Annissa Wulan
Aug 24, 2026
A quiet sense of warmth and understated elegance settled in the moment I crossed the threshold of The Cutler, quietly nestled on the first floor of Pacific Place. Known for bringing refined New York-style dining and legendary slow-roasted prime ribs to South Jakarta, the venue recently celebrated its first milestone anniversary—a year dedicated to the simple art of bringing people together around exceptional food, thoughtful drinks, and meaningful moments.
To commemorate "The First Year at the Table," Chef Mandira Isman—the creative powerhouse and owner behind the Allez Group destination—hosted an intimate, invitation-only dinner. Stepping into their private dining space, I found a single long table impeccably dressed with towering wine stemware, polished silverware, soft candlelight, and bespoke floral accents. It was a setting crafted not just for dining, but for genuine connection.
Old Hollywood Glamour at Bar Monroe
Before sitting down at the table, I gathered with fellow guests inside Bar Monroe, the intimate cocktail den tucked alongside the restaurant. Channeling the timeless allure of Old Hollywood, Bar Monroe champions a refined drinking culture anchored by a dedicated martini series and classic recipes executed with surgical precision. Over handcrafted cocktails and warm introductions, the pre-dinner mingling effortlessly dissolved any formal awkwardness, setting a convivial, unpretentious tone for my evening.
A Franco-Japanese Culinary Masterclass
Once seated, the main act unfolded: a specially curated nine-course tasting menu paired with exceptional vintages curated by Boga Wine. Chef Mandira’s anniversary lineup showcased an ambitious fusion of classic French technique and delicate Japanese sensibilities, delivered with flawless pacing.
My palate awoke to a pair of vibrant amuse-bouches: a crisp, savory Chicken Karaage alongside a luxurious Lobster Tartare Tartlet. Although I do not claim to be a culinary expert, both bites struck a harmonious balance of rich umami and delicate crunch, comforting my palate with savory flavors—my personal favorite profile—right from the start.
Bread courses rarely command headlines, but the Black Truffle Cruffin was an unforgettable highlight for me. Flaky, golden croissant pastry met rich truffle cultured butter, crowned with a generous shaving of fresh black truffle that melted instantly in my mouth. Seafood lovers will adore what came next: a velvety Sea Urchin and Crab Chawanmushi followed by a decadent Surf and Turf featuring sweet scallop, succulent lobster, and rich duck liver, leaving a deep, lingering savoriness on the tongue.
Following a refreshing palate cleanser, the centerpiece I had been eagerly anticipating arrived: the Striploin A5 Omi Wagyu. Impeccably seared and intensely marbled, the beef yielded effortlessly to my knife, melting in my mouth without any effort. It was a masterclass in steak cookery and the ultimate centerpiece to complete this gorgeous dinner, which concluded on a bright note with a refreshing White Chocolate and Matcha Mousse.
In a city where dining trends shift overnight, my first dining experience at The Cutler and Bar Monroe proved that true hospitality lies in consistency, warmth, and flavor-forward artistry. As part of Allez Group's guiding philosophy that "Every Meal Becomes a Celebration," this milestone dinner confirmed that their table remains one of the most compelling places to sit in Jakarta.
