Memories eatery to close down

JAKARTA (JP): Memories restaurant will serve up its final meals on Valentine's Day this Saturday, its manager said Tuesday.

Klaas Kemp said the eatery serving predominantly Dutch cuisine was unable to continue operating due to the economic crisis.

"Our rental payment of nearly US$10,000 had become exorbitant due to the depreciation of the rupiah," he said at its location in the Wisma Indosemen building on Jl. Sudirman, South Jakarta.

Soaring prices of many imported food items, including menu mainstays of herring and Dutch steak, had also been a burden, he added.

Opened in October 1985, Memories is part of the same business group which owns Oasis restaurant in Menteng and the Aqua mineral water firm.

"I still see a spark of light," Kemp said of the chances of reopening at another location.

"But I would definitely not choose the location of a high- rise. I would prefer a house, but those are hard to find."

The restaurant is allocating 180 places for the final dinner Saturday. Reservations are recommended by contacting Ros or Yeni at tel. 251-0402/251-2125. (bruce)