Chef Arnold invites friends Tretan and Coki to his Surabaya restaurant Arpo for a special culinary podcast experience. They explore halal-friendly dishes, unique recipes like chicken wings stuffed with shrimp, and discuss the restaurant's concept and menu. The gathering includes honest food reviews, a lifetime membership giveaway, and plans for future visits and travel.
Chef Arnold warmly welcomes his friends Tretan and Coki to his restaurant Arpo in Surabaya for a special podcast and culinary experience. The gathering is filled with laughter, honest food reviews, and a deep dive into the restaurant's concept and menu.
Upon arrival at Surabaya, Chef Arnold greets his friends enthusiastically. They joke about the airport welcome and quickly transition to the restaurant where they change into new outfits appropriate for the upcoming Ramadan month. Chef Arnold emphasizes the importance of checking for halal-friendly ingredients, ensuring no pork or forbidden items are present.
Chef Arnold shares that the restaurant's name, Arpo, is simply derived from his ID card name without any deep philosophy. The restaurant aims to feel like a home where guests can relax and enjoy their meals comfortably. Architecturally, it was initially envisioned to have a Western or European style, but the food style is unique and hard to categorize. The dishes are described as flavorful, creamy, and rich.
Chef Arnold introduces a unique dish called AFC (Anti Bo Fried Chicken), which consists of chicken wings with the bones removed and stuffed with shrimp. The wings are topped with mayonnaise, chili, and lemon for a slightly spicy flavor. The friends are impressed by the practicality of eating chicken wings with a fork and spoon and the novel combination of flavors.
One of the highlights is the chili crab noodle dish, inspired by a recipe from Chef Arnold's grandmother. The noodles are homemade with scallions and lime, served with generous amounts of real crab meat and a rich crab-flavored sauce made from crab shells. This dish was a hit in Sydney but the restaurant there had to close due to the pandemic.
The wagyu brisket is smoked with maple and seasoned with salt and lime. The smoky aroma reminiscent of a forest fire adds depth to the dish. The texture is tender and juicy, with a bacon-like flavor but without any pork, adhering to halal standards.
This dish features rice with eggplant sambal, crispy bits, and a creamy potato foam topping. The chicken is prepared in a style similar to Hainan chicken. The crispy rice bits add a delightful texture, and the dish is a favorite reminiscent of Chef Arnold's mother's cooking.
A seasonal dish featuring mushroom noodles with a unique aroma described as aromatic rather than flavorful. The friends find the dish interesting and enjoyable.
Throughout the meal, Tretan, Coki, and Chef Arnold provide candid ratings and feedback for each dish, ranging mostly between 4.5 to 5 stars. They appreciate the creativity, flavors, and presentation, with occasional humorous requests for a dish that is not delicious to add comedic content.
Chef Arnold surprises his friends by awarding a lifetime membership to Bebek Caro, a popular restaurant chain, allowing them free meals at all outlets worldwide. This honor is reserved for only six people globally, marking a significant gesture of appreciation.
The friends discuss their travel plans for the upcoming holiday season. Chef Arnold mentions using the BBIT app by Lion Group to find affordable flights and earn points for rewards like iPhones. They express excitement about future visits to the restaurant and traveling together.
Chef Arnold thanks his friends for joining and encourages viewers to comment on who they would like to see invited next to Arpo or other locations. The video ends with a call to like and subscribe for more content.
This gathering at Arpo showcases not only Chef Arnold's culinary skills but also his passion for creating a welcoming atmosphere and sharing unique food experiences with friends and fans alike. The blend of traditional recipes, innovative dishes, and heartfelt hospitality makes Arpo a must-visit destination in Surabaya for food enthusiasts.
