in Italy, a cantina is a kind of cave located below the innermost homes, where the house wine, charcuterie, the cheese and pantry staples are kept. In these subterranean paradise, the temperature is kept below 18?, And families are often left hanging, salami and prosciutto parmeggiano, enjoying an impromptu visit.
If, like me, you believe you already see that mom or dad in your own Italian family fantasy, the thought of what will appeal to you. Get you, then, Cantina 18?, Which opened in the restaurant-loving South Jakarta District Senopati there about six months. This is not about a fancy and expensive menus environment, or trattoria cheap and gay of Italian cuisine. Cantina 18? offers something in between: good food in a relaxed atmosphere. Perfetto .
We went on a Sunday afternoon on an empty stomach, in preparing a four-course Italian feast appropriate. The restaurant has two Italian chefs, Stefano and Omar. Omar took us through the specials menu, which changes at least weekly as new, fresh ingredients, he and Stefano on the market.
The focus is on authentic Italian charcoal grill, installed for your enjoyment along one side of the restaurant.
There are no wood and no gas involved- it is charcoal, so the flames lick up, offset by the deep red walls and Tuscan napery the living room, you know you are in for a treat.
We started with antipasti . In the specials menu, we enjoyed a breaded and baked goat cheese (Rp.140,000), which oozed out generous pile of earth parma ham - a simple combination that proves good quality ingredients is the half the battle. We also tried the traditional parmigiana di Zucchinie e Melanzane (Rp.73,000), an eggplant dish in layers, zucchini, tomato and mozzarella, which was simple and satisfying.
Antipasti is usually followed by pasta or risotto, and Omar explained how they make their own pasta with a chitarra ( 'guitar'); an ancient method. With this, the kitchen can usually whip any classic pasta dish you like - even if it is not on the menu. However, we were tempted by specials tortellini , because Omar had recently discovered the Korean black garlic tastes fabulous with its sauce Taleggio cheese.
Just as good was the Risotto alla Montanara (Rp.100,000), with homemade sausage, mushrooms and truffle oil. This was as it should be: unctuously bodied; and it is a good price for these ingredients. The size of the pasta and risotto are easily enough for a main course, but we had bigger fish - and meat - fry. Charcoal beckons.
leaders can prepare a classic Fiorentina steak (give notice of a day during the week), but there are also Wagyu rib-eye and Black Angus filet - all great options for firewood. We went for a classic lunch Sunday: lamb chops (Rp.190,000). cooked perfectly, they were soft and juicy with a shift from coal smoky twang lemon wood. They came with vegetables and some incredibly moreish cubes, potatoes with rosemary.
The fish is often overlooked at the grill joints, but fortunately Cantina 18? offers a complete selection Navy. They usually have fresh lobster or crab Lombok, just after Lebaran is first growing season, so fishermen are not allowed to take yet. Instead, swordfish, snapper or salmon are good choices. We went for grilling seafood (Rp.160,000) which boasted a huge, fresh jumbo shrimp, squid skewers very sweet and nice firm white fish fillet. They were breaded before cooking, and very tasty. The same delicious potatoes with cream also came with garlic spinach -. grill solid sides, well executed
It was great to see the owners to do something a little different with their wines - especially by the glass. Whites and saved usual Chardonnays found in restaurants in Jakarta are set aside for the most interesting, delicate white Italian Orvieto (Rp.85,000), which was a good match for seafood. For the red, there a delicious Paololeo Negroamaro (Rp.90,000), a rare grape variety that goes especially well with tortellini Taleggio. They also offer organic wines.
Overall, if you are looking for decent family rate good ingredients, cooked with love and care, Cantina 18? serves up like Mom used to, and makes a great addition to Italian dining scene Jakarta.
Cantina 18 - Italian Grill Restaurant
2 / F, Jl Suryo 25, Senopati, Jakarta 12180, Indonesia
62. 21 2751 0539 www.cantina-18.com