Para Para serves delectable local cuisine<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): After an arduous and hair-raising journey across
\nJakarta in rush hour traffic, it was a decidedly disheveled and
\nruffled Epicurus and partner who emerged from their taxi in front
\nof the Kedai Para Para restaurant on Jl. Bangka Raya in the heart
\nof South Jakarta's flourishing expatriate district.<\/p>\n
All notions of goodwill had by this stage been expunged from
\nEpicurus' heart and had been replaced by vile and malignant
\nthoughts suffused with the infliction of nefarious acts upon
\nothers.<\/p>\n
Thus, it was with malice aforethought that Epicurus and
\npartner determinedly approached their objective only to find
\nthemselves promptly mollified upon entry by the genuine smile and
\nwarmth of an attending waiter who immediately made us feel at
\nease.<\/p>\n
After much to-ing and fro-ing, Epicurus and partner finally
\nfound themselves seated at a simply-laid table.<\/p>\n
The delay in settling in was not an altogether bad thing as it
\nafforded canny Epicurus an opportunity to survey his environs at
\nsome length.<\/p>\n
The restaurant was divided into four separate and compact
\nareas with each section being home to a maximum of three tables,
\nsome of which by their size were obviously designed for parties.<\/p>\n
All of the compartments were tastefully designed and furnished
\nin traditional style, but Epicurus was nevertheless left
\nwondering what would have transpired should a brash party have
\narrived and elected to seat itself in Epicurus' domain, and could
\nnot help feeling that the seeds of disaster could lie therein.<\/p>\n
Such a ghastly premonition failed to materialize, however, as
\nthe restaurant remained virtually empty until Epicurus' departure
\nat approximately 10:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
The menu was a hodgepodge of traditional Indonesian dishes
\ndrawn from all over the Western part of the country.<\/p>\n
For drinks, Epicurus and partner ordered a pineapple juice and
\nan orange juice respectively, both of which were excellent,
\nalthough Epicurus was of the opinion that less sweetening would
\nhave been preferable. However, his partner assured him that
\nsomewhat syrupy beverages were in perfect accord with the
\nIndonesian palate.<\/p>\n
As a starter, Epicurus ordered Udang Gulung - shrimp rolls -
\nand Perkedel Jagung - corn fritters - while his accomplice
\nordered Asinan Betawi - Betawi mixed vegetable salad.<\/p>\n
The portions were extremely large, enough for two in fact,
\nand, at an average price of Rp 13,000, were extremely good value
\nas well as being very appetizing.<\/p>\n
Epicurus and friend then proceeded to order the main courses.
\nEpicurus selected the Gulai Kambing which was described in the
\nmenu as \"Medan lamb curry served with potatoes and jala bread\"
\n(Rp 25,000), while his partner settled for Nasi Goreng Ayam -
\nchicken fried rice (Rp 17,500). Both also ordered a portion of
\nRendang - a spicy West Sumatran dish of beef cubes marinated in
\ncoconut milk, which was described in the menu as the chef's
\nspeciality.<\/p>\n
Epicurus was of the opinion that the Gulai was delicious,
\nreminiscent of Madras curries from India while at the same time
\nallowing the Indonesian flavors to emerge.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Epicurus' associate was thoroughly enchanted with
\nher selection, although, upon sampling, Epicurus was inclined to
\nthe view that the sweet soya sauce was a little preponderant.<\/p>\n
The Rendang, unfortunately, drew groans from both parties.
\nAlthough appropriately spicy, the meat itself was tough to the
\npoint of tooth breakage and was a sad reflection of a chef's
\nspeciality.<\/p>\n
At this point, Epicurus would like to make some observations
\non middle-range Indonesian restaurants in general. As with the
\nKedai Para Para, too often the general ambience is flawed by
\nlittle matters of inattention. Why, for example, is it not
\npossible to provide cloth napkins instead of the paper or tissue
\nserviettes that are so ubiquitous? Why are restaurateurs loath to
\nprovide proper fold-out menus rather than plastic or laminated
\nmenu sheets? And, most seriously, why do Indonesian restaurants
\ninsist on translating Kambing as lamb (as in the case of
\nEpicurus' gulai kambing) whereas, in fact, it is goat or kid?
\nThis is certainly misleading to diners if not downright
\nmendacious.<\/p>\n
Despite these quibbles, which by no means apply uniquely to
\nthe Kedai Para Para, on the whole Epicurus and partner were much
\ntaken by the ambience of the restaurant, the courteous and
\nfriendly service and the generally excellent food (apart from the
\nRendang) and would have no hesitation in recommending this
\nrestaurant for a pleasant dining experience.<\/p>\n
--Epicurus<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/para-para-serves-delectable-local-cuisine-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }