Chaine des Rotisseurs Jakarta September 2019 event at the Penthouse

1. www.nowjakarta.co.idwww.nowjakarta.co.id SEPTEMBER 2019 5958 SEPTEMBER 2019
most South Jakarta residents would be
familiar with the butterfly adorned glass
and steel structure that dominates the
Kemang streetscape. The aptly named
Papilion Building is a visual masterpiece
of light filled translucence, and through
its grand entrance awaits a dining and
lifestyle hub unmatched in Jakarta.
Since it’s inception the owners of this establishment have
obviously demanded nothing less then excellence from every
product, service, dish and morsel they offer.
Papilion’s multiple venues include a bistro style eatery on the
ground floor serving local favourites along with Western dishes in
a contemporary and relaxed setting. They also produce a delicious
Sunday brunch, at which I am a very happy regular. What sets them
apart from other such eateries is their artisanal range of cakes,
chocolates and ice creams by famed Dutch patisserie house,
Huize van Wely. Each item in the display case is handcrafted with
such perfect symmetry that I still gaze at them with awe and
wonder every time I go and take a mouthwatering look.
The rooftop Shy Bar and alfresco dining on the 5th floor has been a
popular nightspot for many years and features live entertainment
six nights a week. Papilion also houses a hair salon along with
clothing and homeware outlets showcasing unique imported items.
But this review is not about all of the above. It was inspired by an
invitation by Sylvain Julian the General Manager of Papilion to a
Housewarming Party on its 4th level.
Closed for renovation since the end of 2018, SHY Restaurant went
through an eight-month transformation and emerged, reborn and
resplendent, as The Penthouse and was the venue for this party.
On my arrival, it became apparent this was no ordinary restaurant
opening. What emerged were distinct, individual areas within
a spacious open-floor plan, similar to a private abode with the
concept of an inviting and cosy home away from home in which
guests could wander through and feel right at home to choose
the space that suited them best to relax and
dine. Each area I encountered was even more
beautifully appointed and inviting than the
one before, which made it difficult to choose
where to spend my time.
My first stop was the Dining Room, where
Japanese Chef Takahashi Hideaki presides
over an open plan working kitchen while
After an eight months hiatus, SHY Restaurant is revamped to THE PENTHOUSE,
an avant-garde dining concept with many twists.
T e x t & P h o t o s M i c h e l l e S o m e r v i l l e
dining
the penthouse: opulent
restaurant, bar, and something more
preparing his Kaiseki Ryori cuisine. Patrons can watch as the chef
meticulously prepares and assembles his Japanese delicacies.
Already ten years at Shy restaurant, Chef Takahashi has gained a
formidable reputation along with a loyal following. While sampling
the canapés in the Dining Room, I was offered a glass of Pol Roger
champagne and I continued my amblings.
Looking for something more substantial to eat, I found myself in
the Pantry. Seen as the heart of the Penthouse, it had yet another
open-plan kitchen made authentically French with an original
and very chic white lacquered La Cornue Chateau stove and the
resident chef waiting to serve up a home-cooked meal. This is
where the comfort food is to be found and I could choose from
an eclectic mix of Soto Ayam, Pumkin Soup, Nasi Kuning Mbeu,
Mashed Potato, Aglio Olio Angel Hair Pasta, Dendeng Balado,
Bebek Goreng Garing and Organic Roasted Chicken with every
type of sambal on the side.
Breakfast and daily specials will be served in this cosy and inviting
space, where you can choose to sit at a table or a comfy couch. I
sampled their breakfast the morning after the opening event and
am happy to report the eggs benedict was perfectly cooked, the
croissant was light and buttery and the service was very attentive.
Afternoon tea and cocktails are served in the Living Room, which
was adjacent to the Pantry, with all cakes and pastries made in
house by French pastry Chef Gerald. I sampled Gerald’s tri leche
cake, tiramisu and plum clafouti, and they were all divine.
Finally, I stepped into the Library. This is where the Penthouse bar
is located at one end of a sizable room with ample seating areas
and a live band at the other end. The bar boasts a selection of
curated wines, cocktails and classic liquors assembled by their
resident sommelier. This was a serious looking bar. Sticking to
my Pol Roger for the event, I decided to return in a few days and
tested the barman on my favourite cocktail, the Negroni, and was
not left wanting. He obviously knew his stuff and completed the
drink with the orange peel being twisted and swished over the
glass and finally dropped into it with a flourish. Upon reviewing
the bar menu I applaud the bold decision to have a tapas selection
that does not cling to any one cuisine and encompasses a range
of Japanese, Indonesian, Indian and Italian
dishes.
As I was leaving, I noticed one last unexplored
room, intriguingly named the Gossip Room,
which was the only area of the Penthouse
behind a closed door. Upon entering…….
Well, actually, I think I will let you discover that
room yourself!
THE PENTHOUSE
The Papilion
Level 4 Jalan Kemang Raya No. 45AA
T: +62 21 719 9921
IG: @thepapilion
FB: @ThePapilion
www.thepapilion.com