Hi! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your day-to-day activities?
Hello, I’m Jessica Eveline, I currently work for the Potato Head Family group in Jakarta. Overseeing two restaurants in Jakarta, Three Buns and Kaum. My daily activities usually revolve around Three Buns and Kaum Jakarta. Taking care of operations, ensuring all food and beverages are up to standard, brainstorming on new crazy ideas for both restaurants, and, of course, good food.
What is the most unforgettable food experience you have ever had?
Falling in love with Foie Gras back in my college days.
Is there any food you can eat every day without getting bored?
Bakmi, for sure – is influenced by my Chinese heritage. We just can’t get enough of bakmi.
What is your most recent dining destination that left a good impression?
For a high-end restaurant, it’s a pop-up of B ET A. A pop-up event cooked by my very good friend Chef Aditya Muskita. The menu almost made me cry because it reminds me of a restaurant that we both used to run a few years back.
Tori Hachi in Blok M is my choice for an up-market restaurant. The place just opened a few months ago. It’s a Robatayaki restaurant that serves all kinds of yakitori. I fell in love with their chicken heart muscle yakitori, mochi wrapped with pork belly yakitori, and grilled satsumaimo/ Japanese eggplant.
And for my favorite street food, it’s Sambel Setan Bu Mut. Recommended by Eric Santoso, and I can’t stop eating it. The perfect combo of fried jengkol and sambal. Yes, fried jengkol!
Do you have any go-to venues for hanging out with friends or maybe for special occasions with family?
After a long day at the restaurant, I usually go to The Cocktail Club for a glass of their Mezcal Negroni or Elderflower Sour; shout out to Opung and Bule, my buddies over there. If it’s a family occasion, it’s usually Sichuan hotpot place
After a busy day, what drink do you choose for a relaxing time? And why did you choose that drink?
Classic Negroni or a good Gin & Tonic lately; I usually drink local Gin, either East Indies or Voyage.
What are your favorite local dishes, and where do you go to eat them?
Bakmi Ayam! My to go to bakmi are either Bakmie Agoan near my house or Bakmi Ahong in Glodok with their delicious Pek Cam Kee/ Hainanese chicken served with lard and sesame oil
In the past few years, we have seen a lot of unique food trends; which food trend do you like the most, and where do you usually get them?
The rise of local artisanal bread makers. My to go to bakers Lit Bakehouse, Breaking Bread, and Noolstrala.
What is your go-to breakfast menu for a busy day? Do you usually order takeaways or cook at home?
I don’t really eat breakfast, but if I do, I usually eat bubur Ayam kampung with extra turmeric broth and sweet soy sauce, and I’m on the bubur diaduk team.
Where are your top three dining places that you will always be on your favorite list?
Tori Hachi-Blok M, Ramen For The Soul-Gunawarman, Selasih
Where are your go-to dining places to hang out with friends and family?
Most of the time, we ended up in a hot pot place, Shuo Guo Yin Xiang.
