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.