Our epicure expert continues a sting operation to bring you the truth about the culinary scene in Jakarta. No spoon is left to chance in the quest for revisions honest, balanced, long-time favorite with hottest new restaurants in town.
This month, pseudo-pub, Queens Head Jakarta.
Ah, the pub. Is there a most important British cultural institution? If I may, the humble pub can give you everything: home, community, livelihood, diversion. There is nothing better than a bitter by fire after the winter walk, or summery Pimm in the beer garden. Queens Head of guys chose the name of a pub, and English-style dishes, bring drinking British iconic hole day in Jakarta. A good idea. Only they missed several thousands of miles - so I doubt the concept of the pub was never really their intention
.The interior is more than Seminyak Sheffield. It is beautiful, do not get me wrong, but all he has to do with SAR, or his royal head, I do not know. A forest has certainly been cleared for wood paneled walls, and a fortune less-than-small was wasted on the rest of the decor - this place is aimed squarely at the young, beautiful and rich Jakarterati, and it means business. Most of the space is given over to the bar and lounge with a dance floor and DJ booth nestled under a glass roof. The dining room enjoys views on the kitchen pass, which the current leader Blake Thornley can often be seen (and heard) barking orders in Bahasa.
Thornley - a Kiwi - graduated from Chris Salans of Mozaic Ubud, and it shows the purpose of his food, if not always the execution. When Queens Head opened in January there was a lot of buzz: the owner is Steve Collinson of Ku De Ta, he promised from the beginning. Initially, the menu was straight-up pub grub and it was great - a really welcome, new addition to the restaurant scene Jakarta. But the appointment of Thornley took things in a "merger" leadership shamelessly. Finished pies and fish cakes. In their place is Tom Yum Soup and Beef Rendang Tortellini, promote the theme Kuta-meets-Kings-Cross.
After the order, the free bread appeared with a beautiful herb butter - a nice touch. Unfortunately, the rolls were small granules easily found on airline meals in economy class: maybe yesterday, clenched in the oven. Yet the thought was there.
For networks, there is a small selection of sorting pub classics: Fish and Chips, tandoori chicken, steak. More interesting is their Roasts section, offering either a portion of shares or a chest plate of pork, lamb, beef or chicken one person. This is a great idea in theory, rare in Indonesia. Just a few adjustments and it would be really good: better cuts of meat, appropriate sauces and sides, and your uncle Bob. As it was, the miso-mustard sauce with pork belly (Rp.190,000) was a little bitter and fat meat ratio was more-than-usually biased to fat, although the crackling was fabulous. Potato gratin on the side was slightly burned, but still surprisingly good (Rp.35,000).
Fish and Chips (Rp.140,000) should have been better than it was. Gindara nets were in a heavy yellow paste which was unfortunately 95 percent soggy rather than crispy chip-shop. The chips were cut to the thick hand, but appeared as they were baked at different intervals two hour intervals. The peas were simply mashed without seasoning, but the tartar sauce was good.
It is possible that this is a day off, but the service - when he remembered that he had a job - was painfully slow. 10 minutes for a beer and a glass of wine has not shown at all. I suspect it is because they really do have talent, innovative bartenders and a full list of drinks. This means waiting times increase -. Not ideal, especially when it was not even busy
There is room for improvement, but in general, the bar is impressive. They understand that a cocktail is only as good as its worst ingredient, so use high quality liqueur instead of cheating with the cheap stuff
There are also Guinness on tap . If Queens Head succeeds anywhere else, it is at least an attractive alternative for Koi for bright beverages late at night.
This, however, affects the level of those who come here to comfort eating. There is a tendency for the space to feel hot, noisy and smoky. There is no batch management can do about it, but installing some more help ACs.
Overall, I would return - the value is not bad. But I would not they choose a concept and go with it. If Jl. Petitenget mod-Asian cuisine they think will bring the males, be my guest and compete with countless other joints in the city offering the same. But for my part, would like to see Queens Head make a good British pub grub, high. I guarantee the hundreds of expatriate residents of South Jakarta would, too.
Power Rp.675,000
Beverages Rp.250,000
Service 10%
Rp.1,119,250 (inc taxes.) for two
Queens Head
Jl. Kemang Raya No.18C, Jakarta Selatan 12730
62 (0) 21 7196160 www.queensheadjakarta.com