Java Cafe: A venue with essential Yogya ambience
Java Cafe: A venue with essential Yogya ambience
Tarko Sudiarno, Contributor, Yogyakarta
As the peaceful sound of a classical Javanese song composed by
virtuoso Ki Cokrowasito finishes on the CD, the audience of
gamelan-lovers shift in their seats as they start enthusiastic
discussions about the music. A few minutes later they are drowned
out by a very different sound, as a band begins playing loud rock
music on the main stage.
Western music enthusiasts now gradually take the place of
Javanese music fans, this kind of change -- while a novelty for
newcomers -- is common at Java Cafe and Resto on Jl. Magelang,
Yogyakarta.
Cafe manager Anang Batas said the traditional music in the
cafe was no accident. The cafe was intentionally designed and
decorated in Yogyakarta style to reflect both traditional and
modern aspects of the province.
"We have deliberately introduced the nuances of Yogyakarta
here and we also want to show that a cafe is a place for healthy
entertainment," Anang said. Many people in the local community
still thought cafes were a place for indecent entertainment, he
said.
While there were cafes in Yogyakarta that did offer this sort
of thing, "we in Yogya would like to offer respectable
entertainment. That's why, among other things, we offer programs
that are quite unrelated to any glamorous night life. Our
programs include seminars, book and music album launches,
performances by comedians and regular band performances."
The moment you come into the Java Cafe's grounds, you will
feel the Javanese atmosphere. Built in March, 1999, it is a
complex designed in a uniquely Javanese architectural style.
There is a joglo house (a traditional house with a steep roof),
which stands in an imposing manner at one corner of a park.
Opposite it there is the main stage housed in an open-fronted
building. A garden separates the two. These three places have
their own special characteristics and give visitors to the cafe a
choice depending on their mood.
The indoor venue with stage is designed for visitors wanting
to concentrate on the music or other forms of entertainment.
There is a dance-floor inside with a well-stocked bar.
If you wish to savor the romantic atmosphere in an open space,
the garden is the best choice. Between the stage and the joglo
house, it is designed so visitors can drink while gazing up at
the stars.
Meanwhile, the joglo house, the spiritual and design center of
this cafe, is a suitable place for relaxing with relatives or
family. It also serves food and refreshments unique to the cafe.
One favorite you should try on the cafe's multifaceted menu is
the "Gerabah steak", perhaps while sipping a "Cappujhonny" or an
"Al Poci". The steak, served on a gerabah (earthenware) plate
made in Kasongan, a village in the Bantul district famous for its
earthenware craft, is a fusion of Javanese and European tastes
and is cooked with Javanese spices.
There are dishes for all tastes, Anang says, including
brongkos and European or Chinese menus."
What kind of beverage is a Capphujhonny? It is a mixture of
Cappuccino and Johnny Walker whiskey and is served warm. If you
wish to have a hot drink with more kick, you should ask for Al
Poci. It is brewed from unique ingredients -- liquor, Myers Rum,
Cointreau and ginger and is put in a poci (a teapot).
It is served hot in gerabah shot glasses too. After drinking
it, the management says, you will regain your freshness. Drink
too many, however, and it's likely you won't feel too fresh at
all.
Before the Bali bombing, this cafe was a favorite among
expatriates, Anang said, with people from France, Korea, Japan or
Holland regularly reserving tables at the cafe.
Still popular with expats is one of the lighter entertainments
on offer -- the "Java Ha ... ha ... ha" -- a humorous mix of
"Javacoustic" music and Java Classic Rock.
But don't be surprised, however, if you visit this cafe and
instead find a talk about gamelan music or a traditional art
performance.