Unexpected dinner at a Tuscan Style restaurant in Batam City
Lost? How could that be? I felt lost because I shouldn't have entered the restaurant. I feel like my wallet is going to cry. Being in a foreign tourist area, of course restaurants in that area have high price standards that are much different compared to local restaurants.
picture from Piccola Stella through google review.
I just smiled. Footsteps cannot be retreated. My surroundings were dominated by foreign tourists, although there were a few local people there. The first thing I thought about was the price of food there. Luckily, I brought enough money. So, I tried to calm myself down instead of panicking. I have to control myself quickly.
It started with my husband and I staying at a small guesthouse in Batam City, precisely in the Sukajadi area. At that time we traveled in that city for several weeks. Well, because we were starving, we looked for dinner around the inn.
One thing I shouldn't just hand over to my husband. Looking for the right restaurant. I think men are bad at making choices. Oops. But because I always believe in my husband, I follow wherever he goes.
At first, I debated and didn't want to enter a building with a sign named Piccola Stella. I wish I could look for another restaurant that looks quiet. But at that time my husband was right. We no longer had the energy to look for another place.
Piccola Stella
At first glance, I got the feeling that it was an Italian restaurant. I concluded this was because the building style with thick walls was exactly like the Tuscan style in Italy.
Sure enough, after I searched for information on the internet, Piccola Stella is indeed a Tuscanian-style restaurant. From their website, they claim that the name means little star in Italian.
This restaurant building has 3 floors. The 3rd floor is a rooftop with an outdoor concept. Just like the Tuscanian living room style made outdoors.
The restaurant design looks classic with bold stone and iron elements. They applied iron to the typical window arches and doors. Meanwhile, green plants of course have an important role there to make the restaurant feel like it is in the middle of a beautiful area.
The warm and homey impression cannot be ignored in the Tuscany style. We can see the combination of light and building materials that blend well creating cozy warm vibes.
On the 3rd floor area where my husband and I chose to sit, there is a chair area or we can sit in a more relaxed area using beanbags.
I chose the chair and table spot in general. Precisely next to the wall dividing the building.
I can see the beautiful Sukajadi hill area at the end of there. This area is a place where high-class people build elite housing.
The outdoor area is decorated with green elements and hanging light bulbs. It feels like it calms me down and I'm starting to feel comfortable being here. Although, at first I felt lost.
The feeling of being lost turned calming. I think that's what often happens when we travel. We often feel lost but at the same time, we are grateful to be lost. We can have new experiences because we are lost. Do you agree with this?
All Beautiful Healthy Juice
For a fresh start, I ordered delicious juice and of course healthy. The juice is named vibrant Bunny.
Below is an image of a screenshot of the menu at this restaurant. They apply menu scans, without menu books. So, we need a phone and internet to see their menu.
Vibrant Bunny is a combination of carrot, orange and pineapple. Of course, I chose this type of drink because I hadn't drunk juice all day while traveling. Usually, when I'm at home I often make this beautiful juice.
Vibrant bunny by Piccola Stella tastes refreshing, and without sugar (as I requested). they have good quality fruit. I paid IDR 45k / $3. half times more expensive in local restaurants. No problem. I think this is still normal.
Norwegian Grilled Salmon
I didn't feel completely lost because I could find a Western menu that was familiar to my tongue. My husband also found local food that he likes.
Piccola Stella serves a variety of menus. They realize that visitors can come from a variety of diverse areas. I really appreciate that.
Even though it was a Tuscan-style restaurant, I didn't think about pizza at all at that time. Because I was so hungry and needed something familiar in my memory. So, that's why I chose the main course menu which is also a best seller at this restaurant. Norwegian Grilled Salmon.
Interestingly, in this restaurant, we can choose the type of sauce, potatoes, and vegetables. Choice of sauces such as black pepper, barbecue, mushroom, or cream mushroom. Choice of types of sauce serving such as oven-baked potatoes, french fries, mashed potatoes, or potato wedges. Choice of serving vegetables such as fresh salad or sauteed vegetables.
For potatoes, I chose mashed potatoes. The texture of the mashed potatoes is not too smooth or creamy. We can still get a slightly firm texture. But I actually like this kind of texture. With a slightly plain mashed potato taste, not strong due to seasoning. That's good because there is already a strong sauce here.
I chose mushroom cream. I like the overall taste of this sauce which I think blends well with the grilled salmon itself.
Meanwhile, for vegetables, I choose fresh vegetables. They serve several different types of lettuce. Also, slices of red bell pepper. All of them have good freshness qualities. With a crunchy texture. Perfect!
The most important thing is the level of doneness and texture of grilled salmon. Not overcooked. I liked the whole main course presentation, even though I had to pay IDR $205k / $13.7. This price is twice as expensive as local restaurants.
Fortunately, I was really satisfied with the food and drink offerings Piccola Stella. Even though it's a little pricey, at least I feel full, and also get to experience new flavors and vibes. At first I felt lost, but in the end I was grateful to be able to find a new place that was worth it. But, yeah, my wallet cried. :P
See you on my foodie and travel stories. Stay blessed, Hive People.
Thank you for reading my blog and reblog if you want my blog this time worthy of reading by others.
Best Regards,
Anggrek Lestari
Anggrek Lestari is an Indonesian fiction writer who has published two major books. Now She is a full-time content creator. She has a goal to share life, poem, and food content that makes others happy and can get inspiration.
Contact Person: authoranggreklestari@gmail.com
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