Culinary Feature: Mediterano Buffet

Direction: Ground floor of the Kurfürsten Galerie (at the back of City Point in Königsplatz)

Being in Kassel for far too long before I moved has made me develop some sort of sense for this town. I've gone to the touristy places and explored the town's small corners. Before I even settled, I've found my favourite spot to eat in this place. That is this Mediterano Buffet. The first time I went here was when my friend, Rezy, told me about this cheap non-asian buffet he found. So Vina, Rezy and I went there to try it. We quickly fell in love with the roasted chicken.

In all actuality, the first time we came here, the place had ala carte menus as well as the buffet selections -- although the selections back then were very much limited. I went away for a week and came back to find this place already filled with more food and no longer having its ala carte menus. Aside from that, the buffet package is combinable with Soup of the Day and dessert -- although I've never tried these options. As you can see, the price is unbelievably cheap. Maybe even the cheapest buffet in Germany EVER! The quality of the food is not to be questioned as well. My favourite is the roasted chicken, Kabsi (rice with small minced beef and sometimes raisins), Cannelloni, Fisch Auflauf (baked fish) and pretty much everything that doesn't have either pig or wine in it. So delicious! The staff are also very friendly and they let you wash your hands at the back of the counter if you ever get them dirty. You probably wonder why I write such a short review about a place that I like so much. Well, it's located in a food court so I can't really speak about the interior design and all. I still love this place anyway. Unlike other buffets that are only open to certain timelines in the day and change price at night, this place opens from 11 AM - 8 PM with consistent price. Try it if you're ever in Kassel. It's simply a must. Cheerio!

Sister's Sister: Collared Dresses + SLR Cameras

 After a year and a half of being separated from my sister, I can finally reunite with her in Surabaya. On such a holy occasion, no less. My sister is probably the only person I have literally known my and her whole lives. We are only two years apart and have been crammed into the same personal space forever so it wasn't hard for us to be close. We have watched each other grow and confided in one another. Ever since I was in the 11th grade, my sister has gone to Melbourne, Australia for her studies. She has finished Bachelor sure enough last year and is now continuing on with her Masters. Firu said that I had the case of Sister Complex. I, however, believe our bond is like that of no other.

Everyone, who's known me for so long, has been quite surprised by my change of personality and style. Out of these people, my sister was the most delighted. She doesn't read my blog very often because of her piling assignments but she does make time sometimes. I should say that, if I were ever fashion-conscious, it was mostly thanks to my sister. She has been a real fashionista all her life, experimenting with styles. Aside from fashion, she has originally gotten me into Art & Design. As a little sister, it's only natural that I follow what she does. But we have grown to be very different people.

Quita's wearing: Dress// Primark (Gift); Watch// Elle; Glasses// Optik Pasti; Tights// Yellowline; Shoes// Bandung | 

Bivi's wearing: Dress// Primark; Tights// H&M; Shoes// Studio Nine

Nearing my comeback to Indonesia, I bought my sister a cute dress that I think fits her perfectly. In the process, I grabbed myself this adorable peter pan-collared dress. I love how both dresses have pretty little patterns! My sister's totally describes her since she is just smitten with cats. She's always wanted cats but our dad was always against it. I love the slightly nautical look on her collar! We are always characterised as opposites our whole lives but that doesn't stop us from liking the same colour in different shades.

The other day, before Eidul Fitri, our family went to a local restaurant to celebrate my youngest uncle's birthday. His birthday is actually in the same day as our Independence Day. My two youngest cousins were first reunited here. They were as adorable as always. My sister recently bought a Canon DSLR and was asked and excited to take pictures of the event. I was also excited to take her camera for a spin. It is potentially better than mine, by the way. It was the last night of Ramadhan so we went home not too late since the restaurant staff wanted to go home and -- kind of -- shooed us out. Deutzy cried because we had to part ways. I was touched. I love that little guy! Have a great midweek! Cheerio!

Miracles and Traditions of the Boerhan Family

  First and foremost, let me just wish every Muslim out there Eid Mubarak! It is such a great feeling to be reunited with my family again on this holy day. Last year, I sort of spent it alone and it was not good. Such a miracle to be reunited with my sister again, who’s currently based in Melbourne, Australia. Most of the family was there, aside from my dad, brother and stepmom. My sister and I kind of represented them. First thing in the morning, my sister, my grandpa and I walked to the nearest grocery store to Eid pray, enveloped in the sweet sound of the Allahu Akbars. It is such a dreamy, favourite past time of mine. My beloved grandma couldn’t come because she broke her hip and couldn’t sit on the ground –which is, mostly, what we would be doing. Praying together is also my favourite. When we were done, we walked back home where Grandma (I call her Titi) had prepared breakfast. Not too long afterwards, our cousins and uncles and aunts came one by one. And, quickly, we fell into traditions.

We started off by ever so beautifully decorating the dining table with food and seasonings as well as sauces. As the ladies did this, the men arranged the living room to make it wider. The next event is why. Our grandparents (Titi and Kakung) sat on the sofa, dressed in clean and neat clothes. They were ready for us, their children and grandchildren, to ask for forgiveness and vice versa. This usually goes on for around ½ to 1 hour and not without a few tears. Afterwards, Titi and Kakung would ask forgiveness from one another. Such a sweet sight! I love seeing my grandparents all lovey dovey and happy. Then we proceeded by Kakung giving out Eid bonuses to his grandchildren – this time, minus my oldest cousin, who’s had an income of her own. We then formed a circle around the fortunately circular dining table, except for my youngest cousins, and followed Kakung’s lead in praying before we dug in.

Sister #1's wearing: Kaftan// unbranded; Pashmina// Gifted; Watch// O'clock; Glasses// Optik Pasti; Shoes// Bandung | 

Sister #2's wearing: Blouse// Mom's; Maxi Skirt// Sis's; Pashmina// Stepmom's (borrowed); Shoes// Studio Nine

As we waited for the cousins and uncles and aunts to come, my sister and I snapped these photos of what we were wearing throughout the day. This is to show: A.) Our outfits of the day – as sister style, finally! – and B.) How antique and refreshing our grandparents’ house is. It has gone through some changes throughout the years, of course, but little elements will still stay there. Exhibit A: this gigantic birdcage. Kakung loves to collect birds. I have seen all kinds of birds that he’s kept. Even now, it’s another species. Exhibit B: this motor Vespa. I don’t even know anymore who it belonged to but it’s been hanging out there for many years. It’s not useable anymore but I still love its aesthetic element. Hence, it appearing here.

Our traditions are pretty old-fashioned. It has been so for many, many years. Sometimes whilst it happens, I imagine what my mom would say or do – had she been there. I would imagine her being the life of the party and smiling extra wide. Too bad my dad wasn’t here for most of it. But seeing my smallest cousins, Deutzy and Ata, totally made my day. They are just too adorable together, fighting and playing. Also, I love my grandparents’…everything. I love their great big house and their antique cutleries. Ever since I don’t know when, I keep imagining life back when my parents were still so young and love bloomed here. Yes, it bloomed here. So much history, indeed. Eid Mubarak, everyone! Enjoy your family quality time! Cheerio!

The Boerhan Family wishes you Eid Mubarak!

Sister's Sister: The Brilia Sisters

Hey, everyone! It is such a joy for me to inform you all that I finally get to see my big sister again. I'd like you all to meet Amaquita Briliastuti. She has probably been one of the biggest inspirations in my life -- mostly, fashion-wise. She sacrificed some of her semester time to come and see me in Surabaya, Indonesia, while I come to visit. And, yes, if you haven't guessed it yet, I'm not going to Melbourne. Such a shame. It would've been a pretty sight to go and take outfit photos there. But, alas, we must reunite here and be merry with our own circumstances.

Bivi's wearing: Batik dress// Sis's; Hat// Thrifted; Bag// Typo (Sis's); Tights// H&M; Shoes// Primark |

Quita's wearing: Blouse// Cotton On; Cardigan// Yellowline; Glasses// Optik Pasti; Bag// Typo (mine); Shoes// Bandung

It's probably no secret that I have so many other halves, my sister is one of them. As sisters, we've gotten along quite well growing up, much to our parents' delight. Our mom always jammed us into the same bedroom ever since we were kids so it's just so hard not to get along. I love her so much, even though I don't say enough. We have relatively very different tastes in many things -- fashion and men included -- but that makes us so perfect for one another. She was always the quiet one, I was always the loud one. She was the pretty one, I was the weird one. She was shy and I was shameless. She was long-haired and skinny, I was short-haired and fat. That all changed not too long ago. But we still love each other. Not seeing each other for more than a year is more than we could take. So glad that we are once again side by side now. The Brilia Sisters.

All pictures are taken with my sister's Canon Kiss X4 (Canon 550D)

Aside from my sister, I am so glad to see my grandmother again. I could tell she is too. She always calls me her soulmate. I'd like to think that I'm her favourite granddaughter since I look so much like her only daughter, my mother. Aside from that, we used to chat all night about things that a grandchild and a grandmother rarely speak of. I find so much glee in her affections.

Okay, real quick on the outfit. If this wasn't a post on my sister, I would've named it "Fifty Shades of Brown." There may not be that many shades on this outfit but it's close enough. I found this batik dress the night before my flight to Surabaya and decided to just put it on. My sister doesn't know whether it's hers or not, but let's just say it is. The satchel bags are both bought by my sister. The limeaide one is mine. It says limeaide in the website but it sure looks mint to me. We switched our respective bags today for the sake of my outfit. Can you tell from these pictures that I am overflowing with joy and euphoria? Have a wonderful weekend, all! Cheerio!

She Just Came Back From Germany

I'm having one of the craziest week so far. Case in point, two days ago I went out with two of my best friends, Gina and Uli. Originally, we were to meet at Gina's house and set off for Plaza Senayan together. Before I go on, let me get something straight. We are not rich people, we just happen to have enough. And yet...we love hanging out at Sushi Tei, even though we know it's far too expensive for our student budget. Anyway, that's where we were heading. Something suddenly came up for Uli and she said she'd meet us at the restaurant. So I waited for Gina to come back from Bandung -- which is where she lives right now thanks to her studies -- then went to her home. I got to play with her cute little kittens. Long story short, we got there later than promised/expected and Uli had to wait for us for an hour. Sorry, Uli!

Uli's order: Negitoro Don

Gina's order: Spicy Salmon Don

My order: Una Don (I miss Unagi!)

Left: my Green Apple Tea; Right: our Tamagoyaki

Dessert #1: Taiyaki Ice Cream

Dessert #2: Shiratama Azuki

One of the many things I was afraid of upon coming back home is that everything would be different or my friends and I would be awkward. That didn't happen. As Gina opened her door for me, she quickly commented that my absence was irrelevant. It was like I never left. Sure, I dress better now. But I'm still the same person. She remarked on this 3 times by the time we got to Uli. We ended up reminiscing on the good old days and talking about everything in between. They still made me laugh the hardest. After break fasting and dinner, we roamed the mall a few times and it was too soon when the lights started to go off. Like old times, we took pictures of ourselves in little fluorescent lights of the stores. It wasn't as crazy as we did four years ago but it was enough to get people staring at us.

Tee// Billabong; Crochet bolero// Sis's/Mom's; Skirt// Sis's; Bag// Mom's; Shoes// Primark; Socks// Dad's

Before I was this girl with a blog, I was a girl who collected tees. Well, I still do. But now I vary more on what I wear so it's kind of different. In a desperate attempt to include the tees I collected before into my more distinguishable outfits, I pulled off this outfit. It didn't turn out as weird as I once have thought. I guess, tees are made for every occasion. I love the crochet bolero! It's so breezy and turns every outfit more ladylike. Is it just me or I look so weirdly awkward in this skirt? I love the velvet ribbon attached to it. Too bad you can't see the green skull on the tee. It would be one heck of a twist, wouldn't you agree?

Even though it was practically midnight when we went home, the streets were still covered by motor vehicles and we were easily stuck in a traffic jam. After careful deliberation, we all decided to just stay over at Gina's place -- since she was the one driving anyway. It was around 1 AM that we crashed into her place and tiptoed to her bedroom. The exhilaration of our sweet little reunion still pumped through my veins and I didn't want to sleep even though my eyes were ready to fall off. We ended up not sleeping until around 2.30 AM and Gina passed out. Her maid came to tell us that it was already 3.30 AM an hour later, time for our Suhoor -- what is it called in Arabian? Afterwards, we actually went to sleep until noon and Gina gave both of us rides home. And I was supposed to get ready for another reunion with my high school classmates. Boy, was I wiped. How about some hair actions for the road? Here you go! Cheerio!

P.S: The title is the excuse they'd use if someone were to tease us about taking portraits in a mall upon closing.