Spice by Chris Salans: An Ubud Taste for Share

Ubud has never disappointed you. From art to food and the combination of two, there’s always something to discover in this part of Bali. On her recent visit, Fiona stopped by to taste another masterpiece of Chris Salans, the man behind Mozaic. A place called Spice.

Hi, this is Fiona!

Chris Salans is known for his signature cuisine which infuses local Balinese flavors with French cooking techniques. I had been eyeing on this restaurant since my last visit to Ubud, but it was full. This time I arrived with my fiance and he apparently is the perfect man to share the moment and the flavors. 

Located in the center of Ubud, this bright spot, unfortunately isn’t available for reservation, so we arrived early to choose the table we wanted to. My choice was the one by the massive glass window that allowed us to see the life of Ubud. It’s a warm-welcoming place with laidback atmosphere and delicious dishes. The chef, American-born Chris Salans is also the owner of Mozaic, which offer equally unique gastronomy experience through its ever-changing menu. But this is Spice, and we’ve yet to discover the taste.

You Come, You See, You Eat at Rasa Restaurant

At Rasa, you plan what to eat as you enter the restaurant because you’ll be walking through endless indulgence. By the time I’m sitting down, I know exactly how my meal is going to be like: delicious.

This is Fiona’s adventure at Rasa.

Located at InterContinental Jakarta MidPlaza Hotel Jakarta, Rasa translated as “taste” and is serving a creative blend of European and Asian food. Open kitchen and live cooking stations has become their signature to entertain the guests dining there. As I enter, there are big areas, each with chef ready to offer their creations. Prepare to be amazed with what’s inside each station and select what you’d want to eat first. I was overwhelmed with choices, but all the good choices.

de Mingle, A Homey Indo-Dutch Bistro

While this cozy spot isn't located in the busiest hub in Jakarta, but de Mingle has just enough crowd to present a vibrant yet homey ambiance. Staying true to its name, we feel that people do come there to mingle and delicious dishes.

Honestly, if it's not because of Dilmah High Tea Challenge Restaurant & Cafe, we probably would never step into this place and regretting it for the rest of our blogging lives.This is Ruth's story (as Fiona called in sick for the day) with MJ, another food blogger in our office who helped with the pictures. 

Front Door. Photo by MJ

Window sating is our favorite spot. Photo by MJ

de Mingle Indo-Dutch Bistro is Located on the corner of Graha Handaya office area, a short drive from Siloam Hospital Kebon Jeruk. Stepping inside, we're liking the mood right away. The friendly waitress seated us on the perfect table on the corner. The food will arrive shortly, she said. Then the bistro owner, Shirley, came to chat and sit with us.

First floor seating

Cashier area

She runs de Mingle with a few friends. "It just happens that the grandmas are still Holland sprechen so we decided to create a Dutch restaurant," she said. Indeed the food listed on the menu bears the name like Moeder Subiyarti Rijsttafel or Moeder Mirani Rijsttafel. The other main courses are also typically Dutch, something considered nostalgic for the older crowd but with flavor that would fit today's generation tongue. Shirley recommends Biefstuk or Dutch Sirloin Steak (Rp132k) or Galantine (Rp79k), a grandma's recipe of beef mixed with egg and herbs.

A surprise from the house, Huzaren Sla arrived on our table. Lettuce, carrot, bean, pineapple, apple, beef, cucumber with homemade Dutch sauce (Rp53k). Egg yolk gives a bright yellow color to the dressing. Fresh from the first bite, you can easilly say that if there's love at first bite, then we'd go try all the food in de Mingle if they're as good as the salad. The next one to arrive is Kalfstong Biefstuk (Dutch Ox Tongue Steak, Rp69k), grilled after marinated with herbs and wine. Another must-try is Franz (Rp69k), roasted boneless chicken breast with thyme flavor, accompanied by sauteed mushroom and olive oil sauce. On the side is boiled potato. Both dishes have a homey, grandma's recipe taste to it. 

Huzaren Sla and Kalfstong Biefstuk

Franz is roasted boneless chicken breast with thyme flavor

But we're there for Dilmah High Tea Challenge Restaurant & Cafe and the dishes are here on the table. On the High Tea Menu are:

Exotic Tea Spa: Lemongrass Cinnamon Hot Tea paired with Apple Crumble
Heritage Tea Spa: Summer in Green Ice Tea paired with Fish Finger
Classic Tea Spa: Peppermint Tung Tung with Black Tea Kelepon

Exotic Tea Spa: Lemongrass Cinnamon Hot Tea paired with Apple Crumble

Heritage Tea Spa: Summer in Green Ice Tea paired with Fish Finger

Classic Tea Spa: Peppermint Tung Tung with Black Tea Kelepon

Wait... Kelepon? Yeah, you heard that right. Black Tea Kelepon served with Peppermint Tung Tung is one unique combination. While they sit on the opposite end of the plate, it's nice to combine them together and have the tung tung (that's rough-textured ice cream made of coconut milk instead of milk) melts inside your mouth as you chew on the kelepon. Apple Crumble is beyond description. Scrumptious? Heavenly? And the hint of Lemongrass Cinnamon Tea gives balance to the pair. Summer in Green Ice Tea is peppermint, Chinese cabbage and pineapple. A refreshing tea twist of the Evergreen from the fresh juice selection.

The two-story bistro reserves its second floor for events and smoking area. Larger crowd can also sit upstairs with comfortable sofa and lively ambiance. "We have a lot of gatherings here, some are the medical doctors from hospital next door," Shirley said. As far as event goes, anything from talk show to Sweet Seventeen or even marriage proposal is possible.

Second floor seating. Photo by MJ

When you stay and mingle, times goes by slow. It's hard to leave our seat but as lunch time ticking its last minutes, we said our goodbye to this comfortable restaurant. We will return.

Where is this?
Jl. Raya Pejuangan Kav.12A Unit C, 

Graha Handaya, Jakarta Barat 12270
(021) 53660431
www.demingle.com/

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.

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

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.