Animale - Jakarta
Something fancy for dinner on a weekend. Entering the room that somehow reminds me of a time in Gatsby period, Animale gave that elegant vibe. I have been hearing about many people raving about how good this place is and how mind-blowing the burnt cheesecake tastes; guilty - I became very curious about it. It took at least a month in advance to get a reservation at normal time, if not - they’ll put us at 9 pm or 10 pm slot which kinda pass our proper ‘eating time.’ Indeed, it was quite an experimental food - but did it really make the cut in my amazing food-try-list?
Food Rundown
The Pasta Platter: Whenever you order pasta, they’ll give you bring you this Pasta Box for you to choose what kind of pasta you’d like. Exciting isn’t it?
Wagyu & foei gras: Master kobe carpaccio, pine nuts, truffle sauce, saba, arugula, parmesan lavash
You can see this dish in every single table. The Kobe carpaccio tastes so fresh it really is a great dish for starters. One small problem though – where’s the foei gras I wonder?
Pig Ear Fries: Crispy Fried, Horseradish remoulade
mm-hmm, my head is traveling back to Chicago’s Purple Pig. Yes, I love. Honestly, the crisp and the saltiness took me by surprise.
Angus Meaballs: Dry Aged & filled with smoked mozzarella, parmesan crust, marinara & pistachio pesto.
One of my favorite dishes here, I mean pesto on top of a meatball?! Yes Sir, my inner child just screamed out of happiness. It’s goooood.
Truffle Hunter: Roasted Mushroom Puree, Straciatella, Roasted Garlic, Crispy Sage, White Truffle Oil
This is indeed the must order dish that’s far too underrated. The crisp, the thickness of the flatbread oh my god, can I have one more? The only downside is PORTION PORTION PORTION - waaaaay too small.
Reginette: Slow cooked Ragu (pork)
This pasta was somehow lack of rich of taste and not my favorite that’s on the menu. Pork was juicy enough but the sauce just didn’t make the cut – it’s creamy but it’s too
Malloredus: Brown butter & Truffle Burro Fuso, parmesan crusted bone marrow
Oh Bone Marrow, how great you r – at least that’s what I thought. I had high expectations for this crusted bone marrow but man, I was quite disappointed with this one. Ok sure, I can taste the truffle, but the bone marrow itself is too salty and oily – it’s better for you to order another round of Pig Ear Fries.
Oops Cheesetart: Molten Center, Camembert, Gorgonzola
Cheesy and – a bit odd. I don’t count calories when I eat out, but I’m sad to say I kinda regret taking a bite. The cheese
Truffle Truffle: Valrhona Caramelia Ganache, sea salt caramel, truffle scented
They said we were supposedly ended things with a ‘BANG.’ Phew, this was close: the chocolatey, salty, and sweet are all combined into one.
Overall, I think it was a not-so-bad experience. Some food are good some are not, the place itself it’s pretty quiet and spacious. It’s always hard to get reservations but when I was there, only 3 tables are filled. Will I go back again? Probably not - given the high price with the not-so-mind blowing dishes. i would give this place a 6/10. But hey, do try if you haven’t cause you gotta go there at least once.
