What a whirlwind! One month I’m in Europe… another month I’m in Asia!
Though it’s been quite exhausting and sometimes even disorienting, I can certainly say that I am having the time of my life exposing myself to new cultures, adventures and experiences!
I found myself reminiscing yet another experience from a couple of months ago in a brand-new city (at least to me). Never in my life did I think I’d be lucky enough to be visiting a country I had heard so much about, Indonesia. What’s more, my ventures here took me not only to exotic islands such as Bali or culture-filled Java, it also allowed me to get to know the vibrant and bustling city of Jakarta. I was in for a pleasant surprise when I realized that Jakarta is not only an energetic and lively city, it also had an electrifying food culture.
My first stop took me to a hotel so familiar, it’s almost iconic. I remember staying at the Hyatt in other places when I was growing up during the holidays. The Hyatt brand of hotels for me always connoted a safe place, a home away from home. And so as I stepped foot inside, I knew instantly that I was going to have a great time. Coming up their elegant escalators, I saw a glimpse of my restaurant destination for the day, the iconic letter “C” that I later found out stood for all wonderful words relating to an excellent and perfect cuisine – crave, crisp, culture, canapé and chocolate to name a few. C’s Steak and Seafood was looking perfect in every corner – state-of-the-art and sleek, it allowed me to peek through the live food preparation through its unfussy and stylish open kitchen. The contemporary interiors matched with all the action I was seeing made me all the more delighted to be here.
Style Details
Dress | From a local designer based in Jakarta
One of the finest ways to know a country is certainly through tasting their food. The next best thing, I feel, is getting to know the artists behind the food, such as the chef, staff, and all those that make it possible for us guests to have a grand time. That’s why I was so exuberant that when Grand Hyatt’s Executive Chef Rolf Knecht arrived in my table right before my meal. I learned a little bit more about their farm to table concept and their plans of approaching the future with their own branded ingredients such as sea salt, coconut sugar, curated meats and cured sausages. This way, they will be able to differentiate themselves with other restaurants through innovative dishes featuring their very own local produce. The great thing about Hyatt’s C’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant is they work with NGO’s and together, they get creative with the use of ingredients. Chef Rolf Knecht is originally from Switzerland who’s lived in all parts of the world including Argentina, Shanghai, Japan and now, Jakarta.
The first thing brought over to my table was the lightly cured salmon belly garnished with beets, citrus and creamy horseradish. Living in the U.K., salmon is one of my trusted, go-to proteins. This dish, however, being served with such luscious salmon belly definitely took this plate to a whole new level. It tasted clean yet flavorful. The pleasant tastes of beets and citrus gave the recipe that elegant essence while the element of horseradish finished the dish to perfection. Gourmet food is all about detail after all!
The next plate quickly enticed me as the arrival of the wood oven roasted bone marrow with long pepper, roasted garlic and country bread captured my attention. This dish certainly caught me by surprise! Since I’ve featured many restaurants, it takes a lot to make me jolt on my seat. I typically see bone marrow in a soup base dish commonly found in the Philippines (the best found in Tagaytay City, an hour off Manila). In the west, specifically U.K. and the U.S.A., bone marrow is not something you’d regularly see on the menu (I live in England and California so I only speak for these two places). This bone marrow dish was craftily concocted by C’s Sous Chef, Chef Matt Demery, originally from Washington D.C. Truthfully, what draws me in to any bone marrow dish is really its incredible taste. It is subtly creamy, can be nutty, and always extremely rich. At this point, I couldn’t decide if I was in for a sinful treat or a slice of heaven. Without a shadow of doubt, I enjoyed this plate very much!
For my mains, the angel hair pasta embellished with oxtail, leek and parmesan was as unique as it was sensational. Oxtail is a popular ingredient here in Indonesia and I ordered their famous oxtail soup “buntot” around the country during my tour. I am glad that I am able to sample this delicacy prepared in another ravishing way. Believe me when I say that this noodle dish was certainly one of the most unique takes I’ve ever seen on pasta. It was so savory and delicious. Again, an unexpected way of fusing oxtail with leek and parmesan resulting in a unique yet smooth and satisfying dish!
Another plate I savored was the red wine braised wagyu beef cheek with carrots and onion. C’s Steak and Seafood being known to satisfy its meat connoisseurs, it’s safe to say that this dish certainly didn’t disappoint. Prepared sous vide, guaranteeing that the supple meat is cooked evenly, it had maximum flavor while slowly melting in my mouth. Rightfully so, C’s Steak and Seafood offers decadent meals in all aspects, truly a must-try restaurant for all prime beef lovers.
Lunchtime at the Grand Hyatt Jakarta went by in a whiz thanks to the definitude of their chefs! This is a place where you know for sure that wherever you may be coming from, a time spent here is and will always be exceptional. As travelers, we always want to try local foods and produce. But at the same time, traveling is all about immersing and satisfying our curiosity with pizzazz. Meeting these global chefs whose creativity brings out local produce in these innovative ways is what sophisticated traveling is all about. Here at C’s, their one-of-a-kind exclusive dishes are sought out by locals and seasoned travelers alike. Do come here when in Jakarta for a sure-fire cultured and cosmopolitan dining experience!
Thanks to C’s Steak and Seafood Resturant at Grand Hyatt Jakarta | Jalan M. H. Thamrin Kav. 28-30, Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10350, Indonesia | +62 21 29921383
