on a quiet street corner tree leafy, surrounded by majestic white mansions and European luxury cars parked roadside is a gem structure designed by Dutch architect Pieter Adriaan Jacobus and artist Moojen. Built in 1913, the Tugu Kunstkring Paleis is an excellent example of rationalist architecture Dutch - also known as Indian style here in Southeast Asia -. Which introduced new elements to traditional architectural designs to better meet the climatic conditions and the former tropical Batavia
Tugu Kunstkring Paleis outside
Kunstkring Paleis translated literally "Circle Art Palace 'and the building and interiors are really a reflection of its name. Originally built as a place to promote the fine and decorative arts, he served as an art and cultural center and home to a world class art gallery with a popular cafe that served good food and wine to the inhabitants of Batavia. Important art works by the likes of Chagall, Gauguin, Van Gogh and Picasso were exhibited.
After the Battle of Java in 1942, the Kunstkring was converted into an office building that housed the Islamic Council of Indonesia, and later served as an immigration office in central Jakarta up at the end of the 1990s
in 2013, the restored Hotel and Restaurant Group and Tugu Kunstkring reintroduced its original splendor. The ground floor now houses a restaurant shop, lounge, tasting room, a café and a gift. Upstairs, a large, open gallery offers art exhibitions and sale to occasional auction.
Diners who walk in the Tugu Kunstkring Paleis are immediately transported to the old Batavia as antiques and paintings adorn the walls and the corners of each room. The sumptuous aroma of spicy incense permeates deeply as Frank Sinatra belts out 'Corcovado' in the background.
Dining here is a true cultural experience not to be missed.
The culinary experience at Tugu Kunstrking Paleis in Menteng
Those interested in colonial culinary efforts may be inclined to order Rijsttafel the Betawi. Rijsttafel was born as a method for the Dutch taste different components of a traditional Indonesian meal. It is not uncommon to see more than 20 dishes parade through the dining room and each presented by animated waitstaff in traditional dress. This presentation was a way for the Dutch settlers to display wealth and revel in the exoticism of their adopted country. The rijsttafel (or "rice table") was probably based on local hidang way of eating that is in most restaurants in Padang, where the dishes are brought in the dining room instead of making a selection from a menu. It is a beautiful screen, with food of all textures, flavors and different degrees of spiciness. Sambals, salads, meats, stir-fries and soups are served alongside a variety of steamed rice.
However, for those who are less interested in the stage, there is also a la carte menu from which to choose. There are many traditional Indonesian dishes as there are South-East and West Asia, and an extensive wine list and cocktails for an even more exhilarating experience.
An intriguing appetizer is Nonja Popiah, a kind of spring roll is filled with a creamy combination of turnip, shrimp and chicken is lightly dusted with panko flakes then fried and served with melted cheese. It is rich and satisfying, a unique blend of flavors that knows surprisingly on both eastern and western palate. The Kunstkring Roast Chicken is a play on the Asian duck with orange and served with an orange sauce infused aromatic brandy. Vegetables are also important component in an Indonesian meal and Boentjis Sayoer met Udang Api-Api Telor Asin was refreshing with crisp, young green beans and crispy fried prawns with salted egg yolk thrown together as a blown light. Parboiled Barramundi Curry, a signature dish, is not to be missed. A curry-based flavored coconut milk and light becomes soft when poured on a red bed of rice steamed. Finish the meal with some Kue Pancong, Betawi traditional dessert made of coconut cream cake and ice.
The appetizer Nonja Popiah
During the day, a small café serving homemade bread and pastries and a selection of teas and coffees Tugu mixed in their private plantation in Java hills can be enjoyed both inside and outside, as there is a quiet balcony on the second floor of the building, with panoramic views of the neighborhood of Menteng. The Lam Ban Wine Shop and Tasting Room houses a range of wines from around the world. Guests can enjoy their selection here or buy bottles to take home after a heavy meal.
The importance of Tugu Kunstkring Paleis is deeply rooted in its historical relationship and continued with art. As such, a walk through the hall of the gallery and exhibit is indeed one of the highlights of the visit. If possible, skip the elevator ride down the stairs and go to the old photographs and illustrations that adorn the walls and that are part of the history of the building. There are private rooms with Indonesian luscious paintings and art which outline in a long history of the time.
At the time of our visit, Sidharta Auctioneer an impressive collection of art, only a few hours away from their next sale. Potential buyers slowly studying their favorite tracks and navigating some of the most revered modern artists of Indonesia. How fitting indeed that Kunstkring is complete.
Tugu Kunstkring Paleis
Jalan Teuku Umar 1
Menteng, Jakarta Pusat
Tel: .62 (021) 390 0899
Website: www.tuguhotels.com / restaurants / jakarta / Kunstkring /
Email: kunstkring@tuguhotels.com