Eat at mesmerizing Lara Djonggrang
Eat at mesmerizing Lara Djonggrang
Susanna Tjokro, Contributor/Jakarta, s_tjokro@yahoo.com
Lara Djonggrang, means "slender virgin", and is also a restaurant with an abundance of artwork scattered throughout.
The first room, dominated by the blue color, is called China Blue. The room is illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight and surrounded by some Buddhist antiques such as a bust of Buddha. As the light scent of tube roses wafts through the air, the place looks magically beautiful.
Opened in August, Lara Djonggrang, just like its sister restaurant Dapur Babah, showcases a classy collection of antiques. Lara Djonggrang is another creation of Anhar Setjadibrata, the owner and designer of the exquisite Tugu Hotels.
Annette, Anhar's daughter, was the concept designer for Lara Djonggrang. She believes that Indonesia has magnificent legends and folk tales; like the story of Lara Djonggrang.
Legend has it, in the times of Hinduism in Java, lived Lara Djonggrang, a beautiful virgin princess. Her father was killed by a notorious prince, Bandung Bondowoso. The prince fell in love with the princess, who vowed never to marry the man who murdered her father. So she cheekily said she would marry him only if he could build 1,000 temples overnight. Bondowoso, it is said, asked hundreds of demons to help him.
When he had almost completed his task, Lara Djonggrang asked her maids to pound rice to wake the roosters -- proof that dawn had come. When the demons heard the clamor, fooled into thinking it was dawn, they fled in terror. The demons had managed to build 999 temples and the girl did not have to marry Bandung.
Bandung Bondowoso was filled with anger when he realized that he had been tricked, so he turned Lara Djonggrang into a stone statue, so she would never be able to love any other man. Her maids prayed ceaselessly to break the spell. Touched by the story of a daughter's everlasting love for her father, the gods sent Swarga, a Javanese mythological lion to take her to heaven - where she finally found eternal peace. The statue of Lara Djonggrang riding Swarga is one of the restaurant's "masterpieces".
Lara Djonggrang -- the restaurant -- has several dining areas: China Blue, Lara Djonggrang, Pasar Trowulan and three private rooms called Tugu Malang, Tugu Blitar and Tugu Bali, as well as La Bihzad bar.
Tugu Malang is adorned with art from Cambodia, Myanmar and Indonesia. While waiting for your food at Tugu Blitar, or The president's room, feast your eyes on the old photos of former president Sukarno, and get a fascinating glimpse of life in a bygone era. Tugu Bali is, of course, decorated with Balinese works of art.
If you ever wonder what the real Lara Djonggrang might have looked like, just take a look at the Lara Djonggrang Room where you can see a sculpture of a slender woman - that's her. Feast your eyes on the antique collection in this room, like some old paintings and statuettes -- magical can best describe the ambience. Besides Lara Djonggrang, a Buddha statue will also watch over you as you dine.
Personally, I think La Bihzad Bar is the most beautiful room on this property. It attracts the eye with its distinctive Timurid Art charm. La Bihzad is named after Kamal-udin Bihzad (1465-1535), the most famous painter in the late 15th century kingdom of Herat (now in Afghanistan). Bihzad was the dean of Timurid painting. His work had a profound influence on later generations of Islamic painters. The reproductions of Bihzad's paintings adorn the walls.
China Blue is illuminated by the warm glow of old Chinese and Moroccan lanterns, while antique tiles decorate its floor. The impressive antique wooden roof, which adds historical interest to the interior, actually was the roof of an ancient temple.
If you need some fresh air, Pasar Trowulan is the perfect choice. Its pasar (market) concept plays up the idea of a laid- back and casual eating experience. Its antique collection is also a feast for the eyes and some of them are for sale.
"Lara Djonggrang serves Imperial Indonesian cuisine," says Annette. The cuisine has been inspired by the royal journeys through the regions during the times of King Hayam Wuruk (1334- 1389), ruler of Majapahit, the last Hindu empire of Java, at the height of its power. Hence, thumbing through the menu, you will see dishes from various regions in Indonesia, such as Demak, Cirebon, Tuban, Gianyar and Blitar, among others.
Among favorites is Sate Lilit Ikan Gianyar, minced Balinese fish satay, served with sambal matah or Balinese relish (Rp 35,000). The mouth-watering minced fish satay, molded around stalks of lemon grass, were marinated and perfectly spiced with the rich flavor of exotic tropical spices and grilled to perfection -- simply delicious. Lara Djonggrang also serves traditional Indonesian desserts, like Jenang Grendol Jahe (Rp 28,000) from East Java.
Lara Djonggrang is not only selling food, but also ambience. So, come and let yourself be immersed in it all.
Lara Djonggrang, Jl. Teuku Cik Di Tiro 4, Menteng, Jakarta. Tel: 3153252 Opening hours: 11 a.m.-1 a.m. daily.