Cartel

Cartel is the newest addition to the speakeasy bars that have been popping up around Jakarta recently. Opened just last week, the casual bar that specialized in locally brewed craft beer and crafted cocktails is hidden on the second floor of the building next to their sister restaurant Mookata at SCBD Park Lot 7C.

After walking up the flight of stairs (or take the elevator if you choose to), you’ll be greeted by wall to wall shelves that display various products that one would find in a vintage neighborhood grocery store. Push the middle shelves under the ‘Cartel’ sign and that’s how you enter the unassuming bar.

First thing that you’ll see when entering the space is the bright green and yellow neon sign of two hands, each holding a cocktail and beer glass on the wall. The cool breeze of the air-con will give you an instant escape from the hot weather outside (which is very welcomed considering how hot Jakarta’s weather is these days).

The bar is actually more spacious than what I imagined it to be. There are three seating areas—the main dining area, the bar seating and the three more private sections on one side of the space.

At Cartel, their line of four signature cocktails is called ‘The Protagonists’ which are the Velvetea Tarik, Pisco Mangoshu, Royal Boulevardier, and SCBD Breeze. I got to try a couple of their cocktails as well as their beer selections.

Velvetea Tarik (170k) • Mocktail Variant (120k) | 9.5/10

Vodka, Black Tea, Caramel
Strength : ○○○
Taste Profile : Sweet, Creamy, Nostalgic

A unique blend of Vodka, Black Tea, and Caramel in a cocktail inspired by teh tarik. This enchanting elixir combines the rich flavors of caramel and bold black tea, elevated by the smooth touch of Vodka.

The first drink I tried was their Velvetea Tarik. Ordered the mocktail version of this drink since it’s one of the menu that has a mocktail option. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting anything when ordering this but after my first sip, I was mind blown. If you’re a longtime reader of this blog, you probably know how much I like milk tea and this drink is probably one of the best milk tea I’ve ever had in Jakarta.

First off, it’s not too sweet. The amount of sweetness from the milk, caramel and and brûléed foam on top was just right. The black tea is really fragrant and the combination of all these elements certainly reminiscent of teh tarik, but not quite the same. They definitely put their own spin to it, making this drink pretty unique. If you’re a fan of milk tea or teh tarik or sweeter cocktail, would definitely recommend this menu to try. (I was actually debating to order a second glass but decided against it since there were other drinks and food that I wanted to try. If it weren’t for that, I’d probably order that second glass because it was that good.)

Royal Boulevardier (190k) | 8/10

Royal Special Edition, Bitter Liqueur, Sweet Vermouth Clip USD 100 Aromatic Spray Garnish.
Strength : ○○○○○
Taste Profile : Spirit-Forward, Oaky, Clean

The classic Boulevardier is elevated to a regal experience with the use of a premium Royal Special Edition whisky, meticulously aged in sherry oak casks, imparting rich, complex flavors. This distinguished spirit is expertly blended with a robust bitter liqueur and sweet vermouth, creating a harmonious balance of bitter and sweet notes. As a finishing touch, a USD 100 note is used as a luxurious garnish, accompanied by an aromatic spray, enhancing the olfactory allure of this sophisticated libation.

Very smooth and fragrant, but slightly on the bitter side for my personal preference. My friend liked this one though since she prefer less sweet and more bitter cocktail.

SCBD Breeze (170k) • Mocktail Variant (120k) | 7.5/10

Gin, Jamu, Citrus, Prosecco, Mint
Strength : ○○
Taste Profile : Refreshing, Bubbly, Tart

Inspired by the vibrant SCBD Park in Jakarta, the SCBD Breeze captures the essence of this dynamic urban oasis. This refreshing drink features a base of crisp gin, infused with the earthy and herbal notes of Jamu, a traditional Indonesian herbal tonic. Fresh citrus adds a zesty brightness, while a splash of prosecco provides effervescence and a touch of elegance. Garnished with a sprig of mint, this cocktail is a perfect blend of local tradition and modern sophistication, mirroring the park's blend of natural beauty and contemporary flair.

Taste profile just like what the menu describe. Refreshing, sweet, and sour all at the same time. The herbal note isn’t too strong and the citrus note definitely shines more.

Luwak Negroni (190K) | 8/10

Gin, Luwak infused Bitter Liqueur, Coffee
Strength: ○○○○
Taste Profile: Spirit-Forward, Clean, Nostalgic

Strong coffee luwak taste, very smooth and more on the sweeter flavor profile. If you drink coffee, you probably will enjoy this drink.

For their locally brewed craft beers, they have home brews, seasonal brews as well as new brews every Friday so you can ask the bartender for the availability of their brews.

Cartel Tasting Flight (110k)

Created to help you decide what you love the most, our tasting flight consists of 3 types of beer in a smaller portion.

I personally am not a beer drinker and not very well-versed on the subject, but it was interesting tasting their home brewed beer.

Instead of following the trend on just serving drinks at the bar, Cartel provided a selection of food menu that you can order along with your drinks, sparing you the hassle of looking or ordering food from somewhere else. They have a pretty good selection of Asian, Western and Indonesian menus for you to choose from. And the portion of the food is pretty reasonable compared to their prices.

Korean Fried Mandu Platter (88K)

Spam Fries (75k)

Popcorn Chicken with Salted Egg Sauce

Nasi Goreng Kampung Mewah (105k)

King Prawn Aglio Olio Pasta (105k)

Green Chili Honey Buntut Bakar (155k)

During my visit, the service was pretty good. The staff were also very friendly and quick to act when we call them to ask for something. The ambience of this place is pretty relaxing (but the music’s pretty loud, just like any other bar I guess) and I kind of like how there’s enough space between the tables so the place doesn’t feel too cramped. I can see this place to be a good spot to wind down with friends or even co-workers after a busy day at work.

One thing to note, parking at SCBD Park is valet and self-drive valet only which costs 100k. If you don’t want to do valet, other parking option is available at Lot 17 across from Lot 7C.

 

Cartel SCBD

Address: Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav 52-53, SCBD Park Lot 7C Level 2, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta 12190, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 822 5888 7326
Hours: Sun-Thrs 11:30 am-11 pm | Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 12 am

Instagram: @cartelscbd

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Pier No. 12 × Magnum × Bakerman Summer Soirée

Last week, I got invited to Magnum Summer Soirée in collaboration with Pier No.12 and Bakerman for the launch of Magnum’s newest product the Mango Yoghurt Parfait ice cream. The event was held at Pier No.12 at Land’s End PIK and together with Winda (@munchandsnap.jkt) we went there to try out some of their collaboration menus featuring the Magnum Mango Yoghurt Parfait.

To celebrate the launch of the Magnum Mango Yoghurt Parfait, Magnum works together with Pier No.12 and Bakerman to create special drinks and desserts menu that’s only available at Pier No.12 and Bakerman outlets all through October ‘24.

Make My Magnum (75k+)

Choose your own 3 toppings to be served with either Magnum Mango Yoghurt Parfait or the Magnum Classic. Topping selections include strawberry sauce, mango sauce, peach, dragon fruit, mango, melon, grape jelly, strawberry jelly, egg roll crumbs, biscuit crumbs, passion fruit popping boba, strawberry popping boba, lychee popping boba and whip cream. If you wish to have more toppings, each add on costs 10k.

magnum mango jasmine citrus

Magnum Mango Yoghurt Parfait, Mango Pudding, Mango Syrup, Jasmine Brew, Mango Konjac Jelly, Lime Twist.
This one is actually a Bakerman exclusive menu, so I believe you can only order this drink at the Bakerman outlets.

Magnum sunkissed spritz

Magnum Mango Yoghurt Parfait, Aperol, Soda Water, Sparkling Wine, Sunkist, Dehydrated Orange.

Magnum mango jelly fizz

Magnum Mango Yoghurt Parfait, Coconut Water,Mango Konjac Jelly, Lemon Juice, Mango Syrup, Soda Water.

Magnum Mango Sago

Magnum Mango Yoghurt Parfait, Egg Roll, Tropical Foam, Pomelo, Fresh Mango, Mango Sago.

Magnum Tropical French Toast

Magnum Mango Yoghurt Parfait, French Toast, Strawberry, Vanilla Cream, Caramel Jam, Vanilla Sauce, Maple Sauce.

There’s also special decorations around the outdoor area of Pier No.12 as well as various fun activities that they provided for the guests. There were free polaroid pictures, make your own bracelet station and BBQ station serving various seafood menu for us to try. Although the weather was pretty hot, we had fun at the event. Also, I believe the decor will stay until the end of October. So go there for a visit if you want to take pictures with the Magnum orange-themed decor.

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Pier No.12 at Land’s End PIK 2

Address: Land’s End PIK 2, Unit LEP 2 No. T6 Jl. Yos Sudarso, Tangerang, Banten, DKI Jakarta 15211
Telephone: +62 821 2121 2460
Hours: Sun-Thrs 11am-11pm | Fri-Sat 11am-12am

Instagram: @pier12.id

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Barcadia

Hidden inside an unassuming building near Bundaran HI is a secret small library that serves as an entrance to Barcadia, a speakeasy bar at the very heart of Jakarta. Serving classic cocktails as well as innovative mixes inspired by sweet treats and local delicacies, Barcadia offers patrons a sanctuary to escape the busy life in the city.

When you arrived at the building, step into the small library where you can find Barcadia’s house rules hanging on the wall next to the entrance.

House Rules (For Season Two):

1. Keep the Peace

2. Mind Your Manner

3. No Smoking (E-Cigs Only)

4. Respect the Cocktail

5. Love Reading Book

6. Payment is Mandatory

7. Keep This Place Exclusive ;)

This is also the place where you can search for hidden old coins that you can use to exchange for special gifts from the bartender. The coins hidden are limited per day so you might want to come early if you wish to find one.

This week, Barcadia is kicking off their Season 2—The Prohibition Era: Step Into The Twenties. 

“Inspired by the clandestine speakeasies of the 1920s, we’ve crafted an immersive experience that pays homage to the spirit of defiance and indulgence that defined the era.”—Barcardia

As soon as you enter, you’ll be greeted by one (if not more) of Barcadia’s friendly bartenders who’ll quickly get you seated. The space feels like an extension of the library and is decorated with wooden panels, marble tables, leather sofas and bar stools with framed vintage art deco posters hanged on the walls. The warm dim lighting and jazz renditions of pop songs playing in the background create a cozy atmosphere to wind down after a busy day.

This (almost) 5 months old bar has about 25 seatings available inside the space—8 seats at the bar, 4 seats at the two small booths for two on one side of the room, and about 8 seats at the leather sectional sofa with an additional 4 round chairs around the circular marble table.

For their new season, Barcadia is introducing 12 new cocktails menu while keeping 2 (out of the 12) menu from season one. With 14 different unique cocktails on the menu, there are options for everybody to choose from. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can always go with the “Surprise Me” option and the bartender will gladly mix you one.

Season 2 Menu. Courtesy of Barcadia Jakarta.

Tuberose (170k) | 8/10

Naked Malt Whiskey Sedap Malam, Spiked Gum, Absinthe, Peychaud’s Bitters, Aromatic Bitters.
ABV 35,7% • Floral • Spiced • Fragrant

Cheese Cake Factory (200k) | 9/10

Corazon Blanco Tequila Fat-Washed Butter, Blueberry Vanilla Liqueur, Malic Acid, Cream Cheese, Milk Clarified.
ABV 21,5% • Creamy • Toasty • Sweet

Funky Collada (190k) | 7.5/10

Roku Gin Cempedak, Roasted Grated Coconut Cordial, Pina Juice, Milk Clarified.
ABV 14,3% • Fruity • Tropical • Toasty

King of Fruits (200k) | 7.5/10

Jung & Wulff Guyana Rum, Local Leaves, Durian Syrup, Lactic Acid, Foam Agent.
ABV 16,7% • Custardy • Gentle Sweet • Aromatic

Other things that might be worth mentioning, they do serve light bites such as Wonton, French Fries and Shin Ramyun and they welcome outside food and online food delivery. There’s no minimum charge, walk-ins are welcomed and reservation is recommended for guaranteed seating. And if you make it ’til here, say this season’s magic word “Boleh pinjem buku?” to the bartender and they’ll let you mix your own cocktail behind the bar. Also, check out @munchandsnap.jkt’s reel for a special discount (valid until 30 April 2024).

 

Barcadia

Address: Jl. Blora No.10, RT.2/RW.6, Dukuh Atas, Menteng, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10310, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 877-8808-0998
Hours: 6 pm - 2 am

Instagram: @barcadia.id

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Peacock Lounge at Fairmont Jakarta

Peacock Lounge is one of the restaurants inside Fairmont Hotel Jakarta that’s well known for serving delicious afternoon tea as well as a selection of delectable desserts and main dishes. The spacious lounge is decorated with white marble tables with rattan chairs as well as comfortable sofas at the corners of the space. Complimenting their elegant chic interior, classical music is playing softly in the background, making this a perfect place to relax or to wind down after a busy day. 

Peacock Lounge’s decoration usually changes seasonally and currently, through the month of March & April, the lounge is decorated with spring sakura inspired theme, thus the presence of pink flowers and ornaments around the space.

A couple of days ago, my friend Winda (@munchandsnap.jkt) invited me to have an afternoon tea at the Peacock Lounge and so I went to visit the place with her. We had the seasonal Sakura Afternoon Tea set which includes tea (or coffee if you prefer) for two and its accompanying sweet and savory treats that are served in their iconic white leather chest of drawers. 

Peacock Lounge - Seasonal Sakura Afternoon Tea Set (Available until 30 April 2024). Menu courtesy of Peacock Lounge.

Sakura Afternoon Tea (588k) | 8.5/10

For the tea, they exclusively serve TWG teas and we tried the Sakura! Sakura! and Pink Flamingo. They were really fragrant and excellent, as expected from TWG I suppose. 

For the treats, they were delicious. The savory ones were well seasoned and the sweet ones weren’t too sweet at all, making them a perfect pair to have with the teas.

Out of the 19 treats served, my most favorite ones were the Mini Taco (white taco, lobster tartar, avocado, tomato pear) and the Mini Pastry Cup (smoked chicken torchon, sun dried tomato paste, gingerbread toast). There were so much great flavors on those two bites.

We also tried TWG’s Chocolate Earl Grey and Number 12—both were recommended by our server who told us these are some of the more exclusive teas that TWG has and are best served iced instead of hot. 

The Chocolate Earl Grey is supposedly the world’s first rich and aromatic black tea and is accented with fresh notes of rare bergamot and pure dark chocolate. I got to say this was delicious. The chocolate earl grey fragrance and taste really shine through and per our server recommendation, we added sugar after our first sip and it completely changed the taste of the tea, making the chocolate flavor bolder. 

The Number 12 was also interesting because the coffee flavor in the tea is really prominent. But since I don’t drink coffee, I can’t really give an accurate description for this one. But I did definitely taste the coffee flavor and Winda (who usually drinks coffee) said it was delicious.

Winda also ordered additional à la carte items to take home, which were the Lemon Basil Cheese Crumble, Teh Tarik Éclair and Raspberry Macaron. I got to try the Teh Tarik Éclair (Jasmine tea leaves infused in Balinese Tabanan chocolate cremeux) and although I really enjoyed the Jasmine tea flavors, I feel the chocolate cremeux filling was a bit much and ended up overpowering the jasmine tea flavor. I ate my second spoon with less filling and it was much better for my personal preference.  

This was actually my first time at the Peacock Lounge and I really enjoyed my visit. The place has nice interior and lighting, relaxing music, great tea selections and desserts and excellent service. And their afternoon tea set is actually one of the better ones out of the places that I’ve tried in Jakarta. 

If you’re looking for a chill, relaxing afternoon tea spot, I highly recommend this place. Also, if you want to try the Sakura Afternoon Tea Set, it is available until April 30th. 

 

Peacock Lounge at Fairmont Jakarta

Address: Fairmont Jakarta, Jl. Asia Afrika No.8, Gelora, Tanah Abang, Jakarta, 10270, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 21 29703333
Hours: Everyday 12:00 pm - 08:00 pm

Instagram: @peacockloungejkt

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Busaba PIK Avenue

Busaba is a Thai restaurant specialized in cuisines that are a fusion between traditional Thai and western flavors. Their menu is quite extensive, giving patrons a variety of dishes to choose from starting from appetizers to desserts. The ambience of the restaurant is modern with apparent Thai influence spread around the interior of the space. Busaba is part of Jittlada Group and the PIK Avenue location is the second location they opened early last December.

Crab Meat Fried Rice (100k) | 8.5/10

Fried rice with tender crab meat and egg.

The fried rice was nicely seasoned and pretty savory. They used long grain rice and it was cooked well—soft and fluffy and not mushy.

Clear Seafood Tom Yum (95k) | 8.5/10

A fiery and tangy clear Tom Yum soup with prawns, fish, squid and mushroom.

The clear seafood Tom Yum was also nicely seasoned. The flavor is rich but yet still very light. Really like the balance between the heat and sourness of the soup. Although I have to say, the portion was a bit small and there were definitely more mushrooms than the seafood inside the pot.

Salmon Salad (170k) | 8/10

A delightful Thai salad featuring tender pieces of salmon, fresh vegetables, and a spicy yet refreshing dressing.

The salmon was very fresh and was cut beautifully. The flavor of the dressing is very bold. It’s spicy and sour and everything goes well together. I can’t really handle spicy food so even though I could ate this, it got a little too spicy for me by the time I finished this dish.

Roast Duck Red Curry (130k) | 9.5/10

Tender slices of roast duck with the fiery goodness of red chili paste in a creamy coconut milk broth.

This was my favorite dish out out of all the four dishes we ordered. The red curry was super bold and flavorful with deep curry flavor and heat from the red chili paste. Very umami. The roast duck meat is firm but not dry. Had this with warm white rice and it was heaven. The only thing that I thought was a bit surprising was the peas were a little undercooked compared to everything that was in that bowl. If they were cooked nicely and maybe (if I want to nitpick) the duck skin is crispier, I would’ve given this dish a 10/10.

Mango Sticky Rice (70K) | 8/10

Fresh mango with sticky rice and coconut cream.

Everything on this plate was good and the coconut cream wasn’t too sweet. Would love it if the mango is a bit more chilled but overall a solid mango sticky rice.

Overall Experience

Love the food that I had during my visit. Service was also good. The food came out pretty quickly and the server was quick on their feet during our meal. Noise level in this place is pretty high, especially when the restaurant is full. I sat on one of the table with wide sofa and the height of the table is a bit low so it was a little bit awkward when I was eating cause I had to bent down quite a bit. I would suggest to go for one of the regular table for a more comfortable eating experience. But all and all, will probably go back to try their other menus.

 

Busaba PIK Avenue

Address: PIK Avenue Mall, Jl. Pantai Indah Kapuk Boulevard, Jakarta Utara 14470, Indonesia.
Telephone: +62878 6562 9477
Hours: Everyday 10 am -10 pm

Instagram: @busaba_id

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