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Three restaurants for alfresco dining in Jakarta
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The dining area on the balcony of Tangier restaurant in Jakarta (JP/Muthi Kautsar)
W
hen escaping to the beachside is not an option, these three restaurants in Jakarta may cheer you up with their outdoor dining areas.
Tangier
Offering authentic Moroccan cuisine and an outdoor area with a view of lush trees and Jakarta high rises, Tangier is the brainchild of Moroccan French chef Nabil Jaghdour. The restaurant opens for lunch, but its busiest time is early evening when guests flock to the balcony for after office shisha, followed by Moroccan dishes for dinner.
A la carte specials are couscous, chicken tagine with lemon and olives, and grilled leg of lamb cooked with Moroccan spices. Cooked in a tagine, a clay pot used for slow cooking without oil or water, the juices and nutrients of the meat and vegetables are preserved, resulting in rich flavors.
For those looking for something light, a chicken gyro wrap is a good choice. This comprises marinated chicken, lemon juice, Moroccan spices, herbs, lettuce, tomato and onion wrapped in a flatbread.
Besides running the restaurant, chef Nabil also teaches French cooking at Institut Francais. For the past few years, he and his restaurant have participated in Gout de France, which celebrates French gastronomy.
Where
Thamrin Residence, Level P2, Mezzanine RTE/G15
Jl. Teluk Betung I, Kb. Melati, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta
Up in Smoke
Serving an array of barbecued meat, Up in Smoke is an ideal destination for those in need of extra protein. The open kitchen in its main dining area grills many different ingredients, such as beef ribeye, brisket, chicken wings, red snapper, shrimp and corn. One recommended vegetable dish is grilled broccoli with pickled gold raisins, spiced cashews and Romesco sauce.
Up in Smoke has a long bar at which guests can enjoy drinks and quality time with friends, but the bar in its outdoor area is also tempting. Various activities take place in this area, for instance outdoor movie screening every Sunday evening.
Where
RDTX Tower, Lobby Level
Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio, Mega Kuningan Kav. E4 No. 6, South Jakarta
Read also: Jakpost guide to vegetarian restaurants
Piknik at Arif Inn
For Jakartans who miss beach clubs in Bali but are unable to leave town, Piknik, which calls itself a tropical poolside hangout, could be the answer. It may not be a fancy beach club or have any beach in sight, but it does have a pool and its unpretentiousness is relaxing.
Piknik was established by chef Ragil Imam Wibowo, a seasoned chef and restaurateur who created Nusa Indonesian Gastronomy, Locarasa Indonesia -- which serves gelato, coffee and snacks -- and the Warung Pasta chain.
For those who visit on a warm day and want to sit outdoors, the tuna poke bowl, mangosteen kombucha and watermelon yakult are interesting options. If visit on a "cheat" day, a beef sandwich with melting cheese or grilled chicken noodles are the dishes to choose.
Where
Jl. Pertanian Raya No. 53, RT. 2/RW.4,
Lebak Bulus, Cilandak, South Jakarta
