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Welcoming 2023 with A Little Flashback on 2021-2022

Posted on Rabu, 04 Januari 2023

Happy New Year!

May the new year of 2023 brings you so much joy and happiness in life.

It's been almost two years since the last time I wrote something on this blog and I just want to kick off 2023 by recapping things that happened in the last two years.

the writing has 120.000 readers!

Let's begin with the story.

I jumped to this blogging community quite late, which is in 2015 where at the time being social media is hyping up the phone and people simply don't have the time to read writings like blogs. But I didn't lose hope. One of my first writings got quite a reader, which was 100 thousand (and still counting), and it gave me hope on writing this blog.

But then again, we all know the road isn't always smooth. I had to really find interesting topics to discuss, sometimes I could just have sleepless nights thinking about something to write, hoping that it could match the previous hundred-thousand-reader article while balancing on my real life and works.

Life hit me hard, yet again I have to think about the future of this blog.

There are times where I try to upload my writings on this blog and it does not succeed, and I chose to delete the post (dumb, I know) but looking back as an adult, I should have made it a possibility to assess which writings fit the reader and which ones don't.

This blog started to have spider webs in it.
Picture is mine
Location: Paris Van Java Mall

Well, is it too late to fill this blog again in 2023? We never know, but this blog will remain a Quibbler. Quibbler means small things. I chose the name quibbler because I only write things I want, there is no specific pattern or specialization in this blog. We could be talking about pageant, lifestyle, product review, and many more.

Mmkay... Enough opening. It's time for me to tell what really happened in the last two years.

In late 2020, I suffered depression, not many people are aware (now they are) which caused me to pull back from society. I got into this rollercoaster of emotion in my head, I feel like the world is plotting something against me. I used to be a cheerful kid with a smile on why face, but adulting hit me hard. The depression, global pandemic, economy problem, and dealing with academic stuff stressed me out. I tried really hard to pull myself back, but digging my way out from the dark took me quite some times.

light starts to fill in
Picture courtesy of mine
Location: Jakarta Selatan

2021 was the time where the light started to come through, I got to the point where I can see myself recovering, although I know it will have me working for so many more years but at least the light is there, it's a ray of sun in my cave. During that time, I had to do a quick catch-up with the whole world. I started making new friends too. It was not easy, but I made my way through. The recovery took my whole self and distracted me. I forgot this blog even existed, but it was not the peak. Brace yourselves.

In 2022, after finishing college and snatching a full-time job, I slowly take myself to heal all aspect in me. Just like a plant revamping itself from the brink of death, I climbed to reach myself again. It was really tiring, not gonna lie, but hey, things start to work out. This year, I totally focused on plastering the holes in my life that I really forgot this blog is even here hahahaha.

I managed to do so many things in 2022, I tried really hard to break the last few shells of my depression but it was just very hard to do. Things like that takes time. I still haven't fully recovered but I'm getting there. 2022 gave me so much lessons and unlocked some new achievements but I won't just stop there. I'm trying to get myself back. Those things; recovering, trying new things, breaking the shells, working, etc. etc. got most of my time, that I didn't have enough time to maintain this platform. 24 hours is just not enough.

Welcoming 2023 steady and slow.

In 2023, I plan on taking things steady and slow. The rays are getting brighter. My cave has a regular sunshine in it. Although, I would still have to drag myself to come out there, at least I have made a huge dent before I am ready to snatch back the old me, but in its best version.

I now have time to sit down and think, and I guess life will come back to this blog. Just wait and see.

Thank you for reading, I kind of need to practice and sharpen my blog writing skill again. Working on it, LOL.

Bye and wait for more writings in 2023!!

Billy Corna

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In Bandung Places

Ambrogio Pattiserie: A One-stop Dining Option

Posted on Minggu, 11 Agustus 2019

Hola todos! It’s been a long time, right?

I think I can see a pattern here; I now start to write something down only once in several months. I don’t know, it’s kind of difficult to set the writing mood up. Anyway, I happen to plan to write about this place for quite some times but you know I’m not that write-y guy. I really am only getting the writing mood last night, hahaha 😆

The very first time I came to this place was several months ago. I have been putting this place up on my bookmark, but only have the opportunity months later. When I paid a visit to this place, I was so overwhelmed that I decided to come back the second and third time during my birthday dinner on July, and a friend’s birthday dinner exactly a week after mine. This place is THAT good.

I knew this place from my acquaintance’s InstaStory. I thought “why not? this place seems cool” and put it right on my bookmark. From the total of three visits so far, I have not found anything off the scoring system. All three visits were at the same amount of good. I think it’s better to write just the summary and my overall impression of my visit.

Ambrogio Pattiserie

The place is named Ambrogio Pattiserie. It is located at Jalan Banda, Bandung. Exactly by the Saparua Jogging Track. It is not that difficult to find your way here. The place is located in a very strategic place, amidst the busy life of the city, and it has quite huge name on its front building. So, don't you worry about finding this place.

Though specializing at pastries, they serve a lot of foods and beverages. The range was so good. They have lots of Western dishes as well as Local dishes. Thumbs up. Unfortunately, in my personal thought the price range is a bit high for students. Though, I have to admit the taste of the dishes was worth the price.

As it is named, you can find various pastries as well (it is their specialty after all). I strongly suggest you to order their Creamy Mango cake. Well, why don’t we start the review by this food? Okay, the cake is what I liked the most from ALL the things I have tried and ordered. It was half-round, colored bright yellow, smoothly glazed (go find such thing on their display). It costs you Rp35.000,- per piece. Not a cheap one, but not that expensive. The taste, though, it was HEAVENLY. The crust, the crumbs, the creamy part (I believe it was cream cheese), the mango bits, the glaze, they did compliment each other. The sweet, sour taste is so refreshing that I demand for more. Definitely the first thing I order when coming back in the future!

Along with the Mango, comes its friend. The CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY cake. I seriously was in food heaven. The mango was so good, and so does the chocolate. One thing I noticed is that now you can find a cake this good in many places, you name it: the Harvest cakes, Exquise Pattiserie, so on, so forth. Nothing signature, but STILL SO GOOD.

I honestly got these two cakes as a birthday surprise from friends of mine. They really ain't that creative at arranging a surprise LMAO, I was at the place and they surprised me with cakes on the menu HAHAHA. I'm still grateful!!! I love them no matter what, it is the thought that counts 😜😜😜

Still coming from the dessert clan, I tried their smoothies bowl. It costs Rp50.000,- per bowl, or semi-bowl? How do I describe? The serving container was a cup in some way, but bigger. It was also a bowl, but smaller. Any way, it was good, but honestly the fruit juice a.k.a. the base, the soup, or whatever you name it, was a little too sweet for me. They should have just blended plain fruits. No sugars needed. They still have a long way to go before taking the spot of Sejiwa’s Smoothies Bowl as my favorite smoothies bowl in town (will write one soon but I want to come back first and order more).

Up next is their drinks. I personally love their Blueberry Lavender that I ordered them twice out of three times coming here. It was so good. There was a hint of flower kind-of taste. The drink was not overly sweet as well. Just the right amount of sweet. It costs you Rp35.000,-

The other drinks I have tried here is their Caramel Macchiato. The coffee was so basic that I dare to say I can get better in other place. Don’t get me wrong, though, it tastes good. Coffee is just not Ambrogio’s specialty. The price was Rp30.000,-

P.S. I didn't snap any pictures of the coffee. It is straight brown, and I was not the fan of the presentation.

Moving on to the foods, the first thing on my list is their Salmon en Croute. It was salmon, fine-chopped, wrapped in a puff pastry. SOOO GEWD. It costs you Rp58.000,- Also, the portion was so generous! I had a full tummy by one plate. For real! The salmon was a little overcooked FOR MY BELLY, because I prefer salmon not to be fully cooked.

P.P.S. So sorry for not taking pictures of this food as well, it was so good I forgot to take pictures :(

The next one is their Chicken Parmigiana. It was good, but a little basic since I can find the same menu with similar taste as their Chicken Parmigiana. In other words, it was good but there’s no such thing as a signature touch. You can get one full plate for Rp65.000,-

The last one is the Chicken Cordon Bleu. It costs you Rp.60.000,- and again, I must say their cordon bleu was a little basic. But good. No you won’t regret buying it but you can find similar taste in other cafes under the same name.

Remember, all the prices I stated above was the price during my visit in 2019. Might change a bit. Tax and service excluded (15%)

Now talking about my favorite part, the service. This is very vital. I determine whether or not I will come back by the services. I don’t care if their foods are the best in the world, if the service is crappy then goodbye, I’m not coming back.

Fortunately, I had good experiences with the services. They were all good, well-trained, fast-respond and giving every detail clearly. 9.5 out of 10!

Decorations and stuffs, I don’t have to talk about this. Go browse ‘Ambrogio Pattiserie’ on Google and Instagram, click their tag section an voila, you will find thousands of pictures of their interiors, exteriors, food pictures and so on. Not to mention the InstaStories. Go browse now, you will understand.

Overall, this place is my new favorite place to eat and hang out. Will come back in the near future, I swear!

Thank you for reading! Here's some additional pictures I snapped for you~

Billy Corna

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In Bandung Places

KAMA Eatery, A Tiny Bit of Joy Amidst the City Life

Posted on Kamis, 20 Juni 2019

Hi ya, it’s been a while since the last time I get to write my food & lifestyle section. I think I just found the right place to write –and of course, to review! That’s what I do all the time LMAO.

Usually, I’ll get to hang out and try new places to chill, enjoy some coffee, enjoy some foods, or maybe some company. The moment I leave the place is the time I decided whether or not I should write this up on blog. I religiously write my review on Zomato app but if there’s something special in it (bad or good) I’ll write them up on blog.

I found this place by accident; it was one time I get back home from Balai Bahasa Jawa Barat and decided to alter the route to Jalan Manado to avoid huge traffic. While passing the crossroad at Jalan Sumbawa, I saw this all-white interior with a huge “KAMA” board on its wall. Found out that it was an eatery so I browsed them up on Instagram. The search resulted a delightful result, I read some pretty good sayings about this place so I decided to come the next week.

The very first problem I encountered coming here was finding the place to park my bike. They don’t have the space to park your bike/car so you have to park them in the nearby building a.k.a. numpang parkir or just put them in this tiny spot under the tree, right in front of the place. Okay, one problem solved.

The moment I entered the place, I was soo overwhelmed with joy. The place is so homey and comfortable, despite of being not-so-spacious. There are three seating options; the semi-outdoor, where you can chill and smoke, the indoor, where you can be seated under the breeze of the air conditioner, and the bar-seating, you know the ones with high stools and you can see right through their bar.

At the time I was there, the place was a bit packed but I was lucky enough to be seated under the exposure of the AC. It was freaking hot outside! (P.s. It’s kind of summer here). Oh, by the way this ain’t the place where the waiter comes to you showing where to sit and provide you the menu. You do it yourself. You come find your seat, grab the menu and straight order and pay at the cashier. I think this kind of method is pretty smart considering their place is not that big, so the employees can multitask.

Talking about service; this point is crucial for myself personally. Service determines whether or not the customers want to go back there. This is the highest point I see at EVERY place. I don’t care if the food is the best in the world but if the workers don’t treat the customers well, then I’m not coming back. KAMA provides an EXCELLENT service. They treat their customers well. I had a really good time here I must say.

From the point I sit

Now, let’s get to the food.

The menu is a bit standard; you can find all the similar names at other places but that’s completely okay, I don’t see a problem here. My suggestion is that they should probably add one or two signature dishes to make them even more stand out (they probably have one by now, I don’t know).

The range of the price is quite reachable –they are not that expensive, but they aren’t cheap as well. The price of the dishes starts at Rp45.000 – Rp100.000 (Probably slight less), tax included. They also provide Light Meals, non-coffee and –of course the coffee for NO MORE than Rp50.000 each.

The Chicken Cordon Bleu

During my visit, I ordered

Chicken Cordon Bleu (Rp55.000). The chicken is well-cooked. Tastes soooo gewd. They are served with cooked vegetables (I don’t know how they treated the veggies, but the point is they were not raw), Fried diced potatoes (I prefer them mashed, but okay) and mushroom sauce (served with real mushroom inside, I liked them). Overall, nothing is overlapping the other. They complimented each other well.

Iced Caramel Macchiato

and an Iced Caramel Macchiato (Rp35.000), I liked this beverage since you can still taste the bitterness of the coffee. Most places serve a stronger caramel and/or the other condiments rather than the coffee.

Overall, both deserved their price and the taste. I would NOT say this is overpriced. This is just okay.

I believe it would be even excellent if in the future they would provide us some pastry box –to choose sweet foods or at least providing them at the menu. I think that would be perfect.

I would say this is an excellent place to eat, to chill, to hang out with your friends, but a big NO for bigger group. This is perfect to curl up on your own, or having small talks with smaller circle. The food and the ambiance support each other very well, complimented by a great service.

I would totally come back in the future!

P.S. Check out my other pictures at KAMA down here!
P.P.S. Sorry about the quality, still on the learn to upgrade the picture quality. On my way towards betterment, though!

Billy Corna

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In Bandung Places

Kopi Toko Djawa: A New Magnet in the Core of Bandung City

Posted on Selasa, 26 Juni 2018

Source: Instagram.com/kopitokodjawa

Feeling familiar? Yes, this is a legendary bookstore that recently got altered into a coffee shop.

Located in the notorious street of Jalan Braga, Bandung, you can simply find the shop by strolling down the street. It is not that difficult to find the shop, as the shop was once a famous book store in Bandung. Selling books since 1955, this famous bookstore had to shut the store down in 2015 due to its lack of buyers. As the matter of fact, there was no more shopkeeper at that time (Source: Pikiran Rakyat)

No need to worry, last December the new owner altered the shop into a chic, vintage-themed coffee shop that attracts many (Especially the millenials, hahaha). The good news is, the owner did not change the interiors a lot from the classic bookstore layout except for some 'refreshment' to renew the store without changing much of its vintage, old-school atmosphere.

As someone who ever got inside the shop while it was still a bookstore, nothing much is changed. I felt like I am amongst a newly-freed country. The interiors are fresh, but the vintage atmosphere is still vibrant. I just love the concept. The owners might have changed, but the name remains. The owner still use the "Djawa" brand as the shop's name.

Once you get inside the shop, the coffee aroma fills your lungs. The waiter also greeted me warmly. One thing you should know, there is no such thing as your personal table. Kopi Toko Djawa uses the sharing table system where buyers can sit at any empty seat (as long as the seats are available, because at many times this shop is super-crowded).

This is where you order your coffees. Not only coffees available, there are some sweet foods you can enjoy.

I would say the price range is worth-it. I don't know what better words to describe. Reaction to prices might be different.

For me, personally, I would say this is affordable. Not really pricey, but not very cheap as well.

The cheapest you can get is one shot of espresso for Rp15.000. and the most expensive drink you can get is their Manual Brew for Rp35.000.

You can also add things to your beverages, such as another shot of espresso, susu (milk), and awan (sweet, creamy foam). The addition of milk and espresso priced for Rp5.000 and Rp8.000 for the addition of sweet foam.

For some, this shop might be on your 'cheap' list. but, do not underestimate the quality from its price. They might not be as expensive as a cup of Starbucks, but the taste is beyond the price. Trust me

I went there with two of my friends, Egi and Bella. The truth is, we did not plan this visit. We visited the shop while waiting for the movie. We did not complained, though.

Here is what we ordered

The picture above is the beverages we ordered.

From left to right:

Bella's Coconut Water: Rp20.000

My Kopi Awan: Rp24.000

Egi's Affogato: Rp20.000

The Coconut Water is nothing more than that, coconut water. Nothing much to say. You know how it tastes. The Kopi Awan is so dope! From its top (the foam, of course) to the bottom (the coffee), it impressed me. I almost ordered two, but remembered that I am a broke guy, LMAO. The Affogato is quite good, though (Egi said that). The espresso smelt strong, but I can't say more because I did not order that.

I, sadly, did not order the food. But nothing costs more than Rp20.000 (as I remembered).

The last thing they have is the coffee beans. Various kinds of beans are here but I forgot to snap what kind of beans they sell. The beans costs Rp100.000 for approximately 100 gram (Again, I forgot to capture the exact things).

When you are finished ordering, the barista will give you something.. a keychain? I don't really sure It was like a car key. Once your orders are ready, the thing beeps quite loud. Nice trick, I believe :D

Crap, I know I forget things a lot. I just want to tell you that this shop has no restroom. I understand it, this used to be a bookstore not a place to hang out. If you really need to go to the restroom, you can go to the nearest cafe, The Suga Rush. Make sure you don't pee yourself :p