United Color of Loca! @ Kemang

If Benetton is identical with colors in fashion, then I would nominate this small establishment in Kemang for the colors in Cafe's industry.

Walk into their shop at Jl. Benda Raya 7A, Kemang in South Jakarta. The logo on the signboard is colored with fresh pastel color on top of black background. Once you walk through the door, an orange wall readily greets you as well as the reception lady. Too bad that they don't have non-smoking area available. Nevertheless, we took a corner table, from which we could observe people coming in and out.

A very helpful and knowledgeable waiter took our order: Strawberry Margarita, Loca Sunset, Panacota and Tiramisu. While waiting for our order, we quickly notice that the decoration on the wall also reinforce the focus of Loca! in colors. A photo on our right shows 2 boys wearing bright blue and red t-shirts, in front of green plastic chair. Another painting behind us is decorated in another pastel color.

Unfortunately, such wonderful ambiance is not followed with great drinks. My Margarita taste more to ice blended syrup, with little to none trace of tequila. Same case with the Loca Sunset, too much ice. Well, the name should be obvious; this is a coffee shop, not a bar. Probably should order a cup of coffee next time.

The food fortunately provide some relieve for the drinks. Tiramisu taste good, although us as Tiramisu chef-wannabe ourself always has some complaint: the lack of liqueur and the use of cake instead of ladyfinger. The Panacotta is great, not to sweet, and firm enough to be enjoyed.

As we finish the both desserts, we sip our drinks, and call ourself a day, a long tiring Saturday...

Loca! Coffee Plus
Phone: +62 (21) 78831979
EMail: loca.coffe.plus@gmail.com

A good review of this establishment with pictures is available in here (Bahasa Indonesia)

Breakfast @ GA510

It is very rarely that I can enjoy the meals on board an aircraft. First, the freshness of Tomato served with omelet, beef sausage and the potato make up my breakfast on board of GA510 (served by PK-GZP), bound to Balikpapan.

I was even more surprised to find small cut of smoke beef and tomato inside the omelet. Certainly one of the best airlines meal I ever have.

Still avoiding coffee, to keep my sleeping mode....

Heart on Sleeve

There will come the time when your friend –once in a blue moon- invites for special lunch cooking on leisure weekend. To my surprise, I did not take it seriously (yeah, that’s the dangerous side effects of becoming dear friend with no boundaries and thought they were kidding). Persistency does matter, later on we decided to accept the invitation with one condition: time will not count.

It was happy hours as we arrived, perfect time to brew coffee or tea but it seems that a complete surprise has been prepared nicely. Four white Shih Tzu greeted us, barking, and wag their tail happily. Then our eyes caught on a simply nice object: batik table cloth covering small table with four chairs, white candles and traditional placemats. Jazzy tunes in the air, evening sun shades light between doors, fence, and roof created a soothing atmosphere. Hearts stunned in second, warm feeling present in sudden. We were speechless.

The sincerity continued to bowl of green salad with Italian dressings for appetizer. We changed stories and laughter, later on plate of marinated chicken and shiitake mushroom served with generous orange mayo sauce. Hmm, smells good. Our host said those chicken breast fillet had been marinated overnight with cheese and parsley to enhance the meaty flavor. Secondary course was sauteed prawn and parsley served with passion fruit mayo. I felt for sweet tangy orange mayo, but the idea for stylish decorated passion fruit mayo was pleasing.

Cups of coffee and tea accompanying the lovely afternoon. Nothing tastes better than warm sincere heart, and friendship of course.

Cooking Week : Potato & Feta Pancakes

Clean up time! Making and testing several recipe leave some leftover in the fridge, among them are 2 packs of feta cheese. We decided to find any recipes using this ingredient. Browse from VideoJug, here they are:

Potato & Feta Cheese Pancakes
Serve for 2

500 gr Potatoes
50 gr Onion
2 Eggs
2 tbsp Parsley
60 gr Feta Cheese (mashed & crumble with fork/spoon)
60 gr Flour
Pinch of salt & pepper
4 tbsp Olive Oil
1 Lemon Wedges (for garnish)

Grate all potatoes with your mandolin, put in another bowl or colander then squeeze grated potatoes with your hand until dry. Chop the onion, mix with potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Add eggs and chopped parsley, then put crumble feta and flour, mix well.

Heat the olive oil in non sticky frying pan over medium heat. Cook the mixture in several batches, gently tossing in the oil until golden brown. Drain on crumpled paper towels. Served with lemon wedges (if necessary).

Some modifications done:
Another 20 gr feta was added and black pepper replaced the white one. Slices of smoked ham included. The results turns out great, grated potato still moist inside and crumbly feta just melted in your mouth.

We are still figuring out the best companion for this recipe. Serve over breakfast with warm cheese sauce? Or mushroom sauce, or sour cream? Or maybe just use it for pancake dough and spread four different cheese topping? Ummm, we’ll let you know later :)