Funky Gelato at Convivium : From Bacon to Strawberry Chilli

Ten outrageously uncommon flavor that you rarely found anywhere else. Weird and somewhat displeasing the first time I heard about it, but I was never hesitant. It captured the adventurous foodie in me. I was really intrigued on how they could pull it off. Plus, this could be a good wave to swallow the flooding rainbow cake fad.

Given the credence to do a quick photoshoot of them, I quickly grabbed the opportunity despite being a last minute assignment. It was one of the best decision I took, although I felt I could do a lot better if only my flash lights didn't fail on me. But better yet, here they are in order of my palate like-ability.

Squid Ink

I loved it for its daring flavor. I think just the thought of giving it a try and being able to pull it off deserve an applause. The color represent what the eyes expected and the taste was one of a kind. 

Earl Grey

For those who have tasted tea-infused macaron in TWG, then you'll get the idea. Its a similarly awesome personification of the famous tea. 

Lime Rosemary

The lime was at the right amount of sour and the subtle hint of rosemary at the back close it up with a refreshing natural flavor.

Red Velvet

I sincerely hope this would silence all the RVC hype. Red velvet cheesecake, red velvet cappucino, red velvet whatever. Probably one of the best rendition of the original idea. 

Strawberry Chili

I like how they keep the strong fruity strawberry flavor all around your palate and then somehow manage to bring out the chili only nearing that second you're about to swallow it. A little shock on the first bite, but those who fond of chili would easily fall in love with it. 

And the other remaining flavors are: Lychee, Bacon, Risotto Marscarpone, Orange Basil, Vanilla Balsamic. 

Don't get me wrong. Its not that I don't want to share how they tasted, I just feel like those five I mentioned are enough reason to move your ass, get going and give it a try before it became a hit and the next time you come around it will either always be unavailable or you would have to fight and wait for it for hours. 

My advice, hit it this weekend. Make it your Misi21. Especially if you've been bored having the same thing over and over again, this could be an eureka moment for you. Oh, and bring your friends around. It is a lot better to have it together with your loved ones. Not just because of the 70k Rupiah price tag but you most probably won't be able to finish it alone anyway. 

Let me know what you think. 

Ciao Bella, 

Fellexandro Ruby

Food Conversationalist & Photographer

Munch on my tweets @Wanderbites 

Downtown Bistro : A Mashup Of Flavor

Asian, European, American or Italian, from main course to dessert, this new kid on the block made quite a statement on its opening night. Lining up on a timely manner was a series of signature dishes expected to stood out among the long list of equally interesting menus. Some of them really strike a chord in me personally, while some others are possibly variety pleasers. If I were to rerun that night in my own terms, here's how it would be, menu by menu.

Yeas, I'd like to start from dessert please. Hands down, the George Pie and Sticky Toffee Date Pudding was a winner. Possibly on par with my favorite at Cork & Screw. The layers of thinly sliced apple brings out the sweet and sour to the surface, while the crust on the bottom adds a complementary texture.

George Pie (40k)

Sticky Toffee Date Pudding (35k)

My choice of mains will go to either one of these three. Mushroom Soup which was a great warming palette opener, served at the right temperature, although it was a bit on the salty end for me. Otherwise, it was tasty. George Steak cooked at medium rare making it effortlessly edible, despite of the strong seasoning. At some point, it was more Joko dan George. If you know what I mean. And the last of the herd, would be New York Breakfast. This is definitely something I'd like to come back for. One huge plateful of poached eggs, fried bacon, tomato & shrooms. You shall not be disappointed especially with the way they cooked the eggs almost flawlessly.

Wild Mushroom Soup (29k)

New York Breakfast (82k)

The George Steak (175k)

And if I still have a few rooms for more, I would venture their Chinese inspired Orange Chicken and Italian inspired Escargot Linguine Pesto. The former I reckon was appetizing with the saucing. While the latter showed a pleasing pasta. Visually appealing and one flavorful spicy meal.

Escargot Linguine Pesto (57k)

Orange Chicken (45k)

I must say I'm intrigued by Downtown Bistro and what's more to come from this foodplace. Other than the food, I enjoyed the atmosphere it creates with the library tables. I can see myself typing on my Macbook, spending a workday here while listening to the jazzy tunes in the background. Ain't that lovely?

Love and flavors,

Fellexandro Ruby
Food Conversationalist & Photographer

Munch on my tweets @Wanderbites =)

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Downtown Bistro
The Landmark Centre
Jl. Jendral Sudirman No. 1
Ph: 52960064

www.downtownjkt.com

My Very First Kitchen Table at Otel Lobby Jakarta

A chef's table is a table located in the kitchen of a restaurant reserved for VIPs and special guests. Patrons are served a themed tasting menu prepared and served by the head chef. (Wikipedia)

Every foodie must have dreamed about it at least once in their life to have a feel of dining behind the scenes, in the kitchen with all the mess, steam, screams, clings and clatters. It just so happen that I had a chance to experience it a while ago in one of my favorite food place on invitation by Ve Handojo and the head chef herself, Chef Maya Aldy.

As it is with corporate CEO who usually influence his company, the same thing applies here at Otel Lobby. I see the kitchen is somewhat a representation of who Chef Maya is and how she likes to do things. It is totally the opposite of Gordon Ramsay in the TV. It was a rather calm evening, where most things are done in perfect order. I suspect it was intended, the calm was to double the surprise Chef Maya have for us in the meals.

The whole experience felt like a living rendition of Stars, a pleasant 7-minute song by Fun. Long enough to listen to but doesn't bore you, in fact it comes with jolts of excitement, change of pace, and high pitch falsetto in between. 

Excitement
The first of those was Foie Gras & Duck Confit in Salak Sauce with sliced red & green apple. Served as the opening meal, it continues what Chef Raj left behind on our previous dinner. Playful with an attitude. And a jumpstart for my appetite. If I were a chef, I'd be sitting and thinking "why didn't I thought of that ..."

Change of Pace
Tomato Tart with Mushroom on Pineapple & Tomato sauce. Sweet but not to the edge of being repelling.  As I savored it slowly and feel the play of texture. Everything in the dish was just right for me. The acidity, color, presentation. I'm not a tomato fan, but yes, I'd come back just for this.

Falsetto
The high pitch exclamation came nearing the end of the dinner in the humble form of Mascarpone ice cream. Served with fruits, it enhanced the mix of flavors. Added with the crisp caramel-like bar. I was hooked from the first bite. Overall, every one of the 7-course dinner was a hit in their own way, but I suppose its no fun telling them all here. Its a personal mystery you can uncover yourself. =)

Not only the food but also the companion of Ve Handojo, Jen from Jenzcorner, Daniel Kaurranny, Kenny Santana and Imel Budiman has also played a part in making my very first kitchen table experience a pleasant one. I went home with a smileful of happiness and the tunes of Fun at the back of head playing as the soundtrack.

"And I'd be saying that you, you're always holding on to stars. I think they're better from afar..." 

Cheers to more night like this,

Fellexandro Ruby
Food Conversationalist & Photographer

Munch on my tweets @Wanderbites