The Peak, April 2006
Paris Match

A French revolution has taken place in Jakarta. No more pretend or fusion or Mediterranean. These restaurants could easily pass the judgement of Paris.

SIMPLY FRENCH

Emilie serves traditional cuisine bourgeoise –which, in this case, loosely translates to 'family food' from Provence and south-western French. It is prepared by newcomer Gérald Genson who professes to a style that is unashamedly traditional French.

This is a wonderfully simple and elegant place (designed by Jaya Ibrahim) that occupies the ground floor of a house in Kebayoran Baru : little decoration, bare walls and one table is under a high skylight. There is the main dining room, a terrace and a private room upstairs for 36. It also has plans for a French cooking school in the near future.

For lunch, Emilie offers a prix fixe a la carte menu where you will find classic dishes such as escargots, onion or mushroom soup and croque monsieur. And there is always a special of the day for lunch or dinner. It serves afternoon tea with all manner of teas and coffees along with mouthwatering desserts.

For dinner, there is a more extensive menu, but it still adheres to the philosophy of the best ingredients (consistency and quality are bywords) for dishes you will find in any bistro in France.

There is a salade Niçoise, seared foie gras and quenelles. For main course, you can choose from meat, fowl or fish – and there is always a vegetarian dish. You might like coquilles St Jacques, Magret duck, beef tournedos, rack of lamb, roast chicken or grilled salmon.
 


Then there are the classics which have already proven immensely popular at Emilie: a traditional boeuf bourguignon and a robust lamb navarin. Sweets might be crème brulee, homemade ice creams, clafoutis, chocolate fondant or even profiteroles. It has a selection of French cheese and a sensible and affordable wine list, also mostly French.


Emilie French Restaurant
Jl. Senopati No. 39, Kebayoran Baru
Jakarta Selatan, Indonesia
+62 21 521 3626