"Exciting? Yes," admits Petty, which was written and contributing to local and international publications on Indonesian cuisine for nearly a decade. But the mother of two admits that sometimes the life of a food critic can be a bit lonely.
"In my opinion, a meal is about friends and family, but sometimes to review a restaurant, you have to go alone, or you can not bring a large group of friends. Things can become lonely. and you eat a lot, so you have to balance with exercise. "
Petty believes the key to wellness is to find a balance between fatty liver and fitness. Beyond Petty, one of five Indonesian contributors Guide Mille, is quick to point out that writing reviews is not all applause and pats on the back. Sometimes, to ensure Indonesian restaurants keep international standards, you have to be critical.
"It's hard," she admits. "You do not call. You're not invited. It is cold, honest opinion. To have international quality restaurants here in Indonesia, it is important to give a positive review. To give appropriate advice are really important. "
At the end of the day, the gloves have come off and standards must be high. So how would rate Petty Jakarta restaurants internationally?
"It's a fascinating scene," said Petty, who also advises international chefs here in Jakarta on how to infuse Indonesian ingredients in their menus. "Every day there is a new restaurant. But until now, there has been too much emphasis on the atmosphere, decor and music. Restaurants need to take a deeper look at sustainability. There was a strong international movement to use local ingredients, say a 10 km area around the restaurant. I do not know why the owners and managers, customers, the entire community will not embrace the local food grown, especially for Indonesian dishes. "
But it does not silently judge the leader after unknowing leader. His criticism is not premeditated. The hardest part of doing restaurant reviews may be to keep an open mind, suspend judgment. Something we could all work. something that peace of mind and well-being depends.
What would an interview with a spokesperson for the food and restaurant critic be if it leaves you Top Five with a list of his favorite restaurants in Jakarta. "for Italian I like Roso and Luce. I like Sala, a small restaurant and I think for a French bistro you think the quality is nice. They are Indonesia and include quality cuisine. For brunch I love-and they are only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday-G48, by Plaza Senayan. They understand the taste and quality.
"And I like to Pacific Restaurant Ritz Carlton Pacific Place - I went to the kitchen and saw the inside many times I know the team They do special things they are... pioneers. They started the trend of bringing international chefs. And last, for the Chinese I like Din Tai Fung. If you know what you want, you go. you want a bowl of noodles, that's where you go. "
OK. Top Six restaurants. But, with so many good places to go to Jakarta, who count?