Jakarta - Probably The Finest Indonesian Cuisines in Brisbane

Again, it's another gem in New Farm!

For those of you who doesn't know me, I was brought up in a multicultural environment which led me exposed to all sort of different culture and customs. One of it, being peculiarly craving for authentic Asian cuisines. My worst nightmare in Brisbane was running into so-called-Chinese/ Japanese/ Malaysian/ Taiwanese/ Singaporean-restaurant but not getting authentic food out of it. That's disappointing most of the time. May be because there have been so many overseas student flocking into Brisbane in recent years and the food industry just happens to think that fusion would be the right perspective to earn all the big bucks! A BIG NO WAY - you are so wrong! I want authentic cuisines with authentic flavors!!! (I apologized for being demanding! LOL)

Apparently, JAKARTA - an authentic Indonesian restaurant has long existed in Brisbane. But sadly, no one told me 'bout it all this while. Lucky me, I have a boyfriend (who constantly crave for Curry, Rendang and all sorts of Asian delicacies) insisted to try this restaurant when we passed by. 

We actually waited for half an hour that day but it's definitely worth waiting. If you really don't want to stand there looking like an idiot waiting, go next door and get some gelato while waiting. Hahaha 'cuz I did that! =p

By the time we saw the menu, we wanted everything on it. Most of the dishes sounded so familar and we can't wait to taste all of them. Plus, we were super-dooper hungry and decided to get the Banquet deal instead! 

Here are some Foodgasm Snapshots...

8 Things You Need To Know About Jakarta

What was included in the Banquet?

Prawn Crackers, Serundeng Kentang, Spring Roll, Pangsit Goreng, Chicken Satay, Lamb Gulai, Beef Rendang, Gado-gado, Balinese Chicken, Grilled Prawn, Rica-rica Fish, steamed rice and 2x Your choice of dessert.

For how much?

$32 per person. Pricey? May be, but I am happy to pay that price for what I have eaten! Oh my~ craving for it already. *gulp* If you do not want to go for the banquets, try their ala-carte menu, the price for the individual dishes is very reasonable. Range from $11.90 - $20.90 per dish.

How was the portion?

Although all of them comes in a fairly small portion but its more than enough for both of us because of the variety. The best part is you get to taste the varieties. 

Did it take a long time for the food to be served?

Not really. I think the waiting time was standard, approx 15 mins excluding the waiting time to get a seat!

My Top 3 favourite dish...

Lamb Gulai, Balinese Chicken & Rica-rica Fish

What did you had for dessert?

Cendol, of course! I hardly get any in Brisbane! Though not the same as Malaysia ones but the brown sugar with the coconut milk and the cendol jelly was just the best combination! *tears* 

The environment...

Something like a modern setting vs Balinese decor. 

3 words to describe Jakarta...

Divine, Authentic, Savoury

The 3 words would sums up my authentic Indonesian dining experience! Anyone who is planning to go there for dinner, please bring me along~ =D 

Overall Rating for Jakarta is 9/ 10.

Food Quality: 9.5/ 10 - I can still remember every taste of it even till now. Service: 8.5/ 10 - Staffs were very friendly and helpful. Ambiance: 8/ 10 - Spacious and clean.  Price: $$ - Worth for money!

Click HERE for more information about the restaurant. Unfortunately, they don't really have a facebook page setup but you can click HERE for its facebook check-in location.

Lots of Love,

yapeelynn

Gusto da Gianni - My Italian Casual Dining Experience

A 20-minute drive from Brisbane city, bring you to one of Brisbane's most desirable hotspot; from fusion eateries, boutique retailers to modern designed living. Gusto da Gianni - a fine casual Italiano dining, situated at Portside Wharf, Hamilton Harbour.

There are many other dining choices within the precinct. What makes Gusto da Gianni stands out from the other ones is definitely its environment at first sight. A very romantic environment with different spaces; from waterfront view seats with a touch of casual and cozinesss, to proper function rooms setup and pizzaria or a romantic private corner. Its a place suitable for family, couples or corporate. Whether is a family gathering night or a romantic dinner-for-two, you name it! They have it all - the perfect space for your needs.

 

They have a menu right before its entrance and a cute lil' Vespa parked outside; making you feel as if you're not in Brisbane at all.

I started of with a Roselle Lychee Margaritta. Its definitely for ladies with a sweet tooth yet a tint of the margarita taste but not too strong. Definitely, recommend this!

My partner's attention were quickly drawn towards its Italian Thick Hot Chocolate. It was indeed very very very chocolaty and which in fact was not as sweet as we expected. A good choice for chocolate lover. The chocolate felts like its melting within your taste bud and would stay there forever. Yum~ Yum~ Yum~

Here's what we have ordered for the night.

Pizza

ALLA BRESAOLA - Mozzarella, Air Dried Beef, Rocket & Shaving of Reggiano Cheese
The thin crust pizza was really crispy yet each bite was fill with cheese, rockets and the beef slices. The portion was very generous. I think if you are not really hungry, it can be served for 2-3 person.

Pasta

MEZZE MANICHE ALLA CREMA DI SALMONE - Short Pasta with Smoked Salmon, Vodka and Green Peppercorns
The salmon chunks taste great with the tint of vodka in the white creamy sauce. The dish look very simple yet taste superb. Love the idea of vodka in the dish! 

We had Tiramisu for dessert later that night. Unfortunately, my phone was out of battery and I couldn't snapshot a picture of it. Well, i was not a big fan of their Tiramisu though. It tastes normal, nothing surprising nor spectacular. I would suggest you to save your tummy for other desserts if you really need some sugar rush after a filling dinner.

Overall Rating for Gusto da Gianni is 7.5/ 10.

Food Quality: 8/ 10 - My dishes were great!  Service: 7.5/ 10 - Helpful staff, service can be improved. Ambiance: 9/ 10 - Personally, love the atmosphere. Price: $$$ - A bit too pricey for pizza and pasta! 
Overall, my dining experience at Gusto da Gianni was great. I would definitely suggest this place for couples on special environment if you would like something fancy and would not mind paying for the ambiance and environment. The staff were quite helpful, one of the waiter taught me how to pronounced my dish in a proper way. Hehe^^ One thing was when we need to order, it took us quite a while to be attended. After dinner, you could also take a stroll along the Portside Wharf. Not-a-bad-idea for a date! 

Click HERE for more information from their official website. We were lucky not have to wait too long for a table without a reservation because I reckon it was on weekday. But, if you are planning to have your dinner there on weekends or special occasions, please be sure to call or make an online reservation through their website. Check out their FACEBOOK page for more updates as well. Also, check out the PORTSIDE WHARF at Hamilton Harbour for more information on their dining, shopping and living.   "Hanno un grande girono!" means have a great day in Itallian.  Love, yapeelynn