Now Cooking - Hartwood Bandung

Humongous neon light, crowds of stylish looking yuppies in their prime, breeze of air contained with smoke of cigars, low lights, tight seating, continuous conversations and sudden burst of laughs in the background.

This is Hartwood.

As a brand new establishment in Bandung, Hartwood looks to appeal against the typical Bandung foodplace, probably segmented to the middle upper manhattan people especially looking at its pricing. Does it serve a previously uncharted market? I'd like to believe so.

Take a look at this Braised Short Ribs, claimed as one of the chef's specialty. Too bad, on my visit, it was not up to par with its price tag (110k). I admit the meat was well cooked. Soft, tender, well seasoned and the likes. Somehow reminds me of the dinner I had at Otel Lobby. However, on my third bite, as I began to incorporate my other senses, in this case, my nose, I found a rather distasteful smell which kinda ruin the whole thing. Not to mention the cold pieces of broccoli that serve more as a decor rather than a compliment to the whole meal.

Braised Short Ribs (110k)

Tenderloin Steak (58k)

Determined to find the best menu to represent Hartwood, we decided to have Tenderloin Steak as second main course, but I guess luck is not on our side that night. Although the steak was prepared in good manner, it was not particularly special to my liking.

Being only on their second month of opening, I suppose these things are expected. Tolerance are extended. A little inconsistency within limit is arguable. If fate allows I might like to venture this place once more and hopefully find the one thing that make Hartwood stood out among the rest, other than its fancy-cozy interior.

In comparison with the many clueless new foodplace in PIK with little sense of direction in taste, I hope they could prove themselves soon. At the mean time for me its not more than a place to see and be seen. I'd go anywhere next door to please my appetite.

Cheers,


Fellexandro Ruby
Food Conversationalist & Photographer

Munch on my tweets @Wanderbites, snack on my instagram @Captainruby. ;)


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Hartwood - Gourment  & Grind
Jl. Cimanuk 12, Bandung
Ph: +62224240655
Twitter: @Hartwood_

Kue Balok - Not Just A Sideshow At Nasi Bancakan Bandung

We correlate sideshow to something subordinate, or at a lesser appeal compared to the main attraction. Come to a circus and you'll find the little tiny games booth as an addition, an option that's indifferent to your overall experience. It's the exact opposite here at Nasi Bancakan. Separated from the main courses where people took the patience to queue, Kue Balok is placed at a corner (well not exactly a corner, but you get what I mean). However, I find it is not in many ways, inferior to the mains. In fact, on my short trip to Bandung, I came here specifically just for Kue Balok.

It is actually a pretty simple mix of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter cooked in an unique way. The dough is  'ovened' using a classic anglo fired with charcoal, both from the top and the bottom. The result is an evenly baked Kue Balok with a soft texture and a little crackery surface. The pictures below will do a better depiction of the lovely piece of bread. I love tearing it in two and breathe in the buttery smell. Tastewise, I like the comfort it gives being not to sweet and all. Munch it in slowly, close it with a glassful of hot tea and its just perfect for an afternoon break especially on a gloomy rainy Saturday like now.

I read from Nguliner that it is used to be called Jibeuh a.k.a hiji oge seubeuh (one's enough to make you full). I doubt that, I myself ate half a box to satisfy my appetite. Haha. Found mostly in the city of "Kang", 'Tehh" and names repetition, I'd refer Kue Balok as Bandung / Sunda specialties, even though the actual origin is still unknown. I wonder what would happen if somebody dares to brand it, and call it 'Official Bandung's Gift'. Hmm.. I mean don't you had enough of Kue Bolen already?

It is a possibility, considering their very own city mayor, Dada Rosada is a big fan of it. We'll just have to wait and see I guess.

Until then, enjoy these photos. Oh, and if anybody has tasted the more popular Kue Balok at Abdurahman Saleh, Bandung, do let me know how it compares to this. =)

Hatur Nuhun,

Fellexandro Ruby 
Food Conversationalist & Photographer

Snack on my tweets @Wanderbites

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Nasi Bancakan
Jl. Trunojoyo No. 62, Bandung
Ph: 022 - 4203650

Mie Naripan Bandung - Word of Mouth or Worth of Mouth?

Who would have thought that a quick trip to Bandung will eventually end up as one joyful day of food discovery (and shopping of course =p). It was a very well spent Saturday. Having nothing on our plan, Mie Naripan was the first pit stop that we decided to venture out. I guess it's a no-brainer with so much praise about this place heard from a friend of a friend of a friend of a ... well you get the idea. I even emptied my stomach since morning only to prepare my appetite for it. Did it live up to my expectation? Has it worth the long drive and the sacrifice? We'll see.

What you see in the opening photo is their signature savory pork noodle. And underneath was the accompanying bowlful of tripes, meatballs and dumplings soup.

Tripes, Meatball, Dumpling Soup w/ Noodles (37k)

Noodle Factory Line

It hurts for me to say that despite of all the word-of-mouth, I did not find it special. Well, the tripes soup is something unordinary, but I've tasted tastier one in Pademangan. As for the noodles, they should thank the chili sauce for bringing out the flavor that it lacked off, and for helping the chopped meat to stand out. It was for me, not a bar higher than ordinary. It was good, but not to the point that would make me wanna drive another two and a half hour for it.

I'm still curious with their sweet yamie though. Anyone has a comment on that? Please don't tell me I just made a serious disadvantage ordering the savory noodle instead of the sweet one. But still, fire away the truth if you have tasted both.

Now, here's a little sideway attraction that I found quite satisfactory. The fried meatballs. Dip it in the sauce and its a feast on the tongue, especially for those who fond of spicy food.

Fried Meat Ball

Another attraction for me is the history. I can feel the cultural ruins of this place and how it made its mark among Bandung citizens. Being named after the street it's on is one. The Mister / 'Ngko' who's still cooking behind the noodle factory line is two. And the endless crowd of people coming in is three. My take is that, Mie Naripan has been a part of the community as the people grew along, hence eating there is now more of a nostalgic experience, instead of a culinary feast. On the extreme, it might be a similar case to Zangrandi ice cream in Surabaya. It's not a top notch ice cream we know, still we love coming there for the love of the experience, not particularly the taste I reckon. Well, one visit might not do the justice, I'm still up to dig some more from this place. But as for now, this is it.

Typical Interior of A Chinese Noodle Place - Calendar, Calendar, Calendar

One more Bandung adventure is coming. O wait! Two more! And it involve a recently opened joint. So tune in, eat up, and live large!

Cheers,

Fellexandro Ruby
Food Conversationalist & Photographer

Snack on my tweets @Wanderbites
Munch on my instagram @Captainruby



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Mie Naripan
Jl. Naripan No. 108, Braga, Bandung
Ph: 022 - 4205516
Also available in:
Jl. Bulevar Barat, Komp. Ruko Kelapa Gading Square, Italian Walk Blok B No. 48B