Lounging around for a good evening out
Lounging around for a good evening out
Kenny Santana, Contributor, Jakarta
When a friend of mine in Singapore reported that Indonesian
students there were crazy about lounge music and could be found
in music stores all over the island hunting for associated CDs,
that was a good indication that the lounge scene had really taken
hold of Jakarta and its denizens. And what's more, they are
taking the trend with them to neighboring countries.
If you have never been to a lounge, a wine lounge in
particular, you are clearly out of the loop; the Jakarta
nightlife loop that is. And what everyone in town is talking
about are not hotel lounges, but those lounges that stand by
themselves, without the cheesy hotel decor.
Maybe this is just a fad which will burn out soon enough, to
be replaced by the next new thing. It could be just another means
of escape for stressed-out Jakartans. Maybe people are just bored
of loud live music, of head-banging clubs and the whole ecstasy
scene.
Whatever the reason, people have been seeking out the soothing
comfort of lounges. The owners of these hip spots provide comfy
couches and relaxing lounge music, which is what makes lounges
different from pubs or bars and cafes.
With minimalist decor and soft tunes, lounges provide a feel-
good atmosphere where people can loosen up, feel at home and talk
with friends. This is why you should not go to a lounge by
yourself, because the idea is to be able to engage in
conversation with your friends without having to scream over very
loud music.
A young executive recently told me, "Lounges are my fave place
to go nowadays because the music is low and I can talk with the
people I'm with." She added that the Manna Lounge was her
favorite because when it's half-full you can lizard-lounge on the
couches.
Asked if the trend will last, another lounge enthusiast said
he was pessimistic.
"I don't think the lounge business has much time left. It's
designed to accommodate the needs of yuppies. But they are active
people and always up to date on the latest trends. Most likely,
many of them will move on to another form of 'club', whatever it
is."
Whether this trend lasts or is gone before you even knew it
existed remains a question. But for the time being, let's
embrace the trend by lounging around.
Venue (Jl. Kemang Selatan No. 2, tel: 780 5610)
The next big thing in the lounge world. This spacious place
with a very simple but classy interior is a satisfying spot to
talk and hang out. First, it's not too crowded (yet). Second, the
prices are very reasonable. And if you like to eat, the food here
is appetizing. The staff are friendly and very helpful.
Located on one of the busiest streets in Jakarta, be careful
that you don't just drive by the place.
Drawbacks: It's not easy to get a cab after you finish sipping
wine at 2 am.
One of the coziest places to be in Jakarta right now. Highly
recommended.
Collection of wines: About 120
Specialties: French wines
Paprika (Jl. Wahid Hasyim No. 55a, tel: 314 4113)
Not as hip as it used to be, thus it is less crowded these
days. But this is a good thing if you're looking for comfort.
Their menu has been expanded recently, giving you a better
selection of food. The desserts and appetizers are tasty and both
are good for snacking on while you chat with friends.
Prices are reasonable. Don't forget your shoes and pants (they
don't admit customers with sandals and shorts at Paprika). A
pleasant atmosphere.
Collection of wines: Between 100 and 200
Specialties: Australian and French wines
Manna Lounge (Taman Ria Senayan, East Building Unit 101, tel: 574 5494)
The only real wine lounge, with a good ambiance and a great
variety of wines on offer. Is this the most visited place in
Jakarta during the weekend? There are no statistics on such
matters, but when it takes about 10 minutes to walk from the VIP
seats to the toilet because of the crowd you might be inclined to
think that it is.
Definitely the in-place for Jakartans, where people come to
see and be seen. They have a ridiculous reservation system, which
doesn't make any sense and since they don't have a kitchen, they
don't serve food, though the staff will help you if you want to
order from a nearby cafe. Prices are a bit higher than other
lounges.
But besides all that, Manna is a must-visit for wine lovers.
Also, you can fool everyone into thinking you're hip by working
the Manna scene.
Tip: If you really want to enjoy this place, come during the
week when it's less crowded.
Collection of wines: About 300
Specialties: Australian wines
Cinna Bar (Plaza Gani Djemat, Jl. Imam Bonjol 76-78, tel: 390 3614)
Absolutely one of the most expensive lounges in the city, and
one of the trendiest. A bit small compared to other lounges, the
crowd is mostly 30-something expats as it's located in an area
where lots of expats work. As the night wears on, this place
becomes really cramped.
There is also a restaurant, which was hailed as one of best
new restaurants in Asia by a Singapore magazine (the only
restaurant from Indonesia on that list!).
Although the service is excellent and the food quite good,
think twice before heading to the lounge: it's pricey and does
not live up to one's image of a comfortable and spacious lounge.
Better to go to the restaurant instead.
Collection of wines: About 140
Specialties: French and Australian wines