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It is always difficult to find that perfect bistro, eatery or restaurant where you can ignite a few romantic sparks with your beloved in the Big Durian, especially on Valentine's Day (Feb. 14). Mouthwatering dishes that can appease a happy couple's belly are merely one of the requisites for a night to remember. Here are four dining spots in the Greater Jakarta Area that you could consider to celebrate the tender loving care (TLC) that you and your beau have forged together.

NUSA Indonesian Gastronomy

Nestled in Kemang, NUSA Indonesian Gastronomy should appeal to the city's epicures who wish to impress their Valentine's date with a sophisticated, fine-dining experience, something relatively difficult to find in the Greater Jakarta Area. First opening its doors in August 2016, the eatery prides itself on championing authentic, Indonesian-origin ingredients, cooked and presented to diners in a creative, modern art-inspired fashion. Its head chef, Ragil Imam Wibowo, is no stranger to the culinary world ­– he was crowned Asian Cuisine Chef of the Year at the World Gourmet Summit Awards of Excellence 2018.

Should the couple be in the mood for a grand feast, NUSA Indonesia Gastronomy's five-course menu could be the toothsome showstopper of the night. The eatery's signature amuse-bouche, in particular, impresses the palate with a set of unique dishes featuring pacco ikan (Sulawesi spicy fish dish), sous vide egg soto (soup), pecak ikan gindara asap (smoked fish in spicy sauce) and lamb sausage tongseng (stew). The eatery's villa-esque interior boasts a lavish yet relaxing atmosphere for a long evening. Also, if diners are looking for a fun activity as a couple, NUSA Indonesian Gastronomy has scheduled a cooking class and pop-up dining, specifically about Indonesian smoked cooking culture, on Feb. 17, 18 and 19. There is no harm in adding a little heat to romance, right?

For a reservation at NUSA Indonesia Gastronomy, you can send a WhatsApp text to +6281911004996.

SKYE Bar & Restaurant

Located on the 56th floor of BCA Tower on Jl. MH Thamrin, SKYE Bar & Restaurant is recommended for couples-slash-gourmands who wish to celebrate the feast of Saint Valentine under the starry skies, with a selection of luscious cocktails to loosen things up. Conceived as a contemporary Western grill bistro, SKYE Bar & Restaurant is, almost literally, a sky-high oasis that fixes up a menu best suited for city dwellers and socialites. The bistro's so-called Foie-Gasm is seared foie gras adorned with grape slivers, apple compote and raspberry coulis. For meat aficionados, the bistro's signature smoked spare ribs, whisky BBQ-glazed spare ribs with corn, are not to be missed.

As for the cocktails, foodies looking to blow off some steam with their loved ones could do no wrong with cult classics such as Boulevardier: a swish of bitter liqueur, bourbon and sweet vermouth. Another, more off-the-wall, option is Yuzu Ramos, which is a concoction of cream, egg white, gin, herb liqueur and mint in a glass. Especially for this Valentine's Day, SKYE Bar & Restaurant is offering a romance-inspired five-course dinner by the executive chef himself: Adhitia Julisiandi.

For a reservation at SKYE Bar & Restaurant, you can send a WhatsApp text to +6281808885404.

Dream Dates Bakery & Coffee

Looking for a cozy, lovable spot that is a bit more affordable, wholesome and secluded from the hustle and bustle of the metropole? Dream Dates Bakery & Coffee might be the one for you and your special someone this Valentine's Day – this also includes the city’s young lovebirds who feel like they have to be careful about their daily ledger. Situated in the Menteng area of Central Jakarta, the seemingly modest exterior of the cafe hides a much more lavish and whimsical interior that would bode well for younger and budget-conscious couples. The cafe also features a patio area, should the weather allow a balmy and moonlit evening.

Just as the name implies, Dream Dates Bakery & Coffee boasts a selection of inviting, shareable desserts that should comfort any lovey-dovey couples who, otherwise, might feel self-conscious about possible ketchup stains on their best evening outfits. The cafe's Avocado Coffee is a dessert that could appease the palate of even the pickiest foodie in the city, while the cafe's signature Poured Tiramisu could inspire one or two swoon-worthy gestures as each takes a bite. To cap off the evening, there is nothing sweeter than sharing a glass of the cafe's pink-hued strawberry milkshake. What is cuter than a milkshake for two?

For a reservation at Dream Dates Bakery & Coffee, you can send a WhatsApp text to +628111309339.

Patio Venue & Dining

Sometimes Valentine's Day is seen as a celebration of family love as well. If this resonates, Patio Venue & Dining is the perfect place, particularly for older and seasoned couples who wish to celebrate their love alongside their children and their extended family. Nestled in the Melawai area of South Jakarta, Patio Venue & Dining captivates diners with its spacious interior that takes its cues from modern Italian culture, its glassy walls offer a soothing display of natural greenery and its fusion Indonesian-Italian cuisine that should satisfy different kinds of food preferences. 

The restaurant's signature dish, Capelli D'Angelo All'Aragosta, an Italian dish made of angel hair noodles, chili flakes, flying fish roe, garlic, lobster and olive oil, is the one to try for the first-timers at Patio Venue & Dining. For the especially romantic, the Patio Cendol Baileys, a traditional cendol infused with baileys, brown sugar and jackfruit, could be the dessert to share just for two. In case anyone is planning for a large-scale Valentine's Day festivity, Patio Venue & Dining is also available for private events and parties.

For a reservation at Patio Venue & Dining, you can send a WhatsApp text to +6282112267787.

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