Just the week after I went to Auroz Gourmet Grill's Grand Opening, I came back to have lunch there with my dear mentor, Madame H. It was great that Chef Gilles (pronounced as /ʒij/ the 'es' is silent) and Chef Alex were there that afternoon. Despite his stellar successes, Chef Gilles has an affable personality and apparently my sentiment is shared among many friends too. So, going great Chef! =)
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| One of the private rooms at Auroz Gourmet Grill |
About Auroz
Gilles Marx, whose name is synonymous to Amuz (one of Jakarta's most established French fine dining), just recently launched his new "baby", Auroz Gourmet Grill . You can find the PR version of what Auroz is all about here but in essence, Auroz is a (semi) fine dining with grill as its specialty, hence Gourmet Grill / Steak House.
Over lunch, I overheard the conversation at the table across from mine, where Chef Gilles was attending to his media guest. When his guest remarked about the names of his places: Amuz and Auroz, which sound similar, Chef Gilles facetiously said it suits the theme A to Z. Pretty brilliant isn't it?
Over lunch, I overheard the conversation at the table across from mine, where Chef Gilles was attending to his media guest. When his guest remarked about the names of his places: Amuz and Auroz, which sound similar, Chef Gilles facetiously said it suits the theme A to Z. Pretty brilliant isn't it?
The Location
Quite surprisingly, Auroz is located in Central Jakarta, so much contrary to the norm where this sort of establishment is heavily concentrated in the South. To be exact, it is located at the Ground Floor of a rather new office building Menara Merdeka, which is accessible access via the narrow street right next to the Departemen Kebudayaan & Pariwisata near the roundabout with the Horses Statue (in case you need driving direction to Auroz).
The Place
When you enter Auroz, near the entrance, there's an open kitchen and an aqua tank to keep the live lobsters which were ready to be de-shelled and prepared anytime to the guests. The entire place is adorned with black furniture and darker shades such as brown and grey. Stylish touch without being overwhelmingly luxurious, it still feels quite casual during the day, but easily transforms to a fine restaurant at sundown. Lookout for Chef Alex in action as you walk past the kitchen (he's is quite an eye candy haha). There are several private rooms available.
The Menu
The menu offer quite a diverse selection of food items such as Starters, Soups, Sandwiches, Mains (Seafood & Meat), Specials, Others & Dessert. For those on a budget, opt for the prix-fixe menus: the Bistro Lunch Menu (choice of 2 or 3 Courses) or the Chef's Menu (5 Courses), which are still great (although limited choices).
The Food & Drinks
Amuse Bouche
I was happily spoiled even from the start! These are the same items served at the Grand Opening:
- Some wrap
- Cheese puff. Crispy outside, chewy inside. Nom!
- Pumpkin soup with pistachio crumbs at the rim. The pumpkin soup was silky and creamy, and tasted just right and not too sweet. I love it!
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| Trio Amuse Bouche (complimentary) |
Starters
The escargots are just très magnifique! Each 'cups' contain a few escargots soaked in garlic, oil and tomatoes topped with a slice of tasted bread. I have never been a fan of escargot, but I would make an exception just for this. That's to show how delightful the escargots are.
The pork terrine on top of bread, topped with sauteed caramelised onion and gherkin was such an interesting combination, although I still prefer the escargots.
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| Sauteed Garlic-Herbed Escargots with Confit Vine Ripened Tomatoes and Rocket Salad IDR 125,000 |
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| Pork Terrine (sorry forgot the exact name) |
Main Course
The Main Courses were totally out of this world. The Grilled King Prawn Aglio Olio Angel Hair Pasta I had was perfect, in all sense of perfect. I kow that cooking angel hair is especially challenging because even one second too long in the saucepan will result in overcooked pasta. But this one nailed it with flying colours. The grilled king prawn were juicy and absolutely fresh. Glad that I had chosen this one.
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| Grilled King Prawn Aglio Olio Angel Hair Pasta IDR 185,000 |
Madame H had the Pan Seared Alaskan Flounder with olive oil, potato puree and Sauteed Spinach. I was initially quite hesitant about the flounder, but it turns out fine actually. The texture of flounder reminds me of dory but this is less chewy. The mash potato goes well with the (salty) sauteed spinach. Recommended!
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| Pan Seared Alaskan Flounder with olive oil, potato puree and Sauteed Spinach |
Dessert
Make sure you spare some space for dessert, because they are really worth the extra calories. The Variations About The Blueberries is a platter with all sorts of products made with blueberries. There's the blueberry creme brulee (foreground), blueberry jelly with the real fruits and the blueberry souffle (background). Of the 3, I love the souffle most, because it has the hint of fresh sourness and combines perfectly with the sweetness.
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| Variations About The Blueberries IDR 75,000 |
This is another delightful dessert that I shall recommend you to have, the Trilogie of Sorbets. Chef Alex himself served this to our table and he torched it up and it was supposedly flaming, but maybe the sponge absorbed all the liqeurs. It's okay Chef, I still totally love your dessert! The triple sorbet (vanilla, raspberry and pistachio) are sandwiched between liquer-soaked sponges and the sorbets are infused with some liquer too. Each scoop was a mouthful of heaven for liquer fans like me.
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| Trilogie of Sorbet with Almond Tuille IDR |
The Price
Prices for food item ranges from IDR 95,000 (Starter) - IDR 780,000 (400gr Rib Eye Steak). Whereas Dessert ranges from IDR 20,000 - IDR 95,000. Prices are subject to Service Charges and Tax.
The Service
Attentive and helpful staff. The Manager is definitely very welcoming and not a prick (like the one in my previous post).
Verdict
I like Auroz Gourmet Grill and will definitely recommend anyone to come here. It's location in Central Jakarta is quite an advantage, as it is away from the cutthroat competition, and close to the government office areas.
Menara Merdeka, Ground Floor
Jl. Budi Kemuliaan I no.2
Central Jakarta
Ph: +6221 29573688
Make your reservation via Qraved, it's quick and easy!
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