GB Bistro’s selection of gelato flavors. (Photo courtesy of GB Bistro)
Originally founded in 2003, Gelato Bar was recently rebranded to GB Bistro & Dessert, which stands for Gelato Bar Bistro. Initially targeting a niche market for desserts lovers, the revamped dessert joint is shifting its focus to international gourmet dishes to widen its customer base.
Director and founder Joe Lim, co-founder Anne Guow, product and public relations manager Jessie Guow and brand ambassador Edward Gunawan were proudly on hand during the opening in the upscale mall Senayan City, South Jakarta, earlier this month.
“What we want to emphasize through this rebranding effort, is the ‘bistro’ part. Usually, the word refers to homemade food, so that is what we will be serving our customers. We don’t want to be known only as a Gelato bar,” Joe said.
As the bistro’s interior architect, Joe redesigned the former dessert cafe into two parts: the gelato bar and the dining section. The packaging of the gelato itself has also altered into a more modern and exclusive look.
“Since GB Bistro is now a restaurant, we want its interior to feel warm and cozy; that is why we are using wooden furniture. We are aiming for a rustic, yet modern design,” he explained.
The popular Gelato Bar has re-opened its doors with a brand-new name, a new look and a revamped, international menu to attract old and new customers. (Photo courtesy of GB Bistro)
GB Bistro’s menu is filled with an array of both Western and Asian dishes, such as pasta, steak, a range of all-day healthy breakfast meals, as well as ubiquitous Indonesian favorites, including fried rice and oxtail soup. One Asian signature selection that’s sure to become a crowd pleaser, is the nasi goreng cabai hijau (fried rice with green chilli).
The refurbished restaurant uses only fresh ingredients to create their dishes, according to Jessie.
“Our food doesn’t contain monosodium glutamate [MSG],” Jessie said.
Despite a plethora of similar bistros scattered throughout the city, Jessie insisted she remains unfazed by the competition, saying GB Bistro still manages to set itself apart with its healthy approach to preparing its dishes.
Fans of the old Gelato Bar won’t feel too out of place as despite all the changes, its selection of homemade Italian ice cream is still available — but now featuring more choices of desserts and beverages. Jessie felt it was important to maintain the gelato bar as the bistro’s previous incarnation held an edge over others by serving gelato instead of ice cream.
“Gelato is fresh and made of milk, with no cream. So it contains between 5 percent and 7 percent fat, which is far less than in ice cream,” Jessie said.
However, gelato isn’t the only dessert the new bistro has to offer. The dessert menu includes modern unique modern treats unique in terms of garnishing, such as “dark chocolate soil,” which includes chocolate brownies with Oreos and a chosen gelato flavor.
Desserts for customers to choose from at GB Bistro. (Photo courtesy of GB Bistro)
The dessert is served in a small watering can, as if one is indeed eating soil, and is one of Edward’s favorites.
The need for a brand ambassador comes from GB Bistro’s desire to be more connected with the customers on a personal level. Thus, Edward was chosen to represent the rebranding of Gelato Bar.
Edward, an Indonesian actor and filmmaker also known beyond the country’s borders, started his career in Los Angeles, where he worked as a model for international advertising campaigns, and later on, became a regular cast member of a show called “The Joy Luck Club.” In Indonesia, he is mostly known as Dr. Tom in the popular film “Arisan! 2” as well as Prince Nico from “Street Society.”
“I believe in Edward because he is creative, successful and professional,” Jessie said, adding that the actor — as an Indonesian national with an international career — is the perfect face to represent GB Bistro; a local restaurant that welcomes an international clientele.
Edward said he didn’t think twice about the offer and is looking forward to promoting the restaurant by introducing its healthy meals.
“I strongly trust GB Bistro’s quality control,” he said. “They are very selective with their suppliers,”
While GB Bistro at Senayan City is the brand’s first outlet, the team plans to open more across the country.
By Dhika Himawan on 12:32 pm Jun 15, 2014
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