Lobster Inc.

Dengan perut sudah setengah kenyang, saya tetap kekeuh untuk muterin wilayah PIK untuk nyoba sesuatu yang ‘baru’. Tiba-tiba mata saya menangkap plang Lobster Inc. Wah, saya pikir kalau cuma ngemil lobster rasanya perut saya masih bisa terima dengan senang hati.

Tempatnya sih kecil ya, hanya dapat menampung sekitar 20-30 orang saja. Interiornya pun sederhana, hanya diisi dengan meja kursi warna warni. Saya datang kesini pas jam nanggung, sekitar jam 15.00 WIB, jadi lagi sepi berat, cuma saya sendiri saja, tidak ada customer lain.

Untuk main course-nya tentu kudu pesen hidangan lobster-nya donk. Dibedakan atas dasar size lobsternya. Ada yang lobster plate biasa (IDR 129k), jumbo lobster (IDR 189k), king lobster (IDR 349k) dan monster lobster (IDR 499k). Semua hidangan lobster ini dilengkapi dengan rice/butter rice, veggie, onion rings. Untuk sausnya bisa pilih: original, Inc sauce (spicy garlic), cheese, black pepper, spicy).

Untuk menu Platter ada 2 pilihan: 4 seasons lobster platter (2 original lobster served with 4 flavours, butter rice, veggie, onion rings) dan Seafood Platter (IDR 199k). Pilihan saya jatuh pada menu yang terakhir. Isinya: lobster ukuran biasa, grilled prawns, fried/grilled Dori Fish, grilled squid, French fries, veggies, onion rings, butter rice. Lengkap banget kan?

Ketika hidangannya datang, wow, shock berat sama porsinya! Super gaban! Gede banget bo’! Untung cuma pesan 1 porsi. Daging lobster-nya berasa banget masih fresh dan terasa manis. Suka sama topping saucenya yang very buttery. Seru kali ya kalau saya order lobster yang ukuran monster. Kata mas waitress-nya ukurannya bisa dari ujung ke ujung piring, wew! Untuk udangnya di-grilled, hanya diberi bumbu minimalis saja (garam dan merica). Untuk cuminya di-grilled dengan kecap manis. Untuk ikan Dorinya digoreng. Ketara banget bahan-bahannya masih fresh. Demen sama butter rice yang sudah di-mix dengan aneka veggies. Gurih banget. Perut tambah full karena dikasih French fries juga. Super begah. Kali kalau gak makan seharian baru sanggup saya habiskan 1 porsi sendirian.

Untuk menu pembuka mereka menyediakan Fresh Oyster, lobster salad, lobster roll, cream zuppa soup, fisherman soup. Ada juga menu standard lain seperti Fish & Fries, Pasta (carbonara, aglio olio) dan Fish Steak.

Lain kali ciyus pengen coba Monster Lobsternya! #nabungdulu

 

 

Rukan Emerald Blok A No. 2

Pantai Indah Kapuk

Jakarta Utara

Ph: 021-98115733

 

 

Menega Cafe

The 2005 Bali bombings were a series of terrorist suicide bomb and a series of car bombs and attacks that occurred on October 1, 2005, in Bali, Indonesia. Bombs exploded at two sites in Jimbaran Beach Resort and in Kuta, both in South Bali. The terrorist attack claimed the lives of 20 people and injured more than 100 others. The three bombers also died in the attack.

It’s reported that the first two explosions occurred at 6.50 PM local time, near a Jimbaran food court and the third at 7 PM, in Kuta Town Square. One of the blasts struck Raja’s Restaurant at the Kuta Square shopping mall in central Kuta. Another two bombs exploded at warungs/stall along the Jimbaran beach, one of which was near the Four Seasons Hotel. Menega Café is one of the bombing victims.

That period is the toughest time for Bali. In 6 months, the only major income in Bali, tourism, totally dead. Many foreign tourists cancelled their trip to Bali and change their destination to Malaysia or Thailand. It’s very sad! Some entrepreneurs have to close their business. Da*n terrorists! What actually they want? They said they did that based on God’s instruction that written on their Scripture. Really? That’s the most ridiculous reason that I’ve ever heard!

Okay, back to the main topic, sorry….I’m emotionally carried away by that memory for a while…. God is fair! I remember my last visit to Menega Café for about 10 years ago (before the bombing). At that time, Menega Café is deserted from visitors. And their dishes are not good. But now, if you came late, you have to queue for your turn to come. Menega Café is now the most famous and most crowded seafood restaurant at Jimbaran beach. Awesome!

This place is divided into 2 area. Indoor area and Outdoor area. Of course I choose the outdoor area, that’s the point I dine in this place, right? To enjoy the Jimbaran beach’s view.

Once I get a number table, I choose the dishes at the front table. While waiting for the food to come, I am also waiting for the coming sunset. I came here at 5 PM. It’s the perfect time. For 20 minutes, the clouds cover the sun. So I think, this time I will not enjoy the sunset, huhuhu….But suddenly, the clouds began to back away…and tada….I can see the sunset this evening, yeah! #smiley face

First dish I choose Red Snapper Grilled Fish. Price 72 K (fish weight: 0.9 ounce). The best way to grill the fish is only give a little oil/butter on the outside part of fish. That’s all. It doesn’t need a heavy seasoning to create a tremendous grilled fish. Simple but succulent! The fish meat is soft and very thick. It’s enough for 2-3 persons.

Second dish I order Grilled Mussels. Price 45 K. It’s quite nice. I think the seasoning is made from blended of coconut milk, chili, garlic and pecan. The mussels itself is tender. I’ve found the cool way to enjoy this dish. Put a spoon of rice on the mussel shell, apply their special sambal/chili on top, and….bring it all to your mouth…hmmm…so scrumptious! Try it on!

The last dish is the usual dish I order if I dine in seafood restaurant: Crispy Fried Squid. Price 37.5 K. Honestly I have to say to you, it’s not good at all! The squid is too hard to chew. Very tough! It’s getting worse when they became cold.

Well, but that’s okay, I came here to enjoy my vacation and I’ll not let the ‘squid’ thing to ruin it, haha…..

 

 

Menega Café

 

Jl. Four Season Resort Muaya Beach

Jimbaran Benoa – Kuta Selatan

Badung – Bali

Phone: 0812-3933539

Sop Ikan Mak Beng

Based on my Bali culinary friend’s information, Mr. Bayu, I have to come to this place before lunch time or I will queue for 30 minutes to1 hour, wow! I think, it must be a good food in there because everybody willing to wait for such a long time. This place is quite small, only suit for 30-40 persons.

 

Since 1941, Ni Ketut Tjuki or more recognized with Mak Beng, has established her business. It is located 20 meters from Sanur beach. If you incidentally walking or swimming on Sanur area, you better stop by in here.

That day, I arrived at 10.30 AM, and it’s already full. I’ve waited for 10 minutes. When I have my seat, the waitress directly asked my order. Good service! After 5-7 minutes of waiting, here it come a package of fish dishes (fish soup & fried fish). Price 30 K (including rice).

A bowl of spicy red snapper soup with shredded of cucumbers. The soup has an aromatic Balinese spices. I think it’s quite similar with Balinese Mixed Rice. Very savory soup and it has not a fishy smelly. I like it so much. The fish head meat is so tender and the cucumbers bring a fresh flavor to this dish. Two thumbs up!

If you’re not much like spicy food, you can just order their fried fish. It’s crispy outside, but tender inside. The sambal/chili is very good. You can add the lemon/lime squeeze to the soup or sambal. Nom nom! Don’t forget to order Orange Juice, it will give you a great sensation. Hot soup and sour cold ice! Perfect combination!

Sop Ikan Mak Beng

 

Jl. Hang Tuah No. 45

Sanur – Bali

Phone: 0361-282633

Rasane Seafood & Ikan Bakar

Rasane Seafood is started from August 2002 at the small townhouse in Taman Ratu area. They serve the high quality of seafood with special Indonesian seasoning. I usually having dine in Rasane – Pesanggrahan branch. The area is so large, they have inside and outside area. I choose the inside area because I can’t stand with the hot weather.

My fave dish in here is Kangkung Lombok Terasi (watercress sautéed with shrimp paste & chili). Price 25 K. This Lombok watercress have a bigger size than the local one. Fresh & crispy in bite.

I also order Cumi Bakar (grilled squid). Price 32.5 K. The squid is tender. But I think the seasoning is too sweet for me. The sweetness of their seasoning has overwhelmed the freshness of the squid itself. I choose to have grilled seafood with a light seasoning only, more fresh.

Next dish: Kerang Ijo Saus Padang (Padang Chili Mussels). Price 25 K. Quite spicy & a little bit sour. It’s not the best Padang Chili Sauce I’ve ever tasted. It taste just okay.

For fish I choose Gurame Bakar (grilled carp fish). They use the same seasoning as grilled squid dish. As I said before, too sweet. Well, I hope they served with a butter spread seasoning only. More scrumptious! For 8 ounce carp fish, I pay 76 K.

Over all the dishes in this place is quite good, but not extraordinary.

Rasane Seafood & Ikan Bakar

Jl. Raya Pesanggrahan No. 168 N

Jakarta Barat

Phone: 021-58352222

Jl. Raya Greenville Blok AS/35

Jakarta Barat

Phone: 021-56961144

Boulevard Raya Kelapa Gading Blok PA1 No.29-30

Kelapa Gading – Jakarta Utara

Phone: 021-4521901

Alam Sutera Town Centre (seberang Flavor Bliss)

Jl. Alam Utama Kav. 26

Alam Sutera – Serpong

Phone: 021-29211510

Jl. Tebet Timur Dalam No. 29

Jakarta Selatan

Phone: 021-83790195

Fish & Co

This the place where you can find the high quality of fried fish. The interior has adapted the deck of a ship. Everything has made from wood, even their floor. Dominated with yellow & brown color. Nice!

This time, I order Philadelphia Fish & Chips (Batter-fried Fish with generous Cheese stuffing). This dish served in a huge portion, wow! You can eat it for two person, I guess. They came with french fries. The fish is so crispy and tender, melted in your mouth. And the cheese and butter topping has added the savory taste of the fish. Two thumbs up! I really love it!

They also provide the salad, pasta & steak menu. Very recommended!

Fish & Co

EX Plaza Indonesia 1st Floor No.40

Jl. MH Thamrin Kav 28-30

Jakarta Pusat

Phone: 021 3917429

Gandaria City Main Street GF – MG36

Jl. KH Syafi’i Hadzami 8

Kebayoran Lama – Jakarta Selatan

Other outlets you can search through google.

 

Bandar Jakarta

Bandar Jakarta is the most famous seafood restaurant in Jakarta. This is my 4th time I dine in this restaurant. The second first I ate in Ancol branch. This time I”ve invited by one of my family member to her birthday party at Alam Sutera branch. As usually this place is always fully booked on weekend. You have to make a reservation first. They took the concept of open air restaurant and absolutely the seafood is guaranteed fresh, you can choose it by yourself. I didn’t really enjoy our seat today, because they located us at the dimly lit place, huh!

Our family is the biggest fans of seafood, so we’re gonna have a crazy party today! First dish is Kepiting Saus Padang (Chili Crab). Well, actually crab is not my fave seafood, because it’s too complicated to eat that kind of food. The taste is so so…..not too special. The seasoning is less prominent, sorry…..

Second dish is Kerang Saus Padang (Chili Mussels). Okay, I’ve no comment in this dish, because it has the same seasoning with the first one.

Our 3rd dish is my fave : Udang Telur Asin (Shrimp sauteed with Egg Yolk Salted). Quite tasty! The egg yolk salted is not over dominated the taste of shrimp. Balancing is the key!

Cumi Goreng Tepung (Fried Squid) is become our 4th dish. Crispy and tender. Everybody loves it!

Next dish is Ikan Kuwe Bakar (Grilled Pompano Fish). I don’t like the pompano meat, it’s too abrasive/rough. I’d rather choose the carp or tilapia. More tender and they have a fat part. But it’s not my birthday, so I have to pretend to enjoy it, haha….

Next….mmmpphhh…Udang Bakar Madu (Grilled Shrimp with Honey). The taste is absolutely sweet, not too good, I prefer their Egg Yolk Salted.

The last dish….finally….haha…..(it’s like a never-ending order if I dine in with my big family, cause we’re the food lover!)….Ikan Kuwe Saus Pedas (Grilled Chili Pompano Fish). This dish is also quite dissapointed….I don’t like it…the sauce is too ordinary in taste & the fish not marinated well…..so the seasoning is not soaked in the fish meat.

And one thing that always be my attention if I come to the restaurant is about their service. The service at this place is really bad. Wrong notes when take our order, our order is mixed up with other guess’s order for 3 times, wew….and surprisingly they didn’t admit it & we have to argue about that. We have to pay what we didn’t order! O,come on….for the famous restaurant like this, they treat us like a trash! What a shame! Sorry, but I’ve to tell the truth! They must re-training their staff! Helloooo….the customer is the king!

Bandar Jakarta

Jl. Pluit Karang Ayu Blok B1 Utara
Muara Karang – Jakarta Utara

Komp. Taman Impian Jaya Ancol Pintu Timur
Jl. Lodan Timur No. 7
Jakarta Utara

Phone: 021 645-5472, 645-6554, 6471-2668

Flavor Bliss Alam Sutera, Serpong, Tangerang

Phone: 021 53140388

 

Pondok Ikan Bakar Kalimantan

This restaurant location is out of Jakarta, but it’s easy to find. The position is 200 meters from Cimanggis Toll Booth. Very simple & open air concept restaurant. You have to reserve the seat first if you plan to come to this place during lunch time.

Their specialty is Ikan Patin Bakar Bambu or Chili Catfish grilled inside the Bamboo (price 90 K to 130 K, depend on the fish’s weight). You can choose the weight of the fish by yourself. The fish is marinated by their spicy seasoning and grilled it inside the bamboo. The bamboo give the smoke sensation that soaked to the fish meat. The catfish texture is so fatty, I love that! Very yummy and I guarantee you will ask for extra rice!

I also order Udang Balado or Chili Shrimp (price 50 K). The taste is mediocrity, not as good as I expected.

All food are served with 3 kind of chili : Balachan Chili, Mango Chili and Dabu-Dabu.

Pondok Ikan Bakar Kalimantan

Jl. Raya Tapos No. 1, Tapos

(200 meters out from Cimanggis Toll Booth)

Phone: (021) 8751395 / 8762217