I've been wanting to visit Java Bleu for a long time, but never found the opportunity to go to Fatmawati area. Several weeks ago, a friend informed us that Java Bleu has opened a new outlet in Cikini. So last weekend, we decided to have dinner there with a friend. The restaurant is located on the second floor of Cafe au Lait, only several doors away from Bakoel Kopi and Vietopia. We asked for the non smoking section as usual and were pleased to find that the smoking and non-smoking sections are physically separate. The menu is written in a big blackboard that the waiter wheeled in front of us.

So we ordered Escargot with Herb Butter 38K for appetizer and for the main course we ordered: Home Made Duck Confit 120K, Ox Tongue "Bourgeoise" 75K and Home made Pork Sausage Creole 72K. For desserts we chose: black & white melt chocolate with ice cream 29K and Creme Caramel 24K. For the drinks we chose: Iced Lemon Tea with Vanilla Pod 16K and Lemonade with Fresh Mint 18K. The escargot came first accompanied with bread that we used to clean the sauce. The appearance may not be appetizing, but it was surely the best escargot I've ever had so far. The garlic & parsley butter was generous, and the taste is balanced, not too salty. The main courses were served with a delicious potato gratin and watercress salad. The ox tongue was cooked to perfection, while the duck confit (confit de canard) was so tender. The sauces in each main dishes was also delicious. My least favorite dish that night was the sausage, but it was by no means terrible. The cream caramel is a tad sweeter for my taste buds, but the black and white melt chocolate is just perfect. Overall, we had a great time there. The service was friendly and the price was reasonable. :)

Rating: 4.7/5 (34 votes cast)

From Warung Italia, we walked to Bali Deli and entered Le Spot Café. Since it was already dark, we chose to sit inside instead of the garden area and ordered Spaghetti AOP mushroom 38K and french fries 10K for me while SC only ordered dessert, choco mouse cake 20K. In my opinion, the spaghetti AOP was decent and the french fries only average, but the dessert was superb. Two days later, we went back again. This time we sat at the garden area and ordered huzaren sla, ginger ale, veggie drinks and once again, SC ordered dessert, this time tiramisu. Overall, it was delicious. Too bad the Jakarta's Bali Deli had closed.

Rating: 3.7/5 (3 votes cast)

Leaving Cafe De Paris, we walked several blocks to Plaza Bisnis Kemang. At the back of the building, right next to Die Stube restaurant (will try this next time), is a French Crêperies. The room was quite dark, decorated in red classic wallpaper wth several vintage posters on the wall. I felt like I were on Moulin Rouge's movie set. This place is famous for their home made ice cream, sorbet and crepes, but they also serve several kinds of savory dishes.

Rating: 4.3/5 (15 votes cast)

Three weeks ago, we were around Kemang area looking for light dinner, and we decided to try Cafe de Paris. Cafe de Paris has just recently moved to the second floor of La Codefin building. The place is small, but warmly welcoming with French ambience. We ordered their escargot 35K and onion soup 19K. We didn't order any dessert as we're planning to have dessert somewhere else later. They gave us a basket of bread.The escargot was cooked in garlic & butter sauce. The taste was quite good and the price can be considered very reasonable for French dishes. I like the escargot and the onion soup, although the latter was a bit too salty. We'll definitely be back for more.

Rating: 2.4/5 (5 votes cast)

Last month, we visited Coquelicot again for lunch and this time, they were open. The place is designed as a fancy French cafe, with fancy candelier, fancy table lamp and cozy chair. I like the design of this place. Even their menu is fancy too. :) While waiting for my friend to arrive, I feel quite hungry, so I start ordering their soupe a l'oignon au fromage (baked creamy caramelized onion soup served with baquete in cheese toppings) 40K. In my opinion the soup tasted very average. The onion was almost non-existent and the soup has the texture & taste of canned soup. I think it was not prepared from scratch.

Rating: 1.8/5 (5 votes cast)

Last month, we want to have something fancy for lunch and decided to try out French dishes. So we head out to Coquelicot on Puri Mutiara Raya. Unfortunately, it was closed for a private party. So we turned to another restaurant on Cipete Raya: Boka Buka. The place is not big or glamorous, but it has a nice & cozy atmosphere, with friendly service.

Rating: 3/5 (6 votes cast)

After a not so successful dinner, we wandered around in the mall and I was attracted to a small space (it only has 2 small tables) with clean decoration that sells home made desserts. They offer 40% discount after 8PM (if I'm not mistaken), so we sat down and tried Hawaiian Parfait which surprisingly tasted very good. The place also offers coffee to go with the dessert. We definitely will be back. :)

Rating: 2.5/5 (4 votes cast)