Local food festival reveals diverse array of Indonesia

Local food festival reveals diverse array of Indonesia

JAKARTA (JP): Empek-empek (fish cakes) from Palembang, gado
gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce) from Java and cumi-cumi
Bali (squid with Balinese style). A selection of typical,
traditional cuisine from the archipelago can be tasted during the
Rice & Spice Promotion at Hotel Le Mridien's Lemon Grass
Restaurant.

The hotel's public relations manager, Aprilisa Madewa,
explains: "As 1998 is the Year of Arts and Culture, we want to
offer our guests and Jakarta patrons various Indonesian
specialities."

For 10 days, the restaurant will present a different theme
every day, starting today. Hostesses will welcome guests with a
traditional beverage, like bajigur (coconut milk mix), and dress
in a particular traditional costume, according to the theme of
the evening. Tables will be decorated with characteristics from
the different islands and relaxing Javanese music will lend a
traditional atmosphere.

The spice market will display different kinds of rice and
spices used in the menu. Guests can ask questions and take some
of the spices with them if they want to try recipes at home.

The process of traditional crafts will be demonstrated every
day. On the first day, today, there will be a demonstration of
designing traditional cloth from Lampung: kain tapis and songket
(golden embroidery). Woodcarving from Jepara will be demonstrated
on the second day, leather puppet making on the third day, batik
tulis (fine batik) designing on the fourth day and Asmat statue
carving on the fifth day. The demonstrations will be repeated
from May 6 until May 10.

The Lemon Grass Restaurant is open daily for lunch from noon
to 2:30 p.m., and for dinner from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (Marieke
van Heek)