To get with the changing times, the change itself would be of the essence. This pearl of wisdom is practically what The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan had in mind when it decided to transform its well-known Lobo Italian Bistro into a completely distinctive culinary oasis called Lobo & Juno. It has been palpable that Jakarta's most dedicated epicures are no longer restricted to the city's upper crust and beau monde. Nowadays, even the city's bevy of youths and episodic tastemakers have grown interested in what Jakarta's glitziest bistros have to offer.

One thing is for sure, though: Lobo & Juno, located on the hotel's grand floor, offers more than just a fancy-looking chandelier and a glass of Merlot.

As the hotel's marketing communications executive, Stella Rizki, told The Jakarta Post on Feb. 21, "One thing that we want to bring out [at Lobo & Juno] is a cozy ambiance, something warm and homier, and, at the same time, there's a touch of luxury."

Eric Adinata, serving as the hotel's complex director of digital marketing, chimed in as well: "Lobo & Juno is not just another place with luxury-hotel-and-fine-dining ambiance. We want it to be more comfortable and more carefree for the market as well. Something refreshing."

Modern overhaul

After the 2022 FIFA World Cup ended in December of last year, The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan decided to rebrand its then-Lobo Italian Bistro as an entirely different dining establishment. The key players behind such an overhaul figured that, as the city was about to enter the new year and the new era, it was about time for them to come up with something that would keep abreast of the times.

"We decided we wanted to revamp [Lobo Italian Bistro]; we wanted to put more character into the outlet," explained Stella. "And then, we happened to partner with Juno Home, which is an interior design company. As you can see right now [inside Lobo & Juno], all the furnishings here are basically provided by Juno Home."

Originating in Indonesia, Juno Home first launched its operation back in 1975; its fixtures have been well-regarded for "mixing elements of modern and tradition", added Stella. Juno Home's concept boded very well for what the hotel was envisioning in its forthcoming eatery. The name of the company eventually inspired what would later be launched as Lobo & Juno.

Classic, but classy: The bar at Lobo & Juno serves up, to name a few, premium-graded classic cocktails such as a Negroni that incorporates London-originated Tanqueray gin. (JP/Felix Martua) (JP/Felix Martua)

"[Lobo Italian Bistro] had been so outmoded, and we wanted to have something fresh for the hotel and the neighboring area," said Eric. For example, “We used to apply a lot of carpets, but not anymore. We also changed the wallpapers and such."

Cut to the Lobo & Juno's grand opening on Feb. 10 of this year; the transformation could not have been more substantial. While Lobo Italian Bistro was a restaurant that predominantly focused on Italian cuisine complemented with "classic" architectural style, Lobo & Juno is a bar-and-bistro that serves up globe-trotting, East-meets-West nouvelle cuisine. The meal is further exalted by contemporary interior construction that roundly applies gold-and-navy blue accent.

Doubling down on the hotel's desire for an eatery with a strong character, Lobo & Juno could also be interpreted as two separate characters whose backgrounds and personalities inform the eatery's spirit and raison d'être.

Eric explained, "Lobo is a fortunate gentleman who was born in a [family] that loves to travel. From his journey and experiences, Lobo understands the local culture and which [meal] is good to try here. Those elements are represented by Lobo; that, and also, he is passionate about Negroni [cocktail] as well.

"On the other hand, Juno is the 'it girl'. She's the trendsetter of the city. She also loves to travel and embraces the local wisdom. She enjoys music and she loves to drink wine. These two characters might or might not end up being a couple, but they would come together and create a restaurant called Lobo & Juno."

Modern touch

To reach a "wider audience" beyond the city's crème de la crème, the menu at Lobo & Juno offers a different variety of meals and beverages with a touch of a modernity to appeal to the younger crowds. One of the bistro's signature dishes, appropriately named Lobo & Juno burger, is a twist on the typical, Westernized beef patty, consisting of Angus beef, foie gras, aged comté cheese, tomato chutney and homemade brioche.

For non-halal diners who prefer a light snack in the afternoon, Lobo & Juno's signature roasted pork belly is a must-try. An updated interpretation of a traditional pork belly dish, this particular plate incorporates green yogurt mint sauce to help digest the meat and, simultaneously, cleanse the palate. For the sweet tooths looking for a familiar dessert with a sophisticated touch, the bistro's salted caramel tiramisu is a Naples-style delight made of mascarpone cream cheese, ladyfinger salted caramel and cocoa powder.

Lobo & Juno appeals to the city's wine connoisseurs as well; the wine room alone encompasses 150 different brands and types of wine for different taste buds and preferences. Any potential reveler who is curious about how the bar would attend to their urge for a relaxing liquor could have a taste of the bar's signature Negroni, another classic refreshment with a deliberately modern twist.

The hotel's beverage manager, Willy Gunawan, highlighted what makes Lobo & Juno's take on Negroni "special", especially in comparison with other bars in the city.

"We all know that Negronis are internationally known classic cocktails; no matter where we order one, the ingredients are always the same: gin, Campari and sweet vermouth," detailed Willy. "What makes our Negroni different from others is the ingredients we use are more 'premium'."

One small example: In concocting Lobo & Juno's Negroni, one of its distinct, yet vital components is Tanqueray, an English brand of gin that traces its origin back to 1830 in the Bloomsbury district of London.

"Tanqueray is [also] one of the best 'premium' gins we've got," Willy enthused.

Lobo & Juno opens every day. A live music presentation is available to watch every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. Lobo & Juno also caters to diners with dietary requirements and sober drinkers. For more details, check out its Instagram @loboandjuno. For reservations, send a WhatsApp chat to +62 811-1683-926.