22/02/2007
Gumati
Gumati Cafe: An exotic cultural dining experience
Jakarta Post, Sunday, December 03, 2006
Camelia Catharina, Contributor, Jakarta
Stepping into Gumati Cafe in Bogor one afternoon recently, I was welcome by a fresh breeze and the fragrance of frangipani on the air.
Situated around 200 meters from the southern end of the Bogor Botanical Garden, the cafe is easily recognized by its brick wall and unique design.
Its entrance leads to the upper level of the restaurant, which is some 60 kilometers south of the capital Jakarta.
Most diners, however, choose to go downstairs which has indoor and outdoor dining areas and a unique gazebo, called a ranggon. There is another dining area similar to the ranggon with a different type of seating, called a bale. This is where I chose to enjoy my meal.
Here, standing above a fishpond, you sit on cushions on the parquet floor with a short, square wooden table. This area showcases the natural beauty of Mount Salak and sparkling Bogor city at night, offering a serene view for sore eyes.
But the astonishing view is not all there is on offer. Gumati is about an exotic cultural experience deriving from its multiethnic architecture, decorations and cuisine. It provides an intimate atmosphere perfect for get-togethers among friends and family.
The indoor decorations are in harmony with the building architecture, featuring earthy and natural materials such as wood, stone, trees and fabrics. It is used to create a warm and cozy ambience. In the middle of the caf‚, water descends from the mouth of some small turtle sculptures into a moderate-sized swimming pool. Of course, you can't swim here, but the sound of the water, combined with the sound of twittering birds and Sundanese music, is comforting to the mind, especially for those who live in a hectic and crowded city like Jakarta.
As this was not the first time for me dining at the caf‚, I knew that the place offered different settings to meet its patrons' need for food, entertainment and ambience. Daylight dining is good for those looking for tranquility and for family dining. Children can have fun in the playground area, watching cartoons or rocking in the swinging chair.
For those looking for a hideaway, visiting Gumati in the day is perfect. Close your eyes and you'll feel as if you're in the middle of a paddy field, accentuated with traditional Sundanese music, water splashing on the surface of the pool, bird's chirping and a gentle wind. When you open your eyes, drink in the panorama and the Balinese decorations such as paintings, orchids and handicrafts covering almost every corner of the restaurant.
The evening offers a totally different ambience. Couples should arrive in time to enjoy the spectacular sunset view. Later in the night, you can have a romantic candlelit dinner under the stars at Geladak, the outdoor area that gives you a bird's eye view of the sparkling city and the two rivers flowing down the valley. What more could you ask for from a romantic dinner. Indoor dining provides a different atmosphere. The warm ambience is perfect for friends.
Guests are entertained by different performances each night. A solo pianist performs Wednesday night and Balinese dancers every Friday and Sunday nights from 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For younger people, there are live band performance every Thursday.
Topping off the great decorations and performances, Gumati provides some distinctive dishes and beverages. For my lunch I had the paket timbel special, which consists of nasi timbel (steamed rice wrapped in banana leaf), fried chicken, tempe (molded soya bean), tahu (bean curd), salty fish, lalab (raw vegetables), empal (spicy fried beef), homemade chili sauce and sayur asem (sour soup with corn, pumpkin fruit and string beans).
The food was a unique blend of particular tastes -- hot, sour, sweet and salty -- and the whole thing only cost Rp 30,500 (US$3.40). Another Sundanese traditional dish worth trying is gurame asam manis (fried scrap fish in sweet and sour sauce). You can also try Chinese dishes or more global dishes such as steaks, burgers and sandwiches.
I had an es cingcau to drink. It is really good company for the meal I had. It's good for cooling your mouth from the chili sauce and costs Rp 13,500. Es cingcau is just one of several traditional beverages on the menu. Bandrek is another traditional beverage that is rarely found in restaurants.
In the evening, there are more traditional selections from stalls in the outdoor area, including steamed peanuts, bajigur, wedang ronde and colenak. Wedang ronde and bandrek taste hot and sweet. Some people believe that these beverages can relieve ailments and improve health.
Gumati Cafe is not a place for a quick bite. This is not because you have to wait for a long time for your food to be served -- as a matter of fact they served my dishes in less than 10 minutes -- but because it is just so great that you won't want to leave.
And dining here is affordable. You can have a complete meal for between Rp 25,000 and Rp 75,000. Beverage prices range from Rp 6,500 to Rp 22,500. But this is nothing compared to the feeling created from the view and atmosphere of the place. Gumati can mesmerize even the most stoic of guest.
As one of the most unique destinations in Bogor, probably only U.S. President George W. Bush could stop people from dining here. Come to Gumati Cafe on the weekend and you will see it is filled with diners, further proving that this is an experience you cannot afford to miss.
Gumati Cafe‚
Jl. Paledang 26 & 28
Bogor 16122
Phone: + 62 251 315 833
Website: www.cafegumati.com
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21/10/2005
Sky Ship
Sky Ship
“Why sail in the sea when you can sail in the sky ...”
Positioned as the highest restaurant in Indonesia, Sky Ship located at the 50th of Wisma BNI 46 building is a romantic dining venue with an amazing panoramic view to Jakarta city. Sailing through the sky is the concept of the atmosphere in this restaurant. Experience this enchanting ambience which makes you feel like sailing on an elegant ship high above the land. Jakarta city’s lighting at night even generates the utmost feeling of being on the top of everything.
With 45 degree wide paneled glasses at one side overlooking the stunning view combine the artful decoration of white sands, sea plant, white stones and serene candle light, this place is perfect for evening rendezvouz. With seating capacity of 28 persons, the room spaciously provides intimate setting for family or couple.
Pan Fried Lobster is fashionable words in this restaurant as it becomes one of the attractive main courses beside Seafood Mixed Grill and Veal Steak. Stand as an International Fine Dining Restaurant, they provide a selection of delectable dishes and beverages. As for beverage Sky Ship serves a wide array of beverage from Iced Tea, Coffee to the alcoholic drink such as cocktail and selections of wine.
Don’t leave this place to early. Enjoy the comfy seating, serene lighting and scrumptious dishes while listening to the classical beautiful works from live pianist perform on the baby grand piano on Friday and Saturday. No matter what await outside the room is must be hardly comparable to this beautiful dining place. Moreover, this restaurant opens until late at night from 7.30 p.m. to 11 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.
The price which ranges from Rp. 130.000 to Rp. 200.000 for the main course and from Rp. 20.000 to Rp. 2.500.000 for beverages is good value especially for the feeling generated by the ambience for dining at this awesome and barely forgettable restaurant. Reservation is highly recommended (Camelia Pasandaran)
Sky Ship
Wisma 46, 50th Floor
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 1,
Jakarta
Reservation: + 62 21 574 6608
Published at Maxx-M September 2005 Edition
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Kampung Daun
Kampung Daun
In the north part of Bandung city, surrounded by the valley and harmonious nature of trees, water splash from a mini waterfall in a beautiful small river, lies Kampung Daun, a restaurant with an enchanting view of the nature. This restaurant built in a simple traditional design but has the power to retreat mind from world’s fast pace. During daytime, the place looks so peaceful with its nature view. At night time, the place is a romantic haven, while low key lighting from the torches and candles combine with some lighting hanging on the trees makes this place look amazingly beautiful yet romantic.
With a culture gallery concept, the restaurant combines some ethnical sides from many provinces in Indonesia into a multi ethnic restaurant. This concept does not apply solely on the concept, but to the variety of cuisine as well. Kampung Daun provides Indonesia traditional cuisines, Asian as well as Western cuisine. From a wide array of dishes to chose from Nasi Timbel, Gurame Goreng and Sop Buntut (oxtail soup) appeared as the favorite menus of its guest while Dwi warna and traditional tea served in clay tea pot are the favorite beverages.
Another significant attraction of this airy place is the routine performance of art and culture every weekend and holiday, such as Kecapi Suling and traditional dances. This cultural performance can be staged in Alun Alun or move around between the 29 gazebos. (Camelia Pasandaran)
Kampung Daun
Jl. Sersan Bajuri Km. 47
Triniti Villas,
Bandung
Reservation: +62 22 278 7915
Published at Maxx-M September 2005 Edition
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Ilalang Bandung
Published at Maxx-M September 2005 edition
Ilalang
Restaurant & Coffee Shop
Ilalang Restaurant derived its name from Indonesia Language means grass. As you arrive at the restaurant, you’ll find many plants which make the place airy even under the bright sunlight in the afternoon.
Composed of natural materials, the restaurant has timber floor and wall which increase the ambience of Balinese Modern Ethnic building created by the decoration of the restaurant. Beside the main dining are, the restaurant boasts 6 gazebos and 2 lesehan (Indonesia traditional way of eating while sitting on the floor). You can also experience eating under the sky on the veranda at the second floor.
Even though built in modern Balinese architecture, the restaurant provides mostly western food. Venison Tandoory is one of its specialties composed of grilled venison brushed with tandoori paste, union chutney, served with mushroom ragout and delmonico potato with Bairon red currant sauce. The other favorite menu is Ilalang Combo which consists of delicacy of grilled chicken, beef, sausage lamb and market vegetable served with baked potato & Barbeque Sauce. For children, the restaurant created specific menu such as chicken bond and mickey mouse.
A unique beverage of the restaurant is Mafioso, as mixture between coffee, caramel liquid and liqueur which make the taste originally different. Other beverages are also tantalizing whether from the alcoholic or non alcoholic beverage.
Eating here while enjoying the natural ambience is affordable from Rp. 23.500,- to Rp. 85.000,- for a ala carte. The set menu for lunch is affordable for Rp. 17.000,-. Opening hour 11am – 11pm on Sundays to Thursdays, and 11 am – 12am on Fridays and Saturdays. Live music available on weekends from 7.30 pm to 11pm
Ilalang Restaurant & Coffee Shop
Segitiga Bungur
Jl. Karang Layung No. 24,
Bandung 40162
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31/08/2005
Dragon Palace
Located at a easily accessed place, nearby the gate of the Jakarta-Bandung highway, Dragon Palace inside Grand Aquila Hotel bear out its position as one of the best fine dining Chinese restaurant in Bandung.
Opening its large glass entrance, guest steered to Chinese ambience generated by the exclusive Chinese ornaments in almost every detail of the restaurant. Designed very artfully with beautiful ceramic plate hanging on the pillar and cover some sides of the wall, miniature of dragon statue at the middle of the room and other decorations, come together with the soft instrumental Chinese Music, the guest are led to an unforgettable atmosphere of its ethnical Chinese nuance.
Presenting Szechuan and Cantonesse cuisine, Dragon Palace offers some ways of dining experience here, a la carte, Yecha which means buffet and Jia Jiu for its gala dinner. Whether dining alone, small group or larger group, the restaurant provide a good value dining for all purpose. VIP rooms are also available to have a private dining.
Sophisticated way of cooking together with the skill of the well-trained chefs originally from Hongkong, the restaurant specially created the very well-known delectable dish, Drunken Prawn. Served warm, Dragon Palace Special Soup is directing the desire to experience the other special mouth watering dishes like Mustard Green, Barbecued Combination Dragon Palace and Stir-Fried Chili Crab Singaporean Style. As one of the attraction of mostly Chinese restaurant, the various Dim Sum is also enjoyable.
What’s better to company the fully tasty Chinese dishes but Chinese Tea. This special drink is acknowledged for its magic benefit to erase loaded taste and fat in order to maintain your appetite. Other beverages such as fresh squeezed juice, espresso drink, cocktail to plentiful selection of wine is also tantalizing.
Unpredictably, price for dining here is very affordable. The average price is between Rp. 50,000 up to Rp. 75,000 for each dish, and Rp. 20,000 for beverage. All-You-Can-Eat program namely Yecha which starts everyday after 8.30 p.m. is affordable only for Rp. 30.800++ including Chinese Tea. For a large group, a table set menu namely Jia Jiu is also available starting from Rp. 1.098.000++. On public holiday, Dim Sum Buffet served for only Rp. 48,800++ from 8.a.m. to 2 p.m.
From Monday to Saturday, Dragon Palace which has seating capacity 200 persons, is open from 10.30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m. for lunch and 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. for dinner. On Sunday, the restaurant open from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 12 p.m. (Camelia Pasandaran)
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12/08/2005
Do An
Located at the center of food lovers in North Jakarta, Kelapa Gading, Do An which it names come from a Vietnamese word means “Food”, enriches the assortment of real Asian taste. Far from the common Asian Culinary, Do An brought to Jakarta several exceptional Vietnam dishes that won’t be found in other Vietnamese Restaurant in Jakarta. Infact, Do An is the one and only independent Vietnamese Restaurant in Kelapa Gading.
Firstly entering this place, the simplicity of the restaurant is dominantly guide your mind to modern simple Vietnamese design. Large picture of Vietnamese girls on the bike covering almost the whole left wall. Yellow flowers, namely Bung Mai, is the most substantial decoration to a Vietnamese setting. This flower used widely every new year celebration in Vietnam. Bamboo and two dolls at the corner are even strengthening the ambience of Vietnam.
This simplicity seamlessly make perfect by a very satisfying service of the attendants. Realizing that the cuisine provided is newly unfamiliar to Indonesian people, they inform clearly o the customers about the selection of food and Vietnamese style of eating. For example, Vietnamese use Nuoc Mam which is made by layering fresh anchovies with salt in huge wooden barrels to compliment most of Vietnamese dishes, such as Cha Gio (Fried Spring roll) or Chao Tom (Sugar cane Prawns).
Relatively, Vietnamese cooking is a fusion of the best culinary elements. The unique blend of cultural influence from China, Thai and French has created a distinctive personality. Other influence is vegetarianism from Buddhists. The uniqueness is also acquired from its pervasive use of fresh leaves and herbs resulted fresh flavors, beautiful aromas and many interesting textural variations.
A very exclusive dish which only provided in this restaurant is Bon Bo Hue, spicy Vietnamese beef rice noodle soup. In Vietnam, this is the exclusive dish for the emperor from the Central Vietnam. From the main course selection, the other most attraction dish are Bun Bo Xao Cha Gio (rice noodle salad stir fry lemongrass beef/chicken satay with Vietnamese sauce), Bo Luc Lac Com Sot Ca (garlic beef with tomato rice egg & salad) and Com Tam (Vietnamese combination rice).
Complete the new experience of dining in a Vietnam restaurant with the crispy appetizer, Cha Gio Ga, a Vietnamese fried spring roll with chicken and its fresh coffee beans straight from Vietnam, Iced Coffee. The delicate blend of the coffee has slightly strong flavor and sensation. (Camelia Pasandaran)
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Paparazi
Situated in the ‘zero-point’ of Central Business District in Jakarta, fronted as the showcase of Plaza Indonesia, overlooking the spectacular roundabout ‘Tugu Selamat Datang’ of Jakarta, Paparazzi is comparable to any fine restaurant across the city.
With the certainty of bringing one feeling of being ‘somewhere else’, the interior of Paparazzi is designed in a sleek and elegant style – featuring specially imported fixtures, from the fine china, glassware, lightings, sound system, down to the ashtrays, done by the same architect who did the beautiful Kudeta and Downtown Villas in Bali.
Featuring experienced Australian chef Chris Patzold, Paparazzi serves western-influenced foods prepared from finest ingredients. Providing wide selections of fine wine from across the globe, one can enjoy delicious lunch, dinner, supper or simply desserts with a cup of coffee anytime from 10am to 2am.
They offer several main courses such as parmesan crusted sole-lemon-spinach-pine nut butter and aged beef tenderloin-fat hand out french fries-mustard. Try the side dishes like olive oil mash and rocket & grana salad. For the dessert, the restaurant offered caramelized apple tart-apple & maple butter and raspberry gelato. Set menu for lunch also affordable strating from Rp. 70.000 to Rp. 210.000,-.
Paparazzi which has the right ambiance for business lunch, is a cool place to chill out after office hour, presents the perfect mood to dine and wine in the evening. For those bored, not knowing what to do on weekend, in town situations, Paparazzi is a good place to feel released from your boredom. Enjoy the sumptuous menu for Brunch, chill out in the lounge amidst the million-dollar view and have yourself to great excitement to hang out in the bar in the evening with guest DJ’s playing the latest music. (Camelia Pasandaran)
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Chrystal Jade Kitchen
Maxx-M July 2005
Crystal Jade enters the culinary world of Indonesia with a very distinctive concept. With four restaurants and two cakerys, Crystal Jade provides a huge and scrumptious selection of Halal Hong Kong dishes.
Strategically located in Plaza Indonesia Entertainment X’enter, Crystal Jade Kitchen is the main destination for people who want to spoil their taste buds. With a capacity of around 210 people including VIP rooms, turnover can reach up to 500 people per day.
Entering Crystal Jade Kitchen, with modern minimalist interior, a mix between east and west, you will find a very cozy restaurant. The fine dining concept in this restaurant is very different when compared with fine dining western restaurants serving small portions. Here, every dish is served on a big white plate with a simple yet attractive garnish to increase your appetite. No matter how many dishes you order, they will all be ready in less than 10 minutes, except for fish servings.
From a wide selection of mouth watering dishes, there are some popular items. You can start your dining experience by having Deep Fried Bean Curd in Spice Salt. This tasty dish is completed with garlic and red chili. Served warm, Stewed Beef Brisket in Casserole also has an unforgettable, long lasting taste. Don’t stop before you try Deep Fried French Bean with Flour or Live Prawn with Baked Egg Yolk. Other popular dishes are Chicken with Ginger Claypot and Won Ton Noodles. End your meal with Glutinous Ball with Grated Nut & Sesame. Served as dessert, this pastry has a perfect soft and sweet taste.
If you don’t feel like eating a big meal, you can visit the Crystal Jade Cakery located in front of the restaurant. Crystal Jade Cakery provides an array of freshly baked, delectable cakes and breads.
Besides the specialties of crispy Croissant or Cheese Cake with its soft sponge,
traditional cakes such as Bo Lo Bun containing pineapple and chicken, Lo Po Bing otherwise known as wife Cake, Hong Kong Cup Cake and sushi Spicy Floss are available.
To accompany these tasty cakes, enjoy the freshness of Iced Iguazu made with lemon and mint served with soda, Iced Tonka Tea or Tankaberry.
Crystal Jade Kitchen and Cakery is the perfect place to spend time with your family and friends while enjoying the wonderful flavours of Asian food.
Crystal Jade opens from 11am to 10:30pm on weekdays and from 10am to 10:30pm on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. Making a reservation is highly recommended. (Camelia Pasandaran)
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Le Rendezvouz
Maxx-M June 2005
Le Rendezvous, found in the Le Meredien Hotel, Jakarta, and designed after a unique Indonesian house, offers live music and the perfect intimate setting for an evening of socialising. As they have a side entry to the hotel, people who want to avoid the “three in one” regulation may choose to come to this quiet and peaceful restaurant.
Le Rendezvous displays artistic Javanese decoration in harmony with the hotel style. Wooden floors and tables combined with rattan seats and ceiling fans will make you feel at home. A view to the garden by the poolside adds to the comfy feeling. While waiting for your order or having your food and drink, you can listen to the live music presented by a singer accompanied by music produced on a baby grand piano in the middle of the room.
A selection of mostly European food is served, with its price range starting from Rp 35.000 up to Rp. 100.000. Toasted Panini with parma ham, tomato mozzarella & fresh basil and Toasted Panini grilled veal, tuna, mayonnaise, roast tomato and bell pepper are the favourites and definitely must be tried.
Le Rendezvous serves a wide range of beverages such as classic cocktails, martini, mocktails, wine and bubbles, aperitives, spirits, juices & mineral water, hot & cold tea, hot and cold coffee with price ranges between Ro. 20.000 up to Rp 150.000,-. Some of the favourites are Papa Double, Tequila, Vanilla Tini and for a non-alcoholic drink Denpasar Moon and Tropical Punch will surely refreshes you.
Anytime you have a hectic day and want to wind down after work, visit Le Rendezvous and get refreshed. (Camelia Pasandaran)
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