I thought this place would be no different. There would be fashionistas dining in their favorite dresses and men sipping coffee in their suits in a dimly lit room decorated with modern minimalist furniture accompanied by subtle sound of jazz piped into the room.

As I stepped inside, I sensed a more artistic-cozy ambiance than a modern one. The dining room created a warm feeling with dim lighting and white tables paired with wooden chairs, while the room next to the dining room was equipped with gray couches and surrounded by white windows offering a view outside the building and bright natural lighting. It created a laid-back and comfortable atmosphere.

The rooms were separated by white walls with a European-style round open window in the middle.

Remixed songs from the Phoenix band were played, bluntly showing the restaurant’s hip taste in music.
I quickly noticed many unique ornaments used as decoration, such as carved skateboards hanging on black columns and an expressionist painting on the wall.

Square wooden wine racks were on the wall behind the bar, which was decorated with Mediterranean-pattern tiles. A modern chandelier made from bulbs and black cables was hanging above the coffee table. Vintage suitcases were placed in front of the DJ booth and a collage of black and white photos, postcards and letters was embedded in the wall.  

Vintage items evoking childhood, such as peanut butter jars, cream soup cans, tea cups and the like, were on display on turquoise shelves before the kitchen counter.

I felt as if I had been invited to a lunch in the new home of an artist friend. The atmosphere was relaxing and comfortable. Within minutes, I felt as if I had spent many hours hanging out there.

Poste is popular among lifestyle, culinary, art and design lovers as a great chill-out place. It has changed its interior to strengthen its concept as a one-stop destination that offers special culinary dishes, high-end art and music.

As explained by Justina, Poste’s owner, the new interior was designed to bring out a haute bohemian lifestyle atmosphere. The bohemians, known for their love of traveling, inspired Justina to adorn the restaurant with souvenirs and artwork from her travels.

For example, vintage suitcases were flown directly from Melbourne and the collage was compiled from photographs Justina took while traveling across the globe.

Poste asked Alvin Tjitrowirjo, a product designer, to collaborate on the project. “Together we worked on the concept and other aspects of interior design, from the layout, furniture, artwork and color composition of each element,” Justina said.

Alvin added that he was involved in choosing patterns for interior decoration rather than designing new furniture. “We chose patterns and colors for each decorative element here, such as patterns for tiles, etc. I designed the furniture only to fit within the space.”

On closer look, personality could clearly be seen in every piece of artwork and every element on display.

Apparently, the owner deliberately picked things that showed her own character as well, and this produced the chic bohemian artsy look without abandoning the personal touch.

The changing concept of the restaurant’s interior also affected the menu. Poste now brings fusion dishes to the table. That day the waiter offered me some new items off the menu.

For appetizers, I had oyster tempura. It was a deep-fried scallop tempura served with a special sauce. It was delicious and the sauce tasted fresh. I highly recommended this dish for a light snack when you are hanging out in the afternoon with your best friends.

For a main course, I ordered bacon-wrapped chicken. It was a chicken fillet with mushrooms wrapped with a slice of bacon. It was served with mashed potatoes and gravy. The taste was average but the portion was big and I felt full after I ate it.

As I finished the last of my drink, I realized that this was indeed a casual restaurant. Apparently that kind of place does exist and this is one of places to go if you want to spend Saturday nights with close friends.

POSTE kitchen + bar

Jl. Lingkar Mega Kuningan Blok E3.2 No.1
Jakarta – 12950
Phone: +622125542707
Fax: +622125542708

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