In search of tranquility, intimacy at Kafe Galeri
In search of tranquility, intimacy at Kafe Galeri
Starting with its self-explanatory name, Kafe Galeri is an
unusual cafe, offering a touch of culture to the R&R concept
that, alas, hasn't yet become a norm here.
For a while, it remained staunchly an art gallery and a cafe,
until recent refurbishment brought an additional furniture
showroom and a diminutive book corner selling selected art books.
Its owner, Josephine Linggar, is a renowned naturalist painter
whose elegant works can be found in the establishment's least-
conspicuous corners.
But what also makes the cafe distinctive is its vernacular
solution to our dining culture.
Situated on Jl. Kemang Timur No. 56, Kemang, Jakarta Selatan,
Kafe Galeri showcases tropical architecture at its best: natural
materials, earth colors, wooden beams, pitched roofs, breezy
open-door areas, and an exquisite garden.
Epicurus is a frequenter at Kafe Galeri, though the urge to
write about it only came last week, when a simple need to unwind
became, as usual, a protracted exercise at heavenly indolence.
It was early afternoon, and Jakarta's smothering humidity had
become unbearable on the cluttered streets of Kemang.
For a while, we sought sanctuary in the air-conditioned part
of the cafe -- two human beings in a sea of art.
Soon, our thirst was quenched by the establishment's time-
tested beverages: Galeri Ice Coffee, a gourmet tongue-teaser
replete with frothy whipped cream and splinters of dark
chocolate; and Tropical Breeze, a sassy blend of banana,
pineapple and honey.
Knowing the menu by heart presented some problems: before
long, one order of a truly delicious Chocolate Truffel cake --
similar to the one found at Kemang's famous Coterie Cafe --
stared up at us in all its cholesterol-infested glory.
After a while, things got too sedate.
Dusk was settling in, and light jazz had suddenly morphed into
the Baroque masters. The outdoor patio, a breezy Balinese-styled
refuge within a walled compound, looked resplendent in intimate
lighting.
Palm trees, lotus ponds, statuary ornaments and lush foliage
made a delicate visual symphony. We went outside and sat at a
table underneath those wonderful big white parasols next to the
air-conditioned bar.
Now we were outsiders looking in.
As more people filed into the gallery, the scent of garlic and
oil started to intrude upon the seamless fusion of art and
nature.
We indulged in some people-watching, quietly monitoring their
movements through a wide glass door as they ogled at various
objets d'art.
There was something very sensual about watching art lovers
from this vantage point. Soon we were decidedly hungry.
Attracting a waitress' attention, however, was often hard
labor.
Looking quaint in their checked aprons, they tended to move in
the same pendulous, reverie-like rhythm, entirely oblivious of
idle diners contemplating dinner as a second round.
They were also intimidated by slight deviations in the
standard ordering process.
Thus, our second order came first: Fried Kway Teow, Malaysian
Curry Chicken with Roti Jala and two orders of Aqua.
Our first order came second: some liquid insect repellent,
delivered in a somewhat blustery, apologetic manner.
Our said choices have remained consistently tasty over the
year, especially the famous Curry Chicken with Roti Jala, which
has found its way into many a home party.
These days, a heavier hand on Singapore's famous black sauce
could do the kway teow some good, but its punchy homemade sweet
chili sauce accompaniment more than compensates for its slightly
conservative taste.
Kafe Galeri's limited but thoughtful menu is drawn primarily
from Singapore; boasting the two said dishes, and the likes of
Gallery Sesame Noodles, Kway Teow with Gravy, Singaporean Fried
Rice, and Beef or Chicken in Green Pepper sauce.
Western selections comprise the standard variations of steak,
and the ubiquitous spaghetti bolognaise and lamb chops.
Weight-watchers may opt to choose from a variety of salads,
which include Greek, Hawaiian chicken, tuna, and fruit salad.
Previous visits have given us a taste of Gallery Sesame
Noodles and Beef in Green Pepper sauce.
Both are hearty exercises in oyster sauce and sesame oil: a
tad starchy but good taste for good value.
The nicest aspect is the price: main courses usually remain
within the Rp 6,000 to Rp 7,000 mark and the highest price for a
steak is Rp 23,000.
Situated amid a cluster of art shops, and within spitting
distance from the hustle and bustle of Jl. Kemang Raya, Kafe
Galeri more than simply heeds Kemang's reputation as an artsy
place.
It sets a standard, which -- to date -- seems to appeal more
to those in search of graceful tranquility and romantic intimacy.
-- Epicurus