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.