Slim pickings

As I began reading the Oktoberfest review of Sept. 26, only one thing went through my mind. German food. To an Australian- Muslim of German descent living in Indonesia, it seemed a dream come true. I began planning when I could enjoy this feast.

But I wonder what Kempinski Hotel Plaza is thinking. Of course it was good of Chef Eberl to use veal instead of pork for the jaegerschnitzel, in deference to local sensibilities, but then, will that be only dish I can enjoy? It seems many of the other dishes are cooked in either wine or beer. Alcohol being the lesser of two evils, perhaps?

And the German sausages? Are they made here, or are they imported? Which ones will Muslim diners be able to eat?

While one might say that it is up to the individual to take care in what he/she is eating, I wonder if the hotel has put halal notices on all the dishes that its Muslim diners can enjoy.

And how about the desserts? How many of those use rum or some other alcoholic liquid?

Will I have to ask the waiters about each and every dish? For Rp 135,000 (plus my complimentary glass of Bintang beer, of course) I hope some consideration can be made for Kempinski's many Muslim patrons.

MARTINA ZAINAL

Jakarta