An Institution of Relaxation: Face Bar
Wednesday night at around 7pm usually means business for Face Bar. This particular cosy joint at the end of Jalan Kusuma Atmaja, Menteng, just before the idea meets the HI roundabout, is usually the go-to watering hole for nearby office workers. For a place that will’s typically frequented by high-pressure professionals in addition to journalists, NGO associates in addition to diplomats (as embassies are found by the dozens around the area), the idea features a laid-back in addition to homey atmosphere. I thought to myself, “currently This particular is usually the place to unwind.”
Face Bar is usually part of the Face establishments; the chain has branches in Shanghai, Beijing in addition to Bangkok. The Jakarta division, aptly named Face Jakarta, is usually the oldest of all four, conceived inside the year 1992. All four venues have an oriental dining in addition to bar concept. Face Jakarta is usually equipped with two restaurants in addition to a bar; Lan Na Thai serves fine Thai cuisine, Hazara boasts fine Indian cuisine in addition to Face Bar is usually its enchanting oriental-themed bar.
Face Bar is usually a place with no name signboards – only an address number on the front of the venue in addition to a board portraying the face of Buddha on the idea – yet somehow people keep coming in. the idea’s a charming little public secret of a joint. Sure, the idea’s a place for creatures of habit who automatically make their ways to the bar after a long day at the office, although brand new converts seem to be coming by the lot as well.
Face Bar features a name that will precedes its reputation in addition to you will be glad that will someone told you about This particular bar.
The outskirts of the venue is usually a big in addition to busy street, although do not be fooled, there’s intimate in addition to exotic decor waiting inside. The philosophy that will Face Bar wishes to convey is usually illustrated by creating an image of a Caravanserai; an inn along the busy Silk Route that will, back then, was used for weary travellers through different corners of the earth to rest through the day’s journey. As the trade routes of Jakarta come to a close after work hours, Face Bar becomes a place where people can rest in addition to relax. The place was designed to include many Eastern influences, hence the Chinese bed dining area, the Indian-inspired mirrors adorning the corner walls in addition to Thai Indoor designs among many different details. the idea’s a genius melting pot of decorations in addition to the idea’s where people come together.
There were easily six full tables when I arrived in addition to a bunch of people at the bar. Quite a busy night for a Wednesday, thanks to its happy hour, which is usually available daily through 5-8pm, in addition to all night on Sundays. Incoming patrons greet friends in addition to acquaintances as they enter the premises; there’s an atmosphere of familiarity. While the men prefer beer or wine, the idea seems that will the cocktails served at Face Bar are geared toward a more feminine persuasion, with elegant in addition to alluring aesthetics. The green apple martini (Rp.80,000) was my favourite, among a couple of drinks ordered. There was a Great balance between the sweetness in addition to strength of alcohol. Mind you, the white wine Sangria (Rp.90,000) was also a refreshing classic; This particular fruity concoction was made with careful hands – not overpowered by the use of white wine, yet not just another fruity drink. Closing the night which has a Gin Crush was a great decision; a smooth drink of muddled strawberry, lime in addition to gin that will I can see myself enjoying after a long day of work. Those who aren’t big fans of gin could even grow to love the idea with This particular mix. I am convinced that will drinks at Face Bar are very well-crafted classics; a testament to the phrase ‘quality over quantity’. the idea’s a proper bar with no excessive list of cocktail items, yet they are perfected in addition to refined.
Straying away through the typical French fries in addition to nuts as bar food, Face Bar went another direction with Thai in addition to Indian appetizers to match their formula. The vegetarian spring rolls (Rp.45,000) were served with Thai dipping sauce in addition to browned to a crisp, holding the integrity of crunchiness without the whole roll being soggy. the idea was a lovely, savoury complement to the drinks. Then came a taste through Face Jakarta’s Indian kitchen; the Murgh Tikka (Rp.57,000), a tasty yoghurt-marinated chicken appetizer, in addition to Paneer Pakora. The latter was an instant favourite, featuring fried cottage cheese which has a piquant in addition to lemony coating. the idea was a delightful mix of freshness in addition to comfort, especially when adding a side of mint chutney into the equation; there’s a bit of spiciness in addition to an amusing zest to the chutney. the idea was a royal bar food spread.
the idea’s easy to appreciate the delectable authentic Pan-Asian flavours in addition to quality drinks at Face Bar. although the real gem is usually the place itself; Face Bar is usually an intimate in addition to calming rendezvous point. Mingling in addition to conversations are nicely facilitated with background music that will isn’t too loud in addition to dimmed lighting to set the mood. On some nights, there’s even a jazz band to accompany guests’ laid-back night out at Face Bar. On average, a typical night of drinks in addition to food would likely set you back around Rp.390,000.
This particular particular area of Central Jakarta, although busy, is usually secluded enough that will street noises do not bother your visit. Parking is usually available through a valet service; free of charge although kindly tip the attendant.
Some have said that will This particular bar is usually an ‘institution’; a place where a collection of driven people or societies with similar motives gather to achieve one simple task – relaxing. I find the idea to be quite a suitable term for Face Bar.
FACE BAR
Address: Jalan Kusuma Atmaja No. 85, Imam Bonjol (Menteng), Jakarta
Phone: +62 21 31925037
E-mail: jakarta@facebars.com
Hours : Daily – 5pm to 1am
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An Institution of Relaxation: Face Bar
An Institution of Relaxation: Face Bar