Leisure acitivities: culinary dishes

Showing posts with label culinary dishes. Show all posts

Hotel Tentrem

Hotel Tentrem is one of many popular choice amongst the travelers for those who intent to visit Yogyakarta, and particularly to watch spectacular art performance at The Prambanan Temple. From traditional to the latest live musical performances.

While traditional art performance is regularly held not so on the Jazz live musical performance, it is exactly over a year ago we fly to Yogyakarta and stay at Hotel Tentrem for Kenny G rare appearance here next to the exotic Prambanan Temple.

We recommend a decent culinary meal at Abhayagiri prior to the long awaiting event, apparently there is ample of time between dinner and show event starts off. As darkness completely falls it follows attractive laser and its supporting lighting extravaganzas. Unlike our favorite restaurant in Bandung Roemah Nenek, the Abhayagiri is conveniently located at a nearby foothill where the temple is.

You have got to be present there to appreciate the heighten nuance of exotic Prambanan Temple as the background. The contrasting digital as compare to stone era is perfectly melted, man made technology as well as cultural aspects blend to a delicious mouthwatering artistic craftsmanship. The local performer and finally Kenny G is the climax rarity, mystical illusion combines harmoniously to the melancholy rhythm of his Saxophone.

This is not without any hitch though, it is marred by chaotic long line up which eventually leads to disappointing seat numbering allocation. We're told this is due to inexperienced event organization, nevertheless the spectacular performance is able to compensate for....It is a worthwhile exciting trip package to go.

In fact it is the perfect birthday gift ideas for our anniversary, not necessarily a surprise gift anymore than a long due romantic second honeymoon.

Turtle Sanctuary

Turtle Sanctuary at Serangan Island is a popular tourist attracting island located just 250 meters off the South East coast of Bali, in fact it is conveniently very close to the famous Sanur beachfront. It is evidently also a home to Sea Temple or locally known to Balinese as Pura Sakenan, a highly visited temple for the local religious people.

The Turtle Island as it is to many has been referring to, has various sizes of turtle which are kept in special pens, it is where the used to be endangered species is being protected.

Kurma Asih, the 'turtle lovers' group has been conducting such noble conservation program activities, which supposedly aim to save newly born turtle nests from predators including poachers. The group has successfully achieved progress that during the 2008 nesting season brought a record of one hundred turtle nests - containing nearly 10,000 eggs - to safety in the Turtle Sanctuary’s hatchery.

Today especially during the season there is an opportunity for tourist alike to release a baby turtle on the sand and watch her flapping away, often with hesitate gesture and finally reach towards the sea for her maiden voyage.

The conservation program was initiated by an International NGO in early 2000s, and by the time we were last visiting Bali in mid 2004, just a year after the infamous "Denpasar Tragedy Attack", there were some noticeable achievements being attained; not only dozens of turtles were saved but the Turtle Sanctuary were also able to provide some educative entertainments for our children.

We were flocking in a 52 seats Bus with not less than five toddlers in a special family trip. Read our family version story on Bali Vacation . It was indeed and still is the most favorite for us and the Kids as a family trip, a memorable family trip that these kids are still being talked about among themselves to these days. Except of course that for a nicely home cooking meal-like to have when you're away, it is hard to beat one of our favorable restaurant in Bandung, the Roemah Nenek.

Kurma Asih has no longer received the aids, yet it has sustained the conservation program on itself up to these days! The endangered species is now up a notch as a protected species, no longer under natural threat.

Bandung Culinary Dishes

For some peculiar reason our kids has gotten the bite of Bandung Culinary Dishes addiction. Whenever we have the opportunity to have a Bandung trip, the food is always their top priority agenda. Though for traffic conveniences we have only gone to those restaurants within the Northern part of the city.

Upon arrival through Cikampek Cipularang Toll road our full packed minivan goes straight to the Sam’s @ Dago St for wonton noodle gourmet accompanied by fresh Strawberry Juice and subsequently ends by a thick delicious cold Coffee they refer as Coffee Blast.

When everyone’s business has been catered for the day in the evening we simply order takeaway grilled chicken and fish accompanied by a subtle “sambal” from the nearby street vendors along the Cisangkuy and Cilaki St. There is a bewildering choice of Dishes from either street vendors or restaurants alike along these streets all the way through Cibeunying, Ciliwung up to the Riau St. And best of all it is free from the nuisance of traffic congestions.

Most of the vendors either operate during the evening or morning where most Hotel occupants often seem to have their breakfast rather than that being offered by the Hotel which only cater two free breakfasts per room. This is convenient for those travelling in a group of family.

Incidentally Leisure Activities has covered other attraction offered at Cisangkuy and Cilaki St. which is quite popular amongst younger kids especially during the school holiday; Horse Riding. Furthermore finding the location is also quite easy, just look for the famous Gedung Sate or Geology Museum Landmarks at Diponegoro St. then you are spot on!

Across Cisangkuy heading to a Gas Station along the Cibeunying Selatan St. there is another favourite restaurant by the name “Roemah Nenek”. They serves excellent local, Chinese and European Dishes, we might have visited this place dozens time and the taste never miss a beat always delicious and tasteful consistently more importantly it is affordable. This recommended Bandung Culinary Dishes has also live music entertainment during evening.

Similarly located at Riau St. but with more upbeat and upper scale restaurant “Roemah Keboen” albeit at higher rate with chic modern interior. Interestingly the interior décor comes with Harley Stand, or rather a Special Built Custom Chopper. Though unfortunately we were kept waiting for our orders for almost two hours during the last New Year’s holiday, but we are hoping it happened to us only then as they seems to be running by highly professional Chef Cook and staff.

Occasionally for special event when our whole twelve family members are completely present we do go a bit further close to downtown at Lengkong St. to the “Atmosphere”. Or alternately to the upper Dago area which is famous for its Look Out Point : The Valley overlooking the Northern part of Bandung.

Technorati Tags: Bandung Culinary Dishes,Sam’s @ Dago St,Roemah Nenek,Roemah Keboen,Atmosphere,The Valley

See our Bandung Trip Map Guide for further info on the above restaurants whereabouts!

Parit 9 Restaurant

Yesterday Leisure Activities did mention the Parit 9 Restaurant a sea food speciality cuisine house, located at Anggrek just off the Riau running to Supratman Street. The sea food house has been in the culinary industry since 30 odd years ago, in early years it started in business at Cendana Street just off the Lapangan Supratman. Cendana runs in parallel and next to Anggrek, both streets offer driver alternative route to Riau but with less traffic hassles!

Are we there yet? Supposedly Arriving on Bandung, Accommodation is the last order of priority but instead the unique cuisine is really what you are after, then Bandung is the right place to be! Amidst active volcanoes Bandung is blessed with fresh vegetables supplies from the nearby surrounding farms and having them on the table being fresh and still sweet is indeed unforgettable experiences.

The freshly picked vegetable together with equally fresh sea food dishes is the main character behind this restaurant’s reputations. The customer could hand pick her own choice of raw materials while the attendant and the chef would do the rest until the dish is being served on the table.

But if your not up to the Chinese style dish that this restaurant offers, there are more than two other alternatives available just conveniently located at the same Street. On one end toward Supratman there is a street side vendor stall offering meat ball soup, where as on the other end off the Jalan Riau Bandung there are two differing cuisines being offered. On the left hand side a European style sausage prepared by “Leisure Butcher Van Java” and across the street our own cuisine invention but may be patented elsewhere the heritage Satay.

Bosscha Leisure

The last day of our kids school holiday would be the trip for Bosscha Leisure. An old Dutch Indies Heritage of Observatory, built in late 1920s by the then famous tea planter tycoon Karel Albert Rudolf Bosscha who also happened to be one of great philanthropist of the era perhaps might had been close to that of Bill Gates of today. Read more on him at; Frontrunner Science Research #3; Bosscha Observatory, where we could learn a bit history of him and the heyday of our tea plantation at its height of tea commodity pricing due to its unsurpassed Malabar Tea quality as well as the background story on the observatory itself.

The Bosscha Observatory as we have known today was not as effective as it used to be, when the facility was built the nearest population was outside of the ideal 30 km radius perimeter from the facility. It was preserved to be as such until late 1970s prior to the real estate property development booming.

The facility today is fully dedicated for academic purposes and consequently getting inside to look at the huge telescope could only be done under well advanced appointment in group of 30 visitors per admittance. Nevertheless the kids could learn something from the onset of science in early century and admire the physical observatory with surrounding beautiful landscape as well as some photographic session.

There are two alternative ways to get to Bosscha Observatory; one through the Bandoeng city itself where you could stop by on the way to do a bit of shopping and culinary tasting. Or else through the Ci[pularang Toll road and exit at either Cikampek or and the one that head straight to Subang. Make yourself fresh and fully alert by also stopping by at any rest area there, though it is advisable to stop at Cipularang Rest Area Km 57 or Km 43 or Km 19.

Insofar we have managed to bring the kids to enjoyable as well as educative trip as well some interesting leather bag shopping for the Mom of course and not last but least the tasty and freshness of Bandoeng’s own culinary dishes.

Technorati Tags: Cipularang Rest Area Km 57,Bandoeng's Trip,Bosscha Observatory,Karel Albert Rudolf Bosscha,leather bag shopping,culinary cooking

Best Guide Trip to Bandung

Living Family Trips Album

We have finally reached the culmination of the first part purposes of our family trip this time around to Bandung as has been set out earlier at previous article on Volcanoe Atmosphere. All kids including the Birthday Girl have been fully enjoying those activities on White Crater, ATV adventures and their Mom on “shopping till you drop” as well as the rest of family members on quality time being together, some culinary dishes on different and distinctively Bandung atmosphere with its tranquillizing cool breeze!

In so far I might get lost in counting our family quality time trips, their respective distinct theme as each trip is wholly different experience to another. The joyfulness of our kids when they reflect their lingering memory to each one of the trip; in fact all Leisure Activities contents from the very beginning article could serve them as a living album. A different kind of album with personal touch on family Leisure Activities, so you could also have a glimpse of Bandung’s trip idea for your own purposes!

Hence you could get a firm holiday plan well in advance for an excellent Bandung Trip, for whatever theme you could desire! Thousands of Jakartans are regularly flocking into this city, so could you. Prepare your gear and enjoy Bandung!

Even during certain time going through the toll road for car enthusiast could be a blast leisure drive in itself. The average two hours journey could be shortened by maniac driver for a mere 55 minutes (the other day some one tweets this info; though it is quite skeptical). Yet last long week end on the evening of 17^th August the road going from Bandung to Jakarta started to pack with traffic jam from the 80^th km. In such case your best alternative would be to stop over at one of many Cipularang-rest-areas and wait dearly for your luck!

Birthday Girl

The night before our relative leaves for Batam and right after the memorable ATV adventures we head straight to a nice restaurant with magnificent look out point, one of the best in Bandung; The Valley. We left the White Crater at 2pm perhaps another two hours spent on ATV and arrived here for dinner just before 7pm; so leave aside a full one day for such Leisure Activities. (Does the leisure context appropriate for the drivers?)

Our intention was to make a special birthday celebration with Bandung views at night while enjoying the popular Zuppa soup. To our surprise the place was quickly getting fully packed yet it was during the working day! We could not get the viewing table and consequently picked larger one in the mid court with partial views of the city; still it was such scenery.

Technorati Tags: best guide trip to bandung,atv,white crater,bandung,Leisure Activities

Kawah Putih Crater Lake, Rancabali

The white crater dominating the view with some bluish appearances on some part adds exceptional dimension which tantalizes our sight; a contrasting picturesque to that of the crowded factory outlet. Certainly a more refreshing one! It took us two and half hours to get here and by the time we arrive at midday noon our stomach started to cry for immediate attention, the bitterly cold 500 meters walk could wait.

You actually have an option to bring your own car to the peak, yet should you hesitate there is an open air small pick up available at a cost. The second options allow you to avoid costly damage onto your sedan’s undercarriage; it’s a peace of mind!

I would estimate the temperature that day was slightly below 20 degree Celcius as you could tell it bites at 2,300 altitudes above sea level. Bandung (750 meter above sea level) average temperature in July is one of the lowest annually at 22.9 Celcius. Hence a wind jacket is an essential outfit of the day; however once you stroll down the crater your body heat suffices comforting warmth. Perhaps it was just due to a momentarily cloudy sky and blowing winds.

Circling around the car park there are plenty of food stalls to choose for a warm and decent meal. But if you are worried about its hygiene you should stop earlier at large restaurant there are plenty of them as well. We settled for a nice Bandung’s own culinary Mie Kocok or literary “Shaken Noodle” accompanied by none other than hot tea drink.

Now the fun began; as we ascending into the crater we were greeted by traditional Sundanese tembang accompanied by Kecapi musical instrument (Zither Ensembles). The ascend was quite steep yet it allows a panoramic view of the crater itself as the sound of traditional instrument echoing heightened the Western Java’s unique atmosphere. The crater was found in 1856 by the famous German botanist Dr. FW.Juhnghun, who introduced the Malaria Pills industry to then the Dutch Indies. Hypothetically the Dutch then mined its sulfur-rich sediments for Sulfur production which contributed 90% of all Dutch Indies till the Japanese invasion.

1920s marked the era of significant growth of Bandung city development as well as the center for many agro industry sectors including tea, coffee, rubber and cinchona (natural resources for Malaria Pills) plantations. Today the Kawah Putih has been established as one of West Java Ecotourism park, therefore since its inception in 1991 cleanliness is strictly monitored. No loitering allowed within the crater area!

Technorati Tags: bandung family time,white crater

Culinary Atmospheres

We have planned it all along, but things do not always fall as we do expecting. We’re supposedly leaving for Bandung before midday on the cheerful Saturday June 27^th, yet we could reached Cipularang toll gate at 3 pm. Cheerful it was since there was no rain nor too hot either along the

journey, but most importantly the traffic was surprisingly easy and pleasant. Not too many long convoy of truck or lorries and a few vehicles piling up at exit. Apparently luck with us as the following day on Sunday a whole different kind of traffic in high volumes congested the Cipularang toll. Thank God we have already enjoyed the Atmosphere hospitality. A huge open air restaurant at Lengkong St. the Atmosphere Restaurant provides a very relaxing atmosphere indeed!

All tables on the second floor provide low table with ample of room for leg stretching on comfortable cushion, the interior was also a cool combination of modern architectural style with traditional materials. The deliberate tall roofing was matched to large opening on either sides, allowing Bandung cool breeze getting in ample dose of circulation. Guarantee to spoil all family members to a sleepy state.

Yet we were here for the food as well on top of the cool ambience, everybody seemed to enjoy themselves. The typical dishes being offered here were those popular Western styles culinary. As soon as 12 family members quickly glanced through the menu, orders were taken in. The wait was not that long, a stream of dishes were delivered one another. The immediate attention was on the attractive detailed dish presentations, and we soon found out equally good tasting. I got myself delicious but a tad rather salty Korean barbeque whilst my Dutch descendent uncle sitting next ordered an American grilled steak, both at rather big portion.

Prior to the main course my brother in laws and the five kids had already have a couple of bitterballen and the exotic French cuisine escargot appetizers. The kid’s net surfing activities through the available Wifi were interrupted. Meanwhile as my quench for the best cappuccino search in Bandung has grown wisely, so this was my drink choice here and anywhere else as appropriate. However I could happily reported that Sam’s is the best so far to beat.

The assortment of drink selection was distinctly unique such as: atmosphere sunrise and blue velvet which were essentially fruit juice alike. And as for the dessert I was ordering Banana split, yet when it arrived my youngest son Ian traded for his Apple Strudel instead. No complaint there!

Technorati Tags: bandung culinary,family quality time,june hliday,cipularang traffic jam

Culinary Cooking

Culinary art is the art of cooking. The word "culinary" is defined as something related to, or connected with, cooking or kitchens. A culinarian is a person working in the culinary arts. A culinarian working in restaurants is commonly known as a cook or a chef. Culinary artists are responsible for skillfully preparing meals that are as pleasing to the palate as to the eye. Increasingly they are required to have a knowledge of the science of food and an understanding of diet and nutrition. They work primarily in restaurants, fast food chain store franchises, delicatessens, hospitals and other institutions. Kitchen conditions vary depending on the type of business, restaurant, nursing home etc. [answers.com]

Bandung Culinary Cooking

This dish has excelled in both to the palate as well as pleasing to the eyes; therefore such particular dish could be regarded as such. A culinary art cooking skill requires a great deal of passion and patient through years of experiences, and greater skill is demanded for highly competitive eating out industry. Regardless of its class segment whether you opt for expensive chic or open air restaurants, competition always yield the best culinary cooking from their own experienced cook. This holds true for any kind of dish preparation: European, Japanese, Indonesian or even traditional Bandung’s own dishes.

Likewise culinary cooking of pizza dish, it requires a good knowledge of bakery expertise. Those places belong to certain franchise brands are quite obvious, uniform baking standard practice is adhered strictly. For having a pizza on similar franchised restaurants anywhere in a particular region would end up with similar taste; as the cook prepares on similar kitchenware, ingredients, training and baking standard practice. One way or the other the knowledge has spread over elsewhere, and increasingly preparation variety has also been added accordingly to enhance further its tastes and looks.

Some may have gone further by preparing on a slow wood baking, in order to have unique scent of Pizza. Yet this Pizza culinary cooking was done in usual manner by baking in an enclosed chamber and fuelled by LPG, nothing fancy on this kitchenware except an isolated flue stack and being displayed deliberately in front of the customer.

There is a slight chance for us to encounter such display in an outlet within any Bandung’s shopping mall. In fact this Pizza culinary cooking is being prepared from an old premise, an Old Dutch Indies building. Read more on my review on Roemah Nenek!

Technorati Tags: culinary cooking,roemah nenek,bandung leisure

Leisure Look Out Point: The Valley

Technorati Tags: cullinair

We are digressing from horrible title into a bit more civilized one, from butcher into a pleasing aura! Yet it depends accordingly to the rightful context, without an expertise of such butcher we would never enjoy our steak or sausage for our meal course. As we all know that Bandung is surrounding by chain of mountain, where as its inner city is full choke of chain of mount shop. Literary if you go just any part of the city you would find the whole array of "Factory Outlet". But what makes the city famous in the first place is actually its beauty, the scenery and slight cooler ambient temperature. That is on less crowded and high above or along the foot of mountain.

So, by the time those urban dweller finish their shopping spree; it is time for a relaxing leisure atmosphere. For the Jakartans, they need to get away from their city's humid and hot weather. Dago or now known as Juanda St. is a long stretched road. It is quite long with its tail stretching up to the ascending part of road heading to this particular interest of Look Out Point. From this point upward that particular portion of road is conveniently nicknamed "Upper Dago", it is just the way local people differentiate between the two stretches.

As you finish your shopping tasks in the area, head your way to this upper Dago. Along the way up there you would find yet another rows of decent Hotels, with one of which belong to the 5 stars parade; the Sheraton. Keep going further just 300 meters prior Dago Golf Course you could see a large sign board indicating :"The Valley Restaurant". Yes, that is the picture taken from its balcony overlooking Bandung plain.

This used to be the posh hang out place in early 2000, since there was not many places as such then. Nowadays we have many choices to pick. Yet it is still a cozy and nice place to hang around. They also were known for their food which was unavailable elsewhere back then, such as Zuppa soup. Broth which was served with puff-pastry topping covering it, but now we could find this dish just about anywhere.

You could find any popular dishes here wether European, Dutch, Italian or local traditional foods. With the exception of Japanese food, they have a new Japanese restaurant across the street. It used to be a long queue as well during week-end!

There are other places too within the area and much more on different Look Out Point area elsewhere in Bandung, so much choice to pick. It is the very reason that makes Bandung such attractive place. Check out the "perceived-values-on-bandung" for other tips, and choose wisely.

Leisure Butcher Van Java

Bandung has many excellent "Look-Out Points", some are well known for the youngster (in a couple format) and a few for those enchanted quality family time while the remaining for somewhere in between.This is located further up from Dago street and not surprisingly there are many restaurant around the area. The picture on the left was taken from The "Valley" balcony. While the youngster prefer mostly to come by before the midnight, we are on the contrary come by for lunch and to get the daylight scenic views as well.

As we had to drive quite a steep ascending climb to get here, one must assume that the Valley as the name suggest was high above Bandung plain. It was unfortunately cloudy that we could just barely see the town, yet if you recall "Paris Van Java"; one could imagine how beautiful it was 80 years ago! As I sipped my cappuccino I could not help myself to stop thinking the too much crowded housing area down below, it was as such started to bother my scenery indulgences! What on earth driving people to ruin their own town and in the process successfully tainted the "Paris Van Java" nickname? Even if it was a mere 8 decades ago!

Well I will tell you on how good the food being served there, on the second thought let's dwell further on this "Van Java" things. The only positive thinking that I could refer to such Van Java is actually "The Butcher Van Java". You're pulling my leg, I hear you say. Nay!

It is at Riau St. off a corner at the last traffic lighted intersection just prior to A. Yani main road. A Yani main road that was the great post road linking the whole Java island in the beginning of 18th century, thanks to Deandles the then Dutch Indies Governor General.

The Suis Bucther van Java is quite a cozy place. We had never been here before, and yet we always pass through whenever we go to the Roemah Keboen. And every time we pass the place is always full.

Well, this time around we did stop by and had a lunch there. The food is okay I suppose, it is as good as it looks. Not that The Valley is not as good. I think, I have to come back again for the valley on the next coming article. For now suffice to say honestly though! Sam's place cappuccino is much better, but this is just between you and me! Incidentally Sam's has just recently reopen with the new open space building. The new place looks better but I personally love the old one, it was more airy and cool. Check out the "perceived-values-on-bandung" for other tips

Fish and chips

Soy bean is the main ingredient resources of our daily dishes, they are good complements to our rice main course. Soy bean sauce (kecap), tempe and tofu (tahu) are the notable main course's complements. That is for some of us, most asian do! What do we know on traditional foods on the other part of spheres? Those who have been priviledged enough to visit the commonwealth countries should have known "Fish and chips".

As the name suggests it is consisting of two main ingredients, they are deep fried; fish and potato chips. You would easily find them at many small take away foodshop in most suburban areas. That is in those commonwealth countries such Australia and New Zealand. The dish is originated from the Brittish's culinair-heritage.

This particular dish is being served on a plate, so it is definitely not from one of those takeaways! We all know that the fresher the fish the sweeter it tastes, the closer you consume this to a fishing port the better. Yes, that's the main point. That family trip to Pelabuhan Ratu had presented the great opportunity for me to have a delicious Fish and chips. Serving appearance was as good as it tastes, and its freshness reminded me of those sweet crayfish on its periodic season!

Roemah Nenek

It was late evening on the last day of 2008. We had been passing around this Grandma's House a couple of times. Its title alone intrigued us. Did it serve the kind of dishes which our Grandma used to provide us? Did it only sell its old colonial building concept?

As soon as we arrived, we were welcomed by the buzzing of new year's eve preparations. There was a sign post indicating people to line in at the entrance gate. Yet it was too early for any queue in, that we could grab just any table we like. The obvious choices were outside at front court for smoking section and vice versa inside the house. We were a platoon in numbers so we did take the available large tables outside.

The house itself was a typical 1930s colonial building. A reminiscent of "Art Deco" architectural style with equal antiquated interior decorations. For further heritage traits description, please click here! For a real leisure activity tip, read on!

I have deliberately designed two separate sites for these purposes! The Journey of Preserving Heritage Building (For those who interested in Heritage traits description) and this site for leisure activities tips. Pressing on .....

We all sat nicely as orders coming in. They were Soto Bandung, Strawberry juice and two pots of tea. One being lemon flavoured tea while the other is a plain one. The younger generation ordered Western culinary dishes, apparently they took longer to prepare.