In praise of red and white at local wine club
JAKARTA (JP): There is yet more good news for Jakarta oenophiles. The capital has a new wine club, adding to the growing selection of wine bars and restaurants which have opened up in these parts over recent years.
The Orleans Bar and Restaurant (tel. 724-5695) on Jl. Adityawarman 67, near the Blok M area in South Jakarta, is now host to its very own Wine Club, which held its inaugural monthly meeting in late March. This club, the creation of the restaurant's Iranian owner Bahram Naderi and friends, aims to enhance the appreciation and understanding of wines and spirits from around the world, and adds to what is a quietly thriving Jakarta wine scene.
For the small circle of wine lovers who gathered at this capacious restaurant recently, which occupies a large premises not far from the upmarket Hotel Ambhara, there was a typically warm welcome from Bahram, a veteran of the city's catering scene who first came here as food and beverage manager for the Hilton International, and his fellow-enthusiasts.
A splendid buffet was laid on featuring deliciously fresh Australian oysters and mussels as well as a roast beef cut (no sign of foot-and-mouth panic here!) that whetted the appetite for the selection of Australian and Chilean wines on offer.
The buffet table was marked by a splendidly carved ice cone that immediately drew attention to this excellent fare. Music was provided by an Ambonese group and a convivial atmosphere prevailed.
The Orleans Wine Club hopes to grow from a small acorn into a sturdy oak for wine and cheese lovers. For a membership fee of Rp 250,000 (couples Rp 350,000) members are offered a range of benefits, including special prices for attending the monthly functions and discounts for purchases from what the club proclaims to be "a fine selection of quality wines".
Bahram said he hopes to put his many years of experience in the food and beverage industry into good use by offering special assistance in the pairing of wine and food for private use and the organizing of functions -- all at no cost to members.
So, what is an Iranian doing in the wine trade? Ah, was not Omar Khayam a Persian? And did he not extol the virtues of wine? Indeed, yes. For Bahram, there is no problem.
Referring to the Jakarta Wine and Spirits Circle, Bahram said, "I think there's room in this town for the two of us".
He hopes that members will not only indulge their passion for the fine drink and food on offer, but also recall the less fortunate members of society by designating charities they would like to support. Therefore, members can imbibe to their heart's content, for it is all in a good cause. (David Jardine)