Iftar at Batavia Marina Sunda Kelapa
Dian Kuswandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
| Sat, 09/05/2009 1:02 PM | Life
There are different places for different tastes. And the fasting month of Ramadan gives us a good excuse to hunt for food that pleases every palate — perhaps without having to feel guilty.
Yes, all those of us who are fasting, let’s admit it: Ever since we were kids, the moment of iftar — breaking the fast — has been one of the most exciting things after a whole day of hunger and thirst.
For this sundown ritual, it has become a common trend in Indonesia for people to go out in a festive mood and enjoy a lavish buffet or à la carte dishes at hotels and restaurants. Which, when you think about it, means Ramadan could just be the right time a perfect moment for some new culinary experiences.
So if you are after a culinary experience, this time pick some eateries that offer more than just delicious fare, and maybe try a change from the hotels. Look for something cool enough for you to have some chit-chat or just to spend some lazy evening hours. Some places you should add to your list are the under-the-stars Barcode Outdoor Terrace, beachside Batavia Sunda Kelapa Marina and feel-like-home The Apartment.
| Sat, 09/05/2009 1:02 PM | Life
There are different places for different tastes. And the fasting month of Ramadan gives us a good excuse to hunt for food that pleases every palate — perhaps without having to feel guilty.
Yes, all those of us who are fasting, let’s admit it: Ever since we were kids, the moment of iftar — breaking the fast — has been one of the most exciting things after a whole day of hunger and thirst.
For this sundown ritual, it has become a common trend in Indonesia for people to go out in a festive mood and enjoy a lavish buffet or à la carte dishes at hotels and restaurants. Which, when you think about it, means Ramadan could just be the right time a perfect moment for some new culinary experiences.
So if you are after a culinary experience, this time pick some eateries that offer more than just delicious fare, and maybe try a change from the hotels. Look for something cool enough for you to have some chit-chat or just to spend some lazy evening hours. Some places you should add to your list are the under-the-stars Barcode Outdoor Terrace, beachside Batavia Sunda Kelapa Marina and feel-like-home The Apartment.
An iftar at a “home” could be a good way to kick off your culinary journey. This means you could just head over to The Apartment, a lovely eaterie in Kuningan, South Jakarta, which was designed to resemble a cozy premium residence.
Entering the place, you’ll feel delighted to find out that you’re free to dine anywhere you please: The living room, bedroom, pantry, library, bar, terrace or even Jacuzzi and bathroom. The waiters and waitresses are even dressed in pajamas, too. And as your menu arrives, be sure to smile as it’s printed to look like a newspaper — just the thing you’ll find at home. First impression? Very inviting.
“Just like at your own home, you can eat anywhere you want, right?” says the restaurant’s general manager Tito Andhika.
“It’s the same at The Apartment; you can eat on the sofa or even bed. We want you to come here and feel like you’re home — all cozy and comfortable.”
According to Tito, The Apartment is decked out with Scandinavian home décor; you can see big colorful sofas in the living room, cooking utensils hanging above the oven, shelves filled with books in the library, a pretty king-size bed in the bedroom, as well as a shower, basin and towels in the blue-tiled bathroom. And in a nice touch, framed photographs of loyal customers (who are called “the residents”) are displayed on corner tables.
“Working people sometimes need to escape to a homey place where they can relax, even if only for a while,” Tito says. “But imagine if you go to the malls to find eating places there. They’re very crowded — you’ll get tired instead of relaxed.”
So at The Apartment, be ready to experience a new friendly ambience. And while the rooms themselves hold your interest, the food also scores.
“We play with quality and generous portions,” says Tito, which means, he adds, “our treats are truly worth the prices.”
Tito’s statement proved right when the first dish, Penne Pesto Chicken, arrived on the table. This pasta covered with creamy pesto sauce, mushrooms and garlic is served in such a big bowl that you might not be able to finish it all by yourself. For Rp 68,000, you won’t regret ordering it: It’s as delicious as anything you’ve ever dreamed of. Another must-try dish, the restaurant’s signature Gracia Tower Lasagna, is truly a delicacy to behold. This baked lasagna, coated with cheese and bread crumbs and priced at Rp 98,000, is very meaty and crispy at the same time. The Apartment has a wide selection of pastas apart from these two, along with steaks, soups, sandwiches and pizzas — all in continental style.
Want to quench your thirst? Try Fillalatella, a non-alcoholic mixed drink that combines the rich flavors of cranberry, red currant, lemon, cherry, raspberry and elderflower syrup. This uniquely flavored mocktail, offered at Rp 40,000, fits well with Chocolate Lava, a hearty dessert with an unforgettable taste. Served with vanilla ice cream, Chocolate Lava is actually a chocolate cake baked into a crispy coat with soft molten center. This Rp 58,000 dessert is a perfect pick to end your iftar hours at The Apartment.
When you feel full and are ready to go to your “real” home, get ready to smile (again) as you receive your bill in an envelope as if it’s just been dropped through your letterbox. What an eating-out experience!
So now you’ve eaten inside, let’s head outside — literally. At Barcode Outdoor Terrace in Kemang, South Jakarta, you can enjoy your iftar moments on a cozy rooftop, watching as the sun goes down, with bulging lanterns and candles casting their warm glow with the gleaming night-sky as the ceiling. The Jakarta Post quickly fell in love with this Mediterranean-style place on the first visit.
“There are many places in Jakarta that embrace an outdoor concept, but what makes us different is our view,” says Riri Mestika Rachman, or DJ Riri, co-owner of the place. The view Riri is talking about is the stunning view of the vibrant Kemang streets under the Jakarta sky.
In Kemang, the name of the Barcode Club should ring a bell with club-goers. The Barcode Outdoor Terrace is just outside the club. It occupies a space some 1,800 meters square with a capacity of some 380 seats and is surrounded by small trees and creeping plants, making it a lovely “hideaway” from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Basically, Barcode engages with the concept of an outdoor food court: It has several outlets offering different kinds of cuisines. Uncle Rod’s outlet, for example, has traditional dishes from Makassar and Manado, such as sop buntut (oxtail soup), sop konro (rib soup), sate Makassar (Makassar-style satay) and ayam bakar rica-rica (grilled chicken basted in Manado chili sauce). Jimbaran Café, on the other hand, will delight your taste buds with Balinese dishes such as nasi campur jimbaran (Jimbaran mixed rice) and nasi ayam betutu jimbaran (Jimbaran betutu chicken rice). To savor some Dutch flavors, you can simply order from Picasa’s Dutch Kitchen; or if you fancy some duck, try the duck specialties at Bebek Qu — from fried to roasted duck. Or after simple dishes like pastas, burgers, sandwiches and sausages? Then the Cabanossi counter could be your choice. At Barcode, in fact, you can enjoy range of treats, from traditional to international, all at quite reasonable prices. The all-you-can-eat pizza, for example, is only Rp 55,000 per person, and during Ramadan, a special buffet is on offer every day for Rp 85,000. Other specialties such as sate domba afrika — roast lamb — will set back Rp 45,000, while Australian sirloin and tenderloin steaks are Rp 60,000 and Rp 65,000, respectively.
“Because we embrace the food court concept [with specialized kitchens], customers don’t have to wait a long time for their orders,” says Barcode’s marketing officer Nena Huria Zakwan.
Wide selection of foods aside, Barcode has several cabanas — or small shelters — located just next to the terrace’s fence. These cabanas, according to Nena, are the most popular places for those looking for more privacy. Each cabana can seat up to 10 people; they are available for a minimum order of Rp 500,000 on weekdays and Rp 750,000 on weekends. What these cabanas mean for guests is a chance to experience the “joy of outdoor living”.
If a romantic outdoor ambience and good food does not sound like enough for you, no worries: Barcode also spoils you with an acoustic music session from 8 p.m. Feel like hearing a particular song or even head up on stage yourself? Go ahead and enjoy the rest of your night.
Rooftop dining? Done. Homey festivity? Done. Where else to go? If your kind of place includes a private beach and seafood, then your next iftar destination should be Batavia Sunda Kelapa Marina in Sunda Kelapa Port, North Jakarta. From Friday to Sunday, the place devotes itself to seafood lovers, holding a Seafood Night.
Romancing with prawns, squid, lobsters and various types of fish such as gindara (silver cod), kakap (snapper), marlin and teri susu (tiny sea fish) — you can enjoy any of these for only Rp 12,500 per ounce (feel free to choose your own seafood like you’re in a market!). At that price, you can decide how you want the chef to cook your seafood: Grilled, fried or stewed them, or have them cooked with either Padang-style sauce or black pepper sauce. Your chosen dish comes with free rice, sambal (chili sauce) and a basket of vegetables.
“Other places might also offer seafood, but we have the unique ambience of a private beach,” says Batavia’s public relations officer Reiner Fajar.
The ambience at Batavia is indeed unique. Just imagine a romantic beach view, gentle breeze, sparkling water and lights from nearby ships forming the backdrop to your dining. And don’t forget the live reggae performance that brings you closer to a nautical-flavored experience. One word: Exotic.
And while the ambience will lift your mood, the delicacies certainly won’t disappoint. Served quickly, they also taste good. The Jakarta Post highly recommends the savory grilled gindara and crispy fried teri susu. If you want something spicy, try the squid cooked with black-pepper sauce.
If you visit Batavia on a Saturday or Sunday, you will also be lucky enough to find some extra treats on the menu. On Saturday, you can enjoy steak for only Rp 95,000, including French fries and salad bar. On Sunday, you can go crazy with all-you-can-eat satay for only Rp 35,000 per person. Feel free to choose from surf — fish and prawn satay — and turf — beef and chicken satay.
The Seafood Night starts at 7 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. Of course, for iftar then, this means you must wait for an hour to enjoy this seafood fiesta. But no worries: Just like most customers, you can enjoy some à la carte menu appetizers first to break the fast. And as the clock’s needle turns to seven, you can continue your iftar with the seafood dining. After that? Just relax and enjoy your quality time with friends and family.
Bon appetit!
Barcode Outdoor Terrace
La Codefin 3rd Floor Rooftop
Jl. Kemang Raya No.8
South Jakarta 12730
Tel: 021-7182208/7182477
www.barcode.co.id
Dishes range from Rp 5,000 to Rp 75,000
The Apartment
Menara Gracia, Ground Floor
Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav. C-17
South Jakarta (just next to the Australian Embassy)
Tel: 021-520 0380
www.culinaryconcepts.asia/theapartment
Dishes range from Rp 25,000 to Rp 278,000
Drinks include juices, soft drinks, coffees and teas, mocktails, cocktails, beers and wines.
Batavia Sunda Kelapa Marina
Jl. Baruna Raya No. 9
North Jakarta 14430
Tel: 021-691 5599
www.batavia-marina.com
Seafood Night: Fri–Sun 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Prices: Choose your own fresh seafood at Rp 12,500 per ounce, includes cooking rice, vegetables and sambal (chili sauce). Steak is also available on Saturday for Rp 95,000 per person, and all-you-can-eat satay is available Sunday at Rp 35,000 per person.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/09/05/cool-feasts-when-fast-ends.html-0s
Entering the place, you’ll feel delighted to find out that you’re free to dine anywhere you please: The living room, bedroom, pantry, library, bar, terrace or even Jacuzzi and bathroom. The waiters and waitresses are even dressed in pajamas, too. And as your menu arrives, be sure to smile as it’s printed to look like a newspaper — just the thing you’ll find at home. First impression? Very inviting.
“Just like at your own home, you can eat anywhere you want, right?” says the restaurant’s general manager Tito Andhika.
“It’s the same at The Apartment; you can eat on the sofa or even bed. We want you to come here and feel like you’re home — all cozy and comfortable.”
According to Tito, The Apartment is decked out with Scandinavian home décor; you can see big colorful sofas in the living room, cooking utensils hanging above the oven, shelves filled with books in the library, a pretty king-size bed in the bedroom, as well as a shower, basin and towels in the blue-tiled bathroom. And in a nice touch, framed photographs of loyal customers (who are called “the residents”) are displayed on corner tables.
“Working people sometimes need to escape to a homey place where they can relax, even if only for a while,” Tito says. “But imagine if you go to the malls to find eating places there. They’re very crowded — you’ll get tired instead of relaxed.”
So at The Apartment, be ready to experience a new friendly ambience. And while the rooms themselves hold your interest, the food also scores.
“We play with quality and generous portions,” says Tito, which means, he adds, “our treats are truly worth the prices.”
Tito’s statement proved right when the first dish, Penne Pesto Chicken, arrived on the table. This pasta covered with creamy pesto sauce, mushrooms and garlic is served in such a big bowl that you might not be able to finish it all by yourself. For Rp 68,000, you won’t regret ordering it: It’s as delicious as anything you’ve ever dreamed of. Another must-try dish, the restaurant’s signature Gracia Tower Lasagna, is truly a delicacy to behold. This baked lasagna, coated with cheese and bread crumbs and priced at Rp 98,000, is very meaty and crispy at the same time. The Apartment has a wide selection of pastas apart from these two, along with steaks, soups, sandwiches and pizzas — all in continental style.
Want to quench your thirst? Try Fillalatella, a non-alcoholic mixed drink that combines the rich flavors of cranberry, red currant, lemon, cherry, raspberry and elderflower syrup. This uniquely flavored mocktail, offered at Rp 40,000, fits well with Chocolate Lava, a hearty dessert with an unforgettable taste. Served with vanilla ice cream, Chocolate Lava is actually a chocolate cake baked into a crispy coat with soft molten center. This Rp 58,000 dessert is a perfect pick to end your iftar hours at The Apartment.
When you feel full and are ready to go to your “real” home, get ready to smile (again) as you receive your bill in an envelope as if it’s just been dropped through your letterbox. What an eating-out experience!
So now you’ve eaten inside, let’s head outside — literally. At Barcode Outdoor Terrace in Kemang, South Jakarta, you can enjoy your iftar moments on a cozy rooftop, watching as the sun goes down, with bulging lanterns and candles casting their warm glow with the gleaming night-sky as the ceiling. The Jakarta Post quickly fell in love with this Mediterranean-style place on the first visit.
“There are many places in Jakarta that embrace an outdoor concept, but what makes us different is our view,” says Riri Mestika Rachman, or DJ Riri, co-owner of the place. The view Riri is talking about is the stunning view of the vibrant Kemang streets under the Jakarta sky.
In Kemang, the name of the Barcode Club should ring a bell with club-goers. The Barcode Outdoor Terrace is just outside the club. It occupies a space some 1,800 meters square with a capacity of some 380 seats and is surrounded by small trees and creeping plants, making it a lovely “hideaway” from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Basically, Barcode engages with the concept of an outdoor food court: It has several outlets offering different kinds of cuisines. Uncle Rod’s outlet, for example, has traditional dishes from Makassar and Manado, such as sop buntut (oxtail soup), sop konro (rib soup), sate Makassar (Makassar-style satay) and ayam bakar rica-rica (grilled chicken basted in Manado chili sauce). Jimbaran Café, on the other hand, will delight your taste buds with Balinese dishes such as nasi campur jimbaran (Jimbaran mixed rice) and nasi ayam betutu jimbaran (Jimbaran betutu chicken rice). To savor some Dutch flavors, you can simply order from Picasa’s Dutch Kitchen; or if you fancy some duck, try the duck specialties at Bebek Qu — from fried to roasted duck. Or after simple dishes like pastas, burgers, sandwiches and sausages? Then the Cabanossi counter could be your choice. At Barcode, in fact, you can enjoy range of treats, from traditional to international, all at quite reasonable prices. The all-you-can-eat pizza, for example, is only Rp 55,000 per person, and during Ramadan, a special buffet is on offer every day for Rp 85,000. Other specialties such as sate domba afrika — roast lamb — will set back Rp 45,000, while Australian sirloin and tenderloin steaks are Rp 60,000 and Rp 65,000, respectively.
“Because we embrace the food court concept [with specialized kitchens], customers don’t have to wait a long time for their orders,” says Barcode’s marketing officer Nena Huria Zakwan.
Wide selection of foods aside, Barcode has several cabanas — or small shelters — located just next to the terrace’s fence. These cabanas, according to Nena, are the most popular places for those looking for more privacy. Each cabana can seat up to 10 people; they are available for a minimum order of Rp 500,000 on weekdays and Rp 750,000 on weekends. What these cabanas mean for guests is a chance to experience the “joy of outdoor living”.
If a romantic outdoor ambience and good food does not sound like enough for you, no worries: Barcode also spoils you with an acoustic music session from 8 p.m. Feel like hearing a particular song or even head up on stage yourself? Go ahead and enjoy the rest of your night.
Rooftop dining? Done. Homey festivity? Done. Where else to go? If your kind of place includes a private beach and seafood, then your next iftar destination should be Batavia Sunda Kelapa Marina in Sunda Kelapa Port, North Jakarta. From Friday to Sunday, the place devotes itself to seafood lovers, holding a Seafood Night.
Romancing with prawns, squid, lobsters and various types of fish such as gindara (silver cod), kakap (snapper), marlin and teri susu (tiny sea fish) — you can enjoy any of these for only Rp 12,500 per ounce (feel free to choose your own seafood like you’re in a market!). At that price, you can decide how you want the chef to cook your seafood: Grilled, fried or stewed them, or have them cooked with either Padang-style sauce or black pepper sauce. Your chosen dish comes with free rice, sambal (chili sauce) and a basket of vegetables.
“Other places might also offer seafood, but we have the unique ambience of a private beach,” says Batavia’s public relations officer Reiner Fajar.
The ambience at Batavia is indeed unique. Just imagine a romantic beach view, gentle breeze, sparkling water and lights from nearby ships forming the backdrop to your dining. And don’t forget the live reggae performance that brings you closer to a nautical-flavored experience. One word: Exotic.
And while the ambience will lift your mood, the delicacies certainly won’t disappoint. Served quickly, they also taste good. The Jakarta Post highly recommends the savory grilled gindara and crispy fried teri susu. If you want something spicy, try the squid cooked with black-pepper sauce.
If you visit Batavia on a Saturday or Sunday, you will also be lucky enough to find some extra treats on the menu. On Saturday, you can enjoy steak for only Rp 95,000, including French fries and salad bar. On Sunday, you can go crazy with all-you-can-eat satay for only Rp 35,000 per person. Feel free to choose from surf — fish and prawn satay — and turf — beef and chicken satay.
The Seafood Night starts at 7 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. Of course, for iftar then, this means you must wait for an hour to enjoy this seafood fiesta. But no worries: Just like most customers, you can enjoy some à la carte menu appetizers first to break the fast. And as the clock’s needle turns to seven, you can continue your iftar with the seafood dining. After that? Just relax and enjoy your quality time with friends and family.
Bon appetit!
Barcode Outdoor Terrace
La Codefin 3rd Floor Rooftop
Jl. Kemang Raya No.8
South Jakarta 12730
Tel: 021-7182208/7182477
www.barcode.co.id
Dishes range from Rp 5,000 to Rp 75,000
The Apartment
Menara Gracia, Ground Floor
Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav. C-17
South Jakarta (just next to the Australian Embassy)
Tel: 021-520 0380
www.culinaryconcepts.asia/theapartment
Dishes range from Rp 25,000 to Rp 278,000
Drinks include juices, soft drinks, coffees and teas, mocktails, cocktails, beers and wines.
Batavia Sunda Kelapa Marina
Jl. Baruna Raya No. 9
North Jakarta 14430
Tel: 021-691 5599
www.batavia-marina.com
Seafood Night: Fri–Sun 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Prices: Choose your own fresh seafood at Rp 12,500 per ounce, includes cooking rice, vegetables and sambal (chili sauce). Steak is also available on Saturday for Rp 95,000 per person, and all-you-can-eat satay is available Sunday at Rp 35,000 per person.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/09/05/cool-feasts-when-fast-ends.html-0s
