XXI Djakarta Theater at Thamrin, Jakarta

It's been a while that Tuko haven't gone to the cinema. And so happen there's Liam Neeson's movie, Taken 3. Tuko already watch the previous 2. And like it so much. So together with the request of one of our Komeners, Tuko would like to make use of this opportunity to also visit and komen Djakarta Theatre.

This is the ticket which Tuko bought. Tuko went with Tuko's special someone. Unfortunately the middle center seats are taken. That's supposed to be Tuko's favorite. Because that's the best angle to watch a movie. Even more important if you're watching 3D and 4DX to get the middle and center seats.

 

This is the look from inside. Tuko can't take too many pictures because of there might be a security guy came over and escorted us out. That's not cool at all.

The theater is not so big. The seat is rather comfy but quite annoying with the people at the back either accidentally or carelessly keep on bumping the back of our seats. Sure there's nothing inconvenient to the kicker. But on us, that's a different story. Annoying. There should be a rule where you may not do so too.

The screen is bright combine with the technology of projector nowadays, there's no more blur or threads on the screen anymore. The technology of digital really improve the experience of movie goers compare to the old roll film back in the days.




The film ended. Among all three of the series, Tuko likes this one better. Since there's mind boggling moments and the more complex storyline make Taken 3 to be more interesting. The other 2 are full of action with lesser plots and scenes where we will need to use our brain and think.

Tuko really amazed with the security's SOP for getting into the bad guy's apartment. Very tight and secure. Is that even real?

Well above all, the main purpose is to komen about Djakarta Theater. Tuko thinks that considering the price which is cheaper than most other theaters (IDR40,000 or around USD3.20) this place is an OK to go. Tuko still likes XXI in Puri Mall better though.

Ya Udah Bistro at Menteng, Jakarta

This time around Tuko went for a tummy's nature call. The place visited this time is Ya Udah Bistro, which is located at Gondangdia, Jakarta Pusat. Just from the outer look is already very unique. You simply can't find any name. Tuko even was a little bit confused and had to make a stop to ask the parking guy whether is this really the place.

So after confirming this is the one, Tuko went in and the place is just so simple. Tuko expected to be mind blowing too. But it's not. Tuko will even consider this as sucks actually. It's dark, no signage, arrangement of tables, show cabinets, bbq oven, etc are just so wrong.

Well since Tuko's already here, so better order up something and try. So Tuko ordered The Meat Eater's Delight, as recommended by the waiter. And also for the drink Tuko go for Thai Gold Tea.

This Meat Eater's Delight really up to it's name. There's 4 different types of meat here. Bacon, Beef, and Chicken. So considering there's pork, that means this is a non halal food.

The beef is rather too dry. Tuko likes the barbeque chicken though. The bacon is too soft and gooey. The other chicken is kind of just a side dish maybe they think? Because the size is so small compare to the others.

The sauce is rather interesting. Tuko can't figure out what kind of sauce that is. It's salty but yet also sweet. To savor the taste, Tuko didn't use any chili or tabasco. The actual side dishes which are potato and the colesaw are just normal. Nothing special to mention.

Overall the food is interesting. The menu is also full of intriguing names that make you want to try them. If only that Tuko's hungry or with bunch of friends, to order everything will be great.

  







The Meat Eater's Delight is IDR71,819 or around USD5.70. Thai Gold Tea is IDR16,364 or around USD1.30. There's 10% tax. No service charge.

So after all is finished. Tuko certainly will visit this place some other time. Not anytime soon though. The food is good, the waiter is good, but unfortunately the place sucks. The parking area is also very small which makes you have to park by the street and walk down to the restaurant.

Auto Bridal at Simprug, Jakarta

Yesterday was a drenched. Tuko's car got so dirty. So let's go for a car wash. There's a place that actually put interest and make us wanted to see. The place is Auto Bridal which is at Simprug. By daytime it's always full. By night time from a far, it looks like the place is a hangout joint.

The place is big. Approximately it can hold up to 30 cars lined up either queuing, being washed, being wiped clean or waxed. And there's still empty areas unused by the management. 

 You can actually do a regular car wash as a visitor only. Or you can actually be a member. The sales actually explained the benefits on being a member and there are a few options of memberships too. So in the end Tuko took the Titanium class, which cost Tuko around IDR2.250.000 or around USD180. Which include 2 free car treatment, daily wash discount and can be go to any branches all around Jakarta.

The area for member is on the second floor. There's indoor and outdoor. Looking at the indoor area there's studio arranged seats to watch tv, there's sofas with coffe tables, a separate sofa + table set by the corner of the room and there's 2 reflexology seats. And there's tables and chairs by the outdoor, where you can smoke freely.

The car washing took so long. Most probably Tuko waited for around 1 hour and a little bit more. There's mugs and water dispenser. And also coffee powder and teabags by the pantry which is free but self service. There's also magazines but weren't the most updated, there's even from back in year 2010.

The TV was turned off, I guess if you want to watch you got to turn it on by yourself. The reflexology therapist can be called from the receptionist counter which also served as the cashier. Don't know how much it is though.

When the car is done, the receptionist will announce through the speaker. Tuko went down and did the payment. After that go to the car and get going.

While still in the parking, Tuko noticed that the tumbler divider was broken and just put by the place there. Tuko's car has armrest which can be folded to be use by front row, fold up for not being use at all and fold back to be use by the back row of the car. The arm rest can be turned 360' so that the tumblers placement can be put to face up or down. So when Tuko went in, the armrest was being put up, so Tuko put it down and heard there's something loose in there. After looking at it, the divider was broken and left there. At least try to put it back if you want to hide that you spoiled it.

That's insane. They should have let us know and talk something out. I'll probably will not make it a big fuss. Since I know that the accessory for this car is very hard to find in Indonesia. But by just hiding it there, it's shameful.

This is very disappointing, but since Tuko has other appointment means Tuko can't go back inside and complaint on it. Having to wait for 1 hour and more already put Tuko into a bad position to might miss the appointment. To complaint and wait for the manager to see, to ask the employee who wash or wiped it dry and to have the employees to denied over and over again until they confess will take much more than just 5 minutes. So Tuko will have to just leave it at that.

One thing for sure is that Tuko really am dissapointed and really comment to who ever wants to wash your car there, please think twice and if you still decide to go, please be on the lookout all the time.

Total disappointment......... This is the treatment for customer? To priority member which paid for a contract of a year?

Wooyoo Ice Cream at Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jakarta

 

This time around Tuko went for dessert and just to steam off. Friends informed Tuko that this place is quite new. So it's worth a visit according to them. This is supposed to be a Korean dessert house. But once you gone in, there's nothing Korea from the restaurant's theme, concept, etc. If I'm not mistaken, there's only like just a couple of selections from the menu that is Korean. Others are a mixed. They even have Schneebalen, which is clearly a German snacks.

Ok let's comment on the place's design now. The exterior is very cool and interesting. Beehive design. Once you got in, you'll notice that the hanging lamps (I'll not call it chandelier because it's not). The hanging lamps have some artificial bee like ornaments around them.

There's 2 floors here. The first floor I assume is always full house. While the second floor surprisingly was rather empty. They even prepare bar stools by the second floor, which no one's using them. So it's ither not many knows there's second floor or they actually prefer the first floor. Weird...

Let's go with the first dessert. It's being delivered by the waiter. So Tuko doesn't need to wait like in Starbucks for the order. The dessert is called Misugaru. Thinking about the name now, it's not even sounds Korean. It sounds Japanese. Well I'm no expert in Japanese or Korean language, so let's just leave it at there for now (but if you guys know, please do comment on it).

This Misugaru is soft ice cream topped with some rice cereal and powdered with sugar powder. The presentation is unique, there's fog coming out of it. I was kind of puzzled to think where's the fog came from. It must be dry ice, means I'll need to take cautious eating it. Don't want to lose my lip or tongue due to frost bite. Well either way, the ice cream combination with this rice cereal is surprisingly quite pleasant. Nicely put together. The price is IDR31,818 or around USD2.50.

While eating it, Tuko finally figure out where's the fog came from. So turns out to be the cup is actually rigged. It's only half full with ice cream. The bottom half is actually a separate container that contains water which I assume the dry ice also put there. 

So is the price worth now for the ice cream. No way, that's basically a scam. 

Now let's go with the next food, Mochi Mochi Cheese. Again isn't Mochi from Japan? Well whatever, I'll comment only on the food rather than where it's originated. Ok the food presentation again is impressive. One small piece of food is actually served on this big wooden box with robe handles. Impressive. They really do care how the food presentation is.

Let's move with the mochi. I practically can't taste or notice where the mochi is. It taste more like chewy bread. And salty, which I guess came from cheese. The price is IDR11,818 or around USD1. So is it good? Is it worth the price? It's not good, but the price make me can't really complain much about it. But it's a sure thing that I'll not order it the next time around.

We also order Classic Lemongrass & Ginger. Just a simple tea but served with this magnificent cute looking teapot and mug. It's actually being delivered to us a piece and we actually have to take it off by ourselves. No instruction given. I find it really amusing. The price is IDR14.545 or around USD1.20.

I can taste the lemongrass, but can't taste the ginger. I don't actually fancy ginger. But since you named it like that, aren't you supposed to actually have ginger flavor with it?

There's 10% tax on the receipt but I can't find service charge. Sorry for not giving tips. I didn't notice that until just now. Well one thing for sure is that compare to 3 other dessert houses I've tried, I can say this one is better. But I'm not actually a fan of dessert thing, except for Ben & Jerry's. Will Tuko came back here again? Well if majority of Tuko's friends decide to hang out here, sure let's go. But if Tuko's alone, sorry I'll not step into.

Cornetto Blackberry & Cream by Wall's

It's been a while that I've buy and enjoy Wall's Ice Cream else than Magnum. Cause I still remember back than others taste like just cold cream with no strong flavor on what it is. And the ice cream is just so soft, too soft I'll say. But I also enjoyed the chocolate layer of the Magnum though, which is why I stick with Magnum. But well today's different, I saw incidentally that there are a lot of Cornetto flavors now. So I choose this one cause some other looks a little dented, but this one still nicely done as if still fresh from the factory.

That's what it looks like when you open it. I assume Blackberry is the purplish colored topping and the cream is the ice cream itself.

The blackberry flavor is not as I expected. I was expecting sourish taste. But this taste rather sweet. Not too sweet but just enough. And then the ice cream itself is more dense than I remember. So seems like they improve on it too. The cone is also still crisp, good job on formulating a cone that can still be crisp even directly in touch with ice cream for so long and being inside the freezer the whole time.

The price is IDR6.550 or around USD0.50. The price is surprising considering packaging, topping, cone, etc. Even worth every penny more in compare to McDonald's or KFC's or Ikea's.

So what is Tuko's judgement? Tuko thinks it taste ok. The after taste is also not that bad, no immense crave for drinking water after eating it. But Tuko will not buy it anymore. Once is enough. Tuko will stick with the old Magnum.

Jalur Lingkar Barat Toll Way, at Jakarta

This toll way connects North Jakarta to West Jakarta to South Jakarta. And from South Jakarta you can continue to Tangerang or Inner City Toll Way or Taman Mini and so on.

I really love this toll way. I can get to North Jakarta real fast. And to Tangerang also impressively fast. But the toll fee is over priced I'll say. Let say for example from Pantai Indah Kapuk to Meruya, you'll pay IDR8,500 or around USD0.67 at the first gate. And then you'll cruise through until you meet the next toll gate, pay another IDR8,500. Cruise a little bit until you see the first exit, that's Meruya. Quite expensive for just less than 1km way. But if you go further some more until you pass 3 more exit, you'll reach Bintaro which is in the South Jakarta. Than that'll be more worth the fee.

Despite the toll way has been around for maybe more or less 3 years, but I still remember just around a week after the grand opening. I actually pass through to give it try (just some stupid interest even though I wasn't planning on going anywhere). And it sucks. The road actually bumpy, wavy, not smooth and there's even some holes. Not all the way, but you can easily feel and notice them.

We were told to be proud of our local produced asphalt, the Buton Asphalt. Yeah true, it's something to be proud of since it's been told to be being exported all over the world due to the price is cheaper but than it's tougher and long lasting.What's more it has oil residue mixed inside naturally.

Tuko will comment with questions this time. Is this the quality of to be proud of asphalt? What's to be proud of? Or is it the construction worker were being underpaid and do the job halfheartedly? Or is it the toll way operator think it's the best way to keep people awake while driving?

Carnivor Barbeque, restaurant at Pantai Indah Kapuk (North Jakarta)

The design of the place is very interesting. They got red bricks to give the aura of country house. They use wooden tables and chairs with old simple design to support the country house theme I guess. The weird thing is with the tree. What's with the tree? What do you want to exploit here? A country house which grows tree inside? Despite whatever the reason is, I think it looks good though.

So for the first I ordered Angel Hair Aglio Olio. The price is IDR58,000 or around USD4.50. I'm not a big fan of Aglio Olio to be honest. But the waiter actually suggested that for the pasta. So let's go for it. Believe me, it's not that my camera sucks. But that really is what the pasta looks like. I don't think looking at it will even tickle your interest on trying.

But since I ordered it, so I'll have to eat it. It's a little salty. And there's not enough spiciness. Aglio Olio supposed to have a bit more kick than this on the spiciness level. But with the help of chili lakes, it's better. And somehow I don't think they actually just spread the olive oil. Because it taste as if the oil is actually use to be heated (cook maybe). If it's true, that is so wrong. Or is it a fusion?

So is the price worth the taste? I'll not say so. It's still edible but not the dish I'll want to order again here. Maybe I'll try something else from the menu next time.

Who doesn't like Bintang Beer? Not the best but yet everyone likes it. They sell it here for IDR30,000 or around USD2.30. I actually asked for the Radler, which is a new variant. Unfortunately they don't have it. Serving it for that price in this type of a restaurant is very generous I'll say.

Bintang used to taste sucks. As if you're just drinking flavored water. It was back in the days. But than the taste have improved greatly. Is it because Heineken took over and redo the recipe? Anyhow, I'll praise the taste now.

Tuko's friend came over and in the end we ordered another dish. We get this Meat Craver Pizza. It's with Ham which means Pork which means not Halal. So I'm really sorry my Moslem friends, this restaurant is not where you may want to eat. Just come for a hang out will be cool though. The pizza cost us IDR65,000 or around USD5.15.

And yes again, the pizza really looks like that. Not my camera's problem. They got ham, sausage, onion, mushroom and cheese. I'm a big fan of Pizza. So it's very crucial to get the thickness right and the composition of bread vs cheese to be in harmony. As for this pizza, I like the thickness. It's not so thin but yet still has the crisp. Well done chef. But as for the composition of cheese and other ingredient, not to be praised. You put a bit too much onion. And a bit too much cheese. Which in the end really overwhelm the other ingredients' taste.

The pizza is just nice to eat for two person. I can finish it by myself, but I'll recommend it a dine for two. The price vs taste, Tuko judges it a bit pricey. With that price, you can get a better pizza with ham. Naming it Meat Craver is also exaggerating. There's only a few slices of ham and also a few slices of sausage.

By end of the night the bill came and there's Service Charge of 5% and Restaurant Tax of 10%. A very common combination here in Jakarta.

Tuko also would like to comment on the restaurant's name. Why do you even name it Carnivor? Come on... Even your Meat Craver dish has vegie inside it. And then you add Barbeque after it. You're really ruining people's expectation when looking at the name. I even were told a lot of people actually give the same comment after looking at the menu. Since when they were invited, they just quickly say yes without asking what type of food are served.

So will Tuko come back here? Sure why not, despite the food is not up to expectation but the service and the atmosphere actually helps out.