JFFF 2013: The Last Weekend!

For those of you who are not aware, Kelapa Gading Mall has always been an amazing organizer of JFFF (Jakarta Fashion and Food Festival- read Je Ef Tri). Residing in Kelapa Gading, i have grew familiar with this extravagant yearly event. Without realizing it has been a decade since it first started, and they surely have been very innovative about it. 

Many outrageous events relating to fashion, food and everything fun take place simultaneously at different place, hence it might be confusing or intimidating if you are not familiar with it. 
I find this schedule extremely helpful so perhaps you could enlighten yourself and pick the events that attract you best.

WHAT TO SEE:

Fashion Village and Late Night Shopping

An active supporter of the local fashion industry, JFFF is a great platform which houses various Indonesian made products from small business entities of different regions, fashion school graduates and even newest collection of our very own local designers such as Anne Avantie, Stephanus Hamy and Musa Widyatmojo. If you find something you love from any of the JFFF show, you can easily purchase it and bring it home from the Fashion Village area at MKG 3 and 5 corridor.  

For all the shopaholics out there, Kelapa Gading Mall will also have Late Night Shopping every Saturday (it opens until midnight!). This is going to be the very last weekend for JFFF 2013 so make sure you grab your girlfriends/boyfriend/Mom/Dad/whoever is available to join you for the much needed shopping spree.

WHAT TO ENJOY:

Wine and Cheese Festival and Kampoeng Tempo Doeloe

For all the wine and cheese lover, be merry and visit the Wine & Cheese Expo at La Piazza Multi Purpose Hall and La Prisma. Collaborating with several wine producing countries such as Argentina, Chile, Italy, France and New Zealand, you could learn how to appreciate wine from the many guest sommeliers. You could also have an RSVP to join the Grand Cru Wine Pairing Gala Dinner (Friday 24th, at 7PM). There will also be another wine lunch with Chef Gilles Marx from Amuz fine dining restaurant on Saturday 12 PM. Other senior chefs which are also taking part in the JFFF are Chef Vindex Tengker, Andhika Maxi and Djoko Sarwono.

My other favorite thing to do is to visit the Kampoeng Tempo Doeloe at La Piazza where you could find more than 100 different Indonesian traditional food and beverages. Expect to brush shoulder to shoulder with other people because it does attract a lot of visitors. It opens from 16:00-22:00 on Monday-Friday and 11:00-23:00 on the weekend. You could find yummy delicacies such as Siomay, Laksa, Mie Kangkung, Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih, Nasi Lemak, Sate Padang and traditional desserts like Es Pisang Ijo, Pancake Medan and Kue Jajanan Pasar Tempo Doeloe. Ah no wonder it's always crowded! Everything is also set to resemble a colonial era with coupons printed like old paper money for purchase.

PLUS: for those of you who spend a minimum of Rp 100,000 on food and beverages at MKG, La Piazza or Gading Food City, you could receive one coupon which gives you a chance to win the following:

- MKG shopping vouchers worth Rp 10,000,000 for one winner

- 1 unit Galaxy Note II

- 1 unit Blackberry Z10

Do you actually more reason to eat?

WHAT TO JOIN?

Gading Model Search and Wine & Cheese Run.

Well, it's a bit too late to join the Gading Model Search now, but you could still watch the Grand Finale on Saturday, 25th May at 2PM at MKG main atrium. Tangga will be there too if you are a fan. What interest me most is the Wine and Cheese Run which is to be held on 26th May at 6AM! The competition requires you to run for 10 KM while wearing a costume with Science Fiction theme. The two winners (one male and one female) will be sent to Bordeaux, France on 7th September 2013 to represent Indonesia on Marathon Du Medoc 2013! (pre-registration required)

For more information you could always approach the friendly customer service attendants at MKG.

See you around at Kelapa Gading this weekend! ;)

(image courtesy of www.jfff.info)

Shine Bright Like A Diamond

The sun is shining bright, summer love is thick on the air. A friend of mine once said to me, if the sun ain't shining, always always bring your own sunshine.

Things might not always go the way you want them to be. But sometimes it is through those unwanted unplanned things; you receive what you exactly need. You are being prepared to receive what you always dream of. You know, pre-requisite subject.

One thing I learned that there are always a way to go around it. Be it a broken relationship, failed attempt, rejection, they all taste bitter. Think of it like a medicine, it will only make you stronger in the end. They in fact give you the chance to view things, or life as a whole, in a new fresh perspective.

If it still doesn’t work after you give it your best shot, maybe it’s never yours since the first place. Remember to always give your best shot. Don’t walk away to live in a shadow of regret.

Whatever challenge you are facing now, don't let it dim your light. Rihanna put it best, shine bright like a diamond ;)

my sunshine

Basic white tee by Topshop. Cardigan by Lily. Jeans was a lucky find at Sydney local shop. Flats by MiuMiu. Necklace by H&M. Ring by YSL. Bag by Hermes Garden Party. 

Summer Of Love at Mezzo, Kuningan City

In relation to my previous post about the event held by Kuningan City summer celebration, i was asked to style a complete outfit with the theme Summer of Love.

Now i have two completely different look and i cant decide which one is better? A helping hand perhaps?

First one is a laid back chic look. Dominated by cool white, popping color pumps and structured crop jacket for a cover up. Inspired by effortless LA street look on summer days. I love how the 'superdry' tank give a sporty character to the outfit.

Crop Jacket by Y-3. White Tank by Superdry. White Jeans by Y-3. Cap by Nixon. Shades by Rayban. Pumps by D'Fuse.

 Now the second look is obviously more relaxed and sporty. By the light material of cotton and spandex which are commonly used as sport attire. The flats shoes were heavenly to wear, it was like walking on cotton: so light and comfy. How my feet are crying for a break from those towering heels.
Color wise it is also more summery, with bright splash of fuchsia and glowing green. This style is more of a tuned down Harajuku active getup.

Mezzo has a very strong Japanese street wear influence by carrying brands like Wakai, Superdry, SLVR Adidas and Y-3. I cant help but style both look to a Jap version. I definitely had much fun trying out both looks. But which one do you think is more Summer Kawaii? Feel free to comment! ;)

Summer Of Love

Although i was born in autumn, I have always been a summer kid at heart. I will choose the sunny beach over snowy mountain anytime of the week. The bright sun always give me an extra bar of energy. I fell in love with the warmth, the unlimited freedom of activities we could accomplish while the sun is around. Not to mention the colorful window display of my favorite brands. They will most probably show glittering colorful pieces..take my money!! In contrast to the gloomy winter, dominated by grey and black which makes me want to stay under the blanket all day long. 

When the weather is all warm, what could be more a perfect timing to show off some skin? As for me, i have always been a die hard fan of cropped top. So it's the moment to get all the big guns out. Crop top and high waisted skirt or pants have always been an easy solution for playful and flirty alternative. 

Seen at Mango and D'Fuse Spring/Summer collection, this has always been my fave summer equation: 

cropped top + high waisted + colorful blazer + statement heels = summer loving!

 

Aside from cropped top, summer also reminds me of bright colors and floral printed things. Pastel colors are also great alternatives for summer color palette, though more on the romantic spectrum. Especially accompanied by sparkling thang (read: excessorize!! or excess accessories!) it sure be more interesting.

Living in Jakarta, i should say i am blessed with more than 200 days of sunshine per year. And this is my interpretation of Summer of Love a.k.a. Romantic Summer Days!

Crop Top by Supre. Skater Skirt by Forever New. Necklace by Equip. Cuff Bangles and Rings by Topshop. Luggage Tote by Celine. Pumps by Louboutin.

To complete your summer look, pick a fresh scent to make you feel like walking on meadow of flowers or melted marshmallow all day long. My summer pick would be Guerlain's La Petite Robe Noire or Givenchy's Dahlia Noir. Parfait! 

Passion For Fashion with Todd Tyler

Fellow fashionistas, keep a look out for the upcoming event of Passion for Fashion starring Todd Taylor, the cutie judge photographer of Tyra Bank's highest grossing model reality show: Asian Next Top Model.

Todd Anthony Taylor is a canadian born photographer and a leading fashion photographers both in Asia and worldwide. He has been working for Elle China, Vogue China, Harper's Bazaar China, GQ China and L'Officiel. He had also done campaigns for Adidas, L'Oreal Paris, Uma Wang and Ritz-Carlton Hotels. His most recent addition to the portfolio is being the judge and resident photographer on Asia's Next Top Model.

one of Todd Tyler's Creation

It will be held in Kuningan City, so when you are around the area, make sure that you pop by and check out the event. There will be a Fashion Photography Workshop held on Tuesday 22nd May 2013, and Fashion Installation Art by selected Indonesian Fashion Bloggers from 22nd-26th May 2013.

I am excited to say i would also be participating in the summer styling too. So if you get the chance, do pop by and have a look ;)

Gastro Alley: Western Gem Among the Eastern Invasion.

Gastro Alley, a warm bistro hidden between the crowding vendors at PIK, is about to launch yummeh new offering on their existing menu. Several hungry food enthusiasts like Wanderbites (thank you for the invite!), My Fun Food Diary, Mel Budiman and Umi Fadilah were summoned to pre-test the menu.

There was an alfresco bar outside and a very cozy interior with whitewashed brick wall, dark oaks and tall black framed windows. The place was not very spacious, but pretty enough to fit in about 25-30 pax. Interesting enough, Chef Darmawan, who is also the owner of the place, was a self-taught chef with a triple degree in business major.

Thankful enough, the restaurant was all ours to enjoy that day. I couldn't imagine if there were people we should share the space with, they would certainly give us the judging stare. Simply because we (especially those with the big guns) were all out to show our appreciation for food (read: high photography standard following complex lighting and angle for picture-taking).

well more or less, this has always been the behind the scene of food blogger testing. Love it!

Out of the seven courses, here is my review:

If I could just pick one dish to be eaten everyday for an entire week, it would be:

The Artisan Sirloin.

It is very colorful and I am simply attracted to bright colored food. Great plating aside, the meat was made using sous-vide technique resulting in really juicy meat with aroma that would otherwise be lost in usual cooking process. The vegetables were also fresh and crunchy, such a rare find in Jakarta.

Comfort food to ease a bad day, I’d have the:

The Gastro Burger.

It’s just yummy to get sweet, moist and juicy patty all in one bite. Then you taste the delicate mushroom, crunchy onion ring, of course the fries. It’s just too bad the French fries were all soggy, the batter-coated one would do a better job.

For the health-conscious, the choice would be:

Norwegian Salmon.

Fish is rich in protein and omega3. It is a simple dish and for me salmon would always taste great (even greater when its raw) as long as it is not overcooked. Be sure to control yourself while eating the yummy lemon butter sauce, which clearly complimented the salmon to another level. Leave the rosti potato, not worth the calories.

The dishes that will be on the table only if someone else orders it for you:

Signature Salade

The salad was really bland in a small portion. There was no protein chunk in it and could really use more dressing. Too bad I didn’t taste the parmagiano reggiano disc that was said to be the highlight.

Escargot.

I like escargot, but I like it with lots of garlic and olive oil on top of crunchy bread. Though it has a good texture, the strong lime was too overpowering. However price was quite reasonable for this kind (53K/plate)

Perfect dessert to share while flirting with the cutie:

Truffle Chocolate Ganache.

Being a huge fan of truffle, let me tell you my review is going to be biased. But it will not win the dessert competition during the last FHI expo if it didn’t taste fantastic. Needless to say the presentation on a piece of sliced natural rock doubled up the points. Just try it, rich dark chocolate, truffle aroma and chili & raspberry powder, with white chocolate crumbs and berry sauce.

Dessert you will unlikely find elsewhere:

Deconstructed Lemon Custard.

Why deconstructed? Because it is basically a lemon pie that is broken down to pieces: lemon mousse, crumbles, and cream. Since I’m more of a banana-and-berry-based dessert person, it did not win my heart. I’d probably add more lemon zest to it too.

The mixologist pick:

Okay, this is not the rose shandy. I just realized i forgot to take a picture of it. This was another drink served called the Seaweed something.  

Rose Shandy.

I prefer wine over beer, but sweet beer is always a joy to sip on and the pink to orange gradation is quite pretty to look at. The first encounter might be super sweet, but it’s soon balanced with a slight bitter beer after taste.

All in all it was a great time in Gastro Alley. I also happened to taste their coffee which was grounded in house with imported coffee beans. Mm-hmm, i sipped my Flat White to the very last drop. Service was friendly and the chef even cater to customized order and private functions.  Give it a go when you are around the area!

Gastro Alley
Ruko Crown Golf Blok D No.23
On the same row with Minus Two and Ikkudo Ramen.
Pantai Indah Kapuk,
Jakarta Utara

Orto Trading: Brunch at Upslope Surry Hills.

It was a fine bright morning and my tummy is singing at the thought of anticipated brunch. Surry Hills in Sydney is well known for its stylish café, home ware specialty shops and edgy fashion boutique stretched along its main street, Crown St.

My idea of taking a short walk exploring before brunch was not wise after all. Surry Hill was definitely full of slopes; I thought I was in San Francisco for a second.

The sight of white, rustic ambience with bright turquoise signboard melted away all the chills. Orto, or ‘vegetable garden’ in Italian, has both outdoor and indoor seating. The setting reminded me a lot of Marmalade Pantry in Singapore with fresh bright yellow Chrysanthemums on each table, only a lot more homey with no Dai Dai in sight. 

Old glass bottles and jars with fresh flower stalks were dangling from the bar ceiling, with one side of greyish brick walls created a marriage of vintage home and industrial cool. Mouth-watering muffins and Danish pastry was neatly on display over the counter, while thick coffee smell was on the air.

The menu was a simple 2 sided food menu printed on brown paper covering all the good stuff like waffle, scrambled egg on sour dough toast and egg benedict. However the description was full of ingredients that sound foreign like olive tapenade and Berkshire gypsy ham.

I went for Scrambled Egg on Wholemeal Toast with Smoked Salmon on the sides and the Orto’s House Waffles. Unfortunately they were serving French toast instead of waffles that morning. I think scrambled egg is a good and pretty fair way to judge if a brunch place is good.

The Wholemeal Spelt toast was the best: crunchy on the sides and not overly chewy. Salmon serving was great and generous. The scrambled egg was moderately fluffy, a tad sweet but still too bland.

The Orto’s House French toast was made up of fig, rhubarb, walnuts, sheep’s milk yoghurt and soaked lightly with wildflower honey. It was the prettiest and most feminine toast and a real twist from what I have expected from a French toast. Instead of being rich in a mouthful, it was very fresh and almost a palate cleanser.

It was my first time eating fresh rhubarb (and finally knowing what it looks like, apart from being pie filling), likewise for the fig and fresh cranberries. As for the pretty yellow flowers, it was my first time trying (and acknowledging the subsistence of edible flowers). Like the egg, the toast is not as fluffy, but I love how all the fresh ingredients weld together. Soy latte was also really good.

Service was not as attentive with considerable waiting time, and they got my bill messed up. But the great ambience still won my heart. All the sun, the people watching, the cool weather, just lovely.

Orto Trading

38-52 Waterloo St  Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
+61 431 212 453

Hours:

Tuesday-Saturday hours 8:00 am–3:00 pm, 6:00 pm–11:00 pm,

Sunday & Monday 8:00 am–3:00 pm