Hermitage - L'Avenue at Menteng, Jakarta

Tuko was strolling the area of Menteng. Not intentionally though. Tuko was on the way back from a friend's wedding reception. After getting out, Tuko mistakenly took a wrong turn and in the end found this intriguing to see hotel. The name is Hermitage.

From the outside it's very nice. The aura of old classic but yet classy hotel remains. And it seems very exclusive since there's not so many cars parking around it. So Tuko decided to try going in and see what's inside.

Greeted by a very nice security guy guarding the gate. Walking through the security check was also being greeted by this polite security guy. On the inside, a nice traditionally dressed girl greeted Tuko and ask if she can help Tuko. So Tuko asked what's the specialty for non staying guest(s) here. She recommended to try the roof top bar. She showed the way on how to get to a quite a walk getting into the elevator.

But along the way we can actually be mesmerized by the glamor of classic design. There's a guy playing a grand piano by the hallway even though there's no bar or restaurant or anything to play for. The guy still plays elegant and passionately.

Reaching the top floor, there's a gym right in front of the elevator. Next on the right hand side is actually the swimming pool and a bar on the other end. The bar's name is La Vue. As the nice girl directed, Tuko gone up the stair next to the swimming pool. And Tuko was so amazed by the view from the top. This is not a high building but than the view was amazing. Jakarta by night, this is something you should all see.

Unfortunately Tuko was a bit late, and it's a full house. So Tuko can't hang out and order something there. Surprisingly even though there's area where bar stool can be put and more guests can sit, but they don't do that. Perhaps this is due to they would like to keep the area less crowded and maintain the nice ambiance atmosphere of the place. Amazing. Because usually any other restaurant will do their best to try fitting in the guest by setting new tables or chairs or even suggesting the guest to stand by the counter.

So tuko went down and go to girl again and ask what else can be done. She showed 2 restaurants facing each other next to the front door. On the right hand side is the restaurant with local food being served. On the left hand side is the restaurant with French food being served.

Tuko went to the French food, the restaurant's name is L'Avenue. The design of this restaurant clearly different from the other one. This has the aura of a fine dining and classy spot. Right after seating, the waiter asked permission to open up and put on the napkin on guest's lap. And then they asked whether is tap or sparkling water to guest's preference. Tuko went for the sparkling. After that they hand the menu.

 Looking at the menu, clearly this can be considered as medium to high class restaurant. Since Tuko just came back from a wedding reception with lots of free food, Tuko went for the dessert. Souffle Aux Agrumes and Valrhona Chocolate Fondant.

The souffle when served was looking really good. The souffle didn't rise really high though. By the time Tuko tried to take picture and getting the right angle, the souffle kind of sunk in and gets as flat as the cup's edge. But the puffiness is still feels so right. Even in the end Tuko can't get a good angle to take picture of. Cause the room's light kind of kept dimmed. Price for the souffle is IDR120,000 or around USD9.60.

And then the choco fondant is also being beautifully presented. The chocolate melts instantly poured out right after you cut out the fondant. The ice cream on the side will cool off the heated chocolate, even though it's not burning hot. The sour cream on around the fondant which was asked by the waiter to be poured by him or to done by ourselves taste so good. It tastes like passion fruit, but Tuko forgot to go ask to confirmed it. Price for the fondant is IDR120,000 or around USD9.60 too.

By the end of the day, the receipt came and Tuko was kind of surprise because the water actually billed into it's IDR95,000 or around USD7.60 each and by the way it's a San Pellegrino. Tuko thought it'll be a complimentary since the waiter asked as if it is. But that's not something to dwell about. Because honestly Tuko really felt good dining there. There's 10% service charged and 11% tax.

Next time Tuko will want to try the Hermitage Lounge, which served the local delicacy and the La Vue. But than please next time remind the guest that the drink is not complimentary.