Traditional Christmas Champagne Brunch @ Paolo's

Party started at 1.30 pm on Christmas day at Paolo's beautiful home in Menteng and finished till midnight.

Merry christmas everyone!

High School Reunion Dec 06

Hari Minggu kemaring pada kongko2 di Warung Pasta Kemang. Yang gak kebagian dijepret..... kasian d lo! Hehe.

Banda Aceh Dec 06

Kemarin ke Aceh, ada kerjaan.

Itinerary:
Senin

· Dari kantor, ke airport. Naik GA jam 1 JKT-Banda Aceh, via Medan.
· Sampe Aceh jam 5an. Nginep di Swiss Belhotel, hotel bintang empat internasional pertama yang buka bulan September kemarin.
· Abis check-in, langsung berenang, mandi, kerja di lobby menggunakan wifi, kemudian dinner di Imperial Kitchen. Besoknya gue baru tahu, ternyata jadwal berenang cewek dan cowok di hotel beda bok! Oops!
· Bobo

Selasa
· Breakfast at coffeeshop
· Kerja
· Lunch at Banda Seafood
· Check out
- Ngopi di Jasa Ayah Solong
· Jalan-jalan keliling Banda Aceh
- Beli kopi dan tas Aceh yang cantik untuk ole2.
· Take off jam 5.25 pm
· Jam 9an sampe JKT.

Yogya & Borobudur Sunrise Dec 06

Yogyakarta, Dec 06


Minggu lalu, ke Yogyakarta dalam rangka tugas, kemudian extend sehari karena pengen ke Borobudur lagi, kali ini pada saat sunrise. Terkahir ke Yogya tahun lalu sebelum gempa, and before that I think I’ve only been to this city twice before so a total of three times, so I was quite looking forward to this trip.

Itinerary:

Rabu:

· First flight GA yang jam 6 pagi. Itu berarti gue harus bangun jam 3 pagi saudara-saudara! Sebenarnya malam sebelumnya udah hampir gak jadi berangkat karena sakit berat yang berkepanjangan(sekitar 5 hari). Flu-flu gak penting gitu deh. Gue sakit itu jarang banget. Kayaknya terakhir gue sakit sekitar dua tahun yang lalu, sampe gue lupa rasanya sakit itu kayak apa. Ternyata gak enak banget ya joook! Anyway, akhirnya malem-malem gw paksain ke dokter untuk kedua kalinya supaya dikasih obat yang leih cespleng dan akhirnya bisa juga berangkat.

· Nginepnya kali ini di Hyatt. My room had a great view of the green golf course.

· Pas nyampe di hotel jam 8an langsung kerja.

· Lunch at coffeeshop, makan buntut balado. Berhubung urusan kerjaan konsentrasi kegiatannya di Hyatt, jadi gue gak ada pilihan lain la yauw untuk soal tempat makan.

· Kerja

· Judul di kartu undangan: Royal Gala Dinner at Keraton. Ada tarian Serimpi dan tarian-tarian lainnya. Ya gitu deh.

· Ngopi rame-rame di Gajah Wong. Ini pertama kali gue kesini and actually I was quite disappointed with it, soale dah banyak dapet review. Food nya ok lah, tapi ambience dll.... hmmm, I give it a six and a half for effort. Bias-bias kasih deh pokoknya alias biasa-biasa aja

Kamis

· Breakfast at coffeeshop.

· Kerja

· Lunch at coffeeshop, makan grilled salmon with angelhair pasta.

· Kerja

· Drinks at Bogey’s Terrace (ini bar di Hyatt) bersama teman-teman baru dari berbagai negara yang ikut konferensi juga. The place overlooks lush golf course and the scenery was so pretty during the sunset hours, it was like a gloam. Fun place to be!

· Skipped dinner as I was so tired dan juga bosen sama makanan hotel. Malemnya lanjutin kerja in my room, beres-beresin yang belum beres. Seharian gak keluar hotel bok! Ganas.

Jumat

· Berhubung gue cuti sehari, hari ini adalah day off gue. Yeehaa! (psst, cuti gw tahun ini sisa 14 hari! Gue harus buru2 ngabisin neh! Bisa bisa angus)

· Bangun jam 3 pagi. Naik mobil ke Magelang berangkat jam 4 supaya bisa ngejar matahari terbit di Borobudur jam 5. Setelah beli tiket di hotel Manohara yang terletak di kompleks Borobudur, gue masuk dan menikmati suasana yang, wah sejuk banget deh untuk lahir batin. Walaupun agak sedikit mendung tapi mentari kelihatan, gunung Merapi juga bisa terlihat di kejauhan, serta sahut-sahutan burung terdengar. Getting to the top level of the temple you can see a shroud of mystical mist blanketing the countryside. Beautiful! If you ever want to visit Borobudur, sunrise is the time to be. There will be only a few (like-minded) people there with you, no rowdy crowds, no asongan and fantastic temperature. Perfect.

· Di karcis masuk Sunrise Borobudur tertera free coffee/tea dan snack di Hotel Manohara, so karena gue ga mau rugi (hehe) dan juga pengen tau hotel itu seperti apa (secara gw tadinya consider untuk nginep disitu for this Borobudur trip, tapi gak jadi), gue ngopi sebentar di coffeeshopnya (untung gak jadi, secara tempatnya ya gitu aja.). Ada biksu buddha bule yang juga kebetulan nginep disitu dan gue bisa menikmati melihat dia melakukan stretching-stretching pagi sambil meditasi dengan jubah orange nya.

· Dari Manohara, gue langsung menuju Amanjiwo for breakfast. Gue terakhir ke Borobudur dan Amanjiwo sekitar 9 tahun yang lalu. So, gue pengen liat apakah Amanjiwo masih secantik dulu ketika baru jadi pada tahun 1997. Ternyata, as pretty as ever! Setelah jalan-jalan dan tur kecil-kecilan, gue ke coffeeshopnya dan pesen English Breakfast Tea and Eggs Benedict yang cukup sukses. Tapi, bok! Mahal banget yak! Sutralah, it’s the experience that counts, ya gak seh?

· Balik ke Hyatt sampe jam 8 pagi. Gue langsung beli buku baru, judulnya Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris (soale buku yang gw bawa dari rumah dah selesai gue baca di hari kedua) serta biki di toko hotel (secara pbt gw lupa packing baju berenang) dan langsung ke swimming pool area untuk swimming, reading, sunbathing and napping sampe lunchtime. Hmmm, yummy! Pool di Hyatt gue suka design nya, ala ala resort gitu, plus ada perosotan yang cukup panjang dan melingker, so that kept me entertained for about half an hour, bolak balik naik. Haha. My new book was great by the way. It was fun and entertaining! Recommended.

· Jam 12.30 gue dijemput temen untuk lunch udang bakar madu di Mang Engking. Olala, yummy banget joook!!!! Selain udang madu yang tersohor itu kita juga mesen kepiting saus tiram nikmeh dan ikan goreng balado yang puedes banget. Slurp, slurp, slurp. The best dining experience on this trip. Thanks mas Tatyo for the recommendation!

· Belanja fruit hand aka buah tangan batik di Mirota, di penjual2 kaki lima di Jl.Malioboro dan juga beli bakpia deket pasar Pathuk. Rencana untuk ke Desa Tembing bubar karena hujan deres res res banget sampe ada pohon gode yang tumbang ke jalanan.

· Sampe di Hyatt pada sore hari, gw siap-siap dan berangkat bersama teman untuk dinner di resto Omah Dhuwur di daerah Kotagede. Kita dining di outdoor area yang remang-remang sambil menikmati live music keroncong Jawa yang sayup-sayup terdengar dari main restaurant. Untuk appetizer, gue pesen calamari yang lumayan uenak dan untuk main course gue pesen lamb chop (mintanya medium, datengnya well done) dan temen gue pesen lobster (ukurannya mini banget), tapi rasanya okelah. I give it an 8 for ambience and character.

· Sampe hotel, nightcap di Bogey’s then straight to bed.

Saturday

· Percaya gak sih?? gue dapet pesawat pulang yang first flight lagi jam 6 pagi...... Semua flight hari itu Full!! Rrrrrrrr, nasib deh bok! So again bangun jam 3 pagi dan sampe rumah jam 8an. Di business class lounge Jogja gue sampe ngorok nungguin pesawat hampir ketinggalan pesawat, saking kecapean. After a short but much needed beauty sleep, jam 1 siangnya gw udah duduk manis di Duck King @ Senayan City for Yam Cha with friends! Dan, gue sembuh lhoooo!J

Ain’t life grand?

Darwis Triadi Photo Studio: Family Photo Session

Hari Minggu kemarin foto sekeluarga besar dari bagian nyokap sama Mas Darwis Triadi. Jumlah manusia 47 orang, terdiri dari Oma, anak2nya, cucu2nya dan cicit2nya. Yang aku posting disini ada yang hasil jepretan mas Darwis pake camera ku, ada juga yang aku yang jepret dan ada juga minta sodara untuk jepretin. Yang mas Darwis jepret pake kameranya belon jadi la yauw!:) Foto yang ber 47 gak ada di kamera gue, soale gak ada yang motretin.

Bang Rak Morning Market @ BKK Sept 06

Sebelum memulai kursus masak di Blue Elephant Royal Thai Cuisine and Cooking School, para murid diajak ke Bang Rak Morning Market untuk belajar bahan dan bumbu2 khas Thai. Wow, seru banget dong!:)

Ijen Crater Weekend Getaway! August 06

Want to go somewhere exotic and not so ordinary for the weekend? Don’t want to take too much time out for leave and don't want to spend a pretty penny? Want to explore the gorgeous nature of your own country but you’re not totally prepared to roughing it?



Well, here’s an idea!



Preparation (one week in advance):



Click on www.airasia.com and book airtickets JKT-SBY-JKT leaving on Friday at 3.30 pm and coming back on Sunday evening. Price variable, depending on time of booking. It is advisable to get the late afternoon flights just to be safe so you can still catcth the train even if the flight is delayed. If you take the evening flight and it is delayed, then you’ll be in real trouble!



Call a friend in Surabaya or Aneka Travel cp. Mbak Ira 031 592 9000 to buy tickets for SBY-Banyuwangi leaving on Friday evening. If you go through Aneka Travel, they will surcharge you IDR 15K per ticket. Mutiara Train Executive Class is an affordable IDR 55K per one way.



Call the Ijen Resort and Villas 0333-429000 fax 0333-420800 and speak to Pak Djoko or Pak Dewa to negotiate and book a room for a night (check in Saturday, check out Sunday), pick up service at the train station (75K per pax) and transportation to the Ijen Crater (600K per car). Ask them as well to buy the return Banyuwangi- Surabaya train ticket leaving on Sunday morning. Room Rates: Standard 425K net, Deluxe 600K Net and Suite 1 Mio Net. It is worth the money to get a deluxe room. Note: Do not book through the website as you will get the more expensive rates. Also keep in mind that they do not accept any credit cards, so bring enough cash to pay your bills! www.99bali.com/hotels/ijen/





Things to bring:



If possible, travel light with a backpack only as you will be getting in and out of several modes of transportations. Bring 2 pairs of jeans or cargo pants, a couple of shirts, trekking or sport shoes, a warm sweater or jacket, a swim suit, sandals, jammies, ipod, camera, suncream, sunnies, socks, ear plugs, eyecovers, good books, insect repellent, playing cards, first aid and vitamins.





At Surabaya


Arriving at Surabaya at 4.30 pm, take a cab and go directly to the luxurious and historic Majapahit Mandarin Oriental Hotel (formerly the Hotel Oranje, located at Jl. Tunjungan) www.eastjava.com/hotel/mandarin/ for afternoon high tea at their lobby lounge and jump in their beautiful lap pool for a swim (75K) or try a therapeutic massage at the Majapahit spa while waiting for dinner time. Around eight o’clock, you can dine at the famous Sarkies Seafood Chinese Restaurant in the hotel or get out of the hotel and head to other venues. My recommendation is Ayam Goreng Pemuda or be adventurous (smirk) and head on over to Tunjungan Plaza where you will be spoiled for choice. Choose, 1, 2, 3 or 4! After dinner, it is advisable to go the supermarket and stock up on water, drinks and snacks for the train journey. Use this time as well to pick up your train tickets either bought by your friend or the travel agent.



After dinner, make sure you arrive at the Gubeng Station plenty of time to board the Mutiara Express train at 10.30 pm.



On the Train SBY-Banyuwangi


Leaving at 10.30 pm on the dot, the Mutiara train is usually packed, some by domestic and foreign tourists who wish to go to Bali by taking the ferry at Banyuwangi. The Executive Class is quite comfortable with adjustable comfy seats and footrest. This is where you will be needing your earplugs and eyecovers to be able to catch some zzz’s! It’s also very chilly, so take advantage of the warm covers and clean pillows available for rental during the 6 hours trip.



Ijen Resort and Villas


Stepping off at the Karangasem station (one station before the terminus) at 4.30 am, you will be picked up by the Ijen staff with a 4x4 vehicle to go directly to the resort which you will arrive an hour later. Ijen Resort and Villas is located in the midst of nowhere, set in a stunning backdrop of rice paddy fields and mountains. The rooms are airy and good sized, each with breathtaking views. The only cringe I have is that the rooms are not equipped with minibars nor coffee making facilities.



After checking in and a quick shower, enjoy their homemade breads and american style breakfast at their stylish coffeshop, and leave the resort by 7 am to head to the Ijen Crater. Do pack your sunscreen, sunnies, camera, water bottles and first aid. Dress in loose fitting clothes, trekking shoes, cap and a warm sweater or jacket!





Ijen Crater
Arriving at the foot of Kawah Ijen or Ijen Crater about an hour later, pay your entrance fee (15K) and start the ascending 3 km climb towards the crater. The climb can be quite steep and rough at times and can be covered within 45mins to an hour by a fit person, or about an hour and a half by most people, like me! You will need to be in a moderate fitness level if you want to be able to do this trekking without getting breathless.

Once you do get to the top though, you will be engulfed in the dramatic volcanic scenery and jaw-dropping sights. And all your pain for the last hour and a half is forgotten! Ijen Crater is the world's largest highly acidic lake and is the site of a labor-intensive sulfur mining operation in which sulfur-laden baskets are hand-carried by the locals from the crater floor. A spectacular turquoise blue lake fills the bottom of the crater of Ijen. Words are not enough to describe the beauty of this place.

http://www.eastjava.com/books/ijen/main.html

After spending some time at the top and start descending, you will probably arrive at the foot of the mountain by around 11 am. If you head back directly to the resort, you will arrive in an hour’s time, passing by scenic coffee and clove plantations, and village farming life sceneries.

Back at the Resort

Arriving back at around noon, take a quick shower, book a massage for later in the day and enjoy a nap before heading down to the restaurant for a late lunch. The resort offers both European and Indonesian dishes and the taste is quite ok, but comes with a staggering tag price. But since there are slim pickings of restaurants within the vicinity, you might as well enjoy it. Nasi Rendang and Chicken Curry are both good choices for 75K a pop.

After lunch, spread out your books, ipod and sunscreen at the poolside and enjoy your massage while basking in the scenic paddy fields and mountain, and the carp pond right under your nose. And the check out the bale that overlooks to the ocean when the weather is clear, on the back part of the resort.

In the evening, enjoy a leisurely dinner and a game of cards. Take note that this resort does not have a library nor any recreational activities on site, so do bring your amusements! Retire early, as you will need to wake up at 7 in the morning the following day.

After breakfast the following day, leave the resort by 8 am to be able to get to the station and board the train that leaves at 9.15 am heading back to Surabaya. I do not recommend having your lunch during the ride but just wait until you get to your destination because the food on the train is pretty ordinary.

Sidoarjo

Stepping off at the Sidoarjo station at about 2.15 pm, explore the town on a becak and buy your fruit hand (buah tangan) at the ubiquitous toko oleh-oleh along the main road of Jl. Mojopahit. Get your kerupuks, petis udang, bandeng asap, wingko babat and even crabs for the loved ones at home!

Afterwards, have a late delicious lunch at Lesehan Joyo located at the Taman Pinang complex, serving tasty ayam goreng dan bakar, ikan gurame bakar bumbu and many more. If you still have time, spend the afternoon checking out the newly built and splashy Shopping Mall outfitted by a Borobudur Department Store.

In the early evening, head off to Surabaya Airport and catch your flight back to Jakarta.

Total cost per person for the trip: 1.9 mio. Number days of leave taken: Half day. The experience of being able to climb the Ijen and see the turqouise blue lake in the crater: Priceless!

Ain’t an Ijen weekend getaway grand?

Blue Elephant Royal Thai Cuisine and Cooking School @ Bangkok

Beberapa minggu lalu ketika saya ada tugas di Bangkok, saya memutuskan untuk mempergunakan hari terakhir yang luang untuk belajar memasak makanan Thailand di Blue Elephant Cooking School yang legendaris. Hari itu flight saya dari BKK ke JKT via SGP dijadwalkan berangkat pukul 16.00 sehingga saya pun tenang mengikuti morning cooking class yang dijadwalkan.

Pada hari itu, jam 8 pagi saya bersama dua kolega dari New Zealand dan Singapore, berangkat ke Blue Elephant menumpang taxi. Saat tiba, kami disambut oleh segelas Lemongrass herbal drink yang dingin dan manis sekali dan kemudian di briefing oleh cooking instructor kita yang cantik bernama Breeze, seorang gadis Thai. Setelah itu kami naik Sky Train bersama dengan murid yang lain (jumlahnya ada 10, termasuk dari Hong Kong, Jepang, Italia, Amerika Serikat, Singapore, Indonesia, New Zealand dan Australia) menuju pasar pagi Bang Rak. Pasar ini mirip pasar-pasar di Jakarta, bedanya tidak terlalu bau dan kotor. Sebelum mulai mengelilingi pasar tersebut, Breeze mengajak kami untuk mencicipi Thai Iced Tea dan Thai Iced Coffee yang khas di salah satu stall. Setelah itu Breeze memulai pelajaran dengan memperkenalkan berbagai macam sayuran dan herbs khas Thai di kios-kios. Setelah sekitar satu jam lebih, kami kembali naik Sky Train ke Blue Elephant. Setelah tiba, kami disuguhi
minuman segar dan dibagikan masing-masing celemek dan map berisi resep-resep masakan yang akan diajarkan hari itu. Kami masuk ruangan teori dimana kami mendengarkan Breeze menjelaskan tentang 6 bumbu-bumbu utama masakan Thai (Kaffir Lime leaf, Kaffir Lime zest, Galangal, Coriander, Chilli dan Lemongrass), dishes yang akan dimasak dan kemudian ia mendemonstrasikan cara memasaknya.

Dish pertama adalah Tod Man Pla atau Thai Fish Cake. Setelah menonton Breeze dan asistennya memasak, kami dipersilakan mencicipi hasil masakan dan kemudian langsung ke dapur sebelah yang mirip laboratorium dimana setiap murid mendapatkan cooking area sendiri serta alat2 dan bahan yang diperlukan. Begitu seterusnya bolak balik dari kelas teori dan ke dapur untuk praktek, untuk dishes-dishes selanjutnya, Seafood Krathiem Prik Thai or Stir-fried Seafood with Garlic, Kai Phad Prik or Stir-fried Chicken with Red Curry dan Yum Som O or Pomelo Salad (Tiap hari, menunya cooking school ganti-ganti) . Khusus untuk Tod Man Pla, ternyata the secret adalah never add any flour dan kepal-kepal adonan dan lempar hingga nempel di piring, baru digoreng. Dijamin sedap dan gak hancur!

Selesai masak pukul 1 siang lewat dan dilanjutkan dengan makan bersama dengan murid-murid lain makanan yang telah dimasak sendiri di dining room restoran. Namun, karena saya takut ketinggalan pesawat karena kemacetan lalu lintas BKK yang cukup tersohor dan tidak mau terburu-buru makan, maka saya meminta makanan hasil masakan sendiri tersebut untuk dipak dengan rencana untuk memakannya di pesawat. Selain keempat dishes tersebut mereka juga mengikutsertakan mango and sticky rice untuk dessert. Selain itu setiap peserta mendapatkan sertifikat dan sebuah box biru beludru yang elegan berisi kartu-kartu resep, saus dan bumbu-bumbu. Wow! Breeze juga bilang boleh kirim email kalo kita menemukan kesulitan bahan makanan atau memasak saat kami sudah tiba di rumah negara masing-masing. Cihuy!

Setelah bergegas ke bandara, ternyata pesawat saya delay dua jam!! SQ gitu lho!! Huh! Otomatis dengan adanya delay ini saya tidak dapat mengejar pesawat terakhir dari Singapore ke Jakarta, sehingga saya diberi dua pilihan: menginap semalam lagi di Bangkok atau menginap semalam di Singapore dengan konsekuensi jika saya memilih pilihan pertama maka saya baru tiba di Jakarta jam 12 siang dan masuk kantor jam 2, tapi jika pilihan yang kedua maka jam 10 pagi saya sudah bisa masuk kantor.

Saya memilih yang kedua (sambil bersungut-sungut karena sudak capek sekali dan udah ngebayangin besok pasti bakal capek banget lagi karena harus bangun jam 4 pagi untuk ngejar first flight SGP-JKT yang jam 6 pagi untuk tiba jam 8an. Grrrrr!) tapi saya juga minta selain hotel, taxi, breakfast yang dibayarkan oleh mereka, saya juga mendapatkan fasilitas first class. Akhirnya hasil masakan Thai saya tersebut dinikmati oleh saya dan dua kawan kenalan baru saya yang juga stranded di first class lounge BKK airport yang sedang menunggu pesawat yang sama. Jadi tuh masakan kita gelar-gelar sehingga orang-orang sebelah ngeliat iri sambil pada makan kacang. Dan menurut teman-teman baruku sih masakanku enak banget!! Wah, aku langsung jadi tersipu! Ya masa baru kenal mau bilang masakan orang gak enak seh? Hehehe

Ini aku share resep favoritku:


Stir Fried Seafood with Garlic and Peppercorns (Seafood Krathiam Prik Thai)

Ingredients:
6 cloves garlic, peeled
3 tbsp vegetable oil
2 medium-sized prawns, shelled and deveined
70 g squid, cut into 2 cm
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp chicken stock
20 g fresh green peppercorns on the stem
2 stem fresh coriander, chopped

Seasoning Sauce
1 ½ tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp light soya sauce
2 tsp sugar

Garnish:
Coriander Leaves


Prep:

Pound the garlic in a mortar. Heat oil in wok. Add the garlic. When its golden brown, add seafood and stir fry. Add ground pepper, all the seasoning sauce and chicken stock, then simmer for 2 minutes. Add the green peppercorn and coriander. Continue to stir then transfer to a serving dish.

Tip: Kata Breeze waktu kita menumis garlic sekalian aja tambahkan ground black pepper dikit biar gak cepet gosong….song. ..

Selain di Bangkok, Blue Elephant memiliki restoran cabang di: London, Paris, Brussels, Copenhagen, Lyon, Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain, Malta, Beirut, Moscow. Sebentar lagi kabarnya akan buka juga di Shanghai.


Untuk informasi dan reservasi cooking class: http://blueelephant .com/school/ index.html
Harga: 2800 baht plus tax atau sekitar 85 USD for half day class.

MotoGP Sepang Sept 06

Two D's Birthday Bash August 06

Two of my best girlfriends’ birthday bash.

Modus operandi: Cocktails, dinner, dancing

Scene of the crime: Wine and Caviar, Seafood Terrace and Burgundy.

The accused suspects: A dozen girlfriends in summerskirts having a ball.

Suspected timeline: Mid august 06

The lucky photographer: Dodo

Ijen Weekend Getaway

Want to go somewhere exotic and not so ordinary for the weekend? Don’t want to take too much time out for leave and don't want to spend a pretty penny? Want to explore the gorgeous nature of your own country but you’re not totally prepared to roughing it?

 

Well, here’s an idea!

 

Preparation (one week in advance):

 

Click on www.airasia.com and book airtickets JKT-SBY-JKT leaving on Friday at 3.30 pm and coming back on Sunday evening. Price variable, depending on time of booking.  It is advisable to get the late afternoon flights just to be safe so you can still catcth the train even if the flight is delayed. If you take the evening flight and it is delayed, then you’ll be in real trouble!

 

Call a friend in Surabaya or Aneka Travel cp. Mbak Ira 031 592 9000 to buy tickets for SBY-Banyuwangi leaving on Friday evening. If you go through Aneka Travel, they will surcharge you IDR 15K per ticket.  Mutiara Train Executive Class is an affordable IDR 55K per one way.

 

Call the Ijen Resort and Villas 0333-429000 fax 0333-420800 and speak to Pak Djoko or Pak Dewa to negotiate and book a room for a night (check in Saturday, check out Sunday), pick up service at the train station (75K per pax) and transportation to the Ijen Crater (600K per car). Ask them as well to buy the return Banyuwangi- Surabaya train ticket leaving on Sunday morning. Room Rates: Standard 425K net, Deluxe 600K Net and Suite 1 Mio Net. It is worth the money to get a deluxe room. Note: Do not book through the website as you will get the more expensive rates. Also keep in mind that they do not accept any credit cards, so bring enough cash to pay your bills! www.99bali.com/hotels/ijen/  

 

 

Things to bring:

 

If possible, travel light with a backpack only as you will be getting in and out of several modes of transportations. Bring 2 pairs of jeans or cargo pants, a couple of shirts, trekking or sport shoes, a warm sweater or jacket, a swim suit, sandals, jammies, ipod, camera, suncream, sunnies, socks, ear plugs, eyecovers, good books, insect repellent, playing cards, first aid and vitamins.

 

 

At Surabaya

 

Arriving at Surabaya at 4.30 pm, take a cab and go directly to the luxurious and historic Majapahit Mandarin Oriental Hotel (formerly the Hotel Oranje, located at  Jl. Tunjungan) www.eastjava.com/hotel/mandarin/ for afternoon high tea at their lobby lounge and jump in their beautiful lap pool for a swim (75K) or try a therapeutic massage at the Majapahit spa while waiting for dinner time. Around eight o’clock, you can dine at the famous Sarkies Seafood Chinese Restaurant in the hotel or get out of the hotel and head to other venues. My recommendation is Ayam Goreng Pemuda or be adventurous  (smirk) and head on over  to Tunjungan Plaza  where you will be spoiled for choice. Choose, 1, 2, 3 or 4!  After dinner, it is advisable to go the supermarket and stock up on water, drinks and snacks for the train journey. Use this time as well to pick up your train tickets either bought by your friend or the travel agent.

 

After dinner, make sure you arrive at the Gubeng Station plenty of time to board the Mutiara Express train at 10.30 pm.

 

On the Train SBY-Banyuwangi

 

Leaving at 10.30 pm on the dot, the Mutiara train is usually packed, some by domestic and foreign tourists who wish to go to Bali by taking the ferry at Banyuwangi. The Executive Class is quite comfortable with adjustable comfy seats and footrest. This is where you will be needing your earplugs and eyecovers to be able to catch some zzz’s! It’s also very chilly, so take advantage of the warm covers and clean pillows available for rental during the 6 hours trip.

 

Ijen Resort and Villas

 

Stepping off at the Karangasem station (one station before the terminus) at 4.30 am,  you will be picked up by the Ijen staff with a 4x4 vehicle to go directly to the resort which you will arrive an hour later. Ijen Resort and Villas is located in the midst of nowhere, set in a stunning backdrop of rice paddy fields and mountains.  The rooms are airy and good sized, each with breathtaking views. The only cringe I have is that the rooms are not equipped with minibars nor coffee making facilities.

 

After checking in and a quick shower, enjoy their homemade breads and american style breakfast at their stylish coffeshop, and leave the resort by 7 am to head to the Ijen Crater. Do pack your sunscreen, sunnies, camera, water bottles and first aid. Dress in loose fitting clothes, trekking shoes, cap and a warm sweater or jacket!

 

 

Ijen Crater

Arriving at the foot of Kawah Ijen or Ijen Crater about an hour later, pay your entrance fee (15K) and start the ascending 3 km climb towards the crater. The climb can be quite steep and rough at times and can be covered within 45mins to an hour by a fit person, or about an hour and a half by most people, like me! You will need to be in a moderate fitness level if you want to be able to do this trekking without getting breathless.

Once you do get to the top though, you will be engulfed in the dramatic volcanic scenery and jaw-dropping sights. And all your pain for the last hour and a half is forgotten! Ijen Crater is the world's largest highly acidic lake and is the site of a labor-intensive sulfur mining operation in which sulfur-laden baskets are hand-carried by the locals from the crater floor. A spectacular turquoise blue lake fills the bottom of the crater of Ijen. Words are not enough to describe the beauty of this place.

http://www.eastjava.com/books/ijen/main.html

After spending some time at the top and start descending, you will probably arrive at the foot of the mountain by around 11 am. If you head back directly to the resort, you will arrive in an hour’s time, passing by scenic coffee and clove plantations, and village farming life sceneries.

Back at the Resort

Arriving back at around noon, take a quick shower, book a massage for later in the day and enjoy a nap before heading down to the restaurant for a late lunch. The resort offers both European and Indonesian dishes and the taste is quite ok, but comes with a staggering tag price. But since there are slim pickings of restaurants within the vicinity, you might as well enjoy it. Nasi Rendang and Chicken Curry are both good choices for 75K a pop.

After lunch, spread out your books, ipod and sunscreen at the poolside and enjoy your massage while basking in the scenic paddy fields and mountain, and the carp pond right under your nose. And the check out the bale that overlooks to the ocean when the weather is clear, on the back part of the resort.

In the evening, enjoy a leisurely dinner and a game of cards. Take note that this resort does not have a library nor any recreational activities on site, so do bring your amusements! Retire early, as you will need to wake up at 7 in the morning the following day.

After breakfast the following day, leave the resort by 8 am to be able to get to the station and board the train that leaves at 9.15 am heading back to Surabaya. I do not recommend having your lunch during the ride but just wait until you get to your destination because the food on the train is pretty ordinary.

Sidoarjo

Stepping off at the Sidoarjo station at about 2.15 pm, explore the town on a becak and buy your fruit hand (buah tangan) at the ubiquitous toko oleh-oleh along the main road of Jl. Mojopahit. Get your kerupuks, petis udang, bandeng asap, wingko babat and even crabs for the loved ones at home!

Afterwards, have a late delicious lunch at Lesehan Joyo located at the Taman Pinang complex, serving tasty ayam goreng dan bakar, ikan gurame bakar bumbu and many more. If you still have time, spend the afternoon checking out the newly built and splashy Shopping Mall outfitted by a Borobudur Department Store.

In the early evening, head off to Surabaya Airport and catch your flight back to Jakarta.

Total cost per person for the trip:  1.9 mio. Number days of leave taken: Half day. The experience of being able to climb the Ijen and see the turqouise blue lake in the crater: Priceless!

Ain’t an Ijen weekend getaway grand?

Both pictures downloaded from websites above. My pictures coming up!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back in the Hood....

Mau share sedikit tentang culinary report aku di daerah Kemang and Ampera. Basically, background ceritanya adalah semenjak aku pindah kantor di deep south, tiap hari aku bete karena dengan aku tinggal di tengah kota maka pergi ke kantor memakan waktu satu jam limabelas menit (minimal!), pulang juga minimal satu setengah jam. Waduh bete abis. So after moving back to the Kemang area, going to the office have become painless! Ke office ku yang di TB Simatupang itu hanya 15 menit (tops!) dan pulang juga 15 menit. What luxury! Naturally, my current preference venue for lunch, dinner and hanging out now is back in this neighborhood. A couple of good resto have arrived sitting side by side with the classics and also juga banyak makanan pinggir jalan yang baru or baru aku temukan. Berikut laporan pandangan mata dan goyangan lidah dariku from my part of the ‘hood, a treasure trove of delight!


Dinner and Hanging Out:


Saung Lovina Jl . Ampera Raya
Cheap but No AC

Dont be fooled by the facade of this place as from the outside it looks dumpy and unattractive. It is situated next to the Ondel-Ondel gallery, right before the entrance of Kemang Place (ini kos-kosan kelas atas bow). Once you arrive, just go directly to the saung area and take your seating choice in one of the bale-bale. Must order: Balinese style Ikan Bakar Kue, Plecing Kangkung, Sate Udang dan Calamari. Ask for extra Sambal and Fried Shallots Oil. Food is truly gorgeous and expect to pay around 75 K for two hungry people. Also expect to order second rounds as it is really addictive. Open for lunch but can be a bit hot and humid. It’s become one of my fave spots if I have an urge to gorge.


Loca! Jl. Benda
Value for Money

This is a true gem. It is probably one of the first restaurant in Jakarta that positions itself as local joint as it really tries to immerse itself and become part of the local community. A stand alone resto (meaning, its not located in a building or hotel), it serves 100 different flavours of good quality coffee and it also specializes in Italian grub such as pasta and grills. Food is cheap (pasta starts at 20 thou) and atmosphere is FUN, FUN, FUN. Variety of drinks are also abound. They have blackboards on the wall announcing its coffee (100 cups from heaven!) and brunch menu, their Loca! group holiday to Peucang (open for everyone), tidbits on their chefs, and best of all, if you like cooking, you can give em a call so you can try out your stuff at their kitchen. Owned by the dyamic couple Matteo and Teges (who also owns Lola in SCBD area), this is a true local joint with character, warmth and a dash of class. Fantastic brunch menu every Sunday.

More info on Loca!: Talented palm reader every Tuesday and Friday evening. Come early to book your slots.

Shy Jl. Kemang Raya
Damn pricey!

Located in the posh new glitzy glass building in Kemang Raya that also houses Club 21 Boutique and Huixe Van Welly resto, dimly lit Shy sits on the top floor. Serving haute cuisine in a dark atmosphere, I wouldn’t really recommend it unless you want to impress someone on a first date, clinch a business deal or do a marriage proposal. Set dinner for one person (I think about 5 courses) which includes Wagyu beef is about 600 K. Wine and other drinks are also highly priced. Food and service is ok. It also has a small lounge near the bar which is dimly lit as well. Good if you want to have a clandestine date.


The Edge Kemang Icon at Kemang Raya, Top Floor
Pricey

Kemang Icon is the newest and ritziest kid on the block as far as hotels are concerned in Kemang. It’s only got 12 suites for hire, with the cheapest one going for US$120 per night. Decked in the lobby are upmarket boutiques, an Apple store and galleries. With fantastic architecture and interior design, it’s becoming a popular place to stage cocktail parties for the yummies (young upwardly mobile kiddies)J The Edge is the hotel resto that overlooks the swimming pool on the top floor. Great place for a late brunch or just a coffee. This property is managed by Alila hotels.

Koi Kemang Raya in the same building as Lifespa
Value for money

A bistro version of its older sister in Mahakam sporting a different menu, Koi in Kemang is truly one of my favorite place to eat. It has two distinct menu: Asian and European with daily specials that changes daily (well of course! if it changes monthly, it’ll be called monthly special!). Their salads are truly superb and large in quantity. Order any one of them and it’s a guaranteed satisfaction. My personal favorite is the Fried Tofu Salad. Slurp! Teas, coffees, wine and beer are all good quality and moderately priced. The desserts? FANTASTIC! Prices here are a bit cheaper than the one in Mahakam. Parking is a bit dodgy, so come with a driver or cab, or get ready to handover your carkeys to the valet dude. It’s also a perfect place to chill after working out at the Lifespa or Hot Yoga upstairs.

FJL Bistro
Pricey
Jl. Kemang Raya and a 3 minute stroll from my house

Italian foodies and tea enthusiasts will love dining in this place. Specializing in pastas and grills, which includes a yummy lamb chop, FJL also serves good salads and soups. Funky interior and warm service adds the zing to this establishment.
Daredevil desserts adds to the pastas galore and glorious list of tea beverages!This place is also good for a late lunch. After dining, check out the upmarket boutique in front of the resto, owned by the restaurateur's wife.

Lunch spots:

Organics
Jl. Kemang Raya
Moderately Priced

A health food store cum resto that serves meals that is prepared only with organic foodstuff. Creating a healthy trend amongst the in crowd, this place offers great sandwiches, a good salad bar and a long list of healthy but tasty drinks. The place is groovy and packed with people, both 'new age' and conformist alike. Detox services is also available on premises.


Shabu Nobu Kemang Raya
Value for money

A spot on place for a leisure healthy lunch on Saturdays, Shabu Nobu is it. Casual eatery with moderately priced meals and generous servings. NZ meat Shabu set is 75 K includes strips of good quality lean meat, a huge plate of veggies and mushrooms, rice and a dollop of ice cream (green tea or ogura). Hot or Cold Ocha is free flow and only 5K. Within the same group as Sushi Nobu, Shabu Nobu now has started to also offer sushi dishes, along with its staple udon and tempura dishes. Something for everyone! After lunch, head upstairs to QB to select your new book for the upcoming week and sip a cup of Java in the cafe overlooking Kemang Raya.

Sop Konro dan Ikan Bakar:
Next to Circle K at Ampera Raya.
Value for money and No AC

The Konro and Ikan Bakar are good for lunch. Not too fatty, the konro has a generous portion and goes well with steaming rice. Expect to pay 100 thou for a big lunch for two.

Balado Padang Resto:
Ampera Raya
Value for money

Acquiring its first new serious competitor in same strip of road sometime last month (Sederhana), Balado keeps going on strong. I’m truly a sucker for good ayam bakar padang and paru goreng. RRRRRRRRRRRR!


Warung Ny. Umi:
Next to my building
Very cheap, No AC of course

Well, we like to call it Madame Umi’s Bistro. J As this place is located next to my office building, tucked in a corner next to the tukang soto ayam, undoubtedly this is where I mostly have my lunch. It serves edible Sundanese style buffet food, with different variety on the menu each day. When I’m on my vegetarian binge: 3 types of stir fried veggies, lalapan and sambal, krupuk and bakwan and es teh tawar only cost me a princely sum of 4.500 rups. With chicken or fish and tofu, it’s about ten thou. Not bad huh?

Paddzi
Jl. Ampera Raya
Value for money

Padat dan bergizi, that’s what always pops into my mind whenever we head here for lunch. This resto has been around for awhile and has gone through its ups and downs and yet manages to fare well. It specializes in Aneka Masakan Ikan, so if the worms in your tummy has this type of craving for lunch, this is where to go. Recently renovated, this resto has a nice family atmosphere (banyak ibu2 arisan bok kalo siang2). Their must order dish is the tahu goreng isi and of course the gurama goreng. Their veggies aint so bad either. They also have a great outdoor area that can be used for dinnertime.


Back in the Hood Part 2 coming up! 


Ta..ta...

Fathia

My Super Cousins!!!

Following Indonesia's old age tradition of arisan amongst communities, my cousins and I decided we're going to do one too with the sole objective of so we can hang out more often aka at least once monthly (pentiiing....) Anyway, here's the pics for our first arisan which includes cousins + spouses and their kids (that's about 20 plus people) from my mom's side. But for this first event, our parents wanted to come too.... (gak mau ketinggalan !!!) so about 30 of us had a ball hanging out at the mall last Sunday.

Bandunx.... danx.. dinx.. dunx...

Keeping my promise to my best buddy, Ray, we went to Bandung last weekend for a night to test drive my new car. Berangkat pulang kantor hari Jumat, pulang Sabtu malem. The itinerary was pretty standard for holidaying Jakartans. Drinks at Amare, latenight supper at Sugema, lunch at Sapu Lidi Resto, shopping at Rumah Mode, snack at Batagor Riri and dinner at Sierra. But it was a fun and enjoyable trip! Sugema itu... damn... enak banget......

My First Nephew!

Villa D'Equilibrium - Sukabumi - May 06

Ikutan acara JS ke sumber mata air dan pembotolan Equil!!!

Amsterdam!!! May 06

Final day in Europe! Spent the whole day hanging out, eating, canal cruising and museuming in Amsterdam. Lovely city: compact, beautiful, fun and full of history. Will come back again for more!

Spent the day with my newfound friend Wulan, my college buddy Cordelia and I even got to have lunch with Tita JS.

A Beautiful Saturday at Keukenhof Gardens - May 06

After a full five day course in Den Haag, we took a 45 minute drive out to Keukenhof Gardens. This tulip garden is only open 2 months in a year, end of March till end of May. I am so lucky to be in the Netherlands in the right time of f the year. The smell of the flowers makes you heady and the colorful sights absolutely jaw dropping!!!

Entrance fee is 12.50 euro. For more info click on: http://www.keukenhof.nl/

Hanging Out in Den Haag - May 06

Such a pretty little town... and such a funky beach!!

After a relaxing weekend at Villefranche sur Saone, I went to Den Haag for the first time as well. It is located about 50 minutes by train from Amsterdam and it has a great beach called Scheveningen, full of beautiful people when the weather is right. From stately homes to cute restaurants, Den Haag is the place! It is also home to the Queen of Netherlands and one of largest oil and gas companies in the world!!!!

Weekend at Villefranche sur Saône

On the weekend, we went to stay at Bernard's family countryhome in Villefranche sur Saone about 45 minutes away from Lyon.....

A Lyon!!! May 06

Beginning of May, I travelled for the first time to Lyon, France to visit a very good colleague of mine, Bernard. Lyon is his hometown and he did a very good job in taking me to all the must see tourist places and great local restaurants.

A bit different from Paris with its magnetic nighlife, Lyon has something else much more special: it used to be called Lugdunum, second capital of ancient Rome!

Lyon is a medium sized town with breathtaking city views and quaint feel of living. It is also known as the center of gastronomy of France.

Road Trip in Malaysia - 6 Days 1.000 KM - April 06

Gue sambil latihan motret nii, jadi jangan bosen ya liat Petronas Towernya.:)

This was a family trip taken in April 2006. We rented a car and went by road from KL, Genting, Penang and back to KL. My bother was the designated driver, I the navigator and my mom the cheerleader.

I've been to KL many times for work which I sometime extended for pleasure, but this is the first time that I went there purely for holidays.


It was great fun hanging out with my mom and bro, albeit a few quarrels here and there. Haha!

RB'ers Luncheon at NanXiang, Hilton

Teks dibawah ditulis oleh sobat kentelku Budi Jajanpasar dan diposting di Jalansutra....

Hari ini adalah salah satu the best moment in my life dimana saya bisa ngumpul lagi dengan brotherhood of culiner yang notabene udah lama kita ngga ngumpul bareng. Setelah berurun rembug berbagai hal termasuk lokasi akhirnya tempat yang kami pilih adalah di Nan Xiang Shanghai Steamed Bun Restaurant Jakarta di Hilton International Lobby Tower. Brotherhood yang hadir saat lunch sekaligus menyabung silaturahmi adalah :

1. My Brother Henry Santoso and His beloved Son, Reuben
2. My Brother Tatyo
3. My Sister Fathia
4. My Brother Mr. Wadyono
5. My self budi'jajanpasar'

Setelah melewati gerimis dan kemacetan yang membikin lelah jiwa raga di kuningan (oh monorail project yang bikin muaaacet + genangan2 air yang njelai pollllll!!!!!!!)+ dikomdak juga sih macetnya finally Hotel Hilton terlihat dan legalah hati saya hehehe. Setelah parkir motor saya bergegas menuju ke Nan Xiang Restaurant. Waktu saya datang sudah ada My Brother Tatyo dan My Brother Mr. Wadyono dan Mbak Fathia , dengan suasana penuh kehangatan kekeluargaan saya bahagia banget bisa ngumpul lagi. Tak lama kemudian my Brother Henry datang bersama Reuben sang buah hati tercinta. Sembari Kongkow2 dan melepas penat sejenak dari rutinitas kantor , Kami pun pesan menu antara lain :

2 porsi Xiao Long Ayam + Hairy Crab
1 La Mian Cha Ciang
2 Iced Lemon Tea
1 Teh Poly
1 Hot Coffee
1 porsi Tumis Udang Telor Asin Medium
1 Tumis Perut Ikan Udang (Hi pyo)
1 Crispy Fried Duck 1/2 ekor
1 Prosi Stewed Briskket Bee Medium
3 Fried Shrt Peper SA
1. Fried Rice Shanghai
1 Xo Sauce

Sebelum menu keluar kebetulan saya bawa kacang telor merk Rajawali khas Tulungagung yang ternyata cocok juga buat nyamikan alias prologue sebelum sajian yang utama hehehe, rasa kacangnya spicy ada pedas2 sedikit tp yummy juga kemudian,
menu yang pertama keluar adalah Xiao Long Ayam+hairy Crab yang sangat lezat dimana kulitnya terasa liat namun sangat smooth dan isinya sangat smooth pula dimana bercampur dengan kuah dengan aroma jahe yang mild tapi memikat. Sambil merem saya bagaikan tokoh di cooking master boy(pelem kartun nih) yang tenggelam dikelezatan masakan Xiao Long Ayam + Hairy Crab ini hehehehe. Kemudian keluar lagi Tumis Udang Telor Asin yang uenakkkkkkkkkkkkke pol2an jadi udangnya itu segar, kekenyalannya pas banget semakin tob markotob ketika disiram pake saus telor asin yang masir , legit2 piye gitu (susah nih deskripsinya saking enaknya hahaha), Trus keluar lagi Crispy Fried Duck ini bebeknya digoreng tapi empuk polllll, ga ada amis2nya blas , kriuk2 crispy dan tidak klenyit(alias berminyak) ketika dirasakan sambil merem adengan cooking master boy terulang lagi terhempas dalam samudra kenikmatan kuliner lagi hueuheuhuehe, kemudian disambung dengan masakan Urat Sapi yang dimasak dengan kuah yang kental manis ini juga lezat , urat sapinya tidak eneq dan tidak hambar sungguh harmonisasi yang ciamik banget , apalagi dimakan pas panas2 sedep bener . Lalu ada juga masakan Tumis perut ikan udang atau hi pio ini juga boleh lah rasanya kenyal2 , wangi dan memikat. Bersambung pula dengan Shang Hai Fried Rice yang nasinya kayak perak tapi sebenernya ga perak bertabur dengan sayur2an nasi Goreng ini enak juga dan memiliki style yang uniqe ada semacam wangi2 yang khas yang berbeda dengan nasi goreng ala indonesia dan tak ketinggalan La Mian Cha Chiang pesanan My Sister Fathia Mienya lezat tapi agak hambar ya (mirip spagethi yang berbalur daging begitu) berbeda dengan Mie2 aliran kota tapi lezat juga. Terus sambil ngobrol2 lagi pas udah mo final omong punya omong kita pesan lagi Iga Sapi Goreng lada garam yang satu ini memang pol2an kelezatannya empuknya pas, tidak klenyit (alias berminyak2) , dicocol dengan lada garamnya aduh semakin afdol dan tidak bikin nyelilit di gigi(slilit bahasa indonesianya apah yah? heheheh).

Untuk kelezatan masakan di Nan Xian Shang Hai Restaurant Classical memang boleh-boleh tahan baik dari segi kualitas menu makanan dan servicenya juga bagus. Para Waiter dan Waitressnya ramah2 dan heplful banget. Dipenghujung kata tidak kecewa untuk setelah tahu kualitas yang diberikan kepada pelanggan , CIAMIK!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Total kerusakan diatas adalah : Rp. 1.051.380 ) ada discount 10 % dengan menggunakan Kartu dari ANZ ;;).
Untuk alamat Nan Xiang Shang Hai Restaurant adalah :

Jakarta Hilton International , Lobby Lagoon Tower Jl. Gatot Subroto Jkt. 10002 Indonesia, 021-5707125 fax : 5707126.

untuk photonya bisa diakses di : http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mcdon1978z/album?.dir=/5c1a

mohon maaf apabila ada informasi yang kurang akurat atau kurang lengkap,

memujiken dengan hormat,

budi 'jajanpasar

Menega, Ducati, Hu'u and the beach April 06

Dieter's Birthday Bash at Cassis

Dieter's 46th Birthday is celebrated with his 40 friends at Cassis resto. The meal? Fantastic! It was a 7 course dinner that started with Oysters, then Cappucino Mushroom soup, Prawn Salad, Baked Fish with Pea Paste, Steak and Foie Gras, Assorted Cheeses and yummy dessert.

Harruummph!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Raffles Hotel Singapore

OTW back from Manila, I stopped by in Singapore for a couple of hours to have lunch with an old friend at the legendary Tiffin Room at Raffles Hotel. Scrumptious!!!

Mabuhay Manila Jan 06

It's my Birthday Brunch!

My birthday was celebrated at the Four Seasons Champagne Brunch last Sunday. A bit late as I just came back from a biz trip. Food was as usual very good. I only invited very few people (girls only, hehe!) but as always we were the loudest bunch in the room as we were having so much fun!

Diving, Rafting, Mountain Biking, Chillin'