AVEC MOI JAKARTA

With the number of new restaurants opening in Jakarta, frankly speaking, only several that really gets me in the good way. I think I have pointed this out so many times it almsot bores me, had lunch earlier today at this (at the moment as I am writing this) two month old casual French restaurant named "Avec Moi" (read: Ah-Vekh-Mwa) and unexpectedly, it changed my perception of the mainstream new eateries. Avec Moi means "with me" in English and I want you to stick with me right now and keep on reading.

This restaurant's located in Thamrin City Office Park and in line with Tanamera Coffee, location wise, sort of anti-mainstream considering most new restaurants are opening either in Senopati, Panglima Polim or Pantai Indah Kapuk. Venue wise, not the largest most extravagant restaurant, but I was fond of how comforting the interior was, the interior design was simple with the touch of casual & quirkiness, something that's not everyday French (normally they're quite "serious" and very neat).

 Avec Moi's first floor. The restaurant has three floors, the first and second floor are functioned as the dining area while the third floor is actually their bar.

 I love this frame!

 They're using "bunny" as the logo of their restaurant and I super love how they're functioning the bunny ears on the chairs. I found that supah dupah cute! FYI if you're dying to sit on those bunny chairs, they're located on the second floor. The second floor is also where the live kitchen area is, so you can also see when the chef (who btw is also the owner) prepping and cooking your meals!

 The third floor/bar area. The design's also very simple.

 Amazing view of Jakarta landscape from here, the view almost reminded me of the one I saw in H Senopati.

 Since Avec Moi is a French restaurant, the menu is undoubtedly dominated with French cuisine, but their concept is a little more modern. The menu range was pretty good and there were some good selections of proteins to choose from! Good enough to take me on a certain momentum of dilemma, but since some of my blogger friends have actually been here before and they told me their burger was amazing, I decided to order that...and some more! HAHAHA!

Foie de Poulet
IDR 50k
Kicking off the lunch with this garlic butter baguette crispy bread and they were very lovely! The texture was crispy but moist on the center with amazing seasoning, I love how the butter was very fragrant and rich but not overpowering my palate. The baguette was meant to be paired with the chicken liver rilettes & caramelized onions and picked veges. The chicken liver rilettes was another bomb, normally I would say no because when chicken liver's not executed nicely, it could be freaking stinky and disgusting, but it's nowhere near that. Juz yum!

Salade Avec Moi
IDR 65k
I am going to cut the bullshit and say this: it's ONE OF THE BEST SALAD I'VE HAD IN LIFE! It's actually very simple: fresh lettuce with cherry tomatoes, chickens and fried shallots, but it's the seasoning that did most of the talking! The sesame ponzu dressing was so beautiful I literally couldn't stop taking more! MUST TRY!

Foie Gras with Spiced Fruits and Orange Glaze
IDR 155k
I have been craving for Foie Gras for quite some time and I was glad that I finally fulfil the craving with such good Foie Gras, in terms of quality. The Foie Gras was cooked perfectly leaving the texture to be very smooth and to pair it with the spiced fruits like apples and raisins with pancakes was just a brilliant idea. I love that zesty citrusy flavor from the orange glaze, but I just found that the flavor was a tad sweet instead of tangy (because there spiced fruits were already sweet). If they could give a little more salt to the Foie Gras then it would be perfect for me.

Salmon Tartare with 63 Degree Celcius Sous Vide Egg
IDR 83k
Their salmon tartare was another memorable dish as well as my personal favorites. The cook was cooked in sous vide style and by the way if you don't know sous vide, it's actually the slow cooking style in this sous vide machine where you can cook for a certain number of time in a controlled temperature. I really don't know how to explain the main difference between the common soft boiled runny eggs and the sous vide eggs but the texture was smoother and the white and egg yolk had this stable creamy texture and flavor. I liked what they did with the salmon tartare, the chef actually put in two kinds of salmon: the raw and medium-cooked one to give the texture. I recommend you guys to have everything together with the baguette because the burst of flavor was beautiful!

Bacon Carbonara Pasta
IDR 78k
I also liked this one, the texture of pasta was beautifully al-dente with generous pork bacon cuts, sous vide egg, grated parmesan and Sarawak blackpepper. This dish was less creamier than what I expected because they're using the soft cream and the help of the sous vide egg to enrich it, and basically you mix everything before you have them.

Kakuni Pork Belly Burger
IDR 138k
I don't know why but in this post I almost want to cut everything short and label everything with "the best" so can I do it here? It's one of the best burger I've had in Jakarta so far!!!

The patty was beautifully cooked (medium) with caramelized onion and the pork belly was tender, juicy, perfectly cooked and marinated (I MEAN LOOK AT DEM JUICE). Something about the fries that's very simple but well seasoned making it one of the highlights of the serving!

230 gr Striploin Steak
IDR 198k
Again, the desire to label "the best", this steak was also one of the best steaks you can possibly try and find in Jakarta, the thing that I love about it is the fact that it's just very simple, but it's the marinating and seasoning that really spoke out loud, not to mention the good old garlic butter giving a little more flavor and hint of delicious-drooling aroma. When you order the steak, you HAVE TO order either medium or medium rare and you better listen to me.

Orange Souffle with Rum Raisin Ice Cream
IDR 60k
The souffle came with candied orange zest, segment orange and optional ice cream (I chose Rum Raisin because it had more character). Souffle easily shrink in seconds and as you can see on the photo, it shrinked as we were taking photo. Yet again, the case when you're making one of the trickiest desserts on earth. The texture (egg white) and the flavor of this souffle was beautiful and there was this rich orange flavor and aroma lingering the dish. I would recommend you guys trying this.

It felt so good knowing that there's ANOTHER GREAT restaurant in town and it's just the beginning of the year and I already have the candidate for my upcoming Best Restaurant list, whoa an early notice right? So far, I can proudly crown this as one of the best restaurants in Jakarta at the moment and I mean it. If you think this is a freaking advertorial (as some people kept on saying) you're stupid. Pricing wise, they're very affordable especially knowing you're getting this kind of quality, I would love to pay more to be honest!

Don't forget that they have two opening hours in a day: lunch time starts at 11 AM - 2 PM (last order), to be continued with dinner starting at 6 PM - 9.30 PM (10.30 on weekends).

By the way, the 2014 list coming soon, still working to collect the missing photos </3.

Avec Moi
Thamrin City Office Park Block AA-01
Thamrin, Jakarta Pusat 10230
021 - 2962 5878
Opening Hours:
Lunch Time: 11 AM - 2 PM (last order)
Dinner: 6 PM - 9.30 PM (last order), 10.30 PM on weekends
Pricing: $$
Dresscode: Casual
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BOTTEGA RISTORANTE JAKARTA

Expensive. That was my impression when I first saw this good looking restaurant, well I bet that first picture above gave you that sort of intimidating feeling already and your mind probably start wondering about the pricing and stuff.

I don't know why but I just LOVE the name, Bottega is such a gifted name and whoever or whichever named Bottega should have class or need to have the effort to act like one, or else you're not a Bottega, err whatever the opening's awkward. This new restaurant located in Lingkar Mega Kuningan (Menara Danamon) could be one of my favorites when it comes to the space! It's indeed one of the most beautiful restaurants in Jakarta to date!

The creator of Bottega is also the same as Wilshire, well I knew it because I happen to know the owner and she told me she's opening this new restaurant in Kuningan and right after my Bali trip, the next day I went here with a friend to have lunch, well... my curiosity needs to be fed! FYI, in no way this review is a sponsored post or paid ads. I paid for everything here.

The ambiance of the restaurant was actually very Wilshire! Probably it's from the usage of the color, the artificial plants and the ceramics forming a certain shape or pattern. The overall feeling sort of had the mixture of elegance, industrial-polished but unfinished look (in a fashionable way), simplicity and warmth. Comparing to Wilshire, my personal preference seemed to like Bottega more not only that it's a little more posh, it's also lighter and helped me a lot in picture taking, Wilshire somehow sort of gloomy because the sunlight was pre-blocked by the canopy set outside, but aside from that, I love everything about the interior and minimal table setting from both restaurants, well here's the thing: simplicity is the best. Period.

Hanging lamps, this restaurant must be feeling pretty romantic during the night: dimmed with shining yellow light bulbs.

Photo courtesy of lulabyspoon

 If you come in two, then you might want to sit on this corner or the other corner just beside this. I found them the most comforting.

When I browsed the menu, I learned that they mostly offered European-Western cuisine (dominated by Italian and French) and from how they explained the food on the printed menu, the range was actually quite appealing and proceed to make me wonder of their appearance. Surprisingly, the pricing was not that intimidating, still affordable despite the first impression you get when you first saw the restaurant, just a little cheaper than Wilshire. They also have the breakfast menu with price ranging from IDR 55k-80k and choices of paninis.

Before I start giving the review of each food, I must say that I was quite happy about their presentation, I thought that they generally did such a good job with the plating, well photos as you scroll down.

Tuna with Anchovies and Tomato Reduction
IDR 79k
The tuna was well-cooked, the seasoning was simple and light with a little tanginess from the tomato reduction which also gave the refreshing hint to this meal. However, they put this on the "main course" tab and considering the portion, I think it would fit an "appetizer" more.

Papardelle with Beef Ragout
IDR 99k
First of all, giving you a little information: papardelle is the wide flat type of pasta with size twice larger than fettuccine and beef ragout is actually a beef-stew dish cooked in (somehow) long time, richly seasoned, and no I didn't "Google" to explain this, I use my own knowledge and experience.

Wilshire made lovely homemade pastas and before actually trying this, I had high expectation already and turned out, the texture of the pasta was beautiful, but there's a but, I was missing that sense of imperfection of the pasta that I was expecting as I slowly finished this. I mean it was good but it's almost too perfect almost factory produced, but don't take this wrong. The beef ragout was seasoned decently, but the texture wasn't my favorite, it was tad hard for me and very chewy.

Beef Cheek Braised in Red Wine
IDR 119k
What I expected to become the winning dish turned out against me, it's just that I think the red wine sauce was overcooked resulting this somehow weird flavor (I've tried some red wine sauce and I know my standard), and I assume the yam wasn't fresh the flavor was nowhere near both sweet or savory (I don't know how to explain it), and I think there should be sweet flavor to the yam. The sauteed veges were okay and lack of seasoning. But...at least, it's not because of the beef cheek, it was in fact cooked perfectly and very tender. When I look at this dish, I instantly thought that this was a brilliant mix, it's just that it's not executed perfectly, and I really do hope when I get back, it could turn into a magic and made me feel ashamed for giving this a bad review.


Tres Leches with Burnt Caramel Sauce
IDR 45k
The sponge cake was good but overall this dessert wasn't anything very special and besides, for me it's a little milky.

I didn't know why, despite my love for the beautiful interior and ambiance, I failed to gain my love for Bottega after trying the food. Wilshire has amazing series of food and it's on my number 2 list of the best restaurants in Jakarta on the 2013 list. A part of me still couldn't believe and don't want to accept the fact and blaming on the fact that since they're just opening for less than 2 weeks hence they need more time to learn and I do hope they could improve because some restaurants that I actually paid attention and really cared, I hang my expectations with them, it's like I saw the potential on them.

But it's just my opinion, you can come, try and always give your honest opinion about this, and oh FYI they open quite early, starting from 9 AM!

Anyway, best of luck for Bottega and when I come back, I want to taste your top-notch cuisine and I feel it already that I wouldn't be disappointed, well at least it's okay to be confident and optimist right? ;).

Bottega Ristorante
Menara Bank Danamon
Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav. E4 No. 6
Lingkar Mega Kuningan, Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan 12950
021 - 5799 2222
Opening Hours: 9 AM - 12 AM
Pricing: $$
Dresscode: Sporty Casual
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ORIENT 8 HOTEL MULIA SENAYAN JAKARTA

I had lunch at Orient8 last week and it was my first time visiting this glorious looking restaurant. It's THAT glorious that when I first stepped my feet in, it got me thinking "damn this is where I want to spend my Christmas dinner at!" (and probably eventually will). That first photo above would probably make you think the same way too... it's just that what's more beautiful than having a beautiful Christmas tree as your view while you're having a sweet dinner at a romantic venue. I super love the ambiance of this restaurant, it's just luxurious, classy but in a way super homey and comfortable just how I like it. I have always loved a touch of luxury on things and just like Orient8, it got me hooked! So far just so good!

For those who are not aware, Orient8 is actually Hotel Mulia's very own reputable French-Pan Asian restaurant and it's located on the same level as their (also reputable) Asian restaurant, Table8, there's actually a connecting path to Table8 via Orient8 and trust me when I say that Table8 is just as awesome looking as Orient8, but since I wasn't actually eating at Table8. I couldn't comment much on the food.

If you haven't read my post on where to have Christmas dinner this year, then you should and I just updated the list!

The extravagant entrance. It rings fancy big time. Even though I didn't see any dressing requirements, but assuming from how the restaurant looks and since it's in a such gorgeous hotel as Mulia, then I guess a "sporty casual" dresscode should be appropriate to match.

Tour de Orient8! I learned that during the making of this restaurant, some of the staffs actually travel the world and literally travelling in search of inspiration and authentic items to contribute on the restaurant's decoration, well, in a way, the good old classic Mulia (because they've been doing that on their properties and dare to spend much on such things!), and that's why you're going to see some original antiques on the restaurant such as the mirror, the articles and the illustration. Speaking of the illustration, since this restaurant is actually Western-Pan Asian restaurant, the illustrator who worked on the ceiling painting was actually very creative, and here you're going to see Napoleon Bonaparte wearing cool trendy glasses! (photo below).

 This spot was one of my favorites in the restaurant, it's just white, glam and romantic. Loving how they added a simple little detail like the red rose that emphasized the beauty of the overall.

 Besides the normal dining area, they also have the "Coco Suite", which normally become the perfect venue for groups or private events like private wedding reception, The "Coco Suite" could accomodate up to 100 people and this venue was so beautiful I fell in love on the first sight. You know me, when simple meets glamorous, it's just beautiful without being overdone! 

 The Coco Suite also had the access to the manmade garden with birds flying around it. I love seeing and realizing the fact how this is their home.

Besides the Coco Suite, they also have the Marie and Louise suite. I didn't take any pic of the Louise suite but what I can tell is that the Louise suite had this upside down lamp in the venue, and the one you're looking at right now is the Marie suite. The Marie suite was slightly smaller than the Coco suite and perfect more private events with less scale.

Before we proceed to the beautiful lunch dishes, I want to take you on a little tour of the Table8. To bring up the Asian ambiance, they placed the Pagoda replicas as you can see on the photo below. The tallest one (in the middle) taken around 6 months to make - now that's one hell of a commitment -. The table setting was simple but had this expensive touch to it, again because of its signature simplicity.

 Besides the ala-carte menu, they also have buffet selections and you can easily upgrade to include the buffet in your dining, once you do, say hi to the access that you're getting like these sweet treats!

 I am such a detailed person not only on the food, but the service detail as well, well I could say that I was quite impressed with the service here, the butler was very attentive and good in doing the service, even when asking if I want still or sparkling water, this is the typical fine dining hospitality detail that is essential for me.

 For the lunch, I experienced the Business Bistro set and that's IDR 350k++ (before tax) per person. They have three package for this, but certainly I would go for the Business one because it's my standard to have appetizer, main and dessert on a single dining (or the dessert can be substituted with cheese but no way in hell I am opting for that!), the other package only had one main, and the other one had no dessert.

I had lunch with Mika but truthfully speaking, I didn't try any of his food so I couldn't comment and I wouldn't lie with the flavor, but my friend told me he was satisfied with the food here so I guess, it was such a Mulia lunch for him.

Carpaccio de Beouf
This was my friend's order, the beef actually looked promising so I assume this should be good.

Salade de Crabe
I opted for this Dungeness Crab salad for the appetizer and it was the bomb! The presentation was very beautiful and top notch one, not only the presentation that captivated me, the flavor was also very delicious! I love how the texture was smooth but sort of creamy and how tasty the seasoning was! It was seasoned lightly allowing the natural crab meat flavor to still stood out! The little green drops was actually basil drops with rich basil flavor and the Granny Smith apple jelly used to add the texture in contrary with the smooth and gooey celery roots remoulade. This was a beautiful dish and I love having them altogether! It felt to me like a very conceptual but in a way, flavorful dish everyone shouldn't miss!

Aloyau de Beouf Grille
Just when I thought that this was just thin-sliced beef cuts, but as I went along, it was actually a very fulfilling protein: both the portion and for my palate. Even though this portion was accompanied with the Hollandaise sauce, but I must say that I was pretty impressed with the standing alone steak! The salad side was also fresh, as well as the tomato with crumbs.

Gambas Flambee
Pan fried jumbo shrimps with Americaine sauce and Pilaf rice

Tarte Aux Pommes de Soeurs Tatin
Caramelized apple tart with Vanilla ice cream. LOOKS YUM!

Fondant au Chocolat
I opted for the classic Hot Chocolate Fondant for the dessert and I was quite surprised that this was incredibly lovely! I was surprised because normally, I know what I am expecting from the common chocolate lava cake but as standard as how it turned out, I always manage to order it as the ultimate guilty pleasure/sweet closing to my meal, so when a classic chocolate lava cake could impress me, that means it's freaking YUM! The chocolate was rich, the sweetness was perfectly balanced and not overpowering my palate, most importantly, it didn't proceed to make me bloat, well I was really full then but it was a very happy & satisfied full.

Okay here's the thing, when you know you're eating at a place that serves the not-so-normal hot chocolate fondant cake - and I mean it in the most amazing delicious way -, you don't have to worry about the rest of the dishes!

 The presentation was very beautiful and it's accompanied with one creamy Pistachio ice cream and it was another mazor yumstar! The Pistachio ice cream was flavorful, natural and not just some essence bullshit.

 MONEY SHOT! The shot behind so many likes on Instagram HAHAHA!

Had a pleasant time having lunch here and I am surely going back for more! I hope this will help you in deciding where to go for Christmas dinner (which is 5 days left if you had this on the 24th!). Short to say, this is simply the perfect venue for me and my lunch was just perfect <3.

Orient8
Hotel Mulia Senayan Jakarta
Jalan Asia Afrika Senayan
Jakarta Selatan 10270
021 - 574 7777
email: info@hotelmulia.com
Pricing: $$$
Dresscode: Sporty Casual
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Map for Hotel Mulia Senayan