Perfect places for pick-me-ups

Perfect places for pick-me-ups

Coffee culture in Jakarta has taken on its own meaning, distinct
from the original function of its counterparts Europe where
regulars stop in for a taste of the bitter black stuff.

While the friends from Friends had Central Perk, here the
coffee shop can be a place to hash out deals, a stop during an
afternoon of shopping, the choice spot to watch the world go by
or people watch at the end of the day.

And, for penny-pinching calorie counters, it's also a perfect
venue to load up (free load, more like it) on free Equal sachets.
Heaven.

Oh, and there is coffee to be had, too.

We asked some city dwellers what places make them perk up and
take notice.

Lia, 30: I'm not that fond of coffee. But I love the aroma,
it's so good! ... My favorite is Bali Dancer. Or else, I pick
caramel ice coffee at Bakoel Koffie, it has the best caramel
taste in town. However, I don't really like the atmosphere there,
too much cigarette smoke and barely any ventilation.

The coffee at the franchised cafes is really overpriced, while
the taste is like that you could make at home. I think people go
there for the fancy atmosphere. A friend goes to Starbucks all
the time, not for the coffee, but she likes the feeling of being
like the cast of Friends.

She actually prefers the coffee at Gloria Jean's, but since it
has no huge mug, she missed the feeling of being Monica or
Rachel.

Glenn, 31: My favorite brand is Tek Sun Hoo, Warung Tinggi,
which can only be bought in Kota, Central Jakarta. Actually,
Bakoel Koffie has it, too, but I don't like the atmosphere.

I'm bored with all the franchised coffee shops, all the coffee
tastes like syrup.

But I like to go to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Plaza Senayan,
Central Jakarta, around 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Because there is
nobody there, sunshine comes through the windows -- it's lovely.
I just read or bring my laptop to work on or browse the Net.

When people start to come, I usually move to Starbucks in
front of Kinokuniya bookshop at the same plaza, and go when it
gets crowded.

Dian Noeh, 31: I love Starbucks! I have the mugs to be used at
home and at the office. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf actually has
stronger coffee, but I love the atmosphere at Starbucks.

I like to hang out there by myself, working on my laptop on
the couch. The couch is very comfy, and it's green! I don't mind
the price, because the experience is lovely.

Plus, the marketing manager is a good friend, so I love to go
there. Basically, I love everything at Starbucks. It also has
sandwiches and candies for my son.

-- JP