AW is a restaurant which was opened by a celebrity Chef (one more) named Akira Watanabe. I had never heard of that name and I am pretty sure you haven't either. From what I could find on the internet, he participated in a TV show called Iron Chef in 2009. He then probably read a book about how to turn one's name into a brand and went on to open several restaurants in Japan.
The staff told me that he only came to Jakarta for a few days for the opening, then left and never came back. The current Chef is still Japanese though.
Unlike what you could expect, the food in AW Kitchen is Italian, mostly pasta. It is rather expensive, but still reasonable considering you are in one of Jakarta's most luxurious malls.
The service was friendly but they did quite a big mistake as they brought my appetizer and my main course at the exact same time. The setting of the restaurant is fine as well, with a few original touches.
I ordered the Honey Tomato Bruschetta (Rp30,000 +18%). Simple dish but pretty good. The Spaghettini Bolognese (Rp82,000 + 18%) was quite disappointing for such a classic. The meat was over-cooked and there was really nothing unique about the taste. I am a terrible cook but I'm pretty sure I could have done better.
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| Honey Tomato Bruschetta |
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| Spaghettini Bolognese |
Overall: Based on my experience, I would not visit again AW Kitchen. I recommend you to try instead Sesto Senso, another Pasta restaurant opened by a Japanese Chef Hide Yamamoto.
AW Kitchen by Akira Watanabe
Italian Restaurant
Plaza Senayan Unit CP409 Level 4
South Jakarta (next to Garçon)
Jakarta, Indonesia 10270
Phone number: +62-21 5790 6071
Email: awkitchenjkt@gmail.com
Twitter: AW Kitchen
Facebook: AW Kitchen Jakarta
Website: www.awkitchen.co.id/
Opening Hours:
Everyday from 10am to 10pm
Another branch is scheduled to open in Kota Kasablanka at the end of 2014.