Munchies, music and magic

It was a grand night out on the town for Jack Mens, the main prize winner of The Jakarta Post’s “Dinner for Two On Us” Valentine’s Day promotion.

Mens won for his intriguing story about a mysterious Valentine’s dinner invitation to a hotel a few years ago (the invitation turned out to have come from his wife), but there were no surprises in store last Tuesday as he dined at Gran Mahakam Hotel.

Director of Public Relations Debby Setiawaty greeted Mens and partner Nita as the night of romance began.

 “At the entrance we got a starting cocktail of the Gran Mahakam, pineapple with vodka, a very good start,” Mens says of the dinner at the hotel’s Le Gran Cafe.

 The restaurant was fully booked for the evening, and there were the special Valentine’s Day extras of a rose for each lady and live music.

 Mens and Nita enjoyed the extensive buffet spread, spanning Japanese, Italian, Chinese, Western and Indonesian cuisines.

 “Our favorite dish was the lobster which was cooked and spiced very nicely. Nita also enjoyed the rich choice of desserts, including ice-cream, cakes, pancakes, fruit cocktail and fresh fruits, while I really enjoyed the nice French cheese selection.”

 Guests also were entertained by illusionist Romy Rafael, who went from table to table to read couple’s’s futures.

 “He didn’t come to us, and I don’t regret that because I am too much of a cold-blooded Dutchman to believe such stories,” Mens jokes.