Shangri-La's Rosso: A Brunch Worth Every Penny

We think Rosso’s Brunch worth every penny (or cents?). Here are the reasons why.

• A-la-Carte Menu is included in the price. Seriously, it’s like you get the best of both worlds. You can pick and choose the orders, play it on repeat and it will always come to you. Personally, we think it’s like having the fun of buffet and the convenience of regular order-to-table dine. 
• Serious goodness is listed on the menu. And it’s only fair if we list them here for you. Our favorite is Filetto Di Manzo. Foie Gras and perfect medium beef tenderloin are still unbeatable.

• Uova Alla Franco: Black bun with Poached Eggs and Salmon Tar Tar served with Truffle Hollandaise Sauce.
• Uova Strapazzate: Ciabatta Bread with Scrambled Eggs, Pecorino Cheese, Rocket served with Black Truffle Paste and Red Pesto
• Uova Al Prosciutto: Toasted Soft Bun with Fried Egg, Parma Ham and sauteed Parmesan Spinach
• Spaghetti Polpa di Granchio E Acciughe: Spaghetti with Crabmeat and Anchovies served with Fennel Sauce and Spicy Bread Crumbs
• Filetto Di Manzo: Beef Tenderloin and Foie Gras served with Sauteed Parmesan Spinach and Gorgonzola Sauce
• Agnolotti Di Bufala E Pesto: Homemade Agnolotti filled with Buffalo Mozzarella served with Basil Pesto Sauce
• Filetto Di Cernia: Grouper Fish Fillet in Mediterranean Tomato Sauce served with sauteed Mixed Vegetable

• That serious goodness arrived on the right portion for share. So after Filetto Di Manzo.try Uova Alla Franco which has wonderful poached egg and Uova Al Prosciutto with its delicious Parma Ham.

 A-La-Cart Menu from top left: 

Uova Alla Franco, Uova Strapazzate, Uova Al Prosciutto, 

Spaghetti Polpa di Granchio E Acciughe,  Agnolotti Di Bufala E Pesto,

 Filetto Di Cernia and Filetto Di Manzo

Jia: An Epicurean Journey to Contemporary China

The classic New-Year-New-You phrase resonates to Jia, Shangri-La Jakarta’s latest signature Chinese restaurant, which was opened in place of Shang Palace. This is Fiona’s adventure to discover the delicacy of contemporary China.

Ni Hao. This is Fiona.

I've been to Shang Palace couple of time. When Jia takes over the premise, I feel the difference, but in a good way. It’s still a Chinese restaurant, with a young, vibrant and modern feeling. I personally love the interior, which I think has taken the right path to present China. Tokyo-based firm Bond was in charge of the interior, creating an update from its former dining place with shades of cobalt and a range of earth colors. The dining area can sit up to 122 guests and the private dining rooms can host 20 guests each. 

It’s hard to stop taking pictures because the place is so photogenic. The big tables are everywhere and sofas for 4 people or less. There’s a small transparent glass room for those who want to see the Peking Duck roasting. Yummy, I can imagine the smell of Peking Duck being opened by the chef.

Guan Yin Tea Cold Brew is waiting for me at the end of my journey around the restaurant. Served in a transparent bottle, it gives another hint of modernity. It’s really refreshing and I always love Chinese tea. I’m glad to find a cold brew that I can enjoy in a hot mid-day. The menu book is a magazine. You’d be surprise.

Homemade Pasta Countdown at AW Kitchen by Akira Watanabe

Pasta party brought Fiona back to AW Kitchen by Akira Watanabe. She was there for her fiance's birthday dinner. But today is all about pasta. Please follow Fiona and her pasta-venture and be prepared to droll over the delicious dishes.

Hi, this is Fiona.

  

Let's begin with two different kinds of cold pasta served as appetizer: Tiger Prawn Capellini with Gazpacho Sauce (red) and Japanese Mushroom Capellini with Japanese Radish Sauce (green). I have an internal conflict about which one I like better. But in the end, the sourness of gazpacho sauce, played with sweet and tender shrimp and fresh summer veggies win the battle.

  

Then just like magic, plates of homemade pasta appear on the table. Fortunately it's for sharing so I can try them all. I guess this is when insanity started to surrender to taste buds.

Our Favorite Bazaar Beverages

Looking for something unique and refreshing? Here are some our favorites from the local bazaar.

TLC Choco Bar
Instagram: @TLCChocoBar

Choco drink with Rambut Nenek

A refreshing chocolate drink, a hint of mint and topped off with your childhood Granny’s Hair Cotton Candy. Before choosing that, we’re stunned by the choices offered by this booth: Choco Caramel Popcorn, Nutella, Bailey’s… and that’s not it. If you’ve visited their booth frequent enough (or stalking their Instagram), you’d see things like éclairs and Snickers, sitting comfortably on top of this iced choco beverage. A great twist. Then we’re like, it must be sweet. Our first sip proved it wrong because the ice choco mint was just right. Friends on our table were surprised to find that the drink even has the crunchy think bread to complement the experience.

For those who aren’t familiar with Granny’s Hair Cotton Candy (some called it Grandma’s Hair, in Indonesia it’s called “RambutNenek” or Arbanat), well, this sweet snack is slightly different from the pure cotton candy you’d find on carnivals. This one is made of sugar and flour and is caramelized into soft hair-like shape. This traditional Indonesian snack is often found on street stalls or during festivals.

MORE Margarita

Instagram: @More_Margarita

Which Margarita is your favorite?

You’d be surprised to find this alcoholic beverage booth right on your favorite bazaar. While Margarita is something that’ s often accompany fun beach parties, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite drink on the rocks in a mall, at a bazaar while strolling around for some shopping. Margarita is a classic recipe that every bartender should know about. However, finding a decent one isn’t as easy because it’s always personal. So, if you’re a young and modern urban residence, drinking Margarita can be a part of your lifestyle. MORE Margarita only participates in bazaar with suitable crowds and themes, knowing that it serves alcohol.

MORE, on the name, stands for Margarita On the Rocks. The booth serves hand-shaken, fruity and premium margaritas like Black Widow or Summer Fling. Definitely value for money. While you wouldn’t be caught holding the classic Margarita glass, the MORE glass is as fancy. It’s a crazy idea turned brilliant concept in the end. And you just kept asking for MORE.

YOURGANIC

Instagram: @yourganic

Healthy drink for two

When life is about healthy stuffs, what’s in the bottles can provide you with more taste.100% Raw Almond Milk, as the label says. When we first get a hold of these, there was two flavors: Matcha and Sweet Date. Not a big fan of Matcha, Ruth prefers the Sweet Date anytime. Drinking this is honestly providing a different experience to your taste buds, especially when you’ve never tasted the healthy and organic side of beverages. But it’s an acquired taste, plus knowing it’s good for your body, loving it won’t take that long.

When you get them at bazaars, drink them right away when they’re stil cold. Otherwise, refrigerate immediately to prevent them from spoiling. Just like many other organic drinks out there, they don’t use preservatives, so if you’re stocking them up, make sure you note the expiration date carefully. Don’t waste a bottle of good stuffs.

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

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