Sunday, March 24, 2019

Koju Cafe

Presenting the theme of ‘snowing you’ Koju Cafe’s decoration seemed to carry it out very well with those snowflakes on the window, delivering you exactly the right impression even before entering the cafe. The space was pretty tiny though, perhaps only able to accommodate not more than 15 people in the indoor spot. They did have outdoor space, for which I might say they utilized effectively the corner space they got. Great thing, this did make them able to have the backyard view to enjoy for those who sat there.


 

The order point was right after the entrance, which was also the place you would receive the very first warm welcome when coming into the place. You indeed wouldn’t have tons of options, but I would say enough variety to serve different types of likings, even including sweet tooth like me as their dessert selections were decent.

If you opted for trying multiple dishes, you would surely be able to do so as the portion wasn’t that huge and the prices were also highly affordable. 





Bitterballen (IDR 25k)




Looking more like cheese stick than Bitterballen from the presentation as it wasn’t served in that typical round-ball shape, it didn’t mean the taste couldn’t land luscious. The peppery mix of mashed potatoes and minced chicken covered in bread crumbs completely reminded me of my mom’s potato chunks, which have always been the whole family’s all-time favorite. Having this served with extra mozzarella filling, that absolutely hit me up.

Banana Butterscotch (IDR 20k)

 

Despite the name indeed got you hitched, simply said this was actually banana bread served with butterscotch sauce. Nonetheless, don’t underestimate the simple combination as it might turn out the couple owning the spotlight. Yes, I truly fell for this cake, having it reheated and served warm. The cake was moist and the butterscotch syrup played an amazing role in balancing the cake’s sweet flavor with its mix of sweet and salty taste. I couldn’t help myself trying to not letting any drop of the sauce left on the plate!

Bread Butter Pudding (IDR 18k)





Another sweets, which might look not as gorgeous as your fancy expectation, but again didn’t fail to nail the amusement. Sold at pocket-friendly price, the bread butter pudding was great option for anyone who might be not fancy anything too sweet. It’s pretty light, taking the texture in between cake and pudding. I was sold to the idea of giving it extra sauce (which I wasn’t that sure what it’s composed of), which couldn’t make better pair to the pudding. Much love <3

Koju Butterscotch (IDR 30k)


The signature drink of the house, which got the privilege of carrying the cafe’s name; should be the one worth to try, shouldn’t it? Presented in very unique way, the picture did hook my attention at the point of order. The milk took the form of shaved ice, to which you would pour the hot espresso shot. The butterscotch syrup wonderfully gave the complementary sweet element into the cup, but nicely still didn’t steal the spotlight belonged to the coffee as the main actor. Well yeah, when iced milk coffee with brown sugar nowadays became so hype, I guessed this would be the next upcoming shining-star!

Irish Coffee (IDR 30k)



Another creatively handcrafted one was this Irish coffee, which was basically iced milk coffee infused with Irish syrup, and given ‘the crown’ of whipped cream. Bluntly speaking, I fell for the first one deeper than this, as the Irish flavor wasn’t going that bold. Nonetheless, I would say the ones who weren’t that much into sweet drinks might love this :)


As always, it’s simply another excitement having more options available nearby. If you’re looking for ‘heavier dishes’ you needn’t worry as they got you the answer as well!



Taste: 7/10
Place: 6.5/10
Service: 7.5/10
Price: 7/10


Thanks for reading! :)


KOJU CAFE
Address: Ruko Golden 8 Blok J No. 10, Gading Serpong, Tangerang
Phone: (+62 21) 5568 5236
Operating Hours: Mon - Sat 9am - 9pm


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Saturday, March 16, 2019

Home Brew Coffee & Eatery

Feeling more homey when reading the place’s name? Well, I at least feel more welcome and not sure why but the phrase ‘home-brew’ made it sound that what’s served would be so personalized. 





Sharing the same building with Giggle Box, Home Brew took over the third floor of the three-storey spacious construction in Alam Sutera. It’s an easy one to find, located so close to the infamous Flavor Bliss. Great news for you who already thought that the ‘climbing stairs’ part would be tiring, they actually spoiled the visitors with an elevator so you could be worry-free. 



The venue was way bigger than what’s in my imagination since typical Tangerang area coffeeshops were petite. It even impressed me with the huge outdoor area, dedicated space with wall deco, and another free space that could be used for events. Well, if only it’s little bit closer to home, I bet my agile working space would be this place! The place also felt lively as it’s packed with people coming from different kind of groups. You could see family, couples, teens, and other different groups. Bit loud, but I didn’t mind since this anyway wasn’t a library, was it?


Despite the nice surprise from the ambiance, the order went bit cumbersome as you ought to do it yourself at the cashier. Knowing the place was crowded, you would have expected the long queue you needed to face when making your order. Moreover, as they didn’t give any table number, they got bit confused when they waiters were about to deliver the foods and beverages. Well, there’s always room for improvement ;)

Hot Cappuccino (IDR 38k)


Starting the day right (read: having the morning coffee doze), I picked the basic one to begin. Besides I did need something strong because of the recent sleepless nights, the coffee itself was quite light for my palate. I desired stronger kick on my taste bud, harder smash to wake myself up I guess?

Ice Salted Caramel Latte (IDR 48k)


Moving to the ‘cheat’ part, where the coffee had more ‘buddies’ than earlier one, I had my Salted Caramel Latte - the one I might call as common-uncommon because not met in all places, yet not something rarely available in other coffee shops. The salted caramel game was played pretty strong, making it enjoyable enough especially for those who couldn’t handle strong coffee and demanded a companion to lighten the pure coffee taste. 

Pulled Beef Nachos (IDR 50k)


This appetizer was delightful, served with generous toppings. I felt like having my nachos served with overflowing Bolognaise sauce. Yes, those minced beef was beautifully blended with both the peppery and tomato flavors in the sauce. It was further 'blessed' with another cheese dipping sauce to give extra happiness. Though I had to say nothing really stood out from the cheese sauce, it simply made your palate got 'more crowd' in the party of taste. Adding the Parmesan as well, as you knew in most party, the more the crowd the more you enjoyed it.


Chocolate Ganache Pancake (IDR 60k)



Honestly speaking, I at first thought it's the type of fluffy pancake so I expected the spongy and light stacks of pancake, but apparently I misunderstood and looked at the wrong picture when ordering. Nonetheless, being a sweet tooth I surely didn't mind to have this classic-style ones. 


This dessert came in simple combination featuring chocolate ganache in between the pancake stacks, strawberry and banana slices next to them, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Well, I wouldn't lie that I might be happy if I had to enjoy this at home, but as I was dining out I did expect something more paying this price. It did come in quite gigantic size which definitely would be fulfilling, but I did wish I could get more sophisticated toppings. The chocolate ganache was not bad though, so if you're more into something simple and classy, you might love it ;)


Having my short brunch session there, I would say it's a nice spacious place to visit especially if you came in quite big group. Moreover, the selections of foods and beverages were pretty rich. Some improvements were to be made on the service, then they would rock it!

Taste: 6.5/10
Place: 7/10
Service: 6/10
Price: 6.5/10


Thanks for reading! :)


HOME BREW COFFEE & EATERY
Address: Jl. Alam Utama Kav 2 No. 1 (Nite & Day, level P3), Alam Sutera, Tangerang
Phone: (+62 21) 2977 9296
Operating Hours: Sun - Thu (8am - 9pm), Fri - Sat (8am - 11pm)


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