It was splendid that I had the chance to participate in the Two Chef Lunch Courses Menu at Xin Hwa Restaurant just yesterday and what's even more exaggerating is because this guy myself was capable of dipping my sense of appetite to the two master chefs duet: Chef Ricky Thien and Chef Jeff Lee's signature courses!

Chef Jeff Lee is the executive chef of Xin Hwa restaurant in Mandarin Oriental Jakarta and its "duet partner" for the whole week is a multitalented executive chef of Lai Po Heen restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, Chef Ricky Thien. Undoubtedly master of Cantonese and Teochew dishes, Chef Ricky Thien is not someone you could mess with when it comes to chinese cuisine, not to mention his mastery of the field has led him to win multiple awards and recognitions in several competitions including the 5th  World Golden Chef Competition for Chinese Cuisine 2005, Malaysia International Gourmet Festival (MIGF) 2009 with an Award of Excellence for the Most Outstanding Festival Cuisine and The Most Creative Dining Experience amongst others!


There were six courses presented on the day of the lunch and let me tell you upfront: NONE DISAPPOINTED ME! and I mean, NONE!

Chilled Fragrant Goose Liver wrapped in Rice Paper Roll
served with cress, tomato caviar, fruits and sweet sauce
This is a one awesome appetizer! The Goose liver or more well known as Foie Gras was cooked perfectly on a decent consistency, juicy and still having that signature liver flavor to it. I think it was such a genius idea having Foie Gras along with fruits because it was such a play of flavor in the mouth! The tomato caviar has this popping texture! This course was accompanied with a sauce that actually was Peking Duck sauce. Such an awesome opening.


"Cantonese style" Braised Bird Nest with Seafood Dumpling in Supreme Broth
Another decent appetizer course, the soup was uber tasty with rich flavor of the supreme broth. The dumpling was pretty generous along with generous filling. Another not-to-miss.


Braised Fish Maw, Baby Abalone, Spinach and Superior Oyster Sauce
Okay, first of all, stunning presentation. Baby Abalone's cooked perfectly, frankly speaking the top 3 best I've had in life (so far). The spinach is predictably to be sauteed and lightly seasoned before being formed. The Braised Fish Maw's also delicate: smooth jelly like texture but when it got in mouth, it melted!



Chef's Pan Seared Wagyu Beef Sirloin (Sarawak Black Pepper Sauce)


Juicy premium Wagyu with wok-sauteed vegetables (believe me, even the lightly seasoned veges were nice, the smoky flavor tells it all!). The Blackpepper sauce was on a decent consistency and balanced flavor, appropriate company to the whole course.

Mee Sua Noodles with Scallops in Kung Fu Soup
The noodle was deep fried for seconds, that's why it has that smoky scent and flavor to it, also the reason behind the golden brown color. The scallop's adorable and juicy and the soup is just... top notch!


LPH Signature "D24" Durian Pancakes
D24 is the top premium grade for durians, according to Chef Thien, the top 3 best states in Durian grading, well it's proven from what I had here, it was such a sweet and sort of memorable closing! I'd die to have another portion of this! In case you're wondering, those gold layers on top is 24k edible gold paper! The texture of this dessert was creamy with rich durian flavor and moist skin! Two thumbs probably not enough.

Six courses and six straight A-s! The lunch was incredible and just like what I've said earlier, no negative comments made to the courses, oh probably one: I COULDN'T GET ENOUGH! :).

Don't worry guys, if you want to enjoy the same lunch or dinner experience exactly like mine, you can go to Xin Hwa at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Jakarta for this 'Two Chef Menu" promotion until the November 23rd! Mark your calendars! The menu will include some of Chef Thien's signature dishes and the price starting at IDR 588k++

Thanks Xin Hwa for such a splendid afternoon and for Chef Thien, since you're very kind to my tummy...

Tribute to you :).

Xin Hwa Chinese Restaurant || WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM
2nd fl. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Jakarta
Jalan Kebon Kacang Raya
Jakarta Pusat 10310
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One rainy afternoon and kilometers away from home were my state last Wednesday, southern of Jakarta to be exact. The ambiance at this following restaurant was superb, especially during the rainy hour. Located at The Papilion Kemang, Huize Van Wely is no stranger for some. This Dutch franchise brand famous for its delicate premium cakes and desserts has been spreading its wings to Indonesia since 1990 and not until a few years ago when they decided to move to The Papilion at Kemang and raised its "sibling" at Pacific Place Mall Jakarta.

Frankly speaking, I already knew The Papilion back when I was in highschool and highschool was actually the first time I was allowed to go out and went home a little late, but I never went inside because at first I thought it was a hotel (blame the chic design and elegant looking building), but just few years ago I managed to finally know that The Papilion is actually a family business, not entirely business but also fun and passion for food & beverage, fashion and lifestyle that gather together as one, in this one fancy building.

Just one step inside and I knew I was in love! I was already impressed with the awesome exterior and the interior of Papilion (Huize Van Wely to be exact) just rang... classy and chic! You knew from the very first that this is an upscale dining venue and I love when the minimalist elements of the room create this classy feeling to it.
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Last Thursday I was invited by JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta to attend the opening celebration of The Royal Thai Delight. This event was held in coordination with the Tourism Authority of Thailand in order to celebrate the "Loi Krathong", a legendary event, as well as belief.

For you who don't have any idea of what Loi Krathong is, it's actually a ritual which is held to glorify The River, which in Thai's belief, the sign of wealth and royalty. This festival's usually held on the full moon day in November. There was a little simulation close to the actual event, probably minus the real full moon. Usually in Loi Krathong's celebration, there's a ritual to release the tiny boat (more like vessel) made of banana leaves decorated with flowers and incenses, the vessel is the Krathong. The purpose, according to the belief is to release the bad energies from people's life and to welcome the presence of blessings. Well, in this case, it depends on people's belief, but I always manage to believe all the positive energies. I hope since I attended the event, I am now officially showered with blessings *amen*.

The tremendous food I'm about to spoil you with were handled by Chef Chatpong Homsaem from Marriott Renaissance Bangkok. Gotta give it to him, the Thai food creations were nice.
Chef Chatpong Homsaem and Mr. Karan Berry (General Manager JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta)

Mr. H.E. Paskorn Siriyaphan (Thailand Embassy) giving speech to the attendants.

The "Loi Krathong" celebration simulation, officially releasing the bad energies! \(^.^)/

The atmosphere was slightly different than the other common days, of course there were some Thai inspired decorations to live up the Thai ambiance. I ate like super crazy that night (since it's buffet and it's Sailendra!), Sailendra probably on my top three best hotel buffets, I have always been a fan!! Especially ever since my friend treated me for her sweet seventeenth birthday here.



Elephants! Thai's famous animal icon.





Going to show you guys some of my most favorite Thai menu from the buffet list, not going to show you guys the whole menu because they're just too common. I want to highlight the thai menu so you guys can drool over them!
Lab Gai
Thai Spicy Minced Chicken Salad

Yam Talay
Spicy Seafood Salad

Yam Som O
Spicy Pomelo Salad


Grilled Seabass with Thai Seasoning


Crab Station

Chocolate Cakes!


I call this "Chocolate Keris" for certain reasons, especially for its figure that's sort of keris-like.
Chocolate Fountain, sometimes I wish I could swim in a pool of chocolate. Must be very lovely.



Overall, I was impressed. Frankly speaking, I am not a big fan of the Tom Yum, it would probably kick me harder if it was a little spicier and bolder, but I am really fond of the Khao Phat (Thai fried rice served with lime), Pad Thai (Signature Thai fried noodle), Kai Thot Takhrai (Deep fried chickens with shredded lemongrass) and the Squid courses! They were abdorably fresh.

For you who want to experience and spoil yourself  to indulge the tasty moment of Thai culinary, then this is surely not a promotion to miss! The Thai food promotion will be held from 7-30 November 2013 and available for lunch and dinner for relatively good price: IDR 248.000++.

Sailendra Restaurant || WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER
1st Fl. JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta
Jl. DR. Ide Anak Agung Gede Agung (Kawasan Lingkar Mega Kuningan) E 1-2 No. 1&2
Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan 12950
021 - 5798 8889
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Three days in a row, three new post! I have been motivated to blog lately!

It's because last week I was so busy and I didn't have time (and diligence) to blog them out! So I guess this week's payback time, most of my latest posts were actually events that I just attended couple days ago. This week is another busy week for me, I know "busy" sounds arrogant and cocky but it's the truth that I am freaking busy! Today is Tuesday and it's my only day off out of this week so I decided to blog <3.

I am going to blog about this restaurant that I visited couple weeks ago in Pondok Indah Mall, after attending an event by Indonesian Foodblogger (post here). I went to this eye-catching restaurant called "Boka Buka" in Street Gallery Pondok Indah Mall 3. Technically, it's a French restaurant with a little fusion creations on the menu, and they also have a lovely interior! Kinda reminded me of cafes in Bali, everything was super vintage!

A little story about Boka Buka. It's actually a family business which originally started as a Waffle parlour located in Cipete Raya, back in 1999 and slowly making its way as restaurants around 2002. 10 years later, the second branch (which is this one) is finally opening for public in a relatively more approachable venue. Boka Buka itself actually means "Opened Mouth". I was lucky to be able to meet up with the owners of this restaurant, this branch is run by the Budiendra sisters while the main restaurant in Cipete is run by their parents :). They were really nice!
Usually when I love a restaurant's interior, it would be hard for me to stop taking photos! So beware, this post is going to be photo-heavy :D.
I love how the colors work with the color of the wood.
Vintage teapot and cups spotted!
I visited this restaurant around two weeks ago and at thay moment, it was on The Halloween hype so basically Halloween decoration's all over the restaurant...and food (will get to that in a short time).

COMPLIMENTARY DRINK
Homemade Signature Fresh Ginger Juice
Everyone who's eating in Boka Buka will get this complimentary drink before digging in their courses. It was indeed fresh and I fell for its not-so-overwhelmin ginger scent, it was infact sore of lime-ish and that's a good thing for me.

Left: Green Tea Smoothie, Right: Red Velvet Smoothie - both IDR 35k
Gotta admit that I love the red velvet smoothie more than the green tea because it's more fragrant, tastier and bold but not overpowering.

Pumpkin Soup
IDR 35k
Black spider made of Olive on the egg just to live up the Halloween ambiance!

Escargot de Bourgogne (12 Pieces)
IDR 115k
Twelve oven baked Escargots, baked with parsley and signature Boka Buka garlic butter! Okay, hands down this is probably the best Escargot I have ever had in my life (so far), I have tried some other escargots in various restaurants but none has surpassed this in terms of size, flavors and the aftertaste! The perfectly cooked Escargots were also accompanied with breads and its signature garlic butter. The melting butter from the plate is just awesome for the bread dipping. LOVE THIS!



Creamy Chicken Mushroom in Crepes
IDR 78k
Another wonderful and not-to-be-missed menu! This is H-2-T from the crepes to the chicken filling! The chicken filling's generous, the cream was thick but not overwhelming the aftertaste, and love the fact that the crepe's cooked lightly it was not crispy! I'd just have this again! FYI the sparks of white you see on top was not Parmesan, it was bread crumbs.
Another Halloween inspired food decoration. This one's made of bread and white chocolate, not really suggesting it to be eaten with the chicken.. flavor contrast!

Mushroom Lasagna
IDR 75k
Three layers of Lasagna, with loads of creamy bechamel sauce, mushrooms and cheese! This one is also decent, especially the genius part of giving homemade pesto sauce to add dreamy contrast to the flavor! I have always been such a huge fan of Pesto and to add this to a palate like this?! Uh-mazing.


Dame Bruxelles a.k.a. Lady Brussels
IDR 40k
So I had this for my dessert. Belgium waffle, icing sugar, ice cream and chocolate sauce. This dessert might look so simple but trust me, this was just the waffle that I've (sort of) been looking for! I have always loved a semi-crispy layer of pancake but chewy on the inside and this just nailed it correctly. I actually asked the owner and it was the matter of the waffle maker utensil. I am not such a huge fan of the soft puffy version of Belgian waffles so that's why I probably really fond of this.


So there you go! The courses that I had during my visit to Boka Buka. The food they're having here was super nice, like I mean totally above the "good" standard, more like great! Remember, this restaurant has been in the scene since 1999, so there must be something that captivates the heart of the consumers! I proudly say I am its new fan <3. I highly recommend you guys to go here

Will be back for their steak! I was so drooling over it but I just had a big meal on the IDFB event!

FYI, before I end this post, I just wanna thank you all!
Thank you guys for your support, eatandtreats is finally having its 3000 daily hits (and has been steady). Captured this on the November 3rd 2013.
I am always open to my readers about (almost) everything, including the stats here! The screenshot was taken on November 3rd 2013 around 2PM. It's stated that the day before (November 2nd 2013) I got 3162 hits and on (November 1st 2013) I got 3067 hits! The 1552 hits was reffering to the time I captured it (November 3rd 2013, 2 PM), it's not even 12AM but I already got half of my current daily hits. I am so overwhelmed and happy! Thank you guys!!!

I will always continue to write better, to take better photos and to really serve you my opinion about what's happening in Jakarta's culinary scene. I am going to keep the old me, my good old style of writing, only probably...bigger more fascinating improvements and changes!

To all of you reading my blog... thank you :").


Sincerely,



SHDS

Boka Buka Kitchen and Bar
Street Gallery Pondok Indah Mall 3
2nd fl. SG 206 T
Pondok Indah, Jakarta Selatan
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