[Review] Sesto senso

Sesto Senso by Hide Yamamoto, is a casual Italian restaurant that first opened their doors in Tokyo, Japan in 2010. 3 year later, they finally reached Jakarta. Lotte Shopping Avenue to be exact, which is where his self-named  Hide Yamamoto restaurant resides.

The cozy restaurant has a open kitchen concept, and a baby grand piano where guests are more than welcomed to play some tunes. We love visiting during the day, where it's nice and warm, as the sun shines through the floor-to-ceiling windows. We could just sit there all day and chat over a cup of tea and some cakes.

Pizza Prosciuto e Insalata Herbe - 115thousand

We've had their pizzas before on prior visits, and it definitely a must order on every visit! This time we ordered prosciutto and some greens which is served on a thin, crispy dough, which tastes heavenly.You know a pizza is really good when you see Le Sister munching on their crust, every other time it's just not worth the extra carbs.

Agnello alla Griglia - 199thousand

Grilled lamb chops served with balsamic and green sauces. If you're a fan of lamb, you would drool over this dish. The meat was tender and fragrant, simply made with finesse. We're aware it is on the pricier side, but treat yourself to a good lamb chop once in a while!

Parmigiano Risotto - 120thousand

Basic cream based risotto with some shrooms and parmigiano. Even though they were delectable, the ones at Bistro Garcon, Plaza Senayan were more suited to our taste.

Manzo Controfiletto alla Griglia - 189thousand

Saving this for the last, grilled US prime beef sirloin served with balsamic sauce. We requested for medium well, but it came medium; yet despite being on the thinner side, it was still really tough. We mentioned this to the server, and his replied was that it was because we ordered it medium well, which made it tough, whereas in fact it wasn't true, we was served medium.

The Japanese server came up to us if we were enjoying our food, so we relayed him the same message. His reply was just as disappointing, he said that shouldn't be a problem, and the texture was right as they use US beef. As if implying we aren't familiar with our food. We weren't expecting for a change, yet their response was really a disappointment, a simple apology would do the trick.

However, despite the minor setback, we would probably still be back for their pizzas and pastas. They've also worked together with Chef Kenji Kawasaki to bring in pastries and cakes. There are some hits and misses, mostly hits though, so do give them a try :)

Sesto Senso

Lotte Shopping Avenue 1-01

Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav 3-5

Jakarta Selatan

Telephone : 021 - 2988 9153

Operation Hour :

Monday - Sunday : 10AM - 10PM

[Review] Okane Shabu Shabu

The first time we knew of Okane, was because we passed by this street and was attracted to their beautiful building. It's probably been more than a year since, as we couldn't recall exactly which street it was on.

Finally, after passing by the same street again, we made sure we remember where it was.

After fighting the crazy Friday traffic, we finally arrived at Okane on night. It was definitely calming  as we leave the hectic traffic and stepped into the calm surrounding. The concept was simple and minimalistic but cozy, makes you wanna stay.

Okane Special Shabu Set - 318thousand

We ordered a set to share amongst the 3 of us, it came with mixed fish balls, assorted mushrooms, veggies, homemade noodles, and a choice of Australian Wagyu beef or Dori fish or King Prawn. Also a bowl of Okane special fried rice and Dessert of the day.

For those who can't eat spicy food, please stay away from it. The only reason Le Sister enjoyed was because she was down with a really bad flu, so her taste palette was failing on her. Otherwise, it was a really flavourful dish.

And the Wagyu Beef, don't get us start talking about it. We were still talking about it days after we dined! So fragrant and tender. It's worth the traffic to get there!



Spicy Ddeokbokki - 119thousand

Unlike the Shabu-Shabu, we weren't a fan of this dish. We felt that this was spicier than the soup base, either that or our tongues are still tingling from the soup. :p In addition, the ddeok (rice cake), was too tough for our liking; so different than what we were used to the ones in Korea.

Even though we enjoyed the Squid Rings that comes with it, it's not worth ordering it again for our next meal. But if your a fan of Ddeokbokki to begin with, you must know how hard it is to find in Jakarta, as not much Korean Restaurant serves it. Then it is worth to satisfy that craving.

Merry Berry Bingsu - 79thousand

Despite getting a bowl of aloe vera dessert each that comes with the Shabu-Shabu set, nothing could come between a bowl of ice and Le Sister. Not even a really bad cold. 

What a great dessert to end a meal! All the elements are Le Sisters favourites! Blackberries, Strawbbies and mochi, on top of soft shaven ice. It also comes of rounds of dragonfruit.

Hailing from Gangnam, Seoul, they claim to use zero MSG! Which is always good for our generation as we tend to eat out alot. Since they specialize in Shabu-Shabu, they don't have alot of food options available. But we will be visiting Okane often when we're craving for some heat and ice.

Okane Shabu Shabu

Jl. Joko Soetono No. 11

Jakarta Selatan 12140

Telephone : (021) 726 0999

Operation Hours :

Monday - Sunday : 10AM - 10PM

[Review] Genki Sushi

 

The well-known Shinkansen sushi train has made its way to Jakarta. They are located at Plaza Senanyan, right outside Sogo Foodhall. At a glance, it looks like just another sushi restaurant, but don't let that fool you.

Genki sushi is known for their Shinkansen sushi train (though the ones here does not resemble one); where the food are delivered to each table by a "bullet train". You order the food through the provided iPad, and then the food will be directly sent by kitchen.

At first, it was interesting, as it was kind of like having a new toy to play with. After a while, we slowly got disturbed when the food comes one by one as you need to push the button to send the train back. Another concern for us is that it's not 'elderly' friendly, in the sense that the older generation might not be used to ordering trough an iPad.

Now, to the food! They were pretty average, slightly better than Sushi Tei but lesser choice. One thing we'd like to highlight is the Salmon Fish Head (35thousand). They were uber juicy, and they served a bigger piece than the ones we've had so far. Though a tad sprinkle of salt would made it so much better.

Overall, we had a good experience. We'd probably be back with other first timers for them to experience the "Shinkansen sushi train". :) 

 

 

Genki Sushi

 Plaza Senayan, B Floor

Jl. Asia Afrika No. 8

Jakarta Selatan

Telephone : (021) 5790 0063

Operation Hours

Monday - Sunday : 10Am - 10PM

[Review] The Stacks Burger

Was wondering around Kemang and we found a pretty cozy place for lunch. They just opened their doors not too long ago, and is right next to our favourite ice cream shop! You could order your favourite ice cream through them as well, or just scoot over next door.

The ramen/noodle burger have been the "IT food" last summer in the US, now we can easily have them here, for The Stacks Burger claims to be the first noodle burger place in Indonesia!

Grilled Beef with BBQ Sauce - 54thousand

Upon the first bite, we found it to be intriguing. The 'bun' were so soft that it resembles an actual burger bun, it tastes nothing like noodles. Though however we found the beef patty wasn't fragrant enough and wished that it had more textures to it. Otherwise, it felt and tastes like how a normal burger would.

Though, we have to point out that on the brochure they described the bun as "crispy on the outside yet succulent on the inside noodle bun". The bun we had definitely wasn't crispy and tasted just fine the way it was, but it made us wonder how it was actually meant to be served.

All in all we felt that it's an interesting new food to try, but we won't particularly look for it again. The only reason you might spot us there was probably because we were craving next door's ice cream ;)

The Stacks Burger

Jalan Taman Kemang 1 No. 6

Jakarta Selatan

Telephone : (021) 7179 3774

Operation Hours :

Monday - Sunday : 11AM - 11PM

[Review] Lin Artisan Ice Cream

Lin Artisan Ice Cream, a must have every time we're in Kemang. They are the pioneer of nitrogen ice cream here in Indonesia, and have been around for quite a while now. It's a nice cozy hangout spot right at the entrance/exit of the Kemang area.

The ice cream is made upon order, and done in matter of minutes. Liquid nitrogen is added to the liquid mixture(all natural ingredients!), and in seconds it'll start to harden and come together. We've seen the process a couple of times, yet it still never fails to fascinate us.

Our all-time favourite is their Silky Hazelnut and Tea Leaves; we can't choose between the two. If we're feeling for something light after a meal, we'd go for the Tea Leaves, otherwise it'd be Silky Hazelnut. 

 They have quite a few choices, and also special flavours that comes and go. They once had rainbow cake ice cream, and Le Sister couldn't choose between that and Silky Hazelnut, so she ended up with 2 cups of ice cream!

Price ranges between 36thousand - 75thousand, the most expensive being Smiley Bailey's. They also serve some light bites and coffee, we've tried their affogato and boy was the coffee good and rich. Even better than most coffee shops! 

Do give it a try if you haven't, it's worth a trip all the way to Kemang!

Lin Artisan Ice Cream

Jalan Taman Kemang 1 No. 6

Jakarta Selatan

Telephone : (021) 7179 4393

Operating Hours :
 Monday - Sunday : 11AM - 11PM

[Review] Paul

We've dined Paul in Shanghai and Singapore previously, so it wasn't something really new for us. But after all the hype, we made our way over to Paul in the afternoon the other day with the cousins for some pastries, and boy was it bustling. We didn't have to wait too long for a table, but it was a weekday! The waiters weren't too attentive though, so it was tad difficult for us to get their attention.

Some of their bread and macarons selection. They also serve sandwiches, croque monsieur, crepes, salad and some mains; nothing too heavy and leaves enough space for some pastries.

Tarte aux myrtilles (Blueberry Tart) - 50thousand ; Eclair café - 40thousand

For the blueberry tart, it wasn't good yet it wasn't that bad either. Given the quality of the ingredients used, they were just slightly overpriced. Hey, just think of the goodness you get from the blueberries. For the first one, we had a strand of hair inside the tart; and we're were given a new one after a while.

For the coffee eclair, we'd suggest trying everything else but this. The texture is all wrong, and the fondant was a little too thick (looking kinda sloppy), which only made it taste even worst. 

They've only been around for a while now, and have already been the talk of the town. Though we probably won't be back anytime soon, as they are quite pricey. Albeit serving quality food, only time will tell how long they could keep that up. So, here's to hoping they continue in maintaining their ingredients.

Paul

Ground Flour (Galeries Lafayette lobby)

Pacific Place

Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav. 52-53

Jakarta Selatan

Telephone : (021) 579 93455

Operating Hours :

Monday - Sunday : 10AM - 10PM

[Review] Hide Yamamoto

Hide Yamamoto, a renowned Japanese Chef, has cooked for 3 generations of US president, Reagen, Clinton and Bush. He has finally set sail and opened his sixth restaurant here in Lotte Shopping Avenue, less than a month ago. We were more than excited when we saw his name show up on the screen while browsing through the restaurant index.

The restaurant is divided in sections where patrons can chose where they would like to sit, namely Sushi, Robata, Teppanyaki and a dining area. Where you sit does not limit the food that you are allowed to order, it just gives a different vibe as they have chefs stationed at each section side for the dining area. 

The have 3 lunch set menu which they serve everyday, ranging from 200-350thousand; and a teppan set menu that they serve all day everyday at 300thousand. They also have an extensive a la carte menu for more choices. 

We went for 2 sets of the lunch set menu, where we selected different items for more variety.

 

First Course, salad and sesame paste tofu. Between the 2, we recommend going for the Tofu, the texture is denser than the regular tofu but it has a distinct taste that would make us come back for more.

Second Course, assorted sashimi & roll, and vegetable and tiger prawn tempura. Air flown sashimi from Japan's very own Tsujiki Market, with fresh wasabi; and a plate of good ol' tempura. Though choice, but personally we'd go for the tempura, their dipping sauce is different from the ones we get from anything we've ever had. It's light but still has that kick in it.

Third Course, mini soy based ramen and mini kaisen don. Hands down the kaisen don win this round, however the ramen is not to be missed as well. The ramen broth is made with chicken stock, yet it's milky thick which made us thought it was pork based. The ramen itself is the problem, so a little improvement on the noodle would made it much more delightful.

The perfect dessert to end the meal, raspberry and lemon sorbet.

Overall, we had a good hearty lunch. Though the price might seem a little steep, but given the reputation and quality it was definitely worth every cent. Their service is also one to take note off, which we totally appreciate.There will most definitely be second visit. Do stop by earlier to get the prime middle seat of each station.

Hide Yamamoto

Lotte Shopping Avenue

5th floor - 02

Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav 3-5

South Jakarta

Telephone : (021) 298 89500

Operating Hours :

Monday - Saturday : Lunch 11AM - 3PM // Dinner 6PM - 11PM

Sunday & Public Holiday : Lunch 11Am - 3PM // Dinner 5PM - 10PM 

(Last order is 30minutes before closing time)

[Review] Le Quartier

Was over at Le Quartier the other weekend for late lunch, and it was still bustling. We've passed by numerous times, but only had the time in our books recently. The decor felt very European/Parisian Chic, almost like we were overseas for a while.

Complimentary basket of bread, they were nice and toasty but arrived only after some of our mains have arrived, which we thought was odd.

Soupe A L'Ognion Gratinee - 76thousand

What's a trip to a French Bistro without a cuppa of good ol' onion soup. Most definitely of the best ones we've tried here in Jakarta, do give it a try, especially in this wet, rainy season. 

White Ham and Truffle Oil Pizza - 136thousand

 Stone baked pizza served with green peas pesto, white ham, mushrooms, rockets and grated cheese. This is one of the two disappointing dish we had that day, the pizza dough was soggy which gave it a weird texture. In addition, we found the pizza to be too bland for our liking, so everything just fell flat.

(Random addition, the menu stated spinach, but pretty sure they were rockets.)

Fried Eggs and Oxtail Hash - 98 thousand

Fancy name but is really a simple dish which is just alright. This dish and the next probably fits better for brunch, not quite filling to last through the day.

Poached Eggs on Salmon Zucchini Cakes - 98thousand

Differing from the typical Eggs Benedict, they switched the bun for salmon zucchini cakes. They were quite alright, side for the slightly overcooked eggs.

Assorted Mushroom Risotto - 116thousand

Mushroom risotto served with lemon rind, soy peas and rockets. The lemon overpowered the mushroom, so it tasted more like lemon and peas risotto. For a mushroom risotto lover, it was a disappointing dish. Scoot over to Cacaote or De Luca for better ones!

Angel Hair Aglio Oilio with Herb Marinated Chicken Breast - 140thousand

Hands down one of The Best in town! The traffic all the way to Le Quartier is well worth it just for this dish alone! We don't hear Le Cousin W singing praises for a dish that often, it was just that good!

Red Velvet and Marshmallow Ice Cream + Salted Caramel and Caramelized Banana Ice Cream - 36thousand/each

The Red Velvet&Marshmallow consisted of red velvet crumbs, bits of marshmallow and an ice cream base, so overall, it as a weird texture to it.

For the Salted Caramel&Banana, the banana dominated the combination as you could barely taste caramel, not what we were expecting.

Parfait of Lemon and Raspbberies served with Sherbet - 66thousand

Lemon parfait set with raspberry jelly, topped with white chocolate crushed pistachios, fresh raspberries and creme Chantilly.

Orange - Grand Marnier Souffle - 78thousand

The soft and fluffy soft and fluffy didn't blew our minds away, it was just alright.

 Overall, it was an enjoyable meal. Le Cousin E mentioned that their grill selection was marvelous, so look out for our Take 2 on their grills. Otherwise, it was a good change of atmosphere from the typical fancy restaurant. It seemed posh yet relaxed at the same time. Don't get put of by the hefty price tag. Treat yourself to a hot cuppa Onion Soup, and Aglio Olio pasta; it's near the end of the year, you've earn a good meal. :)

Le Quartier

Jl. Gunawarman No. 34

Kebayaran Baru

Jakarta Selatan

Telephone : (021) 7278 8001

Operation Hours :

Monday - Sunday : 7.30AM - Onwards