Earth Hour Dinner by Candlelight

Once a year, we participated in Earth Hour. Turning off unnecessary light and unplugged electronics we don't use. Let’s add a spark to the celebration! 

After making sure you turn off all unnecessary light, craft a more memorable Earth Hour by planning a candlelight dinner at one of these restaurants we consider romantic. And don't forget to abandon your gadget while enjoying dinner.

Gia
Sampoerna Strategic Square, LG Level, Jl Jend. Sudirman, Jakarta. 

(021) 57953300
Dim and romantic, Gia is a place for sit down, and have a sweet conversation over wine. They have all he wine you can imagine compiled in its own menu book. Its pasta and main course selection are interesting too. Branzino (for two) can be your dinner highlight. However, if you aim for a real filling dinner, add something else to your order because the Branzino comes in smaller portion than expected. Gnocchi is great. It's definitely a place for special occasion.

Negev 

City Plaza Building, Ground Fl., Jl. Jend Gatot Subroto no 42, Jakarta. 

(021) 52971333
A couple appreciating art would love to dine at Negev. Tasting the delicious meal crafted by the award-winning Chef Ivan Tarrago while being surrounded by art pieces, from paintings to sculptures. Order the meat: Black Angus Beef Tenderloin or Char-grilled US Rib Eye, otherwise go for the lighter option US Sea Bass. Just like a show, the dinner has a Finale dessert which is created right on your table by the chef. It's like dining at an art gallery.

Amber Chocolate Bar

Jl. Senopati Raya no. 61, Jakarta Selatan. 

(021) 29044412
If you climb up to the top, Amber will present you with the skyline of Jakarta's SCBD area. At night, it can be more beautiful with the light, and would be more romantic at Earth Hour if you can see the participating building turn off their light. But rooftop are only for meals, so we selected Skin Duck Breast and leg Confit from the main menu or sandwiches like Amber Club and Croque Madames. Then when the lights are all up, go down for dessert. 

Two Story Cafe
Jl. Pajajaran Indah 5 No. 7,Bogor Timur, Bogor, Jawa Barat. 

(021) 8374497

Yes, Bogor, just in case you're wondering. Just because Earth Hour happens to be on Saturday, why don't you make it a whole date and spend the dinner at this romantic Cafe by Pajajaran Street. Plus, compared to most restaurants in Jakarta, Two Story is really nice to our budget. If you're willing to go a little further away, here's Two Story for you. Don't hesitate to order meat. Tenderloin and Sirloin are tasty. End the night with dessert and make sure you walk around the place before you leave. Tell your story.

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Some people may say that an hour of turning off the light means nothing to the climate (and yes, some statistic in some countries did prove that), but as the official Earth Hour web once claim, it's not about the hour, it's about the responsibility that goes beyond the hour. Besides, no lights and electricity means we got to spend more time with our loved ones without being distracted by the technology.

Tell us where you had your romantic, no-gadget dinner and we would love to give them a try. Happy Earth Hour from Lunch Getaway.

The Vintage Feel of Tjap Toean

Old spelling, Peranakan Food and vintage decoration. Welcome to Tjap Toean. 

A familiar place, isn't just for lunch-ing but also for gathering with friends. The uniquely decorated restaurant sparks interest of those visiting Citywalk Sudirman. The domination of red bricks, wood and vintage furniture play a big part of creating the homey ambiance. Serving Perankan Food, as well as several Asian dishes from neighboring countries, the restaurant has unique names on their menu. Take "Lu Orang" for example. Literally translated as "You guys", it's chicken with sweet (some people say dark or thick) soya sauce and kaffir lime. Or Mabok Kepayang which is "Crazy in Love", a root beer with vanilla ice cream.

But I picked Pad Thai (Rp42,5k) right away. The Thai signature is my favorite dish here, mixed with vegetables, seafood and peanut. Spices are perfect and noodle is gooey but isn't too oily.

Order Pad Thai when you're stuck with the menu selection.

Arrived here with a big party of friends, we could tell that Sangjit (Rp35k), chicken noodle and meatball is everyone's favorite. Its traditional and familiar taste made us want to eat more and more of this noodle. You'll fall in love right away with the chicken spice mix. A le (Rp23,5), Roti Channai with Milk, is perfect for snack with the right portion. This appetizer is popular for munching while waiting for the dishes to arrive.

Sangjit (Chicken Noodle)

Roti Channai with Milk

The Blue Nasi Lemak

But the most interesting thing on Tjap Toean menu is Nasi Lemak (Rp47,5k). Despite being an ordinary Nasi Lemak with fried chicken, stir-fried Tempe, egg, and vegetables, the rice is colored blue and is infused with Butterfly Pea Flower (in Indonesia known as Kembang Telang/Bunga Teleng). In Southeast Asia, the flower is a common source for blue food or drink coloring.

Let us leave you with a little lesson on ndonesian old spelling:

Tj is C and Oe is U in old spelling so the restaurant's name is called "Cap Tuan".

Where is this?

Citywalk Sudirman, 1st Floor

Jl. K.H. Mas Mansyur, Sudirman, Jakarta Pusat

(021) 29912805

Steak, Salad and Dessert at Applebee's

Hi, this is Fiona!

When I heard Applebee’s is finally opening its door in Jakarta, I had my doubt. But when a friend of mine, Santi (@fairyfoodies), asked me to join her for food tasting, I can hardly say no.

Arriving at the restaurant, which is quite hidded on a corner of Plaza Senayan, I was welcomed with the red-coloured decoration and many families enjoying their quality time. Feels like the American family restaurant I know.

After looking at the menu, I was glad to find out that Applebee’s had selected their best food forward. Otherwise, it would take a long time to decide because the dishes on the menu are equally interesting.But for those coming for lunch, why don’t you check out its Lunch Menu, which is available on Monday to Friday until 4PM. Create your own combo from classic and signature selections. Each consists of soup, salad and entrees, price starts at 109k (Classic + Classic) including soft drink.

  

1. Lunch Menu: Oriental Salad (Classic) + 4.5 oz House Sirloin (Signature) 119k
I like how they put crispy noodle and almond to create crunchy salad texture, but the sauce is little too sweet for my liking. They come with crispy chicken too! It would be nice (and different) if they have lemon or citrus dressing. The steak has no sauce. Another interesting surprise, but it’s tasty and juicy that you wouldn’t mind the absence. For carnivore like me, choose Signature + Signature (149k) and order double 4.5 oz House Sirloin! Totally worth the price!

2. Half Rack of Beef Rack Ribs, (159k) with Applebee's Honey BBQ

4 large ribs with delicious sauce. The ribs are easy to cut, for those too lazy to make their hands dirty. But the best way to enjoy ribs is to use your fingers and licking the sauce to the last drop. Applebee’s sauce is sweet, so if you want a little spark, opt for Chipotle. Ribs come with fries and coleslaw on the side.

3. Peach Sangria
Arrived with peach, lime and cherry cuts. Fresh and sour flavours in a portion big enough for sharing. I just prefer to keep mine. This is Applebee's secret recipe.

4. Cherry Limeades
Lemonade crushed with ice.

5. Butter Pecan Blondie (79k)
The most anticipated dessert come in a pan. A cake with ice cream and walnut, sizzle when the maple sauce is poured on top. Smells real good! The first bite was trully amazing and the rest was history. Cake texture is great and I have to admit, it matches perfectly with the walnut and sauce. I even came back on the same day just to enjoy Butter Pecan Blondie with my partner.

Definitely going to be one of my favorites.

Where is this?

Plaza Senayan, 5th Fl, Jl. Asia Afrika, Senayan, Jakarta Selatan
(021) 57906054

Benedict Jakarta

When a new spot called Benedict opened at Grand Indonesia a while ago, we had determined to go there someday. Both Ruth & Fiona are big fans of the egg so there are no reason not to visit what seems to be the hottest eatery in Jakarta today.

Benedict is a restaurant under Union group which has two private dining chefs, Fernando and Ivan, on its lead. Both chefs, previously known as Good For Eats (G48), decided to opened an all-day breakfast restaurant. A concept much welcome to the busy Jakartans. Settling down for restaurants, both chefs, who met during their college days in New York, admitted they don’t want to settle for something too ordinary. Seems like a fair trade for their unique private dining jobs.

This is what we order:

• So, having the opportunity to talked to both chefs on an occasion before, Ruth decided to go for the Mexican called Huevos Rancheros (75k). Still on her mission to find the best Mexican dish in town, she enjoyed the mix Chorizo con Carne, Avocado Ceviche, Sunny Side-up, Grilled Corn Salsa and Tortilla. Churizo was good and even though it comes only in small slices, the avocado was satisfying.
• Fiona ordered Florentine (85k) which is a benedict dish with dill-cured salmon, sauteed baby spinach, tobiko, hollandaise, challah bread. It was tasty overall although more lemon on the sauce is preferred. And she would rather have English Muffin with her eggs.
• MJ (instagram @TritaMJ),  you might remember her as the dessert fan from our previous post, ordered Classic (80k), an Egg Benedict dish with Picnic Ham, Pickled Red Onion, Hollandaise, Curred Tomatoes.
• While Emy, another co-worker who has inexplicable hatred against all kinds of onion, garlic and shallots, ordered Steak and Eggs (120k). She had wanted something from the dinner list but it was unavailable until later in the afternoon. The dish comes with Shishito Peppers, Fried Eggs, Salsa Verde, Patatas Brava.

Huevos Rancheros

Steak and Eggs 

Florentine 

Classic 

Emy: Can we have this egg well-done?
Ruth, Fiona, MJ: What???
Emy: If you're pregnant you can't have eggs like this.
Ruth: But you're not pregnant...
Emy: I'd still want it well done.... (calling the waiter, ignoring her friends protests and amazement)

In case you're still wondering, Egg Benedict is an American breakfast dish consist of English Muffins, Ham or Bacon, Poached Eggs and Hollandaise Sauce. The classic dish sees variations of ingredients over the decades including he Florentine and Rancheros.

Needless to say, we liked the food. Even Ruth liked the Chai Latte she ordered. They had brought the American taste of Chai to the glass. The only problem is that the restaurant is quite pricey. Our bills came out higher than we thought it would be. Although for a restaurant in Eastern part of Grand Indonesia, the amount is probably an acknowledged standard. We would come here again for sure.

Despite our determination, this visit was rather spontaneous. We didn't have anything else in mind on where to eat within the two-hour lunchtime we have from the office. When the decision brought us to Grand Indonesia (again), we jumped for Benedict right away.

Where is this?
East Mall, Grand Indonesia Shopping Town, Lower Ground Floor,
Jl. MH.Thamrin, Jakarta Pusat
(021) 23581238

9 Cups Coffee & Roastery

For those studying at Univesitas Tarumanegara, this coffee shop should be a favorite, or at least easy to find. But for me, who wasn't Dora the Explorer, it was a little tricky. Simple signage that says "9 Cups Coffee & Roastery" was finally found among tall buildings and home-office area. 

There I was and I wasn't even sure it's open.

Fortunately, it was. When I pushed the door aside, I was greeted by Lidya and Iwan, husband and wife pair who runs the place. The cafe isn' that spacious with the roasting machine Quest M3 sharing the seating area. On the second floor is their "kitchen".

I ordered the usual Piccolo and Arum Manis manual brew. I took my time exploring the coffee shop and Iwan introduced me to the manual coffee beans cooler as well as a machine that can hold up to 250grams of beans. Tom, my partner, always enjoyed the process of brewing coffee, so he opted to seat in the kitchen.

The wonderful smell quickly filled the air.

My piccolo has balanced body and acid, like my preference when it comes to coffee. Arum Manis which is almost gone with the wind, managed to be taken away and tested. With sweet after taste and a little acid and body, it can be addictive. 

We were conversing wih Lidya, who was cooking my pancake (seerved with maple syrup). Surprise surprise it only costs me Rp 15K. No wonder this place is popular with college students. The pancake was gone within minutes too... with the rest of Arum Manis. They have pasta too, a tempting alternative which only cost Rp25k

I spotted a cold brew machine in the corner. Would love to come back and try their cold brew. Or to one of the cupping sessions they hold. It's like visiting an old friend's kitchen, complete with a warm welcome and a sincere send-off that made you promise you'll visit them again someday.

Where is this?

Jl. Taman S. Parman blok. A4, Grogol, Tomang 

(Beside Tarumanagara University Building 1)

Jakarta 11440,Indonesia

08161998716

Lapar Pagi: Breakfast at Sate Khas Senayan

As breakfast is arguably the most important meal of the day, it's nice to have good food to start with. Heading to the nearest Sate Khas Senayan, we found out they are now serving breakfast too. The restaurant, which can be found in convenient locations around office area, is opening at 8 AM.

The breakfast package, called Lapar Lagi (27k), consists of food and drink, selection includes Nasi Jenggo (salted fish/Teri, chicken or beef) or Nasi Kucing (Bandeng fish, chicken or beef) served with Orange juice, unfiltered coffee or potted tea.

Before you're frowning, trying to figure out the dishes, let's tell you about them. Nasi Jenggo Teri is yellow rice plated together with Kemangi leaves, slices of egg, salted fish with peanuts, and spicy chilli. So Orange juice is the perfect fit for soothing the chili taste.

Nasi Kucing Bandeng is a unique dish. Stir the rice together with the side dishes, which is fish meat (Bandeng), slices of egg, Kemangi leaves. serundeng (shredded coconut meat) and sambal of course. Both dishes are on the perfect size for breakfast. Order tea in a pot (teh poci) to this one.

Traditional taste to early risers definitely worth more than just Rp 27k!

If you're used for a big start, order something from their regular menu. Sate Khas Senayan has Nasi Kuning ( traditional yellow rice set with side dishes) ad fried rice in the breakfast menu. So what are you waiting for? Breakfast menu is available at Sate Khas Senayan fX Sudirman, Citywalk Sudiman, Bintaro Sektor 7, Pakubuwono and Salemba from 08.00 To 10.30 EVERYDAY.

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Calling all food enthusiasts!
Sate Khas Senayan is encouraging you to have breakfast and share it with them. Join #satekhassenayanquiz with the theme of #yuksarapan during 16 - 27 Maret 2015 

T&C
1. Follow Instagram @satekhassenayan
2. Post your favorite breakfast pic on instagram and tag @satekhassenayan
3. Write on the caption why the food is your favorite.
4. Don't forget the hash tags: #satekhassenayanquiz #yuksarapan #LaparPagiSKS
5. Winner will be announced on 31 Maret 2015

First Winner will get voucher Rp500k and Second Winner will get voucher Rp300.000

Lunch at Letter D

The falling rain doesn't stop me fom visiting Letter D. Glancing at its exterior, I know for sure I'm gonna love this place. Letter D is a glass building, a little blurry because of the air conditioner during the day. So, I guess, D is for determination.

Then, entering the building, a little surprise comes in shape of a Barista table full of cakes selection. Then I entered the restaurant, climbing the stairs to my table by the window (which is as requested). D is now for decoration.

After browsing the menu, I went with Salmon Lodeh for me and Aglio Olio with Prawn for my partner, Tom. A rare thing for him to order prawn. We also order Hot Tea Chamomile to counter the cool weather out there and fresh juice. The Aglio Olio with Prawn turned out really good, the best for him, Tom said. Perfect al dente and the right amount of spice. A good thing because Tom is real picky when it comes to pasta. I'm allergic to prawn, shrimp and its families, but after the excited Tom inspired me to try, I dared myself to take a bite. Well, it was indeed fresh and juicy!

So D is for dare to try.

Salmon Lodeh 

Aglio Olio with Prawn

So, when mine arrived, I can't wait to mess around with the salmon, which was perfectly plated on top of the vegetables. A little soup makes it lodeh! Perfectly poached salmon, not dry, is meeting my preference. Even better because after a while I noticed there was no allergic reaction. Yeay! Here's another restaurant I can enjoy the prawn without worry.

D is for Delicious.

Dessert is a must

And gloomy Sunday wasn't that bad after all!

Where is this?
Letter D Cuisine & Bar

Jl. Ahmad Dahlan No.16, Jakarta Selatan

Tel: (021)7278-611

Web:letter-d.co

P.S. Letter D is opened by Chef Degan, known for his perfection and precision while judging Masterchef Indonesia.

Dinner Date at JJ Royal Brasserie

Hello this is Ruth,

When I heard about JJ Royal, what came to mind was coffee, from Robusta to Arabica and Luwak lining up on my supermarket shelf. But here I was, sitting at a brasserie (a small French café with relaxing ambiance) called JJ Royal at Lotte Shopping Avenue, Jakarta one night, ordering dinner and dessert.

Chipotle Burrito

The benefit of tagging along with a Lotte Shopping Avenue expert called MJ is that we know the best offer around the clock. MJ is one of our co-workers who is also a food (mostly dessert) enthusiast and a frequent third person in our lunch-dates. (Psst... you can find MJ on her instagram @tritamj) We arrived right at 8 PM when the buy 2 get 3 dessert promotion started. The waitress suggested we picked the three sweet items right away before they ran out for the night. Knowing that the mall is lacking sweet shop, dessert at JJ Royal Brasserie is apparently quite popular. 

Left to right: Success, Heavenly Cheesecake and Hello Pretty

“Cronut is highly recommended,” MJ said. Unfortunately they ran out of cronut for the night. Bad luck, but we moved on and selected 3 desserts: Success, Heavenly Cheesecake and Hello Pretty originally cost 39k each. Success was my picked and MJ selected the last two. She’s a huge fan of cheesecake and Hello Kitty. Success is a very thick chocolate and hazelnut blend. Despite its delicious taste (thankfully not as sweet as its look), it’s hard to finish this dessert because it’s filling. I would order this other time with a black coffee. Heavenly Cheesecake is topped with berries, and Hello Pretty (actually almond tart, white choco mousse and fruit jam) is too pretty to eat.

Enough of the dessert, we’re moving on to the main courses. Browsing to the menu, I was tempted to try their burrito (been craving for Mexican for a while). So I ordered Chipotle Burrito (75k) while MJ chose Fettuccine Chicken Broccoli Alfredo (70k) from a section called “Cosmopolitan Flavors”. Surprisingly none of us ordered coffee, probably because it’s too late.

Fettuccine Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

JJ Royal Brasserie has manga-inspired interior with modern and colorful indoor seating. The restaurant also has outdoor terrace, facing the busy Dr. Satrio street. At late night, the place is popular for hangout. Next time, because there will be next time, I’ll visit during the day, ordering their coffee break set or simply just enjoying their outdoor section.

Where is this?
LOTTE Shopping Avenue LG Floor, A01-02,
Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav. 3-5, Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan,
(021) 29888980
Opening Hours:
Sunday - Thursday: 10:00am - 11:00pm
Friday - Saturday: 10:00am - 12:00am