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)