TGIF's serves up sauce with 'sauce'

JAKARTA (JP): Whiskey is more than just a drink, or so says TGI Friday's, which is dishing up its Jack Daniels menu named after the famous American liquor.

Introduced last month, the special consists of an American cut of meat, like steak, ribs, salmon and fried chicken. Nothing special you think. Not true! The well-cooked meat and fish is finished with a sauce based on Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce) and Tennessee whiskey. The sauce is not just used as marinade but also served on the plate.

"You will not get drunk by eating this sauce, there is a little dash of Tennessee whiskey in the sauce which makes it taste flavored. We are still a family restaurant," Budhy Soeryo, the regional manager, said.

Four different Jack Daniels cocktails are offered to accompany the meal. They are luscious but dangerous drinks, as diners can guzzle them down while forgetting their content.

TGI Friday's, or Thank God it's Friday, has 400 outlets all over the world. They provide Jakartans with American food and drinks at their restaurants at Taman Ria Senayan Complex and the Ascott apartments in Kebon Kacang, both in Central Jakarta.

Prices are between Rp 35,000 and Rp 40,000 for a Jack Daniels plate, and Rp 20,000 for a cocktail. (Marieke Van Heek)