Godiva Chocolatier

Godiva is one of the most recognized chocolate brand, famous for its premium chocolates. Opening their first Indonesia store in Plaza Indonesia, Godiva Chocolatier definitely have made all the chocolate lovers spoiled. A gallery of curated chocolate tucked in the corner of 1st floor. It's something you definitely do not want to miss. Plus, the employees were so helpful and hospitable, you'll feel like you're in some best friend's house.

The minute I walked in the store, it almost felt like a wonderland. A bright white store full of chocolates! I must be in heaven! Pralines, truffes, carres, chocolate bars, the heavenly Godiva biscuits and.. the infamous chocolixir. I am one blessed girl. So that night I was accompanied by the lovely, cheerful Ms. Fredericka Rendy who was very kind to introduce me to the world of Godiva. Come and join me.

First, let me introduce you to chocolixir, chocolate-base drinks made of the premium Godiva chocolate. The chocolixir series consisted of the classic dark chocolate decadence, milk chocolate decadence, dark chocolate mint, dark chocolate raspberry and the new white chocolate matcha. All ready upon your orders. Priced on a stunning 70k each does not impact the enthusiasm of loyal customers.

I was given the privilege to taste one of the classic series, and I wasn't quite sure whether to pick the classic dark chocolate decadence, or the attractive dark chocolate raspberry. Somehow I fell for the charm of dark chocolate raspberry and there I was, sucking the most delicious combination of the holy 72% dark chocolate and fresh raspberry sauce. It was really surprising to taste just how good the combination could be. Definitely one of a kind taste, which should go to your must-try list.

Godiva keeps innovate and finally introduce the latest innovation called, White Chocolate Matcha Chocolixir. This one is a white chocolate base drink with a touch of green tea. I was quite skeptical when hearing the name of white chocolate. Well, white chocolate is not my favorite, as it often taste too sweet and too creamy. But a blogger got to do what a blogger got to do. A nice, greenish and very appealing chocolixir appeared before me and I had my first sip... then my second, and third, and I just couldn't stop. It was one of the most delicious drink I have ever tasted. Surprisingly light and not overly sweet, with a strong kick of matcha. It successfully exceeds my expectation. I even finished my cup, until the last drop. That's how much I love it! Not exaggerating.

Of course, it's not official to visit Godiva Chocolatier before having their famous curated chocolate, right? On top of their famous truffes, praline and carres collection, Godiva continues to innovate by introducing new flavors. All these to satisfy your craving, chocolate die-hard fans! And again, I was so lucky given the chance to try their latest addition to the truffes collection.. These babies will cost you Rp300,000/100gr.. Now, let's meet the gorgeous Godiva's babies..

Truffe Praliné Brésilienne

Truffe Praliné Brésilienne is my favorite of the latest collection. Milk chocolate filled with hazelnut praline then coated with crispy caramelized hazelnut. It was sweet-nutty burst in your mouth. What not to love. 

Truffe Mousse Matcha

Attention all green tea lovers! This is not to be missed! Green tea custard inside Godiva's dark chocolate, dipped in green tea powders. It was so good. A bit bitter due to the dark chocolate and green tea powder definitely kick you tongue to taste and welcome the new addiction.

Truffe Caramel Salé

This is dark chocolate-milk chocolate filled with rich liquid salted caramel. See the oozing liquid caramel coming out after the first bite? Yeah, it's sexy! Loving this till the last drop!

Truffe Mousse Vanille Mieal

Lastly I tried Truffe Mousse Vanille Mieal, wildflower honey infused ganache with light vanilla mousse, wrapped in dark chocolate and dipped into the creamy white chocolate flakes. This was too vanilla-ey and too sweet for my taste buds. Actually there is another new truffe addition, the Truffe Speculoos which is filled with cinnamon speculoos biscuit mousse, famous from Europe, but it was sold out and I didn't get the chance to try.

After trying their truffes, Ms Fredericka was kind enough to show me how to differentiate good from bad chocolate. And I'm sharing this little secret with you.

1. See. The surface of a good chocolate is slightly oily but very clean.

2. Touch. A good chocolate has the smooth, clean texture, not too dry and rocky but not easily melt

3. Smell. Of course, you have to be able to smell strong cocoa from a good chocolate.

4. Hear. Try breaking the chocolate next to your ear and hear the sound which should be just right, not to loud (means too dry) and not without sound (means too much milk).

5. Lastly, my favorite part.. Taste. A good chocolate should not be leaving any trace on your mouth, tongue or throat.

50% dark chocolate carres

Godiva Chocolatier
Plaza Indonesia, Level 1 Unit 114

Jl. M.H. Thamrin Kav 28-30
Jakarta 15350
Ph.: 6221 2992 3972
www.godiva.co.id

Koffie Warung Tinggi d/h Tek Soen Hoo

Koffie Warung Tinggi is a new established coffee shop, located in the corner of 5th floor West Mall, Grand Indonesia Shopping Town. I don't usually wander around the 5th floor of the mall, so I did not notice until few fellow food bloggers made it on their blog. I was more than curious to try. See, I'm a sucker for coffee, so it's like a must to visit new coffee shops. Of course, I took my mom, the coffee connoisseur to also try this newbie with me.

To my surprise, the tag shows that it was established in 1878, while I just notice the name recently. That's when my mom said, "Oh, I know this place. It used to be very famous for selling coffee beans in Hayam Wuruk area.. Oh there you go, it was known as Tek Soen Hoo." Now I see. It started in 1878 when Tek Soen Hoo was just a modest convenient store in Hayam Wuruk area, and how it developed into a coffee brand supplier to Indonesia's best hotels and supermarkets. And in 2013, a modern coffee house is established by OPCO Group. 

It was a long story of a coffee shop, claimed to be the first in Jakarta. I love the historical touch of this shop already. I'm cheap, eh? Well, Koffie Warung Tinggi, of course, sells mainly Indonesian local coffee, coffee companions and heavy bites. Since I had my lunch, I decided to try their coffee and bought martabak to balance my bitter coffee. So here's our coffee break.

long black 8oz (22k)

cappuccino 8oz (30k)

martabak manis plain (15k) with nutella (20k)

My mom fell in love with their long black as it was bitter with low acidity just the way she liked it. She said it was most certainly the best cup of coffee she ever had. See, she loves her coffee black. I also llove my cappuccino so much, it was smooth, creamy and topped with just enough foam. No sugar added as the companion is the sweet martabak topped with nutella jam. This martabak topped with nutella jam has been really famous throughout Jakarta. Warung Tinggi's version was delightful. I love the soft texture of martabak and oh those melted nutella jam. What's not to love? The butter was just enough not to make it too oily and ruin the whole plate.

Overall, I had a really pleasant coffee break at Koffie Warung Tinggi. I must admit that cup of cappuccino definitely has won my heart. Definitely going to return to this historical coffee shop.

the leftovers.. nothing!

Until then, cheers!

Koffie Warung Tinggi d/h Tek Soen Hoo
Grand Indonesia Shopping Town

West Mall 5th fl.
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1

Central Jakarta 10310

Ph.: 6221 - 2358 0311/2
website | twitter

Ismaya Catering Cafe

Ismaya Catering Cafe is a concept store brought to you by the famous Ismaya group. Established in 2009, Ismaya Catering Co has been one trusted catering service in Jakarta. Famous for bringing a unique, fresh concept of a cafe, Ismaya definitely nailed it again. I love the brown-red ambiance with dimmed lights and casual atmosphere of this cafe. Here's a sneak peek of what the cafe looks like.

 

On Feb 28, 2013, Ismaya Catering Cafe launched new menus to satisfy Jakartans' appetite and crave for good food. Easy bites, heavy bites, sweets or just cold drinks, the choice is yours. Let's start, shall we?

Nachos with Beef Chili Con Carne (45k)

The classic nachos topped with beef chili con carne, jalapeno slices and served with tomato salsa, sour cream and guacamole. It's a classic Mexican dish, which has been really famous throughout the world. I love Ismaya's version of it, the nachos were crispy and crunchy, and the beef chili were generous. Do not be afraid as it was not too spicy, so you can eat them and not having your stomach hurt. The tomato salsa was another hit, sweet-sour tomato dices were perfect as the nachos dip. The other two dips were just okay for me. I do think it looked really pretty, don't you agree?

Mexican Cheese Quesadilla (48k)

Another famous Mexican dish, tortilla skin filled with mushrooms, pepper, onion, coriander leaf and melting cheese, topped with jalapeno and red chili slices, served with tomato salasa, sour cream and guacamole. Ismaya's version of quesadilla is vegetarian version, so you'll find no meat there. A good choice for you, who is on a diet. I love how light this dish was, which made it a perfect starter, just enough to tease your taste buds.

Nasi Goreng Kecombrang (45k)

Moving on to the heavy bites, first we are served with nasi goreng kecombrang. Kecombrang or 'torch ginger' is one of Indonesian traditional spices, usually used as chili mixture, to create a unique taste. The taste was rather indescribable, as you need to experience it yourself. I think it's a bit spicy with a really strong both smell and taste. I have to say that I love how the kecombrang taste among the fried rice and chicken chunks, though I don't think it will be everyone's favorite. Served with sunny side up egg with runny center and pickles, I am missing kerupuk to make it more Indonesian. Be careful that there are chili chopped mixed in the fried rice as I find it a nice surprise. The rice used, however, was too mushy as it was newly cooked rice, while the thumb rule for cooking fried rice is to use yesterday's rice to create the perfect texture.

Soto Tangkar with Jasmine Rice (45k)

Soto originated from Jakarta, cooked with coconut milk, filled with beef dices, potato, carrots and lots of shallots, served with warm white rice and emping. The soto was too salty, even after eating it together with the white rice. Fortunately, sweet soy sauce came to rescue the day. After adding few drops of sweet soy sauce, a spoon of chili and lime juice, the soto tasted so much better, spicier and tastier.

Singkong Belanda (32k)

Fried cassava chunks with caramel sauce and grated cheddar cheese. Served hot, it was Indonesian meets Western kind of sweets. I love the soft texture of cassava, mixed with sweet caramel and salty cheese. Personally I think it's perfect for a coffee companion.

Molten Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream (40k)

One of the most famous dessert in the whole world, warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream, presented beautifully with fresh strawberry and chocolate sauce. This dish was too common, that I do not taste any difference compare to others. Unfortunately, our chocolate cake that night did not have that oozing chocolate sauce, which made it kinda lose the true meaning of molten chocolate cake.

Red Melon Berry Refresher (35k)

A drink made of watermelon and strawberry will never go wrong. Both taste strong, without overpowering each other. 

Virgin Apple Mojito (35k)

My favorite apple mojito, made from green apple slices and lots of mint leaves added with lime juice. I love how refreshing this drink was. Love the sour green apples and this is my thirst quencher.

Overall, a nice dinner at Ismaya Catering Cafe. So much in love with their cafe looks and delicious food. Gonna come back soon. :)

Ismaya Catering Cafe

Grand Indonesia Shopping Mall

5th fl, unit ED2-12A West Mall

Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1

Central Jakarta

Ph.: 6221 - 2358 1157

website | twitter | instagram

Elicxir Nitrogen Gelato

It doesn't really matter what the weather is, for me everyday is a good day to have some ice cream. I am one blessed girl knowing that Jakarta is flooded with the new, uprising liquid nitrogen gelato. So what is this infamous liquid nitrogen gelato? Well, apparently science, through this chemical thing called liquid nitrogen, has made it possible to froze ice cream from 4-5 hours previously to less than a minute. This has made it possible to have the so-called freshly made ice cream. And you can watch the science take their place as the ice cream/gelato is made upon your orders. Exciting, eh? 

Elicxir Nitrogen Gelato, a home to various delicious gelato, are releasing their latest innovation. And I was so lucky having a chance trying them.. Prepare to drool, people! Elicxir Nitrogen Gelato introduced the Classic Hand-Blended, which differs from the Classic Gelato in the way of making, as the toppings are blended by hand to keep the good, crunchy shape.. It will cost Rp 60k per 5 oz cup..

wait a minute, your gelato will be ready shortly

Nitrogen Gelato in the making

from Ambon to Netherlands

This one instantly became my favorite. Banana cream gelato made from fresh Ambon bananas, served with Hollan honey gingerbread cookies. Oh, how I love the smooth texture of the gelato, and the Ambon banana taste really stood out. The gingberbread cookies were pure joy. Never thought I would fall in love so easily to Ambon banana, but this surely not to be missed! 

everything about Marie

It's something that we all have been familiar about, our classic Marie Regal biscuit made into gelato. What's not to love? The slight sweetness from the old, classic Marie Regal biscuits meet the smooth gelato texture then topped with real Marie Regal biscuits. Talking about a child's favorite.

toast my jam

This is Elicxir's flavor of February. French toast gelato with a shot of srikaya jam. Love it to the max! It's like having your favorite breakfast in a gelato form. The sweetness level was just right, which made me able to finish the whole bowl all by myself. Yes, I'm quite stingy when it comes to food. The srikaya jam was a darling, and together, they are all you need to survive a bad day :)

love on top

Celebrate the Valentine's day with your loved ones with red rum gelato topped with strawberry milk gelato (heart shaped on top), cream cheese foam and love velvet cookies. Feel the love, already? Do not be afraid as the rum has been flambe to remove the alcohol. Love the red rum gelato though I think I'll go only without the strawberry milk gelato. The appearance of this cup is definitely full of love. I love you too, dear Elicxir.

a closer look of gelato texture

So overall, it was a pleasant experience in Elicxir. I love the place so much, the decoration and wall paintings. I enjoyed watching those guys prepare our gelato. Science rocks! Moreover, I fell in love with the smooth texture of the gelato. Thank God for liquid nitrogen gelato!

Elicxir Nitrogen Gelato

Plaza Indonesia Extension Lv5#019

Jl. M.H. Thamrin Kav 28-30
Jakarta 15350

Ph.: 6221 2992 3717

www.elicxirgelato.com