In praise of red and white at local wine club

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)