Chief Kamil at Mediterranea
Meet Camille Massard Combe (aka chef Kamil ). Camille is the proud owner and the head of Mediterranea, a traditional French and Mediterranean restaurant in Yogyakarta, Central Java.
Hello, Camille. First of all, tell us please how you adopted the Indonesian name Kamil?
There is a simple explanation for this. When I arrived, I noticed that people started to write my name in this way and I found it quite fancy and local, so I adopted the name from!
Where are you originally from?
I of France of course madam. But both my parents' families were originally from northern Italy. I was born and raised in Paris. I stayed three years in the southwest of France, working as a chef too.
You came to Indonesia in 2008. What was the reason for the visit and why have you stayed for?
At first, I came to visit a friend for a holiday and I really liked the place. So I decided to try my luck with a small restaurant, which has been very successful, so I decided to stay.
What lives in Jogjakarta you love? How comparable to Bali or Jakarta, for example?
I want is a human-sized city, with a kind of feeling of the town, despite the rapid changes that have occurred over the past five years. Yogyakarta is known as a big city but I still love him. Bali and Jakarta are definitely too packed for me.
What would you say would be the best day in Jogjakarta, for someone who has never been? And where would be best, in your opinion, for breakfast, lunch and dinner?
Of course, you need to visit the main attractions like Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple, and so on. Also visit the southeastern coast where they have beautiful white sand beaches. Finish with the ascent of Mount Merapi, one of the most active volcanoes in the country. For breakfast, I would have in my kitchen with my wife and me for lunch certainly enjoy it in my restaurant, and for dinner as well! I work 15 hours a day, six out of seven days a week, so you're most likely to find me there. There are many other good restaurants in the south of Yogyakarta as well.
Shish Kebab by Chief Kamil
You opened a now well-known restaurant in Jogjakarta called Mediterranea restaurant, which serves traditional French and Mediterranean cuisine. How did you start the business?
After some experience, I wanted a big space with my own decorations. I tried to update the place regularly and apparently people like that. The restaurant is a complete concept; food must be very good, but comfort is also important. I want my clients take their time to eat, so they also need a nice place to enjoy the food and their environment.
What is the most popular dish on your menu? Have you had to make your most Indonesian recipes to better suit the local palate?
Mushroom risotto with duck breast on the grill is the most popular, I would say. I want to taste the traditional French and I really appreciate that my Indonesian customers have discovered new flavors of my restaurant. It's part of my job.
Why did you choose Jalan Tirtodipuran for the location of your place?
I fell in love with the post-colonial house that the restaurant is. Jalan Tirtodipuran is also one of the most beautiful streets and picturesque Yogyakarta where you can find antique shops and famous batik factories.
What challenges did you face in the training of local staff to cook French food?
There is a daily challenge. I have to make my own happy to cook using French techniques to prepare meals. I also have to introduce them to new flavors and tastes. It is not always easy to embrace the new food culture but it is a very interesting challenge for me and I appreciate it.
Where do you get your products from? Is it locally produced?
I really try to use local products as much as I can. It is a real problem for me. I feel extremely concerned about this issue, but of course, for example, olive oil is imported. I only use imported products when I can not find it here. In the future, I would really grow organic vegetables and use them every day in my restaurant. This will happen soon.
What are your future projects? Any plans to expand?
I have many plans in my mind, but I'll keep it in the box for now.
Have you found Jogjakarta be your home for the future?
Yes, of course. I have a child and the second is on the way so that we will be moving anywhere. I still feel that Yogyakarta is a place for nice family to live.
Where is your favorite place in Indonesia?
This is a difficult question, but I would say that the majestic volcanoes around Java.
And finally, what is your favorite Indonesian phrase?
Nanti dulu , which means "later"!
To meet Chief Kamil visit Mediterranea restaurant Jalan Tirtodipuran not 24A , Jogjakarta.
Phone: . 62 274 371 052