Pacific Place, one of Jakarta’s most opulent malls, now sports a wide array of top line eateries on its fourth and fi fth fl oors. Head up beyond this to the sixth fl oor and you’ll be confronted with the huge Blitzmegaplex and Kidzania complexes. But wait, what’s that nestling in the corner? Brasas, an intimate little Argentinian grill, can be found right next to the huge cinema, with which it shares its management.

Inside, Brasas is very softly lit and features cosy, intimate little tables as well as a mini bar at the rear and is just perfect for a romantic dinner before taking in a movie next door. Brasas also features some decorative, ethnic objets d’art and the place as a whole offers some mellow respite from the bustling, impersonal walkways of the mall outside. The restaurant is open for lunch from 11am until 2.30pm and for dinner from 6pm until 11pm the week round and also offers some dine and watch deals in conjunction with Blitzmegaplex next door.

Brasas is an Argentinian steakhouse and features that country’s Asado style of cooking. Asado involves charcoal grilling meats (or indeed fi sh) using only sea salt and pepper. This ensures that the cuts are pleasantly crispy on the outside and yet wonderfully juicy on the inside. Chef Dila previously plied his trade at Jakarta’s Four Seasons and Hilton (now the Sultan) hotels and was taught the secret of Asado cooking by some of his Argentinian friends. Brasas uses top-quality Wagyu beef in its dishes, which also adds to the experience enormously of course.

A full and rather amazing array of seasonal canapes are available on the Brasas menu, ranging from Rp.50,000 for a plate of three to Rp.200,000 for a full platter of 14 different types of nibble. We thought that we’d go straight on to the weighty main dishes though and were soon carving up a delicious plate of Pork Matambre (Rp.120,000) - yes pork fans, there’s plenty for you down at Brasas. The meat was indeed grilled to perfection and I’ll have to make an attempt at Asado cookery during my next back garden barbecue. There are plenty of interesting side dishes as well down at Brasas, including some delicious South American Chimichurri, a superb mix of garlic, oregano, parsley, peppers and olive oil with just a touch of vinegar. Other meat accompanying treats include Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce, Mustard Horse Radish and Rustic Mashed Potatoes (which are mashed up with their skins).

Other dishes on offer down at Brasas include some interesting pasta items and some top-quality desserts - Granny Smith Apple with Ginger Sorbet, Yoghurt Foam and Basil Scented Oil anyone? There’s also a full wine list which includes a range of Argentinian Alamos vintages. A bottle of house red or white will set you back Rp.550,000 and you really should be quaffi ng some wine in order to do these meats justice.Vegetarians among you may wish to pass on Brasas and head straight to the cinema next door for a bucket of popcorn. If you’re a meat lover though, then Brasas will have y