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Saturday, September 3, 2011

Union - Lunch

Union was just newly opened when my gal suggested a new place to eat at Plaza Senayan, so we got no idea how the place and food was. But I immediately fell in luv with its open folding glass door facing the courtyard and with its glass roof extension on top of our seating row.
Then on the opposite area, the wall was painted in maroon-ish colour with various photo frames adorned the wall and the half-circular seats. It really has the NYC vibe!

We came in from Sogo side entrance which led us to the Bakery Counter and turned out the main door was the one from the courtyard. It was 4.30-ish but table was all occupied and we didn’t mind waiting at the bar counter, which at that time, one thing that I thought was a sore eyes was the plasma TV mounted on the wall, I felt it shouldn’t be there. Fortunately, 6 months later when I went for 2nd time, no more TV there.

On the bar, the drink menu certainly quite extensive, my gals chose the Mango Martini and she swore it was the best martini she ever tasted. Waited for around 10 mins and we got the table by the courtyard, yay!

Asked the waiting staff who were very polite, soft spoken and friendly about the recommended menu, he was able to recommend trying the Steak to go with which sauce. And looked like the menu may changed from month to month, not all but some items (great idea though)

I agreed the steak was great! It was juicy and tender with great sides to go along with. I was keen on trying the cakes since we saw it on our entrance and looked so pretty.
At that time, it was recommended the Red Velvet and I got no idea what was it, but it had to wait for few mins as it was being made from scratch due to its popularity. But when I saw they got the cheese cake with shredded cheese on top, I must Ordered it! It was soft, fluffy and cheesy indeed and it was big and tall slice, not some tiny short slice.

Didn't take many photos at that time...but aldy said to myself to return next time.

I made a promise to myself that will go to Union everytime I visits Jakarta…


Luv the glass ceiling extension


Mango Jalapeno Martini which was highly liked by my gals...


Red spinach juice, hmmm, too adventurous, not my style





My fillet mignon with Au Jus, it was delicious


My fave cheese cake, forgot to take it before eating, too eager...

Union Brasserie, Bakery and Bar

Plaza Senayan, 1st Fl Unit Sogo
Jl. Asia Afrika No. 8, Jakarta 
Tel: +62 21 5790 5871

Opens daily from breakfast to late 




Ocha & Bella

I heard that Ocha & Bella has nice design and quite a popular spot for dinner or late night drink, it is located at Jalan K.H. Wahid Hasyim or Menteng area, so again, this was a minus point for me.

As it was at night, so we were seated indoor; it seemed there was an outdoor area facing the road, a bit like playground area too.

It was quite few patrons with most of tables being put on Reserved. Ocha & Bella served Italian cuisine and the Japanese style of casual dishes. Its interior of industrial chic with lots of green touches, either the chairs or the outdoor atmosphere which also flows seamlessly. With its glass black square window, I do admit I like this casual modern dining concept.

The kitchen area was an open concept facing the main window and it has pizza oven-wood equipment too.

Now, about the food and drink…we ordered our cocktail, it was okay but not too fantastic and what annoyed my gal was one of the waiting staff who were not so tactful in asking the question to her when delivering the drinks. I ordered my prawn pasta and it was okay, a bit too oily to my liking. The gals just ordered the pizza which they said quite tasty.

After dinner, while waiting for our taxi, I saw a very interesting building behind the restaurant but only afterward that I found out Ocha & Bella occupies the front space of a boutique hotel, the Morrisey. Would love to try the boutique hotel next time.

About going back to dine at Ocha & Bella next time in Jakarta, I think I’d pass…

It's the back of the Menu
Drink Menu
 
View from entrance
Such a Casual vibes with colourful chairs and view to kitchen area
Luv this Reserved sign, best I've ever seen
I just felt it was a nice capture, the white plain plates against retro-inspired placemat
Our mocktails and martini..it was so so..
Totally forgot the pizza name, but it was quite delicious as they used oven wood pizza burner
My prawn aglio olio, this definitely the oiliest aglio olio version I've ever tasted, it was okay
Got another drink for a simple mocktail

Ocha & Bella
In Morrissey Hotel (previously Citadines)
Jl. KH Wahid Hasyim No. 70 (located at the end of Jalan Jaksa)
Menteng, Jakarta

Tel : +62-21-310-5777

http://www.ochaandbella.com/

Opens daily from 11 am to 11 pm / for weekend until 12 am