Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Pastis Kitchen and Bar

This was one of the places I passed everyday on my way to and from work this past one year. I'd been up to it's doorsteps more than twice, but only yesterday did I have the chance to really sit down and dine there with several friends.

Pastis Kitchen & Bar was located at The Kuningan Suites, just across The Four Season Hotel. It served Italian, European, American (I guess), and a little Asian food. The ambiance was very nice especially since it was not very crowded when I visited.



The best treat last night was the Chicken Beer and Onion. (For your info, the treat was the one ON the plate, not the one holding it.)



The Pan Fried Snapper I ordered (which the waiter jokingly referred to AK-47 or sniper rifle) was modest. Too many bells and whistles around the main course. And the fish fillets themselves looked like accessories. The main beef was the overwhelmingly plenty potatoes, I'd say.



Anyway, the pastas were good. But I just need to tell this one thing before somebody made a mistake, Pastis (the restaurant's name) was a french word meaning liquor, and had nothing to do with pasta (although it's very similar). Last night I had the chance to try it's Lasagna, Spaghetti Aglio Tuna, and the Gnoccis (both the Al Gorgon and the Gratinati versions).



Well, to be honest, we ordered the Duck Fried Rice as well. But I couldn't find any photo of it and the only thing I remembered about the taste was that someone said that it was too spicy.

But of all the drink options, the must-try one was the Kiwiberry Crush. Very very very refreshing and sweet and nice and delicious and all that. (Again, it's the one INSIDE the glass.)



The other drinks we ordered included Shirley Temple, Fruit Punch, and Honey Dew Juice. All of them are modest. Nothing much.



The surprise came at dessert. The Chocolate Melt was simply marvelous. It really melted any doubt I had when the waiter-joker recommended it. And the Shaksoukla was not bad too. (OK, don't act all pretentious, if you didn't know. Shaksoukla was a crepe-like dessert but more crunchy and served in layers.)



In the end, the dining experience was very good although it was a bit pricey even after the 20% discount on food which would be valid up to February 2011 using BCA credit card. Another downside was that although the waiter (joker) was trying hard to be nice, the overall service was only moderate. But anyway, it's been a good dining experience all the same. See you there sometime.