These days, a mere mention of Kuningan is likely to be met with a wince. But for all the horrendous traffic that this district is experiencing on daily basis, there’s plenty of good food to be found. After all, why spend all that time tormenting yourself with road rage when you can wait for the traffic to untangle over a satisfying meal?
The latest establishment, Up In Smoke understands this need very well. The restaurant provides diners with plenty of mouthwatering options to choose from. Of course, even if food is not on your agenda, don’t overlook it for the establishment easily whips up some of the most memorable house cocktails in town.
Even before the server placed the menu in your hand, the name of the restaurant easily provides a hint of what to expect here. At Up In Smoke, the restaurant specialises in grilled dishes with a contemporary approach. Even so, the food here is rooted in the traditional techniques that put an emphasis on quality ingredients and taste.
Those who are carnivores at heart will definitely take delight in their selection of main course, which is aptly named as ‘Protein’. If you’re the kind who prefers to stick to classic choices, then their smoked brisket sandwich and grilled ribeye will do nicely. But since you’re here, you might as well have a go at their Papuan wild boar sausage where the meat is directly sourced from the region. Apart from the customary choices of red meat, there are also seafood options that deserve equal attention. Their deceptively simple grilled snapper in aioli sauce and potato is a strong contender.
Still, Up In Smoke believes that a good source of protein can come in other forms as well. Over at their ‘Vegetables’ section, choices like grilled broccoli, where it comes with pickled gold raisin, spiced cashew and Romesco sauce, will easily appeal to those who prefer to have a light yet sustaining lunch.
Come evening, it’ll be a shame not to indulge in a drink or two after your meal. Cocktails are limited but thought-through, as Up In Smoke prefers to hone in on a tight selection of superbly made house cocktails instead. To wit, Noe Sour (Jim Bean White, Cherry Herring, lime, egg white and aromatic bitters) is the go-to pick that won’t disappoint.
Rounding off the experience in Up In Smoke is its spacious establishment. The best spot is the table facing their open kitchen, where you can observe the staff in action over at the open fire grill. The appeal of the corner is further amped up on a chilly rainy day.
While Up In Smoke is frequented with nearby office professionals on weekdays, the crowd is decidedly more family friendly during weekends. Such is the versatility of Up In Smoke where the establishment easily appeals to two camps of diners. Don’t worry if you’re considering braving the traffic just to get to this restaurant, your effort will not go up in smoke.
