Burgundy, a new upmarket watering hole
Burgundy, a new upmarket watering hole
Bill Blade, Contributor, Jakarta
It's not every day that penniless, overworked hacks get a chance
to savor the high life, but when we do we sure know how to milk
it for all its worth.
Which is why a frisson of anticipation suddenly shot up my
spine after the normally beastly editor directed me to check out
Burgundy, the latest watering hole to pamper the punters at the
Grand Hyatt, a place I've tended to avoid every since getting
saddled with an enormous bar bill in O'Reiley's by some
erstwhile chums a couple of years ago.
But, thankfully, staid ol' O'Reiley's has now gone the way of
all watering holes that bear an uncanny resemblance to the
morgue, and has been ably succeeded by Burgundy, just about as
happening and trendy a place as you're likely to find anywhere.
Opening hours: 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday and 5
p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Looks: Getting as far as the salubrious climes of Burgundy
involves something of an expedition that includes climbing a
number of grand, sweeping staircases. But nothing too strenuous,
and well worth the effort when you realize what Burgundy's got in
store.
From the outside, you could be misled into thinking that your
destination is actually some sort of swanky hair salon, but this
first, fleeting impression soon disappears after you push your
way through the double glass doors into the warm, noisy and
crowded interior.
For the joint was fairly heaving on the Saturday evening of
our visit (already packed by 10 p.m.), with most of the
clientele seemingly consisting of glamorous ladies (many of whom
appeared to spend inordinate amounts of time playing with their
cell phones), and eager gentlemen trying desperately to attract
the attention of the said glamorous ladies.
One of the first things you notice after your eyes adjust to
the predominant, yes, you guessed it, burgundy color scheme
inside, is the inordinate number of mirrors.
In fact, there's so many mirrors that its difficult to escape
the sight of your own ugly mug staring out at you unexpectedly
from dark corners.
But, this isn't a bad thing (the mirrors, that is), for truth
to tell, Burgundy is a tad on the small side, and all of these
reflective devices tend to make it appear around 50 times bigger
than it really is.
No smoke and mirrors, mind you, for despite the fact that just
about everyone had a cigarette or cigar hanging out of their
mouths, the air remained perfectly breathable all evening -- some
mean extraction system!
Due, perhaps, to the presence of so many mirrors, Burgundy can
in no way be characterized as one of those awful expat bars full
of loud, fat middle-aged Caucasians (rather like myself,
actually), endeavoring valiantly, and often obstinately, to get
over here what they couldn't get at home in a month of Sundays.
No, this particular watering hole is the stomping ground of
mostly Asian punters, including locals and a far sprinkling of
Koreans and Japanese, with the odd bule (Caucasians) thrown in
for good measure, all of which tends to reduce the incidence of
"money politics" in the male-female relationship stakes ... I
think.
Not, of course, that our Japanese and Korean brethren are
adverse to nocturnal hanky-panky, not by a long chalk. But they
do tend to pursue their goals in a quieter, more respectful
manner, all of which means that Burgundy has a certain savior
faire and finesse that's sadly absent from some other top Jakarta
hotel bars I could mention.
What's it got: You name it, they've got it. Good booze, wine
and music, and possibly one of the best selection of cigars
you're likely to find anywhere here in the big smoke. These range
from diminutive Cohiba Exquisitos (Rp 150,000 each) and
Montecristo No. 5s (Rp 80,000 each), to the full flavored smoke
provided by the monster Cohiba Siglo IVs (at Rp 210,000 a go).
But, what really sets Burgundy apart from the abject crowd of
also-ran Jakarta hotel bars is the fabulous music.
Now, while I'm not normally partial to the likes of Matt
Bianco, the young lady singer from New York and her fellow New
Yorkers on the piano and the cello are capable of performing such
unearthly magic that even the blandest of elevator music comes
out sounding great.
With the African-American pianist giving his all, the cellist
doing wonders with his bow and the glamorous diva singing her
heart out, a visit to Burgundy is well worth the effort just to
see this trio in action (over here out of fear of terrorism in
New York, no doubt!).
Burgundy also boasts an extensive selection of fine wines,
including many available by the glass, rather a treat after the
Cuvee Speciale that's normally served up as the house wine in so
many establishments.
And if after all the boozin' and carousin' you're feeling a
little peckish, there's also an interesting selection of bar
snacks available, including such light treats such as lobster
sashami (Rp 450,000), foie gras terrine with toasted sour dough
(Rp 150,000) and crostini with tomato, basil and air-dried beef
(Rp 50,000), none of which are likely to fill you up but could do
serious damage to the drinks budget.
Bill, please: Ah, here's the rub. No such thing as a free
lunch, as they say!
A bottle of Corona, Budweiser, Victoria Bitter or any of the
other beers from Burgundy's extensive selection will set you back
Rp 50,000, while a shot of premium whisky will knock you on your
ear for Rp 65,000. Meanwhile, cocktails average Rp 70,000 (all
quoted prices exclude 10 percent service and 11 percent
government tax.
Verdict: This is a great spot for a relaxing evening on the
town. The excellent music, atmosphere and service will have you
on cloud nine even if burgundy isn't your favorite color or you
cringe every time you see your face staring out vacantly from a
mirror. But, be warned, if you're planning to hit the town big-
time via Burgundy, do bring your platinum card along for the
ride. Methinks you'll need it around these parts.
Burgundy, Grand Hyatt Jakarta, Jl. M.H. Thamrin, Jakarta 10230.
You can call them on 3901234.