Taking Platter at Dapur Seafood

Who can resist fresh seafood in north Jakarta? Here comes another spot for you to try, and well, linger for a while. Dapur Seafood is a semi-outdoor restaurant which reminds us with the seafood-on-the-street feeling.

 

But unlike those pedestrian kiosks, this place comes with a comfortable seat and even an aquarium. The interior is facing the yacht and there are second and third floor which accommodates private gatherings as well as wedding party.

While the upgraded feel may sway you away from the street-seafood feeling, the taste will take you back. Seafood Platter (Rp.800k) is made for 6 people. It’s everything you hoped for on one plate: Nassarius Snail, Male Crab, Golden Sand Deep Fried Goramy, Calamary, Salted Egg Yolk Shrimp, Hard Clam, Water Spinach. 

Tranquil Escape at Inaya Putri Bali

It’s a good start for my vacation in Bali. As I stepped out the rental car, I entered a spacious and minimalist hotel lobby in Nusa Dua area, welcomed by the warm hospitality of the crew. Yes, I’m in Bali.

Tempting lobby area. Let's get inside!

Fiona’s adventure continues.

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.

Fine Dine Tale of C’s Steak and Seafood

First coming in, there was a crowd and it was packed. But after passing the main dining area, the feel turns dim and romantic. Perfect for special occasion. Before entering the VIP room, we’re welcomed with champagne. It was a perfect start.

Hi, this is Fiona, by the way. I’m here at C’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant with fellow food bloggers. We’re sitting at a glass room with one fountain wall. Wine is served: I picked red wine, which is my preference. If Ruth was here, she’s going to pick the other color. Then I turned to the set menu.

Smoked Trout Roe, Uni, Lemon, Violets

Chef Knechr said the opening speech, a sign that this culinary adventure is about to begin. Soon come the first dish: Smoked Trout Roe, Uni, Lemon, Violets (yes, the flowers), all served in a sardine tin (yes, it is the can) on a ceramic tile. Well, I love Uni. Soft crab paired with buttery Uni and smoked roe that breaks inside your mouth. The Violet is unique. I wish I could find this dish inside a sardine tin so I don’t have to worry about dinner anymore. The chef said that this is a “rebellion” from the wooden style which has been overwhelmingly popular the past years. The dish is called “Crab”, another unique point. Playing on the contrast of an standard sardine can with the posh ingredients inside.

Don’t let the name fool you. “Sweetbread” is really Mac & Cheese, of course with White Asparagus and Morel Ravigote. The Mac and Cheese bears the perfect amount of spices and sauce, as well as the breadcrumbs. The guessing game begin with trying to figure out what’s inside the crumbs and the answer is all over from scallop, chicken to cheese. But the chef gave a suprise answer: beef pancreas (really!). The chef said, he taught his subordinates to be able to use everything from a cow and serve it well. Like this one, it doesn’t smell fishy at all. But I should probably let you taste it first before telling you what it is.

When the wine started to take over the conversation, the much-awaited dish arrived on the table. I’m a meat eater so you can guess what makes my heart flutter: 45-day, dry, aged Galician Striploin. The meat is only available in Galicia, Spain. It was cooked sophisticatedly to 50 Celcius. So even if it’s well-done, the texture and the color are still red. (Ruth probably complained cos she always avoided red-colored meat on steak). It’s soft and tasty, perfectly paired with red wine. Served with Confit Potato (this is so damn good), Roasted Carrot and Housemade Steak Sauce. What I love the most about this dish, is that the combination serves as balance to one another.

Waiting for the fourth dishes because the first three has successfully surprised me. Then arrived a plate called “Epoisse”, a mixture of Red Wine Apple Butter with Granola and Norlander. Epoisse is the world’s fourth smelliest cheese. But combining it with Norlander (thin biscuits), Granola and butter brings out a unique taste of sour, sweet, salty, and savory.

Then it’s picture time. Right before the C’s Housemade “Smores”, the finale of the night. A mix of creamy chocolate, grilled marshmallow and peanuts. Sweet but it was a great way to end the delicious night. Something to remember and definitely would love to be here again. Great service, excellent taste and suitable for my pallate. It’s a real luxury to be here with your special someone.

Special thanks goes to Chef Knechr and Chef Matt Demery for the inspiring and creative dishes. Also for Gina Desmeralda and Burhan Abe for the invitation. As well as for C’s Steak and Seafood crew with their endless hospitality.

Where is this?

Grand Hyatt Hotel

M. H. Thamrin Kav. 28-30, Jakarta Pusat
(021) 29921383

Seafood Experience Bandar Djakarta Alam Sutera

A family fun, this seafood restaurant opened another one offshore with similar concept and delicious dishes.

It's the same game:
1. You arrived and stopped by the fish market
2. You picked your favorite seafood and weigh them by the station
3. You chose the sauce and how do you want it cook.
4. You get a number and wait for the dish to arrive on your table.

The choices are plenty. From the usual Gurame, squid, crab and shrimp to the large lobster and Batik Clams. If you're unsure which way to cook, you can ask the helper (they're usually full of ideas) or you can read the recommended cooking on the wooden plate on each cooler box/aquarium. And if you feel like having more variety, divide the dishes and select different sauces for each batch.

Don't stuck with the seafood. Bandar Djakarta also serves soup, black pepper beef and assorted vegetables. Rice and Lalapan are refilled.

I would suggest ordering something iced for drinks because if you're here during the day, it can be really hot. So, something like ice coconut or iced orange juice would help you out. Also, if you're here during the weekend, try to come early before the lunch crowd take over the space, especially if you're aiming to get a spot on the air-conditioned VIP Room.

Coming here with small children will open a new experience as they can look at different kind of fish and even help picking the ones to be weighed. Next to the station is a large aquarium with small shark on it. Kids can watch the feeding time which is in the mid-afternoon.

Honestly I was a little surprised looking at the bill because it was quite inexpensive when divided among the family members who come with me. It came down to Rp250k something for 5 adults and 1 kid. Not bad, right?

Where is this?
Jl. Alam Sutra Boulevard Kav. 6 No. 3, Tangerang, Banten 15325
(021) 53140388