BENEDICT GRAND INDONESIA - JAKARTA

Congratulations, Benedict Jakarta for finally opening!!! The UNION group ventures are always exciting enough to keep everyone thrilled and most of the times, they’re worth the wait. Been eyeing on Benedict and it's finally letting its door for people to come in.

The Benedict’s kitchen is being handled by two heads behind the Good For Eats: Fernando Sindu and Ivan Wibowo who also own Umabo in Jalan Wijaya. If you’re not familiar with the Good For Eats brand, it’s actually a project of theirs as they create private dining service as well as pop-up brunches and they do it mostly in the XXI establishments. A lil' background of them that I know: they both first met in The Culinary Institute of America, Fernando used to be the sous chef at Bouqueria restaurant in New York and Ivan used to travel the world optimizing his skill and knowledge for food, in which he landed in the kitchen of Noma, the (currently) world's number one restaurant. Their background is scary in the most amazing way!

Benedict is located at the LG floor of the newly renovated East Mall of Grand Indonesia and bazillion of new restaurants are opening here such as UNION Deli, NOMZ and the most recent, Publik Markette! To be exact, it’s located near the Art and Science, Urban Lifestyle and UNIQLO. Talking about the access, the most convenient way for me is to make your way from Ranch Market to the back access, walk straight and Benedict is in front of you.

I quite liked their interior design, again as how most UNION group's restaurants look like: simple, classy, semi-rustic and something about the design that pops, but I am not sure which part, it's more like the overall ambiance impression from the design. It's almost like they know their restaurants are going to be packed (as always, and when I was there: FULL HOUSE!), and honestly the more people inside, the more I am loving the ambiance, just like UNION Plaza Senayan. Preference wise, I am just not into the fact that they don't have direct access to the outdoor area or in this case, sunlight, but I love their idea of hosting the live kitchen. Located near the live kitchen is the mini bar area with several stools for you to sit around.

Their concept's actually a gourmet cafe and restaurant serving all day breakfast, home-made desserts and artisanal coffees. As I browsed the menu, I found that they also have good range of western cuisine and a little fusion of Asian-Western and Mediterranean all curated with traditional and modern cooking method. I was beyond glad finding out that they're using Toby Estate's coffee! Always been a fan of theirs!

Hot Cappuccino (IDR 40k), Iced Cappuccino (IDR 40k)
Good coffee beans mixed with good brewing method resulting to me loving these! The hot cappuccino tasted a little stronger and bolder comparing to the iced one which heading to the milkier flavor. Aside from the cappuccino, they also serve Americano, Long Black, Flat White, Cafe Latte, Mochaccino, Classic Affogato and their very own Benedict Affogato!

Power Berry (IDR 55k), Cranergize (IDR 50k)
The Power Berry is one of their smoothies menu while the Cranergize is one of their mocktail selections. Strangely, the fruit based Power Berry used the Hazelnut milk but unexpectedly work! I like the freshness and the unique flavor, the presentation FYI made it looked like a healthy smoothie. The Cranergize had this pretty presentation with pomegranates in the lime skin, flavor wise it's dominated with sour character but refreshing!

Benedict Affogato (complimentary) - IDR 50k
It's nice of them giving this complimentary of Benedict Affogato! Unique presentation as it's not how I usually see Affogato. Instead of using Espresso, they're making the espresso ice crush and leaving the ice cream in the liquid form (but still cold). The flavor was beautiful. I love how the bitterness of the Espresso (and I mean really bitter) blends very well with the Vanilla ice cream resulting this good balance of flavor. I recommend!

Maple and Bacon
IDR 35k
Unique unique concept but again, geniusly it worked very well. The bacon was intentionally made to be a little saltier to create a balance with the sweetness from the beautiful Maple ice cream. Never had maple ice cream before and it was bloody good, almost milk and cream like but not overpowering.

Truffle Croquettes
IDR 40k
I love these balls, umm I mean macaroni balls! They're deep fried to a certain crispiness while leaving the inner part to be creamy. Since I don't like milky and cheesy stuff, this one wasn't my favorite, to give you the most simple picture, it's like a deep fried mac and cheese, but gotta tell you that the tomato jam was the shit...THE BOMB! Really love the tomato jam with sweet and a very little tangy flavor.

Scotch Eggs
IDR 35k
My latest trip to Broadway Market London introduced me to Scotch Eggs, it's a traditional European (particularly made famous in the UK) consisting of (usually) hard boiled egg wrapped in sausage but the Benedict's version was such a beautiful dish! Soft boiled egg wrapped in Chicken Hamburg with Katsobushi and Japanese Mayo dressing! One bite and it feels like a freaking burst in your mouth with all that flavors coming from the Chicken Hamburg, Japanese Mayo and the Katsobushi contributing to the aroma as well. I find it hard to emphasize this so I am using the most cliche expression: DELICIOUS!

Scotch Eggs I found in London

Eggs Benedict Florentine
IDR 85k
What's a visit to Benedict without having an actual Eggs Benedict? So far my favorite Eggs Benedict is still the one in Kempi Deli, since I haven't had it in a long time and sadly Kempi Deli is now being closed for clearing *sob*, this falls in second...or first. Whatever that is, this particular Eggs Benedict creation is a one yummy, addicting comfort food! The bread they're using is just crazy fluffy, good, puff like soft and aromatic. The texture of the bread works well with the Hollandaise sauce it's almost like a sponge! The eggs were fresh and perfectly runny, the baby spinach was also simple but good, and I was highly impressed with the smoked salmon: it had this chewy silky texture and very lightly seasoned, the idea of topping it with Tobiko was just *eemh* (expression of good and foodgasmic). MUST ORDER!

Pan Roasted Barramundi
IDR 110k
First of all, I found myself in between a dilemma about liking and disliking the presentation but nevermind about that. The pan roasted Barramundi was another exciting dish. Honestly the fish was good, but it's "that" good instead of "THAT" good. I was expecting more smoky flavor and bolder seasoning (wasn't sure if I had Publik Markette's earlier so I had high expectations, because that one was THAT good). The portion came with braised lettuce, potato foam, Tabouleh, kale chips, and a separated light broth. The potato foam was the bomb because it had the truffle oil infused, but I honestly didn't get the light broth as I didn't think it gave that much difference to the overall flavor.

Ban-A-Tella Crumble
IDR 55k

Whenever I see the world "Nutella" or whatever that is approaching "Nutella" like "Tella", "Ela" etc is such a master in making me curious because for me, Nutella never fails. I like the contrast of the dessert because the crumbs were crunchy in contrary to the moist inner. I suggest having one full bite because that's where the good part is: decent flavor and good texture. I expected the Nutella flavor to be a little bolder because somehow the Banana flavor dominated the overall, but I would still recommend this to you.

I am frankly very happy because these past two months I have been having, sampling, and tasting beautiful food. Those new restaurants opening certain have their own impression to me but Benedict certainly succeed in giving such a good impression, so far it's one of the best eats in 2015 and so far, meal wise, my favorite from UNION group restaurants. Food here is great but I am so surfing more as the names on the menu intrigued me - kinda have my eyes on the Foie Gras Rice and I'll come back to have that one -. Pricing wise, typical UNION restaurants prices, not the most affordable but okay.

Short to say, I am recommending this, finally a place serving real good all day breakfast menu and generally GOOD FOOD! CONGRATS (AND THANK YOU) FOR THE LAUNCHING! Chef Fernando and Ivan, you guys are doing good! Keep up the good work, the service and the good image and I believe you guys will last long. Keep up benedict-ed! Don't know what that means but I just liked how it sounded.

Thanks for reading! Mad sleepy now. Adios bitches!

Benedict
Grand Indonesia East Mall LG #37-#39
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1
Jakarta Pusat 10310
021 - 2358 1238Opening Hours:
10 AM - 10 PM
Pricing: $$ / IDR 300k for two
Dresscode: smart casual
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BELLY INC PANTAI INDAH KAPUK - JAKARTA

Went to this new eatery in Pantai Indah Kapuk a couple of days ago because I heard they provide Gyu Tan Don here and I am such a sucker of that. Talking about the food trend, Gyu Tan Don is big right now and you can easily find an appetizing looking GTD in Jakarta and it's probably near you, like this one if you live around Pluit or PIK area.

Fat Belly is located in the Ruko Crown Golf area and few shops from to the uber famous SumoBoo and the upcoming Nam Nam (yes Nam Nam is opening in Jekardah woohoo!)

I wasn't really expecting anything about this and lately I've been trying not to, whenever there are new places opening, all I want to do is to go there and eat, it's true that sometimes I can't help pre-judging certain places' quality from the venue and there has been quite shockers lately if you follow my blog. What's so beautiful could end up not so appetizing, what's really humble could be the most spectacular, nope I won't name names, you read and you know.

Belly Inc. didn't have the most spectacular venue, it's just very simple and very proper. Not much going on with the detailing and deco but they do have separated area for smokers located at the outer area with two medium-sized tables and the second level. The venue itself wasn't spacious hence the capacity's not ultra.

The food menu here is pretty much casual meals with mixed genre, so you can find Asian and Western food here with very affordable prices! The Asian menu also feature traditional Indonesian street food like noodles, fried rice, meatball soup (bakso) or fritters (bakwan). The range price of the food here starts from IDR 25k-IDR 150k. I assume for two, generally you can spend IDR 100k-150k (but still depend on what you're ordering).

I forgot the name but this one you should try (at least show the picture to the waiter). I love how refreshing this was with lovely balance of sweetness and a good hint of sour. Fruity and sort of addicting!

THE FOOD! Everything you see is goodness goddess!

Fried Mushroom with Salted Egg
IDR 30k
This was a bloddy good appetizer! The mushroom coated with batter then deep fried with salted egg dressing. They were cooked perfectly leaving the inner part to still be juicy. The salted egg coating was flavorful but not overpowering. MUST TRY.


Gyu Tan Don
IDR 85k
Just when I looked at this on the menu Gyu Tan Don (GTD) I knew I must order. What's really the high point of this dish was how generous they are with the ox tounge! They were much and cooked beautifully. Flavor wise, it's heading the sweet taste instead of savory and it's rich in a good way. If they could make the overall to be a little dry and less "wet", this would be even better.

Tak Tik Tuk Noodle

IDR 25k

Tak Tik Tuk Noodle is their take of simple fried noodle, but I have to give a credit for this one because this was freaking good. Simple yet very flavorful with incredible seasoning. Couldn't seem to find a way to describe it, you better try.

My take on Belly Inc: simply a restaurant in the most literal way. They're not fancy with this and that, everything is simple, right on point, proper and probably not your typical hangout spot. The food here (based on my visit) was good with minor personal preference. I love how smartly brave they're with the seasoning, meaning the flavor is quite there yet but not overpowering the palate.

Simple yet humble but quite impressive. Sometimes it's better this way!

Please keep this or keep up the overall performance!!! Please! I give you good review so next time I won't be hearing people leaving comments saying that my review is overrated *shoot*. I am coming back for more in store! GOOD LUCK BELLY INC!

Belly Inc
Rukan Crown Golf Blok D #20 (near SumoBoo)
Jl. Marina Indah Golf
Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jakarta Utara
021 - 2921 0551
Opening Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM
Pricing: $
Dresscode: As casual as you can!
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Map for Rukan Grown Golf

H GOURMET AND VIBES SENOPATI - JAKARTA

Short to say, there's a new hangout spot opening in Senopati...yet again! I wonder why so many bloody rich Indonesians because truth be told, opening a restaurant in Senopati is clearly not cheap! No no no, no I am jealous tsk tsk, I am very happy for them because I've told you so many times how I love visiting w places and they're like the genies and you can consider me the Alladin, but this time, it's me entering the eateries ME SO PHUNNY! NOT.

Not my usual openings, I don't know why I am kind of excited right now, I just received a very good news I couldn't wait to blast out to you guys, so make sure you follow me on Instagram because they usually get the earlier notice. FYI I've changed my account to @eatandtreats instead of @STANISLAUSHANS because I think I want to make my IG more connected to the blog, so there you go.

H Gourmet and Vibes...emm, I don't know why the naming felt a little complicated to me but I am liking the "vibes", it's just different. This restaurant/cafe/hangout place is located at Gunawarman street (#41 to be exact) and located not too far from The Holy Crab and Pong Me. Talking about the current moment, if you make your way from the Wolter Monginsidi street, turn right and keep straight until to see the H sign (photo above) and an unfinished building, H is located on the fourth floor. Rumor has it that the building's going to be utilized as another restaurant and coffee shop, will keep my eyes on that fow sho!

I must say that I was quite impressed with the interior, in a way it's very vintage but still very simple with a touch of industrial giving it a little more sophisticated feeling, to me, this place fit the "hangout spot" or bar and cafe category more because when you arrived on the spot, you're going to notice a bar, and for some reasons, the setting, the coloring, the design supported that hype, edgy, rough energy it almost feels like you understand their concept. All the elements were very comforting, again, I adore simplicity and something that's pretty without being overdone. The only thing that I was not happy about was the fact that the whole venue was smoking area and the air-conditioning was like very cold. I do recommend wearing an outer or thicker outfit tho! Note this.

 SO PRETTY!

 This was my favorite view, I completely adore how beautiful the view from here and I honestly couldn't emphasize it enough unless you go here and experience yourself, the setting felt almost like the Central Park to me with that beautiful green framing the skyscrapers. It's a beautiful picture in a click.

 It was just the time as the sun started to set.

As expected, the menu was dominated with American western cuisine like sandwiches, burgers, chicken wings are many more. Came here with a few friends and we order some to share.

Vanilla Oreo Blend
IDR 35k
Looks promising, but didn't try it as it's my friend's order, took the photo to give you a little picture.

The Buffalo's Method Chicken Wings
IDR 65k
Hands down, very good wings! The sauce was the mixture of Cayenne pepper and butter and holy moly the perfecty executed sauce works well with the perfectly cooked crispy chicken wings with super juicy inside. Literally couldn't stop munching, must trick them next time so that I could have them all for myself, seriously good. Despite the amazing flavor, if they could make the wings less oily, I would give this a 9/10.

Jerky Chicks
IDR 85k
Jerky Chicks was their interpretation of the good old Jamaican dish, jerk chickens. Again, another flavorful dish perfectly cooked. The meat was still pretty tender with that smokey aroma and flavor (always love that kind of grilled dish), the seasoning was light but align. The serving came with this good Coriander sauce, the sauce had this unique flavor with good tanginess and balance.

Honestly speaking, I knew that Jerk chicken is a Jamaican dish but this was the first time I've tried it and if the original flavor happened to be like this, then this was pretty good.

H Stack

IDR 115k (additional +35k for double patty)

The waiter told us this was the best seller so we tried this, technically speaking, the same good old (almost boring) beef burger with coleslaw and Aioli, but I love how they try to change the fries with thin handcut round fries which by the way a pretty good imperfection. We could choose between the beef or swine patty and we tried the beef one, the patty was actually flavorful but it was just a little dry, as well as the buns. I really didn't like their coleslaw salad for the cream that they're using felt very heavy, it's like having mayonnaise sauce with oil in the same time, but I really liked the brown sauce (wasn't sure of what that was) and the mint sauce. Yum.

Vibe wise, H Gourmet and Vibes is a really good place for you to go if you want to spend your weekend night having good dinner or hangout with your friends, I could picture that. Didn't try their drinks but somehow I got the feeling that they're quite promising. Overall, the food was good (couldn't move on from the freaking chickens), but I think I could find these kind of food everywhere, the thing with those new places opening, I got the feeling that they're selling the vibe and the place more than the food and frankly speaking, only little that really surpass my standard.

Anyway, I would still go back to enjoy more of what they have in store tho, but I have to be with my friends because I think I'd need good companions.

H Gourmet and Vibes
Jalan Gunawarman No. 41
Gunawarman, Jakarta Selatn 12110
021 - 2765 0842
Opening Hours: 11 AM - 2 AM, closed on 3 AM on weekends
Pricing: $$
Dresscode: Sporty Casual (judging from the venue, especially if you're single you better look good)
WiFi: Yes!

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Map for H Gourmet and Vibes