The Random Truths

She said this place is a must try for meat lovers like me, and so I went there and gave it a go.

When I heard the name Smoking Joe's, what comes to mind is an american BBQ diner, so am quite surprised when I first saw the place. The ambiance was kind of fancy and loungy, supported with the soft yellowish lighting and the bossa songs. And so I was a bit worried about the price. However, when I opened the menu, turned out it was quite OK. Main courses start from 50K-ish (Pasta), and for the meat platters start from 80K-ish. The steaks which are the most expensive ones on the menu start at 175K-ish for 250gr. But with their big portion, I'd say it was really worth it. If you don' eat that much, you can just share and add desserts, and you'll be fine. As for the drinks,  they (non alcoholic ones) are also within acceptable range. For instance, the Ice Lychee Tea I ordered was only 17.5K - not bad for a nice restaurant like this.

Now why am I yapping on the price before getting to the foods?  That's just not right.

Let's move on to the food. There were four of us but we decided to order 3 main courses first because Asti had mentioned of the big portion

This is the Beef Brisket Platter. They slow smoked this for 12 hours with their special sauce to make sure it is absorbed perfectly. And it sure did. I love love love it! Just eating the brisket alone without additional chili/mustard/ketchup is already good! This one's the large one, priced at 98K and comes with 2 side dishes of your choice. Trust me, it is more than enough for sharing!

Behold, Smoking Joe's Philly Cheese Steak! I am also so in love with this one! I love how it's cheesy but not too much it makes you nauseous. I love the tender, juicy meat inside, and I love the focaccia bread, toasted to perfection! Yum! This one's about 70K-ish, including 1 side dish of your choice. 

We also ordered the sirloin steak (no pic, sorry - but seriously, it looks just like any other steak ;P). Also good, but not so special for me. I mean, you can get a good plate of steak at a more affordable price at Mastro, right? But the beef brisket platter and philly cheese steak? not so sure!

And then comes the desserts. The oh-so-fabulous desserts!

First, my fave - American Apple Pie

Don't be deceived by the appearance, it's not as sweet as it looks - but it does taste as GOOD as it looks! The crust is so tasty and buttery, and the filling is just delish! Love how the apple filling still tastes fresh. Nomnomnom my mouth is watery just imagining it!

And then there's the Toll House Cookie 

Must try for choco chip cookie lovers! Warm,  fresh-from-the-oven soft-baked-cookie combined with ice cream is just something you can't say no to!

Another dessert we ordered was the classic warm chocolate melt cake

It was alright, but not that special. If you want warm choco melt cake, probably Loewy/Koi/Bakerzin would be better places to go to

So now you see why I said that Smoking Joe's is not just for the meat lovers, right? If you're into meat AND desserts, like me, give this place a try. You won't regret it!