Akasaka. Where translucent asphalt, pink concrete and milky crystal weave magical nights. Here, amongst the lush and the flashy, a quiet Baliesque oasis awaits the intrepid Tokyoite, an Indonesian restaurant filled with palm trees and garuda birds handcrafted by talented artisans—gift shop attached. Find out for yourself that Indonesian food tastes best when sampled in the playfully green ambience of an island mood.
So why not get started with Lemongrass Sharbet (¥400) or Pumkin Ice (¥750)? The Tahu Tumis Cah goes for ¥800, by the way. Once you turn to the food menu, you’ll find all dishes nicely marked according to one of four ranks of spiciness, from “very hot” to “sweet.” Not counting the specials of the day, the chefÕs suggestions and the special A-course, you can choose from among nearly 100 dishes, starting with Rendang Daging (spicy beef) and ending with Emping (nut crackers). The drink menu is equally impressive. From Bali milk to bottles of wine the connoisseur can peruse a list of more than 100 items.
The wise diner will leave some room for dessert, because nothing beats some Buah-Buah (fruits) or Cendol (tapioka with coconut milk and palm-sugar sauce). In the beginning, all the Bami, Bihun, Pisang and Gado-Gado may not hold much meaning, but within about two hours of dining here you will become a semifluent Indonesian speaker. Don’t believe it? Check it out.
For those who think that Akasaka is too far, there are three other Jembatan Merahs, in Shibuya (3476-6424), Shinjuku (5323-4214) and in Ikebukuro (3987-2290).
Jembatan Merah
3-20-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku
Nichijyukin Akasaka Bldg., B1
Tel: 3588-0794
Open: 11am-11pm
|
