MASTERCHEF DINING WITH CHEF BEN UNGERMANN AT C'S STEAK & SEAFOOD RESTAURANT - GRAND HYATT JAKARTA

Growing up, I have always enjoyed watching MasterChef even though I myself am not that much into getting down to cooking. In fact, I think MasterChef goes beyond being a competition or just a show. I myself constantly learn many things and facts related to culinary through this famous show. In this post, I am sharing you one of my most memorable dining experiences in town. I was the lucky winner as selected by Grand Hyatt Jakarta and C's Steak & Seafood Restaurant to be able to experience the 3-Course Lunch with Chef Ben Ungermann (Runner-Up of MasterChef Australia 2017). In case you are not aware yet, C's Steak & Seafood Restaurant is one of the prominent dining venues in Grand Hyatt Jakarta. Over the years, I have seen how Grand Hyatt Jakarta has been having many star chefs and culinary icons from all around the world to showcase their expertise over limited-time dining events in their restaurants. C's itself has been hosting numerous brilliant chefs and they have always been booked for those special events. So before I proceed with my experience, make sure that you guys keep yourselves on the radar through Grand Hyatt's Jakarta Instagram page (@grandhyattjakarta) to not miss this kind of special events!

When I heard back from their team that I could bring a +1 to savor this dining experience together, I immediately asked my Mom to go with me. Ever since I was little, I have always loved every time I go out with Mom. To share this amazing moment with a person that I deeply love is truly a blessing! Besides, it had been a while since I last had a proper lunch date with Mom. Alright, a little fun fact for all of you, I actually tried to do a short vlog for this experience. However, I felt that it was just not right for me and I think I will just keep on writing on this blog and sharing on my Instagram page in the mean time. Just if you think that vlogging and doing YouTube is easy, that is certainly not the case for me. Why? Maybe just because I fancy certain things to be qualified in every video that I produce to meet my criteria and preferences, so I guess I need more time to think and work on that. As I mentioned before, me and my Mom finally arrived at the venue just in time for the special lunch and we chose the outdoor (under the sunroof) venue because no one was outside and it just felt more bright and lovely!

Actually during their event with MasterChef Ben Ungermann, they provide options for either 3-Course Meal or 5-Course Meal. The 3-Course Meal basically consists of the main star dishes from Chef Ben himself, while the 5-Course Meal has two additional dishes to savor in between. I personally think that the 3-Course Meal was already satisfying and complete enough to have a taste of what the Runner-Up of MasterChef Australia 2017 has to offer. Also, as I can recall, the pricing for the dining experience was very fair and definitely worth the bucks! Alright, now sharing you what we had for the 3-Course Lunch Meal:

WATERCRESS VELOUTÉ

This one was just a nice and simple starter to begin with. A lush yet decent relaxation to the eyes, finely-balanced, and fresh with just the right composition. The texture of the velouté was nice without being too heavy nor too light, finely paired with the freshness of the watercress. The highlight was on the crispy yet not oily seabass skin on top!

CAMPFIRE ON A BEACH

Alright, this one was simply the highlight of the meal and I can pretty much say that this one was one of the best take on beef that I have ever had so far. Simply a CHAMP! The beef tenderloin was at its proper doneness, paired with aromatic garlic and sage crust on the sides to elevate the sensory aspect. Not to mention, the edible charcoal stick that perfectly pairs along with the umami butter (SO GOOD!), beetroot medallion, and the amaranth dressing. This was simply a satisfying embracement for the senses which creates a solid memory for my taste buds. This dish is actually very personal to Chef Ben as this one is inspired by his kids and his childhood memories.

THE LAMINGTON WITH COCONUT ICE CREAM

Well, if you know Chef Ben Ungermann then you must be familiar with his signature lamington. A surprising treat from the renowned Ice Cream King himself (yes, he is also known as the Ice Cream King with his incredible creations with ice cream that goes beyond the ordinary). This coveted dessert was sweet in a good way, though I myself was not the most keen when it comes to this one. Why? Well, if you have been hanging around for a while, you know that I am not the most amicable with sweet treats and desserts (though I find myself enjoying some really good ones that I like once in a while).

Forgive me that I took too long with the photos

that the coconut ice cream melted. It was nice, though!

This short but memorable 3-Course Lunch with MasterChef Ben Ungermann and C's Steak & Seafood Restaurant in Grand Hyatt Jakarta was enjoyable. It was certainly a privilege to be able to taste the palate-pleasing creations and I am definitely looking forward to future special culinary events hosted by this prestigious establishment which is right in the heart of Jakarta. Oh, before I go, sharing you a picture of me with Chef Ben (also the debut of my face on my blog, I guess). Wishing all of you an amazing week ahead!

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C's Steak & Seafood Restaurant

Grand Hyatt Jakarta

Jl. M.H. Thamrin No.Kav. 28-30, RT.9/RW.5, 

Gondangdia, Jakarta, Kota Jakarta Pusat, 

Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10350

Phone: +622129921488

Do note that C's Steak & Seafood Restaurant is now still temporary closed due to COVID-19. However, stay tuned on Grand Hyatt's Jakarta social media channels to keep yourselves updated about what they have in their house. I am sure they will be back soon with exciting events like this!

I N S T A G R A M

@richienakata

Z O M A T O

@richienakata