Sharing our dining experiences: November 2011

Monday, November 7, 2011

The Goods Dept. Cafe

It seems endless chic restaurants with bar keep sprouting out in Jakarta, it made me so looking forward for the trip there and either going back to some of fave restaurant if time permits or trying out new ones.

The Goods Dept. Cafe inside The Goods Dept in Plaza Indonesia became one of my faves; the menu are mixed of local and western, it simple but modern and most importantly tasty!

Even I found there was a burger like no other, a Coffee-Rub Burger, my gal pal tried it and commented it was delicious, not a strong coffee smell but hints of it.

Service was prompt and the waiting staff was able to explain the item as well as giving recommendation. Definitely a place to have your simple delicious meals in Plaza Indonesia and browsing through the local designers items won't hurt either.

The simple menu

The drink counter

Looking onto the shop section

Cute blackboards! So Chic with its black and white theme

View from entrance

View to the Cafe from main entrance

My mushroom soup! Luv the big chunk of mushrooms and the garlic bread was so crispy and definitely ain't like normal garlic bread

The Coffee-Rub Burger, nice fries with parmesan cheese shavings

Ordered the Hot Arnold Palmer but ended up ordered the Cold version which was better, refreshing ice tea indeed!

My Nasi Goreng Kampung! Luv this fried rice, with teriyaki chicken, gave hinge of sweetness but the achar was excellent, when you mixed it all, it gave a smashing taste! this nasi goreng definitely my fave item!

*Note: Just received news that The Goods Cafe at PI had closed down and going to re-open at Pacific Place..:(





Jack Rabbit

Due to the MasterChef Indonesia show I saw on local TV channel, I came to know Chef Juna, studied in the State and carries the 'bad boy' attitude.
So, when I read about Jack Rabbit where he was the Head Chef responsible for the menu, I was intrigued and aimed to try this restaurant.

Location wise was not that appealing to me as it is located in CBD area, it may be ideal for the professional or corporate dinner during weekdays and drinks on the bar which also helmed by a professional bartender.

When we came for dinner on Saturday night, it was clear that only handful of patrons arrived for dinner but it could be full for drinks on later night.

With its dimmed lights, black tables and seats, some intricate panels on 2nd floor, definitely gave a feeling of 'serious' atmosphere.

The bread appetizer came in wooden block and I'd to compliment the breads, it was the benchmark that rest of the food would be delicious.

It was indeed, even though,I felt the main menu selection was a bit limited but it was obvious that it was created into details and not a common ingredients combinations.

I did like how the main courses presentation was, it was nicely presented and somehow it gave an impact for a simple dish.

The girls seemed to be satisfied with their martinis; but said the Mango Martini at Union still an inch better.

A bit lacking of attentiveness by the waiting staff, even abundant of them; but they did give you a friendly service with knowledge on the dishes.

Unfortunately, Chef Juna left the premise just few months before, didn't know where his next venture would be but what we had that night for dinner, certainly is still up to standard and could tell it was his creation all right.

Great for corporate lunch or dinner on weekdays and for drinking session on weekend in a group. Great food, chic modern decor but due to location, I just don't feel like coming back there..

The upstair area, such a intricate panel, for private dining area, maybe?

Simple clean Menu

The cocktails

View to entrance, with divider cabinet for service area

Liked how the breads were presented in wooden block, gave a presentation impact and it were tasty!

The BBQ Beef Ribs with mashed potatoes...it was nicely presented

Pan Seared Duck Breast with gratinated potato, shimeji mushoom, balsamic truffle and orange sauce. It was delicious

My Steak Frites, Grilled US Prime Sirloin with rosemary fries and grilled tomatoes. It was nicely done indeed. And presented in wooden block with fries on the glass cup..clever...

Our dessert,Bailey's and Kahlua Tiramisu, shaved chocolate and almond cream..definitely not the common tiramisu

JackRabbit
Cyber 2 Tower, Ground Floor
Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said X-5 No. 13, Jakarta 12190
Tel: +62-21-2902-1357

Opening Hours :
Sun to Tue from 11 am to 1 am
Wed to Sat from 11 am to 2 am

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Monolog Coffee - Dinner

I was very very surprised indeed when I found out there was a cafe serving All Day Breakfast menu in Jakarta. Never thought in a million years that I'd encountered this in Jakarta but voila, Monolog Coffee serving you just that.

It is located in Plaza Senayan (used to be my fave hangout place as the only 'cool' mall around 10 yrs ago), it is on the Ground Floor that used to be furniture shops area facing the open carpark and now being renovated to house 2 restaurants.

Such a cool, casual, laid-back design and atmosphere; it feels like you've been transported to London or NYC cafe...no wonder it's always pack!
A bit sceptic at first on how the dishes would be but I'd been reading some posts and reviews were good. My dining gal pals even hadn't tried it before even though they regularly visit the mall... ^_^

To my surprise, the breakfast menu I ordered was good, could chose the omelette filings you liked. I heard the coffee was good but since am not coffee drinker so didn't order it. A bit overwhelmed when seeing the menu, didn't know so many breakfast menu out there....

Service was attentive and friendly (as what you encounter most of the time in Indonesia). The waiting staff were knowledgeable about the menu and able to suggest you the popular item in the house.

Definitely a great place to have your all day breakfast meal or just a drink with pastries to go along which being recommended by my gals few weeks after my visit.