BANDUNG, West Java (JP): On a recent weekend escape to
\nBandung, it seemed like half of Jakarta had the same idea, with
\nmost hotels booked up and \"B\" vehicle registration plates
\nseemingly everywhere on the streets.<\/p>\n
I decided to head up to the cool climes of Dago, one of the
\nmain attractions for visitors to the city. The minivan went
\nbeyond the Dago terminal and continued heading northward, when,
\nlo and behold, just where the view southwards across the whole
\ncity was at its most spectacular, I came upon a new concrete
\nbuilding, very simple in design but accommodating one of the
\nlatest attractions for foodies in Bandung.<\/p>\n
I made a booking straight away for a table with a view for
\nthat evening. It turned out to be the right choice.<\/p>\n
Location: Jl. Bukit Pakar Timur No.73, Bandung 40198. Tel\/fax
\n(022) 2531030. It is open at lunchtimes and evenings and major
\ncredit cards are accepted.<\/p>\n
Looks: As mentioned above, the restaurant is located on a
\nhillside overlooking Bandung, giving the restaurant a sweeping
\npanorama, which at night offers a dramatic view of the twinkling
\nlights of the city below. This view is marred only by a half-
\nfinished building just below that obstructs part of the
\nforeground. (I was told by one of the waiters that it was planned
\nto be a hospital, but when it will be finished is anyone's
\nguess).<\/p>\n
The restaurant building is an L-shaped barn-like concrete
\nconstruction that runs down the slope of the hill, thereby
\noffering a number of different levels all under one roof. The
\nambience is trendy, postmodern minimalist, and two entire sides
\nof the building have windows, to take maximum possible advantage
\nof those views. The floor is bare wooden boarding and stone, and
\nthe two solid walls are mainly bare brickwork, with some arty
\nmotifs attached.<\/p>\n
The lighting, very effective at night, consists mainly of
\nshaded halogen bulbs suspended on long cables directly from the
\nlive electrical cables slung between the roof beams. This means
\nthat although the tables are well lit, the people sitting at them
\nare in half-light, creating quite a romantic atmosphere. At this
\nelevation there is no need for air-conditioning, or even fans!<\/p>\n
McNzie has already been open for about eight months, so a lot
\nof people have already got to know about it. On the evening I was
\nthere the place was packed to the gunnels, mainly with Jakarta
\nsophisticates who had come mostly in groups of at least four
\npeople.<\/p>\n
My companion and I ended up at a table next to some Harley
\nDavidson enthusiasts, dressed in full regalia. The restaurant
\nmust have dealt with about two to three full sittings that
\nevening, and as the place can accommodate around 150 covers, that
\nwas an awful lot of diners!<\/p>\n
The waiting staff, very much to their credit, were the epitome
\nof courtesy, politeness and calm, despite being rushed completely
\noff their feet. Their all-black uniforms complemented well the
\nrestaurant's suave and urbane ambience.<\/p>\n
What's it got? The menu is dominated by beef or steak dishes,
\nwith a smattering of fish, pasta and chicken. Although there were
\nsome Asian dishes available, the cuisine is primarily western and
\npresented in the nouvelle style. The fact that almost all the
\ndiners on that busy night were Indonesians is a tribute to its
\npopularity. There is also a range of light meals (such as tuna
\nmelt or steak 'n' cheese sandwiches), plus desserts. The usual
\nrange of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, plus wines,
\nare available.<\/p>\n
Taste factor: I opted for one of the \"specials\" for that day
\n-- spicy steak. It was served almost like a stew, as the beef was
\ncut up, cooked in a rich red wine sauce and served on a bed of
\nseasonal vegetables. It was accompanied by rosemary potatoes. My
\ncompanion had chicken masala, which was creamy and spicy without
\nbeing too hot. It was served with vegetables and croquet-like
\npotatoes with a cheese coating.<\/p>\n
Both helpings were reasonably sized and the food was tasty.
\nUnfortunately the dessert I'd ordered (mocha tartlet with
\ncustard) was not available, and as I'd already waited quite a
\nwhile before they informed me about this, I didn't bother with
\nanything else. My companion had chocolate and mocha ice cream,
\nwhich was fine. Two cappuccinos rounded off the meal.<\/p>\n
Price points: The meal above, including a Miller bottled beer
\nand a mixed fruit juice came to Rp 162,000, including tax and
\nservice. Main courses were about Rp 20,000 to Rp 100,000 and
\ndesserts Rp 15,000 to Rp 30,000. Drinks were around Rp 12,000 to
\nRp 30,000 and a bottle of wine around Rp 200,000 to Rp 250,000.
\n(All the above prices exclude tax and service charges).<\/p>\n
Minus points: Although the staff were very good, it was
\nobvious they were stretched to the limit, because the food
\narrived before the drinks, the beer came without a glass, and it
\ntook ages for the dessert to arrive. Bearing in mind the
\ncircumstances though, this was a relatively small gripe.<\/p>\n
The main problem with Mc Nzie is that unless you have your own
\ntransportation, it can be difficult to leave after the meal is
\nover. My companion and I had traveled up as ojek (motorcycle
\ntaxi) passengers from the Dago minivan terminal, but when it came
\nto leaving, the ojek were nowhere to be seen. The restaurant said
\nit was pointless to phone for a taxi, as no driver would come out
\nthis far so late at night.<\/p>\n
There was no alternative but to opt for shanks' pony, and
\nfortunately the last minivan going back down to the city picked
\nus up as we walked. Surely, there must be other diners who might
\nfind themselves in a similar predicament, so couldn't the
\nrestaurant at least make some transportation arrangement to run
\nguests down to the Dago terminal on the weekend?<\/p>\n
Verdict: Strongly recommended for its trendy ambience, the
\nsuperb views (particularly at night), the romantic atmosphere and
\nreasonable prices. Bring your own transportation though! (Les
\nCoffier)<\/p>",
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