(New) The Hermitage Hotel and Lunch at L'Avenue Restaurant

The Hermitage is a new luxury boutique hotel in Jakarta, which is located in the one of the upscale housing area, Menteng. The hotel has only been operational for a month or so, at the time this post is written and I wasted no time to check out this piquant, luxurious hideout.

The main building of the Hermitage is reeking with history and memories. It used to be an old telecommunications office built in the 1920s, during the Dutch occupation era in Indonesia. Ever since then, the building has changed usage several times, such as government office for several departments. It was vacated until quite recently, when it was finally reclaimed, and transformed into a boutique hotel with vintage theme. 

The Hermitage today, is a harmonious blend of colonial and modern era. At the lobby, there are 3 original artifacts which belong with the building and its history: an old telephone, a storage cabinet and 2 massive maps of Batavia from the past era. But other than those, most of the articles found in the public area are vintage too.

Let's take a tour around the Lobby level...

This is the view as you walk past the doors at the lobby

Left: this ancient telephone is still well preserved until today

Courtyard Cafe

The Courtyard Cafe is a cozy alfresco venue serving cocktails, light bites, patisseries, etc. I did not get to check out the menu yet. But the place itself is reason enough for me to come, as I find it so lovely and makes me feel like being in Paris. So, when you feel like escaping the city, this is one of the places to go.

Cigar Lounge & Bar

The Cigar Lounge & Bar could accommodate for smoking and non-smoking patrons. There are plenty of tables, but still feels private enough. If we walk to the end, that's where the bar will be and then there are doors leading to the private Cigar Lounge. Besides selling premium cigars here, there are fine selection of premium wines too, sold at retails price starting from IDR 5,000,000 / bottle (!). I had a cup of Cafe Latte here, which came served with a cookie. The cookie tasted so good, that I asked what brand it was, but it actually came from the in-house kitchen. Bad news for me, because it means I can't buy them (they are not for sale at the time being, I'm hoping they'll consider retailing the cookies soon).

Left: bar | Right: Cigar Lounge

L'Avenue

This is where guests have their breakfast buffet in the morning. For lunch and dinner, L'Avenue becomes a French fine dining restaurant with plenty of tables and an elaborately decorated private room at the end.

The private room at the end of the restaurant

For lunch, patrons could either choose from the a la carte menu (prices range between IDR 70,000 - IDR 420,000) or the semi-buffet lunch for only IDR 275,000++ / person, which already inclusive appetizers and dessert buffet and a choice of main course of either:

- Pastas (tagliatelle / penne / fusilli with carbonara / bolognese / pomodoro sauce) or

- From The Grill (Eye Fillet / Gurame fish / Marinated Chicken Breast / Mahi-Mahi Fillet Papillote with black peppercorn / bearnaise / mushroom / lemon beurre blanc sauces) and one choice of Side Dish (fries / dauphinois gratin / broccoli & parmesan gratin / steamed rice / seasoned mixed greens)

The semi buffet lunch is definitely a good deal.

At sundown, L'Avenue transforms into a dimly lit, classy and posh restaurant, which is perfect to impress your date (but be prepared for the bills). The Dinner menu contains some exceptionally interesting-sounding dishes. I did not manage to take photos of the dinner menu, but I remember that the dinner menu sparked my excitement and curiosity when I was reading through it.

So this is what it actually looks like, having the semi-buffet lunch at L'Avenue, which I had earlier that day (bon apetit!)

Appetizers Buffet

Mushroom Soup from the Buffet. My favourite!!

Mahi-Mahi Fillet Papillote IDR 260,000 (a la carte)

Chocolate Mousse from the Dessert Buffet

The main course (Mahi-Mahi) was a real bargain, on a la carte it would have cost me IDR 260,000, but since I took the lunch semi buffet menu, it's become only IDR 215,000 and inclusive buffet for appetizers and desserts! Hard to find this sort of deals nowadays in Jakarta. The texture of Mahi-Mahi is quite firm though, it's like chewing into a rather chewy fish. But the good thing is that it is odourless (the fishy odour has always been my greatest worry when ordering fish). But in general it tasted lovely, if only I could substitute the mahi-mahi with another less firm-textured fish.

In general, the taste of all of the buffet items are good, the selection is not overwhelming, but the fresh goods (fresh fruits, vegetable, etc) are of good quality. I am most impressed by the Mushroom Soup (coarse, but smooth, bold flavour and served with herbed croutons - my perfect kind of mushroom soup), as well as the Blueberry Pannacotta and Chocolate Mousse from the Western dessert section. The pannacotta was certainly one of the best I've ever had, whereas the chocolate mousse contains almond bits in it and rather crunchy cookie / bread crumbs at the base. Delightful in each spoon!

La Vue & Pool (coming soon)

These are located on the rooftop, level 9. Currently still under construction, so I can't show any photos of these venues. But seeing the 3D design they certainly look very nice to hang out at!

The Hermitage will be fully operational in a few weeks (1st week of June 2014) and by then, its 90 guest rooms, a fitness centre, Poolside Lounge & Bar will be finally open to public. Stay tuned to my Instagram to keep updated about this.

*) Prices are subject to 21% Government Tax & Service Charge

The Hermitage Hotel
JL. Cilacap No. 1
Menteng - Central Jakarta
Ph: +6221 31926888
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