Finding a place to hang out and socialize comfortably in Jakarta can be quite a headache, because of the sheer number of choices. Talking about numbers, just sometime ago, Jakarta welcomed a new 'pop-up' social venue, called 'BLU' at Shangri-la Hotel, Jakarta. Curiously, BLU is not going to be a permanent fixture here, as the name 'pop-up' suggests.
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| BLU at Shangri-la Jakarta |
The last thing I would ever want when visiting or chilling at a lounge is too much noise, rowdy and misbehaving crowd, and unbearable smoke from the people smoking cigarettes. With Jakarta's weather, it is almost impossible to have a social venue without an air conditoning, you'll either die of heat stroke or suffocation. But BLU at Shangri-la Jakarta is changing the game, with its casual, yet premium concept of open air social venue after sun down. And since it is open air, there's no need to worry about choking from the smoking guests across from your table (LOL!)
The Place
During the day, BLU is quiet, unassuming and a guarded section of the area which used to be SATOO Garden. However, if you happen to be here after sun down between Wednesdays to Saturday, you will find this area pops out from the rest of its surroundings and it is simply impossible to miss. The place literally glows blue and piques one's interest to have a look.
BLU, like it predecessor, takes an open air concept, meaning you get to soak in the cool evening weather. There are lounge sofas by the pond, facing the hotel swimming pool, even more sofas and tables inside, good for large group outings. Or if you want to keep it slightly formal, you can choose to sit at the curvy table in the center of the room, that's also enough for large groups. For some privacy, you can choose to lounge at one of the cabana beds, yes, they are the size of and look absolutely like a four-poster bed (but not as soft as a real bed would be, if you want a real bed, get a room! Haha)
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| Lounges by the pond |
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| Sofa or the communal table, it's your choice |
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| The four-poster cabana beds for discreet privacy |
The Food & Drinks
BLU Sushi Bubbles - a platter of sushi balls on a stick with various fresh sashimi, such as tuna, salmon, snapper, tobiko and kyuri, served with yuzu soy dip.
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| BLU Sushi Bubbles IDR 120,000 /platter |
Miso Tuna Tartar - delicious cones of fresh tuna tartare, served in crispy cornetts, creme fraiche and caviar.
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| Miso Tuna Tartar IDR 110,000 |
Blubird - comes in a cross-sectioned 'birdcage', basically this is a great option for sharing among 2-3 persons, as it offers the variety at a good price. Inside the cage are 3 levels of treats. The top most level, there are sushi bubbles, miso tartar and tuna tempura, middle level is for the sweet treats such as macaroon & fruits on sticks, lastly, the bottom most level is filled with chicken & beef satay and lobster sliders.
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| Blubird IDR 498,000 /cage |
Take a closer look at each levels:
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| Top most level: sushi bubbles, miso tartar and tuna tempura |
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| Middle level is for the sweet treats such as macaroon & lady fruit (fruits on sticks) |
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| Bottom level is filled with chicken & beef satay and lobster sliders |
Cowboy Steak - 250 grams of grilled wagyu rib-eye, corn, portobello mushroom and potato-truffle mash. I love everything served on this board! Absolutely tender and juicy steak, and love the smooth potato-truffle mash, mind you this is quite large, so you might want to share.
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| Cowboy Steak - 250 grams of grilled wagyu rib-eye, corn, portobello mushroom and potato-truffle mash |
Lobster or Beef Sliders - served with tomato basil compote and buffalo mozzarella, good for those who fancy burger, but cannot handle the size, these come in manageable size (I can hold it neatly in 1 hand)
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| Lobster Slider IDR 160,000 / |
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| Beef Slider |
BLU (Belvedere, blue curacao, lemon, lime jelly, lemonade)
Paradise (Henessy, gin, orange juice, lemon), for those who've had a rough night, this is pretty strong I must concede.
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| BLU IDR 120,000 |
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| Left: Corona IDR 85,000 Right: Paradise IDR 150,000 |
When I went here on a weekday evening, it was not super packed, just enough number of patrons to make you feel not alone and still feels private because there are plenty of spaces in between and expect the classy and well mannered type of crowd.
So, aren't you all curious and want to try chilling at BLU? Do take part in my Instagram Giveaway, which will reward 2 winners, each with a IDR 450,000 dining voucher to be used at BLU. Rules and details are up on my instagram account already @ellynatjohnardi. Cheers! :)
So, aren't you all curious and want to try chilling at BLU? Do take part in my Instagram Giveaway, which will reward 2 winners, each with a IDR 450,000 dining voucher to be used at BLU. Rules and details are up on my instagram account already @ellynatjohnardi. Cheers! :)
OPEN HOURS:
Wednesday - Saturday: 5 PM - 12 AM (DJ starts playing at 9PM)
BLU at Shangri-la
Level 1, Shangri-la Hotel, Jakarta (click to open in Google Maps)
Kota BNI JL. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 1
Central Jakarta
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