MIE HCM PLAZA SEMANGGI - JAKARTA

I am a BIG noodle lover and as far as I remember, I can NEVER say no to noodle, it’s my ideal comfort food, all-day breakfast, guilty pleasure and all that! I might not consistently upload local or traditional cuisine here or in my Instagram, but when I am in need of comfort food and peace, local food like meatball soup and noodle is my sweet escape.

This might sound crazy but at certain times, if you ask me to choose between a premium kobe beef and one bowl of “mie abang-abang”, the answer might surprise you.

Anyway, there’s this newly opened noodle house in Plaza Semanggi named Mie Hot Cwie Mie or to easen me on the writing of this post: Mie HCM. They claim that the brand originally came from Malang and is a franchise from Malang, but they tweaked the name and the branding to fit the Jakarta market better. If you’re familiar with Marugame Udon or canteen style order, their ordering style is pretty much like it, you start your way from one side to the cashier. You’ll get to choose the type of noodles you want, the toppings and the side dishes, if you’re greedy like me, one portion can cost you IDR 60k+, but regular portion (one noodle, one topping & one side dish) should cost you IDR 30k-50k.

I tried their signature Cwie Mie with crispy chicken popcorn, crispy chicken skin, fried meatballs, beef meatballs and wonton because I wanted to try everything. The original Cwie Mie alone already consist of thin noodles, chicken and one fried wonton and hello it was such a freaking comforting treat! Even though the noodle was thin, but it was cooked on the right timing and temperature allowing it to still have its firmness, the chicken was seasoned perfectly and given in an appropriate amount and the fried wonton was golden and cripsy. I love putting a little spice on my noodle and their tauco chili was DA BOMB! Spicy in the tastiest & most delicious way! I could rave about their noodle all day long.

As for their crispy chicken popcorn and skin, both are equally delicious! The popcorn was absolutely the more meaty one while the skin, consistency and flavor wise reminds me of KFC’s which is GOOD! The beef meatballs and steamed wonton was also good but quite common.

WHAT A FREAKING TREAT! Honestly, one portion is not enough for me because this is such a heavenly-easy-comforting meal (as how noodle’s always been), but I gotta give it to them for the twists: crispy chicken skin & popcorn, not everyday that you see noodle paired with them, but they execute it very well.

It could easily be one of the tastiest meals I’ve had in 2015. TADAA! TRY TRY!

Mie Hot Cwie Mie
Plaza Semanggi 3rd fl.
Jalan Jendral Sudirman Kav. 50
Karet, Semanggi
Jakarta Selatan 12930
Opening Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM

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EATANDTREATS JAPAN: L'OCCITANE CAFE - SHIBUYA, TOKYO

On my recent Japan trip, I travelled with a friend who’s SO GOOD at organizing and researching and I want to thank him for the smooth awesome trip! We could visit up to 8 cafes in a day (and all that included the confusing moment in train station and looooong walk!).

One of the places that I would die to visit was that particular Starbucks in Shibuya which offered the best front-facing view of the famous Shibuya crossing, but it was packed almost EVERY SINGLE TIME that I lost hope, but luckily, another cafe that we planned to visit was the L’Occitane cafe, well, frankly it was me who got a little more excited as I really wanted to experience how L’Occitane, that famous beauty brand was doing as a cafe.

Getting here was actually pretty easy, as I mentioned on my previous Japan post, once you have a running internet connection, you can consider yourself “safe”, if you take the trip by train, stop at Shibuya station and look out for “Shibuya 109” or “Tsutaya” as the cafe was located around the area and almost impossible not to notice as it's probably the only building with major yellow color.

Truth be told, I was a little skeptical about the cafe, as I initially thought the cafe would serve only cute but mediocre food, but I gotta tell you this: I WAS SUPER WRONG I should be in jail for being skeptical at the first place. The cafe was indeed pretty and located on the second level of their Shibuya store, but the dessert...OMG one of the best I’ve had in like...ever!

Since we were quite full after having Oyakodon for lunch (post coming), we decided to share some cakes and as I rolled  & rolled the page, the sweets platter (Dessert Medley) seemed legit, but I was pretty stunned as the pricing for their coffee and tea was relatively high (ranging from 750 yen). I ordered their jasmine chamomile tea (907 yen) while my friend ordered their Rose tea with strawberry sherbet (1030 yen). The Jasmine chamomile tea had this rich chamomile flavor and aroma, and indeed a relaxing treat for the day, in terms of flavor, the chamomile overpowered the jasmine, but all that still on a good state. The rose tea and strawberry sherbet was also pretty good & refreshing with lovely balance of sweet & sour!

The sweets platter a.k.a Dessert Medley (1540 yen) consist of mini size strawberry shortcake, chocolate pie, creme brulee and chantily cream dessert, I mentioned earlier how badly wrong I was for being skeptical as the sweets generally screamed fantastic, my favorite has got to their creme brulee, it was so so so good! Crystalized (in a way hardened) caramel, smooth caramelly custard at the bottom, raspeberry and mint leaves to add in the pretty factor! The creme brulee was smooth & creamy but the thing that captivated the most was the fact that the flavor wasn’t milky! I’ve tried like zillion creme brulee in my life and this one certainly falls on the top part of my list!

All that and I was pretty pleased with the live view from Shibuya crossing, even though it’s not something that I expected, but it’s still a bliss :)

Just when I thought they made amazing perfumes, soaps and hand creams, they also made AMAZING desserts! One of the cafes that worth all the long walks and the calories :P

L'Occitane Cafe Shibuya
Shibuya Ekimae Building 2-3 Fl.
2-3-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
150-0043 Tokyo
(81) 3542 81563
Opening Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM
Average spending for two: 3000 yen
Dresscode: casual

〒150-0043 Tokyo, Shibuya, Dōgenzaka, 2 Chome−3

道玄坂2-3-1 渋谷駅前ビル 1-3階

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I AM JUST SO HAPPY TODAY!!!

Today happened to be one of the most exciting days of my blogging adventure as I just did a photoshoot for Harper’s Bazaar magazine!!! Now you can consider that an achievement! *blow kiss*

I honestly got quite nervous today as I just knew that I would be in one frame with my idol, Dian Sastrowardoyo. Now I won’t tell you what the feature will be and who else are in this feature, nor sharing you more photos as I want to keep it very-very special. I will keep you guys updated once the issue is out! Stay tuned.

I don’t think anybody would have that second thought once they see her that she IS one of the most beautiful Indonesian women, she inheritates that classic Indonesian beauty with big beautiful eyes & sawo-matang skin, but frankly speaking, more to that she is a beautiful personality with brain, class, elegance, humbleness, and she is real. It’s such a teriffic opportunity that I could be in the anniversary issue and actually be in one frame with her today! Such a bliss <3.

OMG THIS POST IS SO TACKY BUT WHATEVER!!!

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NASI CAMPUR TAMBAK BAYAN PANTAI INDAH KAPUK - JAKARTA

I was first introduced to Tambak Bayan on my very first trip to Surabaya two months ago. Yes, 23 years of living and three months ago was the first time I saw (and for four days living in) Surabaya, but unexpectedly, for the last two months, I have been going back and forth to Surabaya for three times for leisure and work!

I would love to thank my friend Jack and Joshua for bringing me here, right after I landed on that first trip to Surabaya, my first experience with Tambak Bayan was anything but memorable in the most awesome way! Claimed to be the authentic treat from the city of heroes, that was a freaking champ, but now, I don’t think I need to travel to Surabaya anymore (if my number one reason is to have Tambak Bayan) as they finally opened their first outlet in Rukan Crown Golf Pantai Indah Kapuk (align with BCCone and Pungopang), in a way, it’s an amazing but risky step!

I came on the second day of opening, as this post is written, it’s two days ago and it was SUPER full! Like super that I couldn’t even take proper food pictures because people are blocking the light source and couldn’t take the interior picture as all there’s on my frame was...guessed it, people! This is going to be a very short review unlike usual, but that’s ok as long as there’s the mighty food!

They're quite well known in Surabaya for their Nasi Campur Tambak Bayan (IDR 33k), but I ordered their Nasi Campur with Empal (IDR 55k) and a portion consist of rice, empal, glass noodles, tofu cooked in coconut turmeric sauce, and their signature (very) spicy chili, it was (if I’m not mistaken) 10-15k more expensive than the one in Surabaya, but considering you don’t have to fly to Surabaya and the rent in PIK is fucking expensive, then I guess that’s still ok. In terms of the flavor and impression, I found myself longing back to the memories of my first Surabaya trip because everything was almost the same, if you think their glass noodle was way overcooked, that’s just their style, but I was so happy that the “empal” (beef steak) was way more tender than my first trial. Their chili, OMG, if you’re not used to spicy food, you better be a little careful as it’s quite HOT, but in a sense, that spiciness just kept you hungry...well at least that’s me.

Additional 10k and you can get this succulent tasty pork satay <3.

Their Rawon (IDR 40k) came in a small personal portion, for those who don’t know, Rawon is a traditional Javanese dish consisting of black beef bone broth with meat slices, usually served with rice or kecambah (the unfinished or head part of soya beansprout). I found myself quite liking their rawon even though it’s a little mild ans I was expecting for that bolder kick and the meat was given quite generously.

I honestly tried their lontong sayur and pecel as well, but didn’t get a chance to take pictures as they’re no longer appetizing looking as my friends “attacked” them, but the lontong sayur was quite nice with rich coconut milk stock and the pecel, well that was all together DAYUM without being overly sweet.

Congrats for the opening, I can really see that you’re going strong in PIK, trust me, Indonesian cuisine will never lose its customers if they’re authentic, good and simply yummy, and Tambak Bayan seems to have all that! GOOD LUCK!

Nasi Campur Tambak Bayan
Jl. Rukan Crown Golf Blok B
Align with BCCone and Pungopang
Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jakarta Utara 14470
Price Range: IDR 35k-IDR 55k, IDR 120k for two

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Map for Jalan Marina Indah

¿POR QUÉ NO? JAKARTA

¿Por Que No? just opened for public two days ago (as this post is written) and it’s the newest addition to the list of Tapas restaurants in Jakarta. Locating on the 5th floor of De Ritz building in Menteng, this restaurant is surely a unique one. Why is that? Keep on reading.

I attended their pre-opening dinner invitation last week, but rest assure as the opinions stated here remains my own. First of all, you’ll be greeted by this huge signboard made of colored pencils crafting the word “POR QUE NO”, for those who don’t know, Por Que No? is actually the spanish for “why not?”. If I knew on the first place that the space would be that minimalist & chicly designed, I think, it’s indeed “¿Por Que No?”. I just love the simplicity of the dining area as it’s covered in glass but well air-conditioned making it just the perfect venue to have your lunch (and that red chairs OMG). The sky was actually getting moody on my visit and for some reasons, I love the ambiance even more! I think glass architecture's always win-win. There’s just something sexy and lovely about it.

I think they’re building a little outdoor area with mini bar, but as I visited, it’s not 100% ready.

Their main feast focus is actually “tapas” and when you say “tapas”, it’s going to be appetizers, snacks and shared cuisine, almost like Izakaya, only it’s Spanish style. I don’t know if they keep it there but on my visit, they actually wrote the menu on the wall and the range was actually pretty good, although I don’t really understand most of it as it’s written in Spanish </3. They categorize the range to several groups like Aperitivos (snacks), Del Campo (from the land), De La Huerta (from the garden), Del Mar (from the sea), Quesos (cheese), Embutidos (cold cuts), Ensaladas (salads), Platos Grandes (big plates to share), Croquettas (croquettes) and desserts. ¿Por Que No? actually consulted with a real Spanish cuisine expert and they’re brave enough to claim that the menu they’re having will reflect the authentic Spanish flavor, but uh will it be my kind of “dayum”?

APERITIVOS

Arbol de Aceitunas Alinadas

IDR 30k

Aside from its complicated name “Arbol de Aceitunas Alinadas” actually means “olive tree”. Presentation wise, it’s very beautiful and in a sense, quirky, but it’s technically black and green olives placed on the branches of the tree so I guess you can imagine how olive tastes like, personally I prefer the black olive more as I found that a little milder and subtle for my taste bud.

Cucurucho de Foie con Jamón

IDR 75k

Another beautiful presentation and this time is three mini cones of Foie Gras mousse with ham slices on top. The impression that I initially expected was the thicker cream mousse with rich flavor, but unexpectedly, the mousse had this buttercream texture and kinda stay around your taste bud for a while and the flavor was actually very mild.

Manchego en Aceite 

IDR 40k                                 

I didn’t try this one as this was cheese, but what I can tell you: good presentation, sliced Manchego cheese marinated in rosemary, it’s just a traditional Spanish cheese made of sheeps’ milk.

Fried Asparagus & Fried Eggplant (Berenjanas Fritas)

IDR 40k                                                                         

If I am not mistaken, it was probably the first time that I’ve had fried asparagus! I love the bigger chunks comparing to the thin sliced and crispier ones as it’s a little harder to digest and at certain part it was quite bitter. The Aioli sauce gave that extra tasty flavor that complement very well with the fried asparagus. However, if I have to choose, I’d go with the fried eggplant as the sauce was exactly what I expected to be paired with: honey truffle sauce.

ENSALADAS

Ensalada con Tartar de Salmon

IDR 75k

Salmon salad served in jar, you can pour the sauce in and shake or stir to mix. The sauce was tad sour (it was lemon vinaigratte sauce), but it’s such a good match to the more neutral salmon. The greens were fresh and the portion was shareable for two or three.

Ensalada Champioñones

IDR 75k

This one was their mushroom salad, also served in jar. The dressing was the orange mustard sauce, everything was fresh but I found it a little too common hence it’s not my favorite.

Ensalada con Fresas y Queso de Cabra

IDR 75k

Now my favorite was this one! The baby spinach basil salad (trust me the greens were fantastic) with strawberries and goat cheese. Of course I didn’t have it with the goat cheese and proceed to take some for me first, but since the character of this salad was “sweet”, the goat cheese could contribute in giving that little hint of saltiness.

Trilogia de Gazpacho

IDR 60k

Chilled soup served in test tubes, I never actually am a big fan of chilled soup as I am an avid hot food lover, but it’s actually not bad, the one in the orange color actually tasted like a more refreshing tomato soup.

DE LA HUERTA

Tortilla Espanola

IDR 35k

Ingredient wise, this couldn’t go wrong: potato and egg and boy indeed wasn’t! It’s like having a well seasoned yummy potato layer cake covered in egg.

CROQUETTAS

Croquetas de Queso Azul (Blue Cheese Croquette)

IDR 55k

¿Por Que No? offered a few selections for the croquettes such as the beef and the blue cheese, again, since this was cheese, I skipped it but my friend told me the flavor was very cheesy with a little savory and salty flavor to it and the aftertaste was decent.

DEL CAMPO

Solomillo de Terner

IDR 110k

This is the case of simplicity at its best! Fresh and premium meat, lightly seasoned but resulting this tasty and ultra tender & juicy medium beef.

Hueso de Cana

IDR 70k

This is their take on the classic bone marrow. I’ve never been the biggest fan nor someone who hates bone marrow. I just always find myself to always feel a little bloated after finishing the whole portion by my self since the texture’s very silky and fatty, but I must say that theirs was quite tasty, especially when you pair it with the crispy butter bread to add in a little texture.

DEL MAR

Gambas as Ajillo

85k

This was also another simple dish but executed just perfectly. The shrimp was cooked perfectly with white wine resulting this soft, tender & juicy texture but it’s the seasoning that did most of the talking! It actually reminded of the turmeric shrimp you’ve probably had somewhere and then proceed to make me think of my mom’s signature shrimp.

Adobo Fiesta

IDR 60k

Deep fried dory in traditional Spanish marinade, I feel like on the state where I had too much food that this didn’t ring a bell, I think I expected the dory to be softer, but the seasoning was tasty enough and there’s a moderate herb flavor and aroma to it.

PAELLA

Arroz Negro Paella

IDR 240k

Wouldn’t comment much on the naming *mouth zipped*, but this black paella was surely pretty tasty, if you wonder, the black coloring came from the squid ink. Special for this one, a pre-booking is required to ensure the freshness of the ingredients and flavor, since they’ve been creative with the presentation, they also “equipped” the customer with spray bottles filled with lemon juice (forgot to take the pic). You NEED to use this to enhance the flavor of the dish, especially since most of the condiments are seafood, some of you might find this a little fishy.

DESSERTS

Torrijas

You know I sometimes have this scary thoughts whenever I see desserts in ivory or yellow color as I started to imagine that there will be cheese, butter and those dairy products that I really don’t like, yeah I know it sounds a little ridiculous considering most desserts USE DAIRY PRODUCTS, but I draw the line at cheese, I could really vomit. Despite its “scary” look (for me), this was actually NOT that milky, it’s the classic French toast dessert topped with vanilla ice cream and dressed with honey. The toast was very fluffy and the overall dessert was pretty yum, sweet without overpowering one’s palate.

Natillas       

Natillas is their version of the egg custard dessert with biscuit crumbs and caramel sauce. I found it a little too milky for my liking but the sweetness was on the perfect balance.

Chocolate con Chile

This is their take on the good old chocolate molten cake but with a little hint of spicy from the chili flakes. This was one of my personal favorites in overall and particularly, my most favorite on the dessert served that night. The cake was perfectly cooked with soft gooey texture and runny chocolate batter inside. It wasn’t overpowering sweet and in a sense, altogether dayum.

Holy shit that was A LOT OF food!

I honestly think ¿Por Que No? serves good food, some were outstanding like the beef steak, shrimp and chocolate lava cake with chili flakes, some might needed work here and there but that’s competely ok. Short to say: I wasn’t disappointed.

Looking forward for their outdoor area to be completely finished, it could easily be the hot spot for rooftop dining enthusiast. FYI THEY CURRENTLY OPEN AT 5PM SO DON'T COME TOO EARLY.

Por Que No
De Ritz Building 5th fl.
Jalan HOS. Cokroaminoto No. 91, Menteng
Menteng, Jakarta Pusat 10350
021 - 3901 950
Opening Hours: 5 PM - 12 AM
Pricing: $$ - IDR 250k for two
Dresscode: casual

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