Ippudo Indonesia: Kakuni’s Feast! Zuzutto!

Who doesn’t love Japan & Ramen? I bet everybody does! In this Open Rice Indonesia gathering session, all the food bloggers/instagramers/lovers are all excited to go to Ippudo Indonesia at Pacific Place. It’s really easy to be found! Just go to the 4^th floor via escalator, turn to your right, and there you are! Just in front of Ippudo ;)

THE BEGINNING

An attentive waiter will greet you, ask how many persons, and escort you smoothly into the seat. Don’t be surprise, even though the place is big, sometimes you might catch a queue – yes, it’s super crowded! –, especially in lunch / dinner time! Relax; even if you need to wait, there are comfortable seats next to the reception.

When I arrived, Ippudo Indonesia, Open Rice and the others greet me. They are super friendly and I feel like I’ve been their best friend for a long time! I put down all my stuffs, and take out my gear – a camera! –

 THE AMBIANCE

The first time after you step into Ippudo Indonesia’s restaurant, you will immediately feel like you are in Japan! The super loud greeting from Ippudo Indonesia’s team "いらっしゃいませ!!" (Irasshaimase!!)  is going to drag your mind over from Pacific Place to Japan. In addition, the ornaments, the furnitures, the kitchen sets, the employee uniforms, the arrangement of the kitchen area, everything is representing Japan as their main theme – and food!

As I look around, I realize how smart they arrange the seating position. They have the super big round table if you’re more than 6 people, a regular table that fit for family up to 4 people, table for couple even a kinda private / exclusive room. Super smart, right? You don’t need to get confused with the seating arrangement at all.

Ah, not to forget, for you who’s SINGLE a.k.a Jomblo (Maklum ya, jomblo terkadang terlupakan #eh) there’s a seating arrangement special for one person, like the one in a bar, in front of their kitchen. At least, you won’t feel alone because you can face the kitchen member, together with other single person around you.

That single seating arrangement truly reminds me of Japan. FYI, in Japan the land is limited so they need to build a building, restaurants included, as minimum as they can. That’s why you can found a lot of Japanese restaurants in Japan with single seating arrangement like this one, to save place. Plus, a lot of Japanese people eat alone, especially employee and businessmen/woman.

 THE APPETIZER

Yep, let’s get back into our gathering session! To stretch out, Ippudo Indonesia and Open Rice serve the appetizers for us to shoot. Relax, of course we are not here only to take pictures, but taste it afterwards! How nice of Ippudo Indonesia and Open Rice, because we don’t have to share those tempting appetizer. Yes, we get a personal platter for each appetizer! *Horray!!*

The personal platter ;)

Deep-Fried Squid with Nori

To eat this appetizer, don’t forget to squeeze the Lemon all over the squid to give more enchanting taste, and dip it into mayonnaise sauce. As the name implies, deep fried, its crunchy, a bit oily, and super yummy!  A perfect finger food to share while gossiping!

 Hot Potato Salad

This one is like a baked potato and full of vegetables. Well, as I’m a true carnivore and doesn’t fancy vegetables, this one is not my favorite. Plus, they have a lot of onion inside. I can’t eat a lot of onion because it has a very strong taste and its like explode in my mouth. If you follow my blogposts, I can’t stand herbs / ingredients with strong taste. However, I must say that the baked potato itself is very smooth and tasty. I love the baked potato, apart from all the vegetables and onion. It might be nice if we can request a pure baked potato without the salad.

Kushi Katsu

Well, who said only chicken that can be made as a delicious Katsu? You’re totally wrong bro! Contains half pork meat and half pork fat, this deep fried katsu has a very crunchy texture outside. In your very first bite, you’ll be surprised to taste how crunchy it is. In contrast, the pork meat is super tender – the pork fat is kinda chewy, though – . So you got two different sensations in one bite. ! I think this one has become my number 1 favorite Katsu! Don’t forget to dip it into the sauce!

HOW TO EAT RAMEN – WELL, YOU EAT IT WRONG, ALL THIS TIME!

After socializing and eating our scrumptious appetizer, ci Amanda – from Ippudo – give each of us a leaflet about how to eat ramen. You know what? All this time, we eat Ramen in a wrong way! This is the three steps on how to eat your Ramen – “Zuzutto!” –

1. Sip

First, sip the warm, rich soup. So you can taste the well prepared broth from the chef.

2. Slurp

After you got the rich sensation, with the chopsticks, pick up few strands, and “sluurrpppp” or “zuzutto!” (Japanese language for slurp)

3. Top

Don’t forget to enjoy your ramen toppings!

Congratulations, you’ve got a complete ramen-eating experienced!

If I can correct it, I think Indonesian – especially us, bloggers – have four steps, even more, in eating Ramen. Nice guess guys! The first step is taking pictures of the ramen! Not to forget, check – in, upload photo in socmed, show off the ramen to other friends, and so on, and so on. LOL!

THE KAKUNI

As I told you seconds ago, when the Kakuni was served by the Ippudo Indonesia’s crew, all of us start to take picture of it. Even Miyazaki Hideki, the Japanese R&D Manager of Ippudo’s Asia got surprise with our “tradition” and said to us that we should eat the Ramen real fast before the soup gets cold. Ci Amanda told him that’s what we do regularly, and we all laugh. Well, I think Miyazaki Hideki–san still couldn’t get it, hahaha!

Surprise surprise, Miyazaki Hideki-san voluntarily pose the hands in frame style so that we can take picture of the beautifully cook, thick-cut pork belly! Thank you & it was a very nice of you!

Basically, all the Kakuni’s has the same portion and topping (pork belly). The only difference between all of them is the broth.

Shiromaru Kakuni

I pick the lightest broth, which is Shiromaru Kakuni, with well-done (normal) cook noodle. For you who can’t stand strong ingredients (i.e onion, ginger, others) like me, this is absolutely the best choice! It’s served in a huge white bowl. I love the overall combination! The rich soup, the thin slurpy noodle, even the mushroom! And WOW…look at this pork belly!!  Perfectly cut in square, with a big & thick portion, along with the combination of the yummy fat, and easy to chew meat, oh my, I could enjoy this pork belly all day long. Even when I’m writing this review, I still could taste it in my throat!

 Kamaru Kakuni

I also tried the broth of Kamaru Kakuni. For me, it has a super strong, especially garlic, taste. So yes, thank God I don’t order this one, hahaha! Other foodies that order this Kakuni feel really satisfied with the taste! Well, everyone does have a different taste, and it’s really important for you to pick the ones that match with yours!

Karaka Kakuni

This Kakuni has the strongest, thickest broth and the hottest chilli among all. When I take a sip of the thick soup, yes, this one is super strong and super rich. Maybe I could recommend this one to my dad, since he loves eating a strong-taste dish.

In addition, if you feel that all of the broth is still not strong enough to match your taste, Ippudo also provides a separate easy – to – press garlic. Just request for it!

Can you spot the additional garlic on the top ?

When you’re reading this, a question might come to your mind. 

“How come I never knew about the Kakuni Menus in Ippudo Indonesia?”

Well, get your tummy ready, because this Kakuni Menus will be available in April 2015! Another pork & ramen dish to die for!

HEY, THEY ALSO HAVE BEEF ! ;)

For you who doesn't eat or like pork and wondering whether you can eat here or not, well don't worry, because you can!! Ippudo Indonesia also serve beef in their menu.

Beef Teppanyaki

Served when it's still hot, I recommend you to take pictures in a blitz, and directly mix it all together because if it gets cold, it can't be mixed properly. Not only the ramen taste rich, this beef teppanyaki is also flavourful! Uh-oh, I think I start to forget my diet! 

Spoiler alert!

Soon, for Ramen lovers, they will innovate launch a new Chicken Ramen! Just wait and see, okay?

Ippudo's team truly have fun and enjoying their work!!

 THE CLOSING

With our fully satisfied tummy, the Open Rice x Ippudo Indonesia gathering comes to its end. Ippudo Indonesia gives each of us a goody bag as souvenir. Thank you again!! I love that you also aware of Global Warming and support Go Green movement!

Thank you and I hope to see you all again real soon, Ippudo Indonesia, Open Rice, and all foodies!

Can you spot me guys? :p

IPPUDO INDONESIA
Pacific Place, 5th Floor
Jl. Jenderal Sudirman SCBD, Jakarta

Phone : +6221-57973339

Thanks, reader(s)!

[Megan Faustine]

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Macaroni House Pesanggrahan: Cheese and Beef Overload!

Located on Jl. Pesanggrahan, I never expect this street will have so many yummy restaurants that I’ve never heard plus never taste before. Luckily, it was Saturday and the traffic condition was normal. I went to the meet up using UBER ride (yes, I got IDR 100,000 promo voucher from Zomato ). Let me tell you a bit about my UBER ride,  okay?

UBER RIDE

UBER is an online taxi application that is already really famous abroad, especially in the America. In Indonesia, UBER is only available in Jakarta at the moment. To order an UBER, all you need to do is register, then put in your credit card number, and done! You can order a taxi in one click. 

What I like about UBER is that, they’re having a car like Xenia, Avanza, and any other that can pick up more than 5 people. Plus, you don’t need to bring cash, because all the fare will be charge in your credit card. Thanks to technology, you can also track your location, your driver location, and also the destination. You won’t get lost!

The BEST thing, if you sign up using this link below, you will get a credit of IDR 75,000 , which means : FREE RIDE!! 

You can sign up here: FREE RIDE IDR 75,000 (Yes, you’re welcome!)

Using UBER, I arrive at Macaroni House around 12.15 p.m. Just the perfect time before the meet up event started! As usual, because it is a meet up, I meet a lot of new friends here! Ah, I always feel super happy to meet people who love to eat – a LOT – and photography – like me.

The owner and Zomato crew greet us nicely and introduce us to one another. In my surprise, even though Macaroni House served what people called a “fatty” and “unhealthy” dish, but Macaroni House made an exception! They always use the best ingredients to keep us healthy – like using soya milk, and any other safe ingredients for their food. Wow, a big applause for that!

WOW! SUPER LOTS OF FOOD!!

APPETIZER

Pizza Bite - IDR 20,000

The shape of this pizza is like a super mini “Pastel”. I don’t know what it’s called in English, but if you’re Indonesian, you know what I mean right? Of course, because it’s a pizza, the filling is not like usual Pastel. I think it contains of some beef, tomato, and other spices. Mini but yummy!

Baked Potato Carbonara - IDR 35,000

Oh wow, I totally love this one! The owner is super nice, she warm it again for all of us. The potato is super smooth; I can taste the cheese and the beef. I just can’t stop eating this one until the very last bite!

Smoked Beef Macaroni - IDR 40,000

Macaroni is one of my favorite dishes ever. This smoked beef macaroni has been nominated in the 2^nd place of my favorite macaroni! Well, the 1^st place belongs to my grandmother ;) 

MAIN COURSE

Curry Rice with Chicken Katsu - IDR 39,000

The rice is nicely-blend together with the curry. That’s why the colour is red. On top of it, there’s some chicken katsu to enjoy with. I can still a bit of chilli in the flavor, and I really like it! If you really can’t stand chilli, then this one maybe not your favorite. 

Baked Spaghetti Snowball - IDR 41,000 

OH MY! Please, I’m craving for this dish while writing the review. It tastes really savoury, especially the snowball – it’s a beef ball with MELTED CHEESE inside! Yes, melted cheese! Who can think any better idea than this? Super recommended & my favorite menu here!

Roll Lasagna - IDR 41,000

Not like any other lasagna, the lasagna is served with one like “kulit pangsit”. It mostly contains beef. As always, the taste is heavenly!

DESSERT

Lapis Selendang - off menu

This dessert consists of 3 layers. Do you know “bubur sumsum”, one of the traditional Indonesian dessert? The top layer of this dessert taste like that! The second layer is like a pandan pudding, and the third layer, very bottom part is “Ketan Hitam”. Then, on top of it you pour red sugar syrup to enjoy with! The taste is superb, and as a fan of dessert, this one is a must try!

Baked Chocolate Muffin - off menu

I think this one is off from their menu. The owner baked a super comfort chocolate food for all of us. I love the taste of the dark chocolate, it really yum! I wish it was a lava cake, so the taste will be like triple yum!

BEVERAGES

Shake Strawberry Yakult - IDR 20,000

When there’s a food, of course there’s a drink! Using like 80% yakult, this drink is super healthy and contains less water! You can say, a pure strawberry yakult. The taste of course yummy! A perfect, refreshing drink together with all the savoury food.

Green Tea - IDR 13,500

The owner served additional green tea so we won’t be too overwhelmed with the savoury food “supaya ga eneg, hahaha!” The green tea is having a very clear colour, and the taste calms my mood. 

BONUS!

Chicken with Smoked Beef, Cheese, Mushroom Sauce & Mash Potato (Shroom Chicken) - IDR 48,000

As Joshua (the owner’s kid) requested, the owner give us another dish, which looks like a chicken katsu. Joshua said that this one is his favorite, and I agree with him! What I like the most is the mushroom sauce, because it’s so creamy and the mushroom taste great!

Take away Smoked Beef Macaroni

Overwhelmed by all the food serve by the owner, she still give each of us a take away smoked beef macaroni! Oh my, of course I’m super happy! I’ll eat that as my dinner! ;)

Overall, My tummy and I really enjoying our time in Macaroni House. I always love to eat beef & cheese. Yeah, I’m a savoury addict!! I really envy with Joshua, the owner’s kid. He must be super happy to eat all of those delicious dishes, everyday! I really appreciate the warm welcome, the overwhelming food, the bonus food, plus another bonus the take away macaroni! Thanks again, Zomato and Macaroni House!

P.S: They accept online order!

MACARONI HOUSE

JL. Pesanggrahan No. 168B, Puri Indah, Jakarta

Phone : +6221-29704981 ext: 244

Thanks, reader(s)!

[Megan Faustine]

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Casadina, A Hidden Culinary Oasis!

It’s my second meet up with Abra Resto! I can’t wait to taste the food because I heard a lot of positive comments about Casadina. I arrive just in time before the event begins on 11.15pm – as usual – and again, I met a lot of new friends here! 

Casadina is located in the same block as Rasuna Apartment, Tower 17. You’ll see the big sign of Casadina on the road, next to Pizza Hut. Just make sure you don’t miss it! When I step inside, I immediately fall in love because they’re having a pool in front (even though it’s kinda dirty ) and their interior feels like a garden party!

The Casadina owner + chef and Abra Resto Crew greet us nicely and share about the event schedule. After that, Casadina’s owner explains the meaning behind Casadina. “Casa” means a house, where “Dina” stands for Dining. So, Casadina means a house to dine comfortably with friends.

What I like the most about Casadina is that they made all the pasta from scratch, which means all the ingredients are home-made. Also, even though they served savoury food, they use vegetarian based ingredients, for example pasta combined with spinach so the colour is green. Yes, don’t worry because they care about our healthiness! ;)

APPETIZER – FINGER FOOD

As we’re waiting for the event preparation, which is cooking class / competition, Casadina serve the appetizer for all of us to enjoy. Let’s review it one by one, shall we? 

Vegetarian Indian Samosa with Cucumber Raita – IDR 25,000

Even though it looks super plain, believe me the taste is rich! I think the inside is mainly potato and tomato. Really yummy, soft, and of course, savoury! You can eat it together with the mayonnaise sauce. 

Chicken Quasadillas – IDR 48,000

Looks like a “martabak” or pancake, this is a tortilla with Mexican chicken, combined with shredded cheese and also chillies filling. Don’t worry, even though there are chillies, the tastes is not hot. The taste is strong, and it’s a perfect tortilla combination!

Tandoori Chicken Pizza – IDR 68,000

It’s an Indian style marinated chicken pizza, with mushroom, onions, paprika, and mozzarella as the topping. It’s easy to chew and easy to cut! The edge of the pizza is still crispy, thumbs up! A perfect choice for finger food!

COOKING CLASS / COMPETITION

After we finished taking all of the appetizer’s pictures plus enjoying all of it, AbraResto announce that the cooking class will be started in minutes. So, we gather in the other section of the restaurants. We were divided into four groups for the cooking competition, and I’m in group 3.

As the cooking class / competition is sponsored by Oxone, and the goodie bag is sponsored by Lock & Lock, we use a cute – green apron with Lock & Lock symbol on top, and also cute – black apron with Oxone symbol on top. 

Casadina’s owner and the chef start to give us insight about types of pasta, and how to make it. Then, they start a demo on how to make Gnochii (Read in Indonesian: Noki).  Gnochii is a type of short pasta. After they give the demo, then the cooking competition begins! 

Using Oxone colourful sets of kitchen utensils, my group, which is group number 3, chooses to make alfreddo pasta with cream sauce, mushroom, and chicken. Here’s our dish! “White Alfreddo with mushroom and chicken” Trust me, it taste great and super creamy!

What do you guys thing? Looks really good right? ;)

This one belongs to other group

MAIN COURSE

After having fun and gaining a lot of knowledge in the cooking class / competition, we sat again in our chair and wait for the main course. There are three types of main course, and I choose the Fettuchine Alfreddo Pollo (Green pasta).

Fettuchine Alfreddo Pollo – IDR 50,000

The green colour is from spinach, not preservatives. So, there’s no need to worry ;) It consists of chicken, mushroom, cream sauce, and some almond peanut(kacang mente). Surprisingly, I can barely taste the spinach, and I’m grateful for that, because I’m not a fan of veggie, hahaha!

Murgh Makani Butter Chicken – IDR 62,000

I can say that this one looks like an Indian curry dish, with Paratha Bread as the sides. The masala chicken is cooked together with the creamy tomato gravy, and that explains why the colour of this dish is red. All I can say, a superb combination of Paratha Bread and curry.

Seafood Noodle 

This dish looks super beautiful and the foodies also say it’s delicious! As you know, I don’t eat and don’t like ginger. I can taste the ginger by the time it touches my tounge. So sorry, this dish is not my favorite. However, I really fancy the plating, it’s so gorgeous!  

SWEET TOOTH 

Mascarpone 

As we finish the main course, slowly the dessert is served. I really love to look at it. It has bright colours! It consists of 3 layers, orange on the top, combined with white mascarpone and brown crumble cake on the bottom. It also added with strawberry sauce and dressed with white sugar. The taste is heavenly sweet! A perfect dessert choice! 

BEVERAGES

Anti Oksidan Boost – IDR 32,000

Tomato, Apple, Guava, and Orange all blend together in this healthy juice. I think the tomato taste a bit too strong and beat the other fruits. It tastes fresh, and I recommend to drink it all before the ice gone out! 

Green Lush – IDR 29,000

Pak Choy, Pineapple, and Apple all blend together in this healthy juice. Surprisingly, even there’s a vegetable in the juice, it taste super refreshing and you can barely taste the Pak Choy! Guess what? This is my favorite drink here! Yes, me, a carnivore lover and a veggie hater.

Okay, I think I start to fall in love with vegetables here! Even though they use veggies as their main ingredients, I love it, all of them! I even didn’t feel the vegetables because they mix it well. Definitely will back to try their bread and cakes, I bet they all taste great!

THE GOODIE BAG

I got the shocking green one! Thanks Lock and Lock ;)

As if the food is not enough, Abra Resto give each of us a goodie bag sponsored by Lock & Lock. It’s a lunch box that is microwaveable! Love the colour, it’s a bright green! A super useful merchandise indeed 

I’ll update about the video recap from Abra Resto at 1^st April! 

Once again, thank you Abra Resto, Casadina, Oxone, and Lock and Lock! See you again in the next meet up!

CASADINA KITCHEN & BAKERY

Apartment Rasuna, Tower 17, Jl. HR. Rasuna Said, Kuningan, Jakarta

Phone: +6221 - 29704981 ext: 342

Thanks, reader(s)!

[Megan Faustine]

Stay in touch & get the newest update!

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