Untitled #1: Holycow - Bakmi Asuk - Fish N Co + LOTS OF WORDS :D

Before continuing on, I would make this clear: This post will be about me blabbering my thoughts. But don't worry. I will still circulate around the BIG TOPIC OF FOOD. Therefore, embrace yourselves to read all my thoughts within this week. Since I am a new blogger, I'm still tryin to find ways to make this blog more appealing. Before I forget, The pic for Yaki Charsiu at Marutama Ramen is now available to see!  Check it out HERE

Okay. now, lets get back to the point. Don't get bored here. Okay? You guys aren't bored quite yet rightt?? :)

FRIDAY 20 APRIL 2012.
YIPEEE! YEAAAY! MY DAD IS FINALLY LIKING OTHER FOODS THAN CHINESE FOOD!
I'M PROUD OF YOU DADD!! Okay. Sorry for the exaggeration . The point is, I finally hear the word DELICIOUS over these two items we ate as a family this week coming from the mouth of my dad.

The first food he said delicious was... Holycow's Wagyu Ribeye. Cooked to Medium Rare accompanied with Mushroom Sauce and a scoop. Yes. a scoop. like an ice cream. of Mashed Potatoes. He loves it because he finds Holycow's steak as a customized version of a steak. Suited for the Indonesians who loves strong taste.. This is for him. It is salty, yet um.. rich in flavors. And for desserts, he ate the complimentary cupped tiramisu.

Um... Rayns? What do you eat? I ordered the Wagyu Tenderloin. TEAM TENDERLOIN!!
Sorry for not having the pic. I was effinly hungry at the time we visited Holycow and I forgot to take the picture of my lovely tenderloin and I just remembered after I finished my steak that I gotta take some pictures! hahahahaah! sorry yoww!

TODAY is April 22 2012. The day I wrote this post.

A typical sunday morning. Noodles or Porridge seems to be the two dishes my fam loves to have for Breakfast or Brunch.  This morning though.. we ate... Bakmi Asuk. Well Dad. Here is some Chinese Food for you. :)

Bakmi Dada Ayam (Chicken Breast Noodle)

Bakmi Lebar Dada Ayam (Wide Chicken Noodles)

A portion of Pangsit Rebus (Boiled Dumplings)

Well yeah. There is the pic from Bakmi Asuk. A family favorite :D

After hours of what would happen on a typical Sunday... We went to Fish n Co for dinner. 

The Best Fish n Chips in Town

Dad used to say that this is too plain.  Now he likes it :)

Singapore Fish n Chips

The Bla Platter (I forgot the name, my bad.)

And yeah. That's our dinner. I felt full finishing up one platter. :D

Um.. Rayns? From this post you've wrote, you dont seem include any veggies in your diet this week. Aren't you supposed to eat veggies..? the answer is yes I ate them. Don't worry guys! haha :D

It's time for me to get on to my homework. Gotta finish up all the presentation I'm having tomorrow and the next day after. I'm sorry that you have to read this post that is just too full of words!

Your brother in food who's crazily blabbering what's in his mind and will soon do his homework.
Rayns Raymond.
Follow me at @foodgazette for more food and @rayns8 for more about my student life. :D
Comment below or in the shoutbox yaaaa :) ditunggu... :)

Holycow Steak
Jalan Senopati
Jakarta

Bakmi Asuk
Jalan Danau Sunter Utara
Jakarta

Fish n Co Pacific Place
SCBD, Jalan Jendral Sudirman
Jakarta

Bubble Tea Bars Compared

Long waited by Mama WY... Here is.. my comprehensive bubble tea bars comparison! This post is dedicated to you who's visiting Indonesia in next week! 

Until recently... Jakarta was suddenly filled up by various bubble tea bars... Well umm... long ago.. there was only Quickly, Hop Hop and Kuick Kuick being the three bubble tea bar contenders in Jakarta. Now.. there are many of em. Lets cut to the chase!

This review is made in collaboration with my sis, Jess. More about her at @JessicaChikaG
This recapped review will be updated as time goes on. Be sure to check this one often!

1. Chatime

Chatime Living World Alam Sutera

Chatime itself is franchised by those who brought you Ace Hardware and Informa.. and was available in some areas like Kelapa Gading, Gandaria, Serpong, Puri, and um.. some other places. :)

After a couple of visit, I would recommend you: 

Taro Milk Tea (Milk blended with taro and taro bits) with Grass Jelly

and Grass Jelly with Fresh Milk. Just like the name clearly says. (picture coming up progressively)

2. Calais

 Calais at Supermall Karawaci

Well.. I dont know much about Calais.. but from the point card they gave me.. they have branch over five main cities - Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, bla. bla. bla. In Jakarta, you can visit them at Supermall Karawaci or Kuningan City.

Some recommendations:

Peach Tea (Left) Taro Milk Tea (Right)

Honey Milk Tea
 

3. Bobabits

Bobabits counter menu

Bobabits is located in Pantai Indah Kapuk. Well... I rarely visit this area.... and I dont have much to say!

Some stuffs my sis order during her visit (yes, these pics are taken by her. given to me. give her the credits!)

 Strawberry Tea (Left) Honey Milk Tea (Right)

Fruit Delight

What is great about Bobabits is that they also serve up some fried delicacies... and comfy seats as well!

4. Quickly

Quickly at The Foodhall - Plaza Indonesia
 

Quickly has been the classic contender along with Kuick Kuick and Hop Hop. But I believe, compared to those two, Quickly is the best classic contender :) Quickly also has lots of counters spread around town as well.

Oreo Coffee

5. Come Buy

  Come Buy at Emporium Pluit

Walkin to the corners of Emporium Pluit, I found a new Bubble Tea bar somewhere in Emporium Pluit. Again, this one says that they originate from Taiwan.

Pudding Chocolate (Top Left) and Taro Milk Tea (Bottom Right)

Pros and Cons:
Okay. From this point on you may have noticed one thing: I ordered one same type of drink almost at each establishment: The Taro Milk Tea. Now let's discuss each pros and cons.

Chatime: (PROS) Great variety of drinks.
                (CONS) Some branches are overcrowded. Service is slow in MKG.

Calais: (PROS) Serves the best bubble compared to all other three + many variety of drinks.
             (CONS) Flavors can be inconsistent sometimes.

Bobabits: (PROS) Uses quality ingredients (Monin syrups) and fresh fruits in their menus.
                  (CONS) Site is too cramped and overcrowded.

Quickly: (PROS) The most number of branch and is still delicious.
                (CONS) Less customization options

Come Buy: (PROS) Great add-ons. Their chocolate drink is delicious!
                  (CONS) Add-ons are too sweet. Maybe.. reduce the sugar?

The Taro Milk Tea award however, was won by Chatime :) read more below.

Therefore:
- If you are like me, who loves Taro Milk Tea soo much, go to Chatime. They've got it served with real taro, making it more creamy and delicious. :).
- If you want yummy toppings, go to Chatime, Calais or Comebuy.
- If you want to hang out and have some bubble teas, go to Bobabits! They've got cozy seats. 
- If you don't do much customizations, Quickly is also delicious :)


In the end, if you are cravin for bubble teas, go to any establishment where possible. They all has their pros and cons and each establishments has its own specialty! Got it? Haha :) Who do you vote then? tell me your vote below on the comment section.


Chatime                                                 Calais
Living World Alam Sutera                      Supermal Karawaci
Alam Sutera Blvd.                                 Jl. Bulevar Diponegoro
Serpong                                                Karawaci - Tangerang


Bobabits                                               Come Buy
Ruko Crown Golf                                 Emporium Pluit Mall
Pantai Indah Kapuk                              Jalan Pluit Selatan Raya
Jakarta                                                 Jakarta


Quickly
The Foodhall Plaza Indonesia
Jalan MH Thamrin
Jakarta


Your Brother in food,
Rayns Raymond.
Follow me at @foodgazette


PS: This review will still be updated in the coming weeks! :)

Hans @ Pujasera Sirkus, Lippo Cikarang (#1 Breakfast Venue for me and my friends!)

Hiya folks? again, how's your week so far? for me, at the time of this writing was compiled marks the last day for my quarter break. And well... uhh. I'm just too lazy to start my everyday routines again...

But hey! As I resume school again, I just want to say that the best thing about school is that: I can meet all my friends. Then, if we have the time, we would just go eat. However, most of the time is available only during breakfast. Yes, breakfast JUST before school starts. Having bfast with my besties just builds up my mood through laughing together and through hearing some gossips from the girls! :)

The venue we visit ALL-THE-TIME FOR BFAST (well.. 95% of the time - because... the only options were KFC, Starbucks, A&W and all the stuffs at the KM.19 rest area at the Jakarta-Cikampek Highway) is Hans, located at the Pujasera Sirkus foodcourt. 

Hans opens early in the morning up till 10 o'clock (correct me if i'm wrong) and serves bubur ayam, mie ayam bangka, and lomie, as well as lontong cap gomeh (written above!) They have two branches in Lippo. One in Ruko Ventura, and one in Pujasera Sirkus.

The place: Yes. It's simple. Makanan Tenda! and they come in cheap!

This is my favorite, Bubur Ayam Special. Tasty, and cheap. (only Rp.9500!). I always ordered this, Fels as well, and also, my sis when she was still in highschool.

Next up, is their Mie Ayam Bangka - the menu that has been frequently ordered by Willy, Tash and Calv.
However, there's supposed to be some beansprouts in the noodle. I guess Calv threw em huh? 

While I never tried their lomie and their lontong cap gomeh, Willy said they are great as well. (Sorry, no pics)

Overall, Hans is like... The place me and my gang has been enjoying for quite a while - since I was a first grade elementary school kid! The taste itself.. Has never changed since ever. But if you want a healthier option, just say to the guys there: micinnya sedikit aje bang!

I just wish for more food options here at Lippo Cikarang! Bert! Please make it come true!

Overall Experience: 4/5

Hans
Pujasera Sirkus
Jl. MH Thamrin
Lippo Cikarang

Your Brother in food,
Rayns Raymond
More food stuffs discussed at @foodgazette

A day with friends drinking at The Playground and Dinner at Bistro Baron

Straight to the chase ~ During our quarter break, me and some friends decides to meet up at Plaza Indonesia. There, we watched 'The Raid' and I could say that this is one good Indonesian movie! Big applause for Iko Uwais!


Part 1 - Drinks at the Playground

 

After seeing all the blood - we then spent sometime calming our eyes and mind down at The Playground, as well to facetime our Mama who's busy studying in her home country Malaysia. We miss you mama! We hope to meet up with you soon! and to accompany our chit-chats and the video call, we ordered some drinks, no food just yet for now hehe...

This, is Mimi Cucu - A glass baby bottle filled with Soya Milk and Baileys topped with a lollipop!

However, see my details down below.

The Bully Iced Tea - nothing really special. Sam said.

This is... a mocktail.called Lobi-Lobi. Ordered by Lazz.

Lychee Iced Tea - A regular, tea, mixed with a squeeze of lychee and REAL lychee.

Some things should be noted: Even though we liked the atmosphere offered by The Playground, the Drinks was not really special for us. The worst part is... 'Mimi Cucu' doesn't match up our expectations - it is just a weird combination of soya milk and baileys, and was highly overpriced. It would've been better if they only put pure baileys into that baby bottle... But then, thanks for the free wifi offered at the Playground! (if u haven't know, facetime needs a wifi connection in order to operate!). Despite our satisfactory experience with the drinks....... in future updates, I'll cover the food as well.

Part 2 - Dinner at Bistro Baron
Next up, we went to Bistro Baron. (bye mama, bye lazz!) I know this place isn't exactly new and i myself has dine here a couple of times prior to this visit.

This time however, we are seated outside in the smoking area because their place is too cramped for the five of us... AHH.. Lets just go the food, shall we?

For appetizer, we are offered a complimentary basket of crunchy french bread accompanied with salted butter.

For maincourse, each of us ordered different dishes:

For dinner, Calvin will be havin' the Butcher's plate. Containing - Rillettes, Foie Gras, Smoked Duck and Duck Liver mousse with Brown toasted bread. Based on what calv said, this is his favorite dish here at Bistro Baron. "Nothing better than consuming the core taste of gastronomical ingredients, BB's Butcher's Plate is one of many foods that manage to bring out that taste." - that is what Calv gotta say about the dish.

Meanwhile, Sam and Liz are having Confit de Canard for dinner - a homemade duck leg confit with potato rosti, green bean and redwine sauce. Sam.. Sam.. mi bro that's now fallin' in love with Miss VS.. All he can say is... Nothing. He became quiet the moment the confit arrived and finished it in no time. Liz also ordered this.. And she said that "every bite brings me closer to heaven". IS IT REALLY THAT DELICIOUS LIZ? WELL... I GOTTA HAVE MY OWN PORTION THEN NEXT TIME!

I myself have Steak frites for dinner. A 200-day grain fed black angus striploin with french fries and red wine sauce. Okay. Its delicious tho.. its juicy and smooth in the mouth... But for me, the filet is much better. Those extra fats are annoying! GO TEAM TENDERLOIN! WHO'S WITH ME?! BOO YOU SIRLOIN! I ate it all up anyways. Leaving only the fats behind.

Lastly, Bert has Roasted Lamb Rack for dinner - A double rack of lamb accompanied with grilled vegetables, potato cocktail and rosemary lamb jus. "The lamb rack was soft and rich in flavor. The elements in the dish, the veggies to the herbs really create a harmony in the mouth" - WELL... That is what Bert's gotta say about this dish below:

And for desserts, Calv ordered:

I forgot the name of this dish. I have to verify with Calv. Judging from the look.. this is.. a warm chocolate cake? I'll update this in a sec.

Overall, we must say that the dishes offered at Bistro Baron is just plain delicious. It was worth the money and the time waiting for the dishes to be prepared until it arrived at our tables. If we were to mention one cons about the Bistro, it would be the cramped venue. They um... should expand. We do not want to have to sit in the smoking area again. Here are some pics:

Sam - prayin before his meal!

Calv and Bert gettin' ready to eat

Calv and Liz.. smiling for the camera at the playground.

and this is me.. and Sam. Smilin' after our tummy has been fed up with good food!

Thanks for the day guys! 
PS: Calv, Bert, Sam, and Liz also contributed in the writing of this review.

The Playground
Plaza Indonesia Extension 4TH Floor
Jalan MH Thamrin
Jakarta
Their Drinks: 2/5

Bistro Baron
Plaza Indonesia Extension G Floor
Jalan MH Thamrin
Jakarta
Overall Experience: 5/5