Paul Bakery and Patisserie ( Galeries Lafayette @ Pacific Place Mall)

Paul Bakery is now open in Jakarta, since December 2013. It is located right outside of Pacific Place Mall, near the Galeries Lafayette Department Store. You have 2 entrances : one for the Restaurant, if you want Dine-in, and one for the Bakery and Pastry shop.

I know Paul Bakery in France which is a widespread Bakery chain. Outside of France, it has a more high class positioning. I went there for Lunch and I took a "Croque Madame", a sandwich with cheese, turkey and egg sunny side-up,  with a salad on the side. There was nothing fantastic about it. I took an Orange juice as a Drink and it was very watery, I could barely feel the Oranges ! In my opinion, the food in the restaurant is average, there's nothing fancy about it ( except for the price).

On the opposite, the Bakery side is very good. They have a whole range of French and European bread which are among the best in Jakarta ! Same thing for the Pastries which are delicious and very tasty. I had a Strawberry Mille-feuilles and it tasted incredibily good. The French Croissant is also very good and is made with real butter.

Overall: I am glad that Paul Bakery and Patisserie finally arrived in Indonesia ! So if you go there, I would recommand the Bakery entrance to try the authentic French-style pastries and tasty croissants. 

 
Paul Bakery & Patisserie

Galeries Lafayette @ Pacific Place Mall


Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav. 52-53


Jakarta Selatan 12190

Phone number : +62-21 5799 3455


Opening Hours : 10 AM - 10 PM (Monday - Sunday)
Facebook: Paul Bakery Indonesia

Potato Head Garage (SCBD)

Potato Head Garage is the new branch of Potato Head, opened where the huge one-stop entertainment complex called Bengkel used to stand (Bengkel means Garage by the way). This area has now some of the most popular bars and nightclubs in Jakarta, including Lucy In The Sky and Fable. Probably the hippest location for nightlife in Jakarta as of today (June 2013).

For this reason, the area has become very crowded at night on Fridays and Saturdays, and it should be a stop for anyone who wants to mingle with the upper Jakartan class. For now there aren't too many foreigners as the availability of easy girls is limited... 

Back to Potato Head Garage: It is not my style but at least it is different from any other venues in the city. It is a huge warehouse-style room, with a 20 meter ceiling, many sofas on the side and a massive bar in the middle. The theme is a bit eccentric, with a sort of chapel next to the bar, a huge classical piano, and dozens of chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Should be visited once.

I noticed the crowd is mostly groups of friends, Indonesians and Indo-Chinese, sitting together and hanging out very casually... The atmosphere reminds me of SHY Rooftop in Kemang... It doesn't get too wild, a bit like a warm-up venue. The most interesting area is the main bar, where you have people who came just alone or by two, and they seem more interested to interact with other people. The music is a bit loud also, not proper for talking when you are in a group. I imagine (I hope) it is different during day time.

I didn't eat in Potato Head Garage, only had a cocktail which costed around 10 USD. This is standard for venues like that in Jakarta.

Overall: Recommended for groups of friends. If you are alone or just with another friend, or on a date, I would avoid. Very trendy place today, but my prediction is that it will not last more than 2 years.

Also, the aircon is extremely cold. We were all freezing inside.

Potato Head Garage
SCBD Lot 14
Jl. Jend Sudirman Kav 52-53




Jakarta South

Telephone: +62-21 5797 3330
https://twitter.com/pttgarage
Facebook: Potato Head Garage (from where I took the pictures)

Opening hours:
From monday to sunday: 11 am - 2 am

Fable Club @ Fairgrounds (Jakarta)

Fable is a new club opened in Fairgrounds (ex-Bengkel). Perfectly located in the center of the city and with an underground vibe, it has the potential of becoming a favourite of Jakarta nightlife. 

They've already had some interesting events in the past few weeks, with soul & hip-hop music as the main genre.

February, a reader of this blog sent me this interesting review that I'm sharing with you (Thanks to her!):

"I went to Fable on a Friday night. After reading the comment on this blog, I was prepared for the hostess to be rude and dress up to the nine. To my surprise, they were very nice and friendly and what more...free entrance.

I recommend the club goers to come after midnight because that’s when the party started. The music is mainstream R&B and hip hop. A little bit cheesy but the ambience is really nice: hardwood floors, sunroof top ceilings and cosy outdoor area.

It is definitely the place to go for those who like the friendly crowd of X2 but would prefer less-smoky and fancier club.

The crowd is mainly upper class Indonesians within young to very young demographic (early 20s). One guy told me he’s 18 (!) although I doubt it; he seems way younger than that.

Waitresses give away glow bracelets and necklaces to early birds and right after midnight, a number of hot and friendly hostesses swarm the dance party and make the party livelier. They pour shots of unknown liquors for those who don’t mind swapping bodily fluid with strangers (I keep thinking about the many mouths that shot pourer touches...but then again, it’s just me).

My friends and I ordered 1 bottle of gin and it cost us around 1.2 million rupiahs. I praise the waitresses and bartenders who are very helpful. The service is prompt and just right, not too intrusive. Based on my experience, one does not need to wait long to be served at the bar either.

Pet peeve: Wouldn’t it be nice if they actually make smokers smoke in the outdoor area? It’s just a couple of steps away. One can only hope.

Recommendation: dress up and be friendly.

Conclusion: I would definitely go back to Fable on a Friday night. "

 

Fable Club
Kawasan SCBD
Jl. Jend Sudirman Kav 52-53 Lot 22
South Jakarta, Indonesia
Phone: +62 21 515 5008 or +62 8119590668  or +62-21 5151 501
 

More information (I took the pictures of these sites):

Twitter: Fable_ALLin
Website: http://www.fable.co.id/ 

Facebook: Fable Jakarta

Lucy In The Sky (Bar & Restaurant)

Located near Jalan Sudirman, in Fairgrounds (ex-Bengkel), Lucy In The Sky  is a rooftop restaurant/bar with an open-air garden terrace and a laid-back, close-to-nature atmosphere. The location of LITS is probably its best assets as it gives the feeling of escaping the city. Though in the heart of Jakarta's business district, it is surrounded with plants and flowers, which makes it relaxing, and a perfect spot to look at the skyscrapers around. Similar ambiance than SHY Rooftop but less expensive (80k for main dish) and with a better view.

Regarding the taste of the food though, there is still large room for improvement. For now, I advise you to stick with the drinks.

Opening hours:
Everyday from 3.30pm to 1am (2am during the weekend)

Lucy in the Sky
Kawasan Central Business District
 Kav 52-53

Jakarta Selatan 
Indonesia, 12190

Phone: +62-21 515 2308 / 09

E-Mail: info@lucyinthesky.co.id
Website: http://lucyinthesky.co.id/
Facebook (source of the photos): Lucy In The Sky Jakarta

TeSate (Jakarta)

TeSate is an Indonesian cuisine restaurant located in the malls Plaza Senayan and Pacific Place. It is usually very crowded, even though it is quite expensive in my opinion.

I visited the TeSate Pacific Place, where I ordered the Jimbaran Grilled Fish (Rp180k for 400 grams!). The food looked delicious and the recipe seemed creative, but I found it lacked freshness (see the lemon on the picture for instance). For this particular dish, I recommend you to try Baruna Seafood restaurant in Menteng instead.

In spite of that, I recommend TeSate to Indonesian food lovers who are looking for dishes more elaborate than those they can find in warungs or street food stalls. Their menu features an interesting variety of dishes and it is indeed a culinary journey through Indonesia. Expect to pay around Rp200k per person for a full meal + drinks.

Latest news about TeSate Indonesia on Facebook: Click here.

Opening Hours: 

Every day from 10am to 11.30pm (2am on weekends)

TeSate Senayan
Plaza Senayan, 4th Fl Bl CP Unit 414
Jl. Asia Afrika No. 8, Jakarta
Phone: (021) 572-5521
Fax: (021) 572-5521

TeSaTe Pacific Place
Mall Pacific Place level 5 unit 62-63
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52 - 53, 12190, Indonesia
Phone number: +62-21 579-73653

PEPeNERO (Jakarta and Bali)

PEPeNERO is a chain of Italian restaurants in Bali and Jakarta. They are almost copies of the Trattoria restaurants, so you can read my review about it also.

I visited the PEPeNERO in Menara Karya, during lunchtime, and it was packed with both locals and expats. If you come with a group of people, I think you should always book in advance.

The menu is large, written in Italian and English. Prices for a starter is around Rp50,000++, for main dish around Rp80,000++, and for a pizza around Rp50,000++. 

I went for one of their 40 pizzas, all with thin crust. It tasted great for the price, and so far I haven't found better value pizza in Jakarta (ex-aequo with Trattoria). The service is very fast, professional and friendly.

Overall: Recommended if you are looking for good-value European food in Jakarta. PEPeNERO is not a fine-dining restaurant, but it is adequate for dates, business lunches, celebration, etc.. There is a non smoking area as well.

PEPeNERO Pondok Indah
Plaza Pondok Indah 2, Blok BA 25 - 26
Jl. Metro Pondok Indah (near Citibank), Jakarta
Phone number: +62-21 750 0959

PEPeNERO Sudirman
The Energy Building, Mezzanine Level
Jl. Jend Sudirman Lot 11A, Kawasan SCBD, Jakarta
Phone number: +62-21 5296 4006

PEPeNERO Rasuna Said
Menara Karya, Ground Floor
Jl. H. R. Rasuna Said, Block X-5 Kav.1-2, Jakarta
Phone number: +62-21 5794 4727

Website: http://pepenerobali.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pepenerobali

Twitter: http://twitter.com/pepenerobali

AMUZ (French Fine Dining)

Amuz is a French fine-dining restaurant opened in October 2010 by chef Gilles Marx, who previously worked in Riva. The venue sets you in a Parisian décor, circa 1900, with exposed metallic beams, large windows and classy furniture. The clients on that day were mostly rich Indonesian/Chinese women but it might have been just a coincidence...

The menu is classic and should change depending on the availability of seasonal products. A la carte, the price for an appetizer is around Rp200k, and for a main course Rp350k (up to Rp650k). I took the lunch meal, more basic: Rp250k++ for a 3-course set lunch. This is an excellent deal.

I started with the AMUZ gourmet salad, which includes Mesclun Lettuce, Marinated Tomato Olive, Artichoke, Quail Eggs, Shaved Foie Gras Terrine and Hazelnut/Balsamic Dressing. It is not an exceptional dish, but it should be enjoyed for the quality of the ingredients used. In particular, the balsamic vinegar tasted authentic, which is usually rare even in good restaurants.

As a main course, I had the Tender Braised Baby Lamb Shank, with Basil Mash and Kalimata Olive. Again, the dish was simple, with only the basil mash being a bit unusual, but both the cooking and the ingredients made the difference.

To finish I had a delicious, fruity Crème Brulée:

Overall: Recommended. I only experienced the most simple dishes from AMUZ, which were all excellent. Since I'm already quite familiar with French cuisine (I am French), I would have liked to be more surprised with the flavours but this is more a matter of personal taste. I am also a fan of AMUZ's interior design, one of the most elegant you will find in Jakarta. At last, concerning the service, it is friendly but I noticed some problems with the organization (i.e. nobody to greet me upon entering or when leaving). It is no big deal but unusual for such establishments.

Opening Hours:
Open from Monday to Saturday from 11.30am to 2.30pm for lunch and 6pm to 11pm for dinner. No lunch on Saturday. Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays.

It is usually quite crowded for dinner, especially by the end of the week, so make a reservation first.

AMUZ French Restaurant
The Energy Building, 2nd Floor SCBD Lot 11A
JL. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52-53, Jakarta, 12190

Telephone number: +62 21 250 506 or +62 21 250 5064
Fax: +62 21 250 5067
Email : Cheffounder@amuzgourmet.com

Website: http://amuzgourmet.com
Facebook: AMUZ Gourmet
Twitter: http://twitter.com/amuzgourmet

Read about my favourite French restaurants in Jakarta on this blog: Jakarta Restaurants (French) 

Bengkel Night Club (Semanggi)

Techno club, good sound system. They have karaoke also. On their website they consider themselves as the biggest nightclub in the world, with 15,000 people capacity. It's not true though having spent some time inside to check the capacity. However, the billiard place is huge for sure. Somebody told me it used to be the place to get striptease in Jakarta.

Contact information:
Bengkel Night Park
Lot 14 SCBD Jalan Sudirman Kav 52-53
Phone : (62-21) 5140 2521

Café De Burse (Jakarta)

Café De Burse is the latest bar opened by Bartele, probably Jakarta's most famous expatriate. He is also the owner of Eastern Promise, De Hooi, Cazbar, and One Tree.

De Burse is different from his other venues, though the concept remains similar: It is a restaurant and bar with an international menu, friendly and cute waitresses, and a regular schedule of events and promos. So far, it is still quiet, probably because the location is only busy during working hours.

I had a caipirinha (Rp68k) and I was disappointed as they used ice cubes instead of crushed ice. But it is common in Indonesia so it wasn't a big deal. I didn't order any food, but considering what I had in his other venues, you can expect good-value for money, even with western dishes. An average meal will cost you less than Rp80k, and a pint of Bintang Rp53k, including taxes.

Overall: Recommended venue, but not too happening so far. It is perfect for an after work drink if you work close from the Jakarta stock exchange. My favorite part was the interior design, very neat. It is a copy of a Dutch bistro, with some interesting Indonesian antiques.

Practical details:

Wide screen TV, Free Wifi, International newspaper, daily promotions on drinks
Ladies' night is every night with 50% off on all drinks (excluding wine).

Opening Hours:
Every day from 7am to midnight

De Burse Café
Equity Tower, LG Unit E, SCBD lot 9,
Jl. Jenderal Sudirman Kav 52 - 53

Phone number: +62-21 290 35451
Email: info@deburse.com

Website: http://www.deburse.com/
Facebook: De Burse Jakarta
Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeBurse

Canteen (Jakarta)

Canteen is a hip restaurant located in Pacific Place and Plaza Indonesia. In both places, they are next to the bookstore Aksara, to which they are related.

I visited the Canteen in Plaza Indonesia during the afternoon on a Saturday. It was quite crowded, with expats and visibly rich, cool Indonesians. Some of them looked familiar and could have been actors or singers. At night, I think it is best to make a reservation.

I liked the setting, in particular the fact that it is in a quiet part of the mall. With large windows letting a lot of light inside, and comfortable seats, it is a cozy venue, designed to be a hangout spot as much as a restaurant. Their menu features continental food, with mostly Italian dishes.

Everything seemed fine until I ordered my food: Salade Niçoise (Rp55,000++), Rib-eye steak (Rp110,000++), Bruschetta (Rp45,000++), and Orange juice. A 2-course meal with soft drink should cost you around Rp200,000+. To give you an idea of how expensive it is, in some 5-star hotels restaurants in Jakarta, you can have a set lunch menu at the same price.

Salad Niçoise (Rp55,000++)

Bruschetta (Rp45,000++)

Rib-eye grilled steak (Rp110,000++)

First, I didn't get a good feeling when I found out the orange juice had been mixed with water. In other restaurants in Jakarta, they usually hide it by putting ice in your glass, but I had asked for none so instead they used this trick. They could have given me half a glass I would have been happier.

The Bruschetta was fine, just overpriced in my opinion for some simple toasts with tomatoes and olive oil. The presentation was fine though.

The Salad was a miss. I don't want to make a big fuss about it, but I think I should mention that I found a white worm in it. I know it can happen even with fresh food though, so it should not be the main focus point. What is more important is that it tasted average and the ingredients used were low-quality. Each bites felt cheap: The tuna, the tomatoes, the beans, the sauce. No matter how good the chef is, if you don't use good ingredients, you end up with low-end restaurants dishes.

At last, there wasn't any incident with the rib-eye steak, but it was low-quality beef: not tasty nor tender.

Overall: I don't have any grudge about Canteen but I think it should be avoided because it is expensive and they don't give you anything decent in return, even for the drinks. The waiters were nice and efficient, though maybe a bit understaffed. I should mention that I didn't have to pay for my meal because of the worm.

Opening Hours:

Everyday from 11am to midnight (until 2am on weekends)

Canteen
Plaza Indonesia
5th Floor #E02-E10
Phone number: +62-21 315 6537
Fax: +62-21 319 01149

In Pacific Place:
4th Floor SCBD
Phone number: +62-21 579 73742
Fax: +62-21 579 73754

 Website: http://www.canteenjakarta.com/
Facebook: Canteen Indonesia
Twitter: http://twitter.com/CanteenJakarta

Capocaccia Jakarta (Mall Pacific Place, next to Potato Head... )

Capoccacia, which doesn't mean anything in my dictionary (i invite Italian speakers to help me...), is a new Italian restaurant and bar rather discreet and targeting upscale Jakartans. It is actually a franchise which already possesses two similar restaurants in Geneva and Monaco, please don't ask me why the owner chose Jakarta after that.

It is primarily a restaurant, but it is worth mentioning in this nightlife blog because quite regularly, they invite guest DJs. For instance, last August, they had the Australian trio Midnight Juggernauts, which are really popular in Europe, and in June, Todd Terje came... You should check out for more events like that on their website (Cappocaccia Restaurant Jakarta) or their facebook fanpage (here).

You can access the restaurant without having to enter the mall: Just go on the side of Pacific Mall in front of BEJ, a few meters after Potato Head.

Capoccacia Pacific Place
Pacific Place Mall
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52-53
Email: jakarta at capocaccia.com ou contact at capocaccia.co.id
Tel: +62 21 5797 3658
Fax: +62 21 5797 3659

Business Hours:
From Sunday to Friday: 10.00 am to 10.00 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10.00 am - 02.00 am
DJ from 8pm on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

More photos of Capocaccia, from their website: