A corner for good java at Dome

A corner for good java at Dome

JAKARTA (JP): It's the oft-heard complaint of longtime
residents of the capital -- where to find a good place for a cup
of coffee and conversation without having to fight for mirror
space with the posers.

At the risk of making a sweeping generalization, most of the
city's cafes are so-so ventures into the domain of style, not
substance. Food and drinks are usually sorely overpriced and the
food preparation, as tired an effort as the decor, is an
over-the-top grasping for something avant garde and unique. More
often than not, they cross the line into kitsch or overblown poor
taste.

Of course, there are exceptions. Koffee Klatsch in Plaza
Senayan is one, with a stunning array of coffees from various
points around the globe, their acidity and flavor outlined on the
menu for the discerning lover of java (although the food, good as
it is, runs to the nouveau and may not be enough for hearty
appetites).

For those with lots of the green stuff in their pockets,
William Kafe Artistik in Kebayoran Baru cannot be beaten. Perched
in its own exclusive ivory tower away from the smog and madding
traffic below, it is a beautiful, stylish, comfortable, classy
refuge. Of course, a part of its attraction is it's exclusivity;
prospective patrons must call ahead for the restaurant to be
opened and the menu items start at Rp 200,000 each. Too pricey
for many of us, but the ideal location to splurge for an intimate
gathering.

On this night, Epicurus and friend set out for a late night
snack and coffee a little after 10 p.m., when most cafes have
long closed their doors and the only choices left are the city's
hotels.

But we found one: Dome, the new coffee house and restaurant in
the revitalized Ratu Plaza.

"The coffee's great but I don't think the food is anything to
write home about," my friend whispered conspiratorially as we
entered.

Of course, Dome's reputation precedes it. Anyone who has made
frequent visits to Singapore will be aware of its namesake along
Orchard Road, a stunning cafe in the round bathed in a torrent of
light.

Dome in Ratu Plaza, although no comparison to its Singaporean
predecessor, is in a pleasant-enough location, a glass-fronted L-
shaped room which also has seating outside. We took a table by
one of the front windows and inspected the menu.

Main features are sandwiches, pasta and other dishes which are
perfect for light lunches and evening snacks. Our waiter was
friendly, English-speaking and eager to please, but an inquiry as
to whether changes could be made in dishes was dismissed with a
rueful smile.

We settled on a pasta dish (the name of which Epicurus cannot
remember but that is of no consequence, as will become apparent
later) and a pizza with vegetables and diced chicken. Drinks were
coffee and cappuccino.

Aforesaid friend was right about the coffee, a heavenly, rich
brew which is bound to become a good friend to the city's night
owls. The pizza came a few minutes later, heaped with vegetables,
cheese and chunks of chicken breast.

After a few minutes wait, we tucked in and the pizza
disappeared. It was a good, medium-thin crust, and the chef was
suitably generous with the ingredients. Still, the wait went on
for the pasta, which was nowhere in sight.

As it was now nearing 11 p.m., we asked again about the
missing pasta; it turned out the waiter had not heard our order,
perhaps lost in the garbled mishmash of our English and
Indonesian.

To save time, we settled for another pizza, this time
vegetarian, and also delectable. It was nearing closing time but
we managed to fit in a couple more cups of the outstanding
coffee.

Dome's major draw on this night was that it was a great place
to sit and unwind, without having to crane our necks to find a
waiter. While the place was not dead (about four other tables
were occupied), it was quiet and we could hear ourselves speak.
Dome is a great location for a pleasant evening of conversation
over coffee and snacks, although be sure to state your order loud
and clear.

-- Epicurus