The chronicle continues as I reminisce one of the happiest moments in my life, when I turned 17 years old. I celebrated my birthday in the most unique restaurant in Jakarta, Negev.
Negev itself is a desert in the region of southern Israel. The interesting property of this desert is that it's not suitable for any trees to grow here. However, mystically, one huge tree grew and eventually became the symbol of strength and hope. Against all odds, this tree called Acacia grew in the highest region of Negev.
Negev is the place where you want to recommend your parents to go after a long exhausting day in Jakarta. It is located in the metropolitan area of Jakarta at City Plaza, Wisma Mulia. Negev is a casual dining restaurant and a gallery bar inspired by great artisanal designs. It has an imaginative yet remarkable surrounding of art, sculpture and carvings including a rare masterpiece from one of the legendary artist in Indonesia, Nyoman Nuarta. As soon as you enter, you can see the multi-faceted walls carved to tell you a story behind the name "Negev." You are surrounded by sculptures, carvings and paintings that hang from the extremely high ceilings facing down on you. While you and your parents are waiting for your oder, you can keep yourself busy looking at the unique masterpieces located all over the restaurant. Don't forget to see the large attention-grabbing wall carving behind the cocktail bar titled "Evolution." You can even ask one of the bartender to explain the story behind that sculpture!
Lets start with the appetizer. I recommend ordering the spicy samosas and seared foie gras with pear and apple compote on brown butter brioche. The spicy samosas are crispy on the outside with bold flavors in the inside. The foie gras is fresh, cleansing your pallets with those acidic fruity ingredients on top that prepares you perfectly to go on to the main course. Your dining experience will be wasted if you don't oder their specialty infused beers. Their lemon & lime tequila infused beer is ranked number 1 in the country. It is a mix of lemon sorbet fresh lime juice, tequila and beer. This is a very rejuvenating and fresh cocktail that you won't get anywhere else. They also have other infused beer such as raspberry rum beer, elderflower gin infused beer float and strawberry vodka infused beer float. If you insist not to drink any alcoholic beverages, I recommend ordering their healthy juices & cocktails. Their well-known cocktail is "moody blues", it is a calming mix of strawberries, beetroot and pineapple juice.
Going on to the main course, you need to order their specialty lamb chops. This is where you will be transported into the Mediterranean through a succulent lamb chops seasoned with Mediterranean herbs and spices. Simply put, it's delicious. They also have amazing pastas such as the classic carbonara fettucine and the spinach and ricotta tortellini. Your dining experience is not complete without their ultimate dessert. Their desserts are the reason why you need to book at least 2 weeks ahead. They have the best desserts in the country, hiring a French pastry chef who's in charge of creating their magnificent desserts. If you and your parents are dessert lovers and you guys don't care about your weight at all, then I recommend to order all of the dessert on the menu. They only have 10 specialty desserts in the menu, and I truly believe that you and your parents can finish them all. However, if you and your parents are on a weight-loss program, then I recommend ordering the Negev Chocolate Bar, White Wine Sabayon served with Fresh Fruit and the Hot Exotic Coconut Soufflé. Without any additional descriptions needed, you will be transported into heaven with these desserts.
After having a lovely dinner with your family, it's time for you, young people, to go to the authentic Negev Bar. In here, you can have fun socializing with other young teenagers, even the bartender himself. When I was there, I had an amazing time talking with the bartender, and even making my own cocktail. Surprisingly, you can order any cocktails that you want, as long as Negev has the ingredients and alcohol to produce the cocktail. The bartenders are so friendly and they'll let you shake your own cocktail.
Your night isn't over yet. This restaurant is actually owned by a popular Indonesian actor, Mike Lewis. Mike Lewis usually hangs around his restaurant every night starting from 9 PM. When I was there, I had the opportunity to talk to him and even drink a couple of shots with him. He's such an amazing and humble person to be around with. He even came to my parents and talked with them for a couple of minutes!
Last but not least, after all the alcohol that you consumed, it's time for you to go party and go to Blowfish. Blowfish is located right next to Negev, and it is a modern club. There are so many young people (16-21 years old) and I guarantee you will have an awesome night there. Just make sure that you have a permission from your parents!
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| Main Dining Room |
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| Seared Bass |
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| Lamb Chop |
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| Sticky Toffee Pudding |
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| Chilled Chocolate Parfait |
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| Saphire Martini, Rising Sun, Kir Royal |
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| Seafood Linguine |
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| Blowfish Lounge |
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| Healthy Juices |
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| Dining Room |
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| Blowfish |
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| Sculptures at Negev |
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| Negev Chocolate Bar |
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| Sculptures at Negev |
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| Sculptures at Negev |
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| Tequila Shots |
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| "Evolution" Carved-Wall |
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| Blowfish |
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| Beer Infusions |
Additional Links:
www.negevresto.com
I really like their idea of combining a sophisticated dining experience with the nightlife scene as well as architecture.
ReplyDeleteYes it is an amazing experience indeed! There are also other restaurants and cafes inside the building. It's a place where my friends and I usually hangout.
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