Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Oh La La Cafe le Parisien - Plaza Indonesia

Words could not express how happy I am receiving my Macbook the other day. That means, I can access all my photos, and I can write another post, which is exactly why I'm so pumped to share with you this new establishment.

Yes, it is no longer Oh La La with colorful neon lights, food court trays, waiters in colorful uniform, and simple patisserie. It has got an upgrade in design and an upscale in class. The Oh La La in Plaza Indonesia make an effort to resemble outdoor cafe along Parisian streets. Champs-Élysées Avenue maybe, or rue de l'Hotel de Ville? Whichever that is, the typical wooden chair, round marble table, and street lamps on the background says it all. It is a good spot to simply sit on an afternoon and catch up on your readings. If only all this is really actually outdoor, and it be just perfect. But hey, that's just me and my ego.

As I recall, it was about 5pm. An in-between hour. Not the time yet for dinner, but the little dragon in my belly has made a quick announcement. So I decided to go for a coffee. Cappucino to be exact and a slice of Red Velvet Cake to shut the dragon up. It did just that.

I liked the Red Velvet, the body is soft and airy with proportionate cream cheese dividing them into three layers. Good size for a personal enjoyment. My taste bud was delighted with the quick treat, though I would prefer a sweeter tastier one any time.

As for the coffee, hand made by their very own manager, I have to say it was one of the best cup I've ever tasted. It has a bright, caramelly aroma, followed with a rather full body with subtle hint of peanut butter, a tiny dash of lemon and citrus. It was a rather complex but well balanced coffee, a characteristic expected from a well roasted arabica. On the following sip, it brought out a spicy, woody, tobaccoey flavor which is not entirely disagreeable. And finally, it closed with an aftertaste full of lie. Yes! I just made up all those tasting notes. Haha. I hope you enjoy the joke hidden between the line.

Anyway, as I'm new to coffee, there is no way at this point I would be able to discover such a deep insight from a sip of cappuccino. Still a long way to go, but I'm challenged to learn. So, really, the coffee for me was just as I expected. No acid. I dislike acid in coffee. Medium body and a creamy milky taste on the top.


All in all, I saw a lot of improvement attempted by Oh La La. Some of the things unthought of by others are well executed here. I really wish they would do the same to most of their major stores. It is about time for a little refreshment. I love the new logo. I love the menu designed in a newspaper. I hope it makes more effort to brings out the taste of Paris into life. And I'd surely comeback for more than just cake.

Until then, Au revoir.



Fellexandro Ruby
Food Conversationalist & Photographer

Munch on my tweets @Wanderbites or Instagram @Captainruby

12 comments:

  1. Will give this place a try! I must agree, outdoor would be perfect, that's how cafes in europe look superbly magical.

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  2. i love tuna salad from oh lala cafe :) and they have yummy mango juice

    Don't forget to visit and follow
    http://beforewehungry.blogspot.com

    vebbi

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the hints Vebbi. Peeps, do visit her blog. =D

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  3. Interesting to see the name: Cafe Oh La La. THAT Oh La La, rite? I thought they changed the name to Cafe bon Francais (like the one in Senayan City) or maybe this Cafe Oh La La specifically reserved for the upper-class places... :D

    Since you mentioned about the cappuccino made by the manager, it reminds me of Senayan City's Oh La La's manager that used to be Starbucks barista. Interesting enough, he brought his knowledge that he got from Starbucks to Oh La La to serve better coffee :D

    I'm curious of the red velvet cake, and since you sang praises on it, I believe I must give it a try :D

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    Replies
    1. Hello Retno, if I may add, Cafe Bon Francais is NOT a part of Ohlala. They used to be Ohlala franchisee but then they have decided not to extend their license.

      So, Ohlala is still Ohlala. The PI outlet is rebranded and changed to new logo, but the management remains the same :)

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    2. Thanks for shining us a little light Daniel =D

      @Nindya: I'm not sure if Starbucks is something we could associate with "better coffee". hihihihi.

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  4. love oh la la! one of my early nongkrong experience before the era of starbucks is the oh la la at Plaza Indonesia (now the lot becomes Pepper Lunch)

    My fave is tuna salad with croissant :) but the toast with melted cheese on top is also nice... When I was reading ur coffee description, I was shocked!!! When did Ruby become coffee expert and when did ohlala's coffee becomes very describable :p

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    1. Hahahaha, good that you read it all the way to the end of paragraph. I think part of their rejuvenation plan is to get serious on coffee. I heard they hired coffee consultant specially for that purpose.

      Anw, Oh La La is still my go to place when I'm around hospital!

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  5. menu nya mirip sama loewy ya?? btw, I would love to go to this new Oh la la when i'm going back to indo! YUM!

    Cheers!

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    1. you mean menucontent-wise, or menudesign-wise? you should check 'em out. and there's another establishment opening up soon too, Double Bay & Downtown. =)

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  6. Hi.. I'm @OhLaLa_ID fans too, and they've just invite me to their new restaurant, Ohlala Maison, The Bellagio, Mega Kuningan.. New design, new concept, so lovely!

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