream and Honeycomb Crumble (IDR 50.000)

Desserts has always been everybody's favorite part of the dinner. This one is very rich in texture. Soft home made peanut butter ice cream, smooth and solid cocoa ganache, and sweet and crunchy honeycomb crumble. Spoiling your mouth at its best.

Durian Panna Cotta with White Sticky Rice (IDR 50.000)

Beautifully presented, well tasted. You know I'm not a fan of Durian, but this one has just changed my mind. You can definitely taste the durian, but it's not overpowering the whole dish. The panna cotta is sweet and smooth and already a great dessert itself, but the sticky rice just complimenting it well. The two of them really made an excellent combo.

And the night wouldn't be complete without taking picture with the duo masterminds behind the menu. Thank you Chef Will Meyrick, Chef Palm Amatawet, Ms. Raechel Temily, Ms. Catherine Vilia, and Ms. Ni Putu Wulan for arranging this fabulous event, and having me in it. And thank you to all my new blogger friends, for such a fun night. It was definitely one of my best dinner. Ever!

E&O 

Menara Rajawali 1st Floor

Jl. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot #5.1

Kawasan Mega Kuningan

Jakarta Selatan

ph.+6221.2902.3418

web. E&O

fb. E&O

Outback Steakhouse

I've always had an eye for Outback Steakhouse since long ago. Unfortunately, none of their three branches in Jakarta (Ratu Plaza, Pondok Indah, and Kuningan) located near my house, so I haven't got time to try it. Until last April, Outback Steakhouse finally made it's first appearance on Disdus! I immediately bought two vouchers, each voucher worthed IDR 200.000 at the price of IDR 110.000.  

Last week I went to their newest outlet in Kuningan City to redeem my voucher. It is located at the ground floor, right next to the entrance. The venue was very spacious, the ceiling is high, and direct sunlight from the outside strikes through the facade window and brought us warmth. The interior was simple and elegant, mainly dominated by the wooden pattern combined with black color.

We were greeted by the compliment bread. I don't know whether I was really hungry, or this bread really tasted great. It's a wheat bread, but it's warm and soft and chewy and I wanted to ask for more!

My main course was the Ribeye Steak (IDR 229.000 for 8oz), served with two side dishes. It was said in the menu that the steak is seasoned and seared with their 17 secret seasoning blend, and they won't keep it secret if it's for nothing. That is excactly how a steak should be, tender and juicy and the spices blended perfectly with the meat that we don't need any sauce to compliment it.

As for side dishes, Outback Steakhouse offers four side dishes to be selected: Green Vegetables, Mashed Potatoes, French Fries, and Pilaf Rice. I chose their Mashed Potatoes and Pilaf Rice. The mashed potatoes was superb! It's not all crushed, you can still taste the rough potato texture between the soft potatoes. Well seasoned, and the gravy was also delightful. Pilaf rice tasted a little spicy, but still good.

David chose Ribs and Alice Springs Chicken (IDR 229.900) for his main course. Alice springs chicken is a flame grilled chicken breast topped with sauteed mushrooms, crisp strips of beef bacon, melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar and finished with honey mustard sauce. While for the ribs, it's said in the menu that each rack is smoked, grilled to perfection, and brushed in a tangy BBQ sauce. Well each words in that line are amazingly true. 

Our lunch experience in Outback Steakhouse was indeed very satisfying. The price wasn't cheap at all, for our meals and drinks we paid with the disdus vouchers worth IDR 400.000 plus we have to add almost IDR 200.000 in cash (oh I should have bought three vouchers instead!).  But it's all worth it, great meal doesn't come in cheap price, right?

Outback Steakhouse
Kuningan City Mall G11-G15 Ground Floor J 
Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav 18 
Jakarta Selatan 12940 
Indonesia
Ph: (6221) 30480505
Fax: (6221) 30480501
Web: Outback Steakhouse

Downtown Bistro

I've heard about this place since the opening months ago, but never had the time to try it. So two weeks ago, I was so excited when a friend of mine told me that he's going to throw his birthday dinner there. 

It was saturday night, so we did a reservation before we came, presuming that the place will be crowded, but we were wrong. The place was kinda empty for saturday night. They've got indoor and outdoor area, and only a few table were occupied in both sides that night. 

The interior was set to look like a library, there are bookshelves in one side of the wall, and they've got reading table like in the library. We got the table near the bookshelves. Actually, the bookshelves really reminds me of the graduation photo background :p

For the appetizer, we ordered the Boston Red Sox (IDR 49.000) and a bowl of Seafood Chowder (IDR. 39.000). The Boston Red Sox was a plate of calamari served with BBQ sauce. The sauce was good, but the calamari was too dry. As for the Seafood Chowder, I really like the creamy texture. :9 

For my main course, I ordered Teriyaki Glazed Short Rib (IDR. 85.000). I really love their overall presentation, but the rib looked really burned. I don't know whether they grilled it too long, or this is how they usually presented their ribs: scorched. But unexpectedly, it tasted delicious, the most delicious dish of the night, if we override the burned part. I'll definitely order it again next time, but I'll ask them not too grill the ribs too long.

These were my friend's main course, Glazed Salmon (IDR. 89.000) and Purple Pig (IDR. 78.000). I tasted a litlle bit of the salmon, and it was also good, tender and juicy. Didn't tasted the purple pig since I can't handle the pork lard, but it also looked tempting.

As for the end of the night, we ordered Molten Chocolate Souffle (IDR. 46.000) as the dessert, and as my friend's birthday cake. It took 25 minutes for the cake to came out, and it tasted okay.

By the way, Downtown Bistro serves different menus for lunch and dinner. Since I've tried the dinner menu and it's not dissapointing, maybe I'll go next time to taste the lunch menu ;)

Downtown Bistro 

The Landmark Building GF

Jl. Jend Sudirman No.1

Jakarta

Ph. +6221 52960064

Opening hours: 7am - 9.30pm

www.downtownjkt.com

Pad@28

Hello! It's been almost two months without blogging, again, blame my final project. But now it's all done! I'm a bachelor in architecture degree now. yay! I've got lots of food to review, but let's start with the one I ate yesterday, Pad@28.

I went there with my high school friends yesterday. When I first heard the name from a friend of mine, I thought we'll be eating Thai food, but I was totally wrong. They served western, italian, anything but Thai.

The restaurant takes place in a big house near SCBD Sudirman area, and as well as it's facade, the interior was also designed with a house concept, a living room to be more specific.  I love the comfy sofa, the big window with curtains, wood accent on the ceilings, lots of frames which were beautifully appointed on the wall, all of it feels so comfortable. There's only one thing I don't like from the restaurant, the smoking area, which is located in the first floor. That means every non smokers who want to eat there have to pass through the smoking area first before reaching their seat on the second floor. A bit unhealthy, isn't it?

Anyway, there were eight of us last night. We ordered eight main courses for each of us, ad also one appetizer and two desserts for sharing. I don't keep the bill, but the price for our main courses was ranging from IDR 60.000-120.000. I didn't taste all the food, so I will just reviewing what I ate last night.

Nachos

This was our appetizer last night. We actually ordered one more appetizer, but it didn't came out until the end of our meal, so we cancelled it. Anyway, the nachos was delicious. Everyone couldn't stop eating it until the last bite. Yum!

Wagyu Spaghetti Bolognese

This was my main course, its IDR 75.000. I was expecting something special because of the "wagyu" on the name, but it turns out that it tasted just like ordinary spaghetti bolognese. Good, but not special.

Lasagna

Seafood Paella

Pesto Fettuccine

Spaghetti Aglio Olio

Duck Confit

Baby Back Ribs

Tiramisu

This was the first dessert of the night. Presentation was cute and appetizing, but I don't like how it tasted. The coffee taste was too strong that it got so bitter. But my friend who is a coffee addict said it tasted good. 

Chocolate Molten Cake

I don't know if this is because it came after that bitter tiramisu, or this cake really did tasted so delicious. The chocolate cake had the perfect sweetness, and also the combination of warm chocolate lava and the cold ice cream was seducing my tongue to eat more and more. This was a perfect dessert to end our meal last night.

Overall, I think Pad@28 has been succeeded in creating homey and comfortable interior that makes me wanted to came again someday, but the food selection on the menu was too ordinary and less in number. I hope they will added some more specialty on their menu soon :)

By the way, here's our picture at Pad@28 :)

Pad @28
Jl. Tulodong Atas no.28 
Kuningan Timur
Setiabudi, Jakarta Selatan
(021) 5274088
http://pad28.com/