Ivy's Thoughts: Being Positive Is A Good Thing

It was several morning ago when I was on my way to meet my Mom and I wanted to buy some breakfast first, so I drove to Muara Karang. I was not really feeling well those couple days from the cold and fever, but I was strong enough to drive alone. I hate passing by Muara Karang main street during morning time as it can be a total bitch due to all those cars parked for the traditional market. 

I admit, it's not a good example but I am one of those texting while driving kind of gal, but I didn't even touch my phone that day and somehow I bumped into that car. I don't know how on earth that I didn't see it. 

I'm a religious and I pray every single day (though yes, I'm a human and sometimes I do forget), but that morning I did not forget. I could do all the blaming on how prayers are useless as it didn't save me from having an accident and all, but instead I looked it from a positive side. I was blessed. I was fortunate that it was only a minor accident, I was fortunate that I wasn't hurt and I was fortunate that the owner of the car that I crashed into wasn't an asshole who got mad like some crazy people, instead he was kind and easy to talk to. 

And bless Hubs for having such kind heart that from the moment I rang him the news, all he did was making sure I'm okay and told me to not panic nor worry, that he would handle everything. 

Don't get me wrong, I am not a positive person. I tend to look everything from the negative side, but that day I chose to look from the bright side. I regretted that I was not being careful but things could be worse so I'm glad I was blessed. 

Though you know what, the car I ran into was Range Rover and I simply can't help to think, of all cars, why on earth did I have to crash into a Range Rover?! Europe cars are not cheap to fix! *aching* 

Moral of the sharing:

1. Always always 100% focus while driving.

2. Don't ever forget to pray.

3. Be kind. If someone accidentally hit your car, be considerate, it's not like they do it on purpose.

4. Try to (although sometimes uneasy) see things from positive side, it's healthier. :)

Until next thoughts, thank you for reading! 

Ivy 

ASAGAO COFFEE HOUSE SERPONG

Okay short post since I was initially only want to post this on instagram so the pictures mostly on square format and we didn't order much. I wasn't intended to blog it yet I ended posting this one as it happens to be my best find of the week! The place is so adorable! Petite, yes, but I loveee the ambiance. The Japanese language, the sliding black door, the simplicity of the back terrace, the creative black menu board, and oh... the unique creative F&B. 

Ivy's Travel: Dubai Travel Diary

Hello! :) It's time to share my stories in Dubai. It took me quite a time to write on this one as I'm not really sure the best way to describe this whole trip. My travels had always been personal, with my family mostly, or with friends that I am really close with. This one is... different, in a good way. 

FOUNDER BAK KUT TEH JAKARTA

Reminiscing those days when my Singapore trip was never complete before having a bowl of deliciously soothing pork bone soup at Founder Bak Kut Teh. Singapore is filled with plenty bak kut teh, but theirs have always suits my palate more. 

ROPANG PLUS PLUS MUARA KARANG JAKARTA

It was couple weeks ago when I was just coming back from Dubai and after fed with Western (yes, not middle east) food, I missed Indomie so so much. So many instant noodles brands, yet I still feel Indonesia's very own Indomie goreng is still the best one.

KANAWA COFFEE & MUNCH SENOPATI JAKARTA

It's been a while since the last opening of new restaurant around Senopati. If you pay close attention, almost all restaurants and cafes opening at the neighborhood comes with similarities as in nicely designed interior with great ambiance, and social media buzzing. Normally when it comes to newbies at Senopati, we will heard buzzing about them even way before they open. This particular one is so quiet and humble that it doesn't feel Senopati-ish. 

TEXAS ROAD HOUSE - DUBAI MALL

Texas road house was established in 1993 and famous for its steaks and ribs. Now with over 450 outlets, they have been named the number one steakhouse in America and was recognized as one of the nation’s best companies by Forbes magazine. 

My first impression when I stepped inside the restaurant was that it’s so Texas look a like with a bit of the cowboy theme and the brown wood concept. I wouldn’t say the overall decor is my favorite, but I do feel it goes well with the concept and the type of restaurant they are, which is a place where you can be casually dressed, worry free, enjoy the food and go home with satisfied tummy.

PAPAJO ST. MORITZ JAKARTA

Puri area has always been a place I rarely visit as I never think there's any attractive things drawing me there, but ever since new restaurants have been opening inside the new shopping mall, St. Moritz, I begin to see some reasons to go here, especially since the premiere XXI (in my opinion) is one with the best seats after Plaza Senayan's and Baywalk Pluit's.

SHAKE SHACK DUBAI

One of the thing that excites me the most from my Dubai Trip is definitely a visit to Shake Shack. I was like, finally! I have been dying to try one since everyone I know is raving about them. The story of how Shake Shacks grow so strong and so fast is really impressive. From a humble hot dog cart in New York City back then in 2004, they now have more than 80 outlets in total. 

GROM GELATO PACIFIC PLACE JAKARTA

Aside for pizza, what is Italy famous for? Gelato, Yes! When I went to Italy, I literally had gelato every single day as their gelato texture is creamy but light tasted, plus most of them use only real fruits without any coloring. 

PF CHANG's- JUMEIRAH BEACH RESORT DUBAI

I always feel a good first impression is very important, and I was easily impressed with PF Chang's. From the grand building with awesome view to Jumeirah beach, right until the high ceiling with modern lamps hanging down from the ceiling. Gorgeous!

IHOP RESTAURANT - MALL OF EMIRATES DUBAI

Greetings from Dubai! :) 

At the moment, I am sitting in front of my laptop inside my hotel room in Sheraton. I almost never bring my laptop overseas, but am doing it right now to share some of my thoughts on this current trip. I'm actually going to write a separate thoughts on something like Dubai travel diary for this trip, so for now, let's focus on food reviews! 

TAMOYA UDON JAKARTA INDONESIA

Hello! 

Let me start my writings by sharing two of my September's highlight so far. First, Auntie's Anne will open an outlet at Emporium Pluit Mall, so close to where I stay which means I'll be seeing my all time favorite cinnamon pretzel more often. Yay! 

SNOW IT KEMANG JAKARTA

The trending dessert at the moment? Cotton Candy, without doubt! It's like you'll find a revamped version of this childhood snack everywhere right now, especially at hipster cafe. I don't mind though as cotton candy is my ultimate childhood snack and from time to time when I do get bumped into it, I would always get one. Before the cotton candy trend, normally I would only find them during traditional food festival, so happy that now it's easily can be found at any happening dessert stores. 

GYROS ALLEY PANGLIMA POLIM JAKARTA

I don't eat many Greek food but ever since I went to Yamas at Prapanca near Kemang (which was around 1.5 years ago but forgot to blog it), I have better appreciation when it comes to Greek cuisine.

Ivy's Thought: Sometimes Change Is Good

 

I admit, I don't like changes. It scares me. I like everything just the way as it always be. I'm so scare of changes that I avoided it even when I know it was a good kind of change.

CASSIS KITCHEN JAKARTA

Cassis has always have a place in our hearts. We celebrated two of our anniversaries here. Two good memories. When they recently changing their concept from fine dining to  more of a casual dining with friendlier price list, we, of course need to pay a visit. 

GOODHOOD JAKARTA

Professionals working around the neighborhood must have been thrilled with the opening of Good Hood. Without doubt, the place brings fresh atmosphere  with its cozy and comfy coffee shop that looks petite from the outside but turns out to be quite spacious in the inside. 

MILKY BEAN PIK JAKARTA

If one thing Pantai Indah Kapuk can be proud of (or not) is how they are filled with tons of cute instagenic approved kinds of desserts.

UNCLE TJHIN BISTRO PIK

It feels like ages since I wrote my last post on the blog. I've been crazy busy and honestly at the moment I am focusing more on something very much worthy for my future. *finger crossed*

DJATI BISTRO ORIA HOTEL MENTENG

Djati Bistro Drinkery is a relatively new petite bistro located inside Oria hotel at Menteng. The bistro has just opened for two months. If its not because of them, honestly, I didn't even know there's a hotel named Oria existed. =)

D & K DESSERT PIK JAKARTA

So, who's with me on how irritating the new parking rules at PIK? I swear, I find myself getting less and less tired coming here. Finding a parking spot here has always been a hassle and now they come with this annoying new parking route. I know they are trying to find a better solution, but I just don't see it that way. Anyone's with me or am I just being grumpy?  

Llao Llao Central Park Jakarta

Froyo sucker, be happy as Llao Llao is here in town! 

Jakarta residents who travel frequent to Singapore might be familiar with Llao Llao, but for you who don't know what the heck is Llao Llao, they were founded in 2009 in Spain and not long since the brand has become utterly popular frozen yogurt not only in its origin country but also in other 13 countries where Llao Llao branches out. 

Ivy's Thought: Inspiration In Need

Many people who don't really know me always thought that my fond of food is what brings this blog to life. It's not entirely wrong as I do love food and I loveeee to eat. Food has always been one of my biggest weaknesses.

OLIVIER GRAND INDONESIA JAKARTA

Hello! 

I know I haven't been writing much but it still shocks me to learn that my last post was more than two weeks ago. Things are just crazy at the moment. My hands and brain are both tight up that writing just seems to be least on my mind now. 

THE HALAL BOYS JAKARTA

Coping with what's trending at the moment, I went to The Halal Boys just yesterday to try the famous Gyros rice. The Halal Boys is a food stand with the same concept as The Halal Guys in New York City.

Ivy's Guide: What To Eat At Citra 6

Since late 2014 last year, Citra 6 has evolved from a homey neighborhood with none whatsoever cafe into a line of street at Sixth Avenue filled with growing humble eatery and petite cafes.

Don't take this list as a recommendation as we only tried one or two dishes from each cafe mentioned below, just take it as a guide on what cafe and eatery expected to be found when you plan to have your lunch or dinner at this neighborhood.

**this post will be updated regularly. 

MOI Bistro Gunawarman Jakarta

It's not a common sight to find a rather petite humble eatery at Senopati area. Most of the diners there usually are big houses turned into a stylish pretty cafes or restaurants. I was having some things to do around the neighborhood when I realized I haven't had my lunch. Being not dressing up and not really into dining alone in that sort of hipster places, MOI Bistro caught my attention. 

MS. CHOO SENOPATI JAKARTA

As we're saying our bye to Publico, say hi to Ms. Choo, the hottest woman at Senopati right now. I'm not 100% sure that Publico will be closed for good or relocated, but at the moment, Ms. Choo has taking over it place.

ITADAKIMASU PIK JAKARTA

The moment I saw those kawaii panda pictures posted on my foodie friends, Hans & Julia's instagrams, my thought was "okay another one at PIK soon to be spotted with long queue". It's not a secret that Pantai Indah Kapuk are filled with those trending hipster cafes with cuteness overload and instagram worthy kind of food.

Breakfast At Cayenne Kemang Jakarta

Despite the traffic and the 62.9km away from where I stay, Kemang has always been the place I like to go from time to time. I love the neighborhood and the idea of how quite many cafes at Kemang open early from 7-8am. At North, the only place opens that early is noodle shops, so when I don't feel that Chinese, I like to go to Kemang for their American breakfast.

WARUNG CE JAKARTA

If you love pork, Warung Ce is definitely your place. It's a humble eatery serving homemade food with focus on Sei Babi and all about pork. Sei pork is a traditional smoked pork originated from Kupang, the cooking process is not by grill or fried, but by smoking it until the aroma comes out and ready to be served. 

Cafetaria Tanjung Duren Jakarta

If South has Senopati, North has PIK, then West has Tanjung Duren for its F&B heaven. Joining the euphoria of new cafes popping up every month, let's welcome Cafetaria. 

PEPIN AND MALLOY CITOS JAKARTA

Long weekend always excites me. Traffic in Jakarta is just getting worse each day that holiday simply means a traffic hallelujah. I always use this opportunity to go to certain places I normally won't go due to the traffic. Perfect timing to visit Pepin & Malloy, a newly opened cafe focuses on bringing the best hotdog in town.

EBISUYA BANDENGAN JAKARTA

I am very skeptical when it comes to Japanese food. Judge me all you want, but I always feel the pricier they are, the better quality they would be. I am an avid believer in no fresh quality sushi comes in cheap price. 

Warung Nyoman Gading Serpong

If there is one thing I miss the most from Bali, it would be the local food, especially the mighty delicious Nasi Babi Guling. When I saw Jen's blog on this authentic balinese food, I simply can't wait to try. 

Okiro Bar Grand Indonesia Jakarta

For you, Okonomiyaki fan, Okiro Box has take it up to another level with their newest Japanese edgy bar, Okiro Bar located at Grand Indonesia. 

Bastardo Pizza PIK Jakarta

I normally tend to try almost every new restaurants or cafes at PIK. However as they are rapidly evolving, I find myself becoming pickier as the well known fact of diners at PIK are they mostly comes with great design and ambiance with so so quality on the food. You can search for #ivyatpik on instagram and found all kinds of cafe I've tried on the neighborhood. Many of them were not even good that I don't feel the need to put it on the blog. Different case for this one. 

Huang Ji Huang PIK Jakarta

Spending Saturday night at Pantai Indah Kapuk is basically one way to test your anger level. Having to live nearby, PIK has always been the place where I go frequently, like very. Though for the past one year ever since the neighborhood is getting more and more crowded with new restaurants and cafes, I tend to avoid the place on Saturday night. The hassle in finding a parking spot is not really the kind of amuse bouche I'm looking for. 

Ivy's Travel: Bangkok Pattaya Diary {Part 2}

Hello! My babbling on Bangkok trip part 2 starts. If you missed out the part 1, please click here.

DAY 4 (CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET - PLATINUM FASHION MALL - HELLO KITTY CAFE)

CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET

When you plan a trip to Bangkok, be sure to fit in Saturday and Sunday so you don't miss Chatuchak. The market only opens on weekend and it has lots of things not to be missed, fashion, home wares, kitchen wares, souvenirs and the FOOD! Make sure you have a good bargaining skill, as besides from the food, everything is up for bargain. 
It opens from 8.30am, though many sellers will only open their shops around 10. 

KOMUNAL 88 KEMANG JAKARTA

Just when I thought nothing in Kemang really excites me to drive all the way there, I bumped into Komunal 88. I am confident to say, once you here, it won't stop at only one visit. At least for me, on this 2015, this place by far is one impresses me the most.

PASTIFICIO K KEMANG JAKARTA

 

Hello everyone! :) How's April treating you so far? Mine was not so great. I got so many things going on that a clear mind is just something I can't afford lately. These couple weeks had been very tiring. Physically not so much, it's more into mentally tired. So fed up that even when I sleep, I'm still tired.

Ivy's Travel: Bangkok Pattaya Diary [Part 1]

This year's CNY the whole family decided to not celebrate the old tradition in town, and since it's sort of long weekend, we flew to Bangkok.

TIM HO WAN PIK JAKARTA

Slowly, reasons to go to Singapore for food hunting is getting lesser and lesser with one by one being brought here. After Song Fa and Nam Nam, now comes Tim Ho Wan taking the same location at Pantai Indah Kapuk. 

SPUMANTE MENTENG JAKARTA

Spumante is a newly opened all day dining restaurant at the heart of Central Jakarta. Located to be exact at Menteng, just beside Anomali Cafe and not too far from one of my favorite Indonesian restaurant, Bunga Rampai. 

My Humble House Jakarta

Our visit has been quite a while but I just finished writing it now. There are these kinds of places where I really have the mood to blog it as soon, and it would be a very smooth writing, I could type and type and done. On the other hand, there was also some writings that need hard work. By hard work I mean installment writing. Type some, save in draft, type again when I feel inspired on what to write. This one, took me around 2 months installment.   

Scandinavian Coffee Shop Gading Serpong

Coffee is not and probably will never be my thing. The only reason I'm willing to go all the way to Serpong to visit a coffee shop obviously comes with reason, and that reason is Lareia.

Caffe Milano Grand Indonesia Jakarta

I wonder, how many is too many. If I over eat, will food eventually bores me? Can I still notice the difference on great food with only decent ones? Just how many is consider too many?. The thoughts came to me after my early dinner yesterday. I had a pleasant one, but somehow my taste bud wasn't that entertained.  

FUKUMIMI PIK Jakarta

When it comes to Japanese food, yakitori is not really my first choice but I was excited to find a Japanese diner finally opens at PIK. If you pay close attention, aside from ramen, there was none. 

ITACHO SUSHI INDONESIA

Okay so the thing is, I love Japanese food. I'm such a sushi slut that I'd practically okay to the idea of having them everyday, but let's face it, Japanese food isn't entirely cheap. If you ask me, my loves would be Sushi Masa and Tatemukai, but both aren't exactly the type of places to eat on daily basis, so most of the time, I often go to Sushi Tei for an affordable but still pretty good sushi. 

February

I have been a bit slow on the posting lately. Having busy as the reason would be a complete lie, the truth is I was lazy, uninspired and didn't really feel like writing. It's funny as I always love to write.

So, this month is my birth month. When you're in your 30s, honestly birthday is something you no longer looking forward to as it means you're getting another year older. It's crazy to think how I am in my 30s, seriously I still feel and breath like I was 22 and yet I'm not. 

If you are that person who loves to make list of what to do before you're 30, 40 or 50, really put them into action and not just a beautiful list, coz honey, time flies!

Anyway, I posted along some treats we had on my birthday. Since I got married, We have a birthday tradition where hubs will wakes up early and cook. And I can tell you this, he makes the best birthday fried noodles! Even Mom, the best chef in our family admitted, when it comes to fried noodles, Hubs' is better than hers. *wink*  
As for the birthday cake, for the last two birthdays, I have always been requested slices of Union cakes in different flavors instead of one whole cakes, simply because I adore almost all their cakes. 
 
So, bye bye lazy February. I'm ready on getting back my writing mood. :) Thanks for reading!

Ivy