Saturday, November 29, 2014

Huize Van Wely Buffet Adventure

A lunch buffet voucher brought us to visit Huize Van Wely in Kemang. Although Kemang isn't our usual lunch destination, and to make it more dramatic, we’re stuck in traffic and thunderstorm halfway there. But apparently, nothing stopped us from a good lunch.


Salad Selection
It’s easy to find Huize Van Wely, it’s right on the lobby of Papilion, which also hosts SHY Rooftop. But coming up from the basement parking, we’re a little lost in finding the restaurant reception as there are tables which we believe are part of the restaurant. We took a shortcut and walked though the children store, Petit Pavilion, to reach the restaurant. We were seated at a table outside the restaurant and had to walk to reach the buffet. We’re faced with a silly dilemma of whether we should leave our bags on the chair while we indulge on the buffet.

As Fiona had researched before (she always did), the buffet is Japanese Fusion, prepared by a Japanese Chef, Hideaki Takahashi. We wanted to start properly so the firsts to be on our table were: Wakame Salad, mashed potato and some vegetables. The chef is really fast in helping these two confused lunch-goers, as he humbly pointed out the perfect sauce for the salad in our bowls.
Fiona: (seeing Ruth returned with similar salad) Did the chef help you out picking the sauce?
Ruth: Yeah, I wasn't expecting that. I was picking what I though was Caesar and he told me to use this sauce. What sauce is this anyway?
Fiona: I think this is sesame sauce
Ruth: (after trying the salad) This is seriously tasty!
Fiona: (while eating) They are definitely using very fresh ingredients. Mashed potato is super good!
(It’s a common knowledge between us that Ruth doesn't like greens, so please take this compliment seriously haha)


Entering the main course round, Fiona took Chicken Teriyaki, Stir-Fried Vegetables (Paprika and Mushroom), and Meatball Soup. Ruth added Fried Meatballs to her plate... something that she thought was mushroom covered in bread crumbs and fried. Chicken Teriyaki seems ordinary but it tastes great. There’s something soft but chewy inside the meatball, which Fiona thought was tofu, but remains a mysterious ingredients until now. Soup broth is also refreshing. Well, nothing compares to meatball soup slurped during heavy rain, right?

Dish of The Day
It took them a while to refill with the salmon, so each of us returned for a second trip to the main course area.
Ruth: Finally got the salmon
Fiona: Yes, the chef suggested me to use this sauce with the salmon and this is great. The salmon is fresh, not dry and very moist. It’s perfect with the sauce!
Ruth: We still need to try the dessert...

We’re lagging behind everyone but we still got to try every dessert: Green Tea Choux, Strawberry Cheesecake, a swan bowl of Dorayaki and Mochi, and a shot of Black Sesame Pudding with Crushed Caramel. Every bite is a surprise. The green tea filling is very delicious, the strawberry cheesecake is moist and dense.

Arguably the best (and cutest) dessert ever!
So far, it’s been an adventure. There’s a joy inside our mouth and our heart, especially when the ambiance and decoration is already singing Christmas carols. After enjoying our latte (should have been hot chocolate), we realize we’re late to go back to reality... Oops!

Where is this?
Huize Van Wely
The Papilion, 
Jl. Kemang Raya No. 45AA, 
Kemang, Jakarta
(021) 7191975

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