January 18th, 2012
The MO Bar at Mandarin Oriental Jakarta exudes a seductive, chic style and is the favoured destination for a fashionable and sophisticated crowd of both Jakarta residents and hotel guests. Serving their own exotic cocktail creations, complimented with delectable bar snacks, MO Bar exemplifies the best of the contemporary cocktail bar and lounge experience. The luxurious furnishings, with an elegant Asian theme, provide a comfortable and relaxing space for an after-work, or late evening rendezvous. Live music performances on Tuesdays ( with DJ), and Saturdays, offer an additional element of entertainment to the appeal of MO Bar. Situated on the first floor- directly above the hotel lobby- the bar overlooks, through the filter of towering green palm trees, the busy main thoroughfare of Jln Thamrin and beyond to the Grand Indonesia Mall area. The Mandarin Oriental Jakarta itself is prominently located at the very heart of the sprawling Jakarta metroplis- directly on the famous “Hotel Indonesia” traffic roundabout.
The main bar area at MO Bar
The interior of MO Bar has three main spaces- the main bar counter area in the centre of the room, a lounge area adjacent to the entrance, and behind sliding glass doors, a private room for small gatherings and meetings. The main bar counter has a “U” shape and features a black granite top, with plushly upholstered bar stools along the three sides. Additional seating is at high tables and a small bar counter overlooking the lounge area. The lounge area has luxurious armchair and sofa seating with subdued lighting making the atmosphere discrete and relaxing.
The lounge area of MO Bar
The Bar Menu highlights the creative cocktails for which MO Bars at Mandarin Oriental properties worldwide are famous. A selection of “MO” signature cocktails from MO bars in other cities headline the menu- with creations such as “MO Jakarta”, “MO Chiang Mai”, “MO Prague”, and “MO New York”- each representing the unique flavours and influences synonymous with the location. The “MO Jakarta”, for example, is created from Kurrant Vodka, clove, strawberry syrup & cranberry juice and fresh red grapes. Another selection of cocktails are listed under “Local Flavours & Favourites”– examples include “Sumatra Smash” -silky smooth Whisky is complimented by local young ginger and honey, balanced by fresh lemon juice; and “Rambutini” – beautiful rambutan fruit smashed with Vodka,Vermouth and a hint of sweetness.
The “MO Perfect Ten” is a selection of interpretations of ten classic cocktails – such as “Oriental Mai Tai” – the classic recipe of premium Rums, lime, almond syrup and Triple sec; “Moscow Mule” -the classic Vodka, lime & ginger with a twist; Galangal ginger Vodka and traditional Ginger Beer with aromatic bitters; and “Grand Imperial Mojito” – a Napoleonic spin on the iconic classic. French brandy, fresh lime & mintaromatic bitters and Brut Champagne. And finally, the “Classic Selection” features old favourites such as “Bloody Mary”– tomato juice, Vodka & condiments; “Caipiroska”– Vodka, lime, brown sugar; “Long Island Ice Tea”– Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Triple Sec, Coke; and “Martini” (dry, lychee, melon, apple, chocolate)- Vodka / Gin, Dry Vermouth.
The bar is also serving a large selection of premium spirits, aperitifs, champagnes ( by glass & bottle); wines, fresh juices, “Virgin MO-lixirs” (mocktails), beers and liqueurs.
“Rambutini”– beautiful rambutan fruit smashed with Vodka,Vermouth and a hint of sweetness
“Chinese Volcano”- a special concoction for Chinese New Year- St.Remy Napoleon brandy, Bacardi rum, lemon juice, orange juice, Orgeat Monin. The brandy in centre is lighted to make flame
“Tribal Crush” – kiwi fruit, sugar, Midori, lime juice, Vodka
“Jakarta Morning”- a “Virgin MO-lixir” (mocktail)– Fresh strawberries, lavender, fresh lemon and soda
“Caipirinha”– Cachaça, fresh lime, cane sugar
“MO Chiang Mai”– Citron Vodka, lemon grass, honey, lime juice
“Mojito”– White Rum, limes, mint leaves, sugar
The food offered at MO Bar is also exceptional – created under the direction of Executive Chef Thierry Le Quéau. The selections are categorised under the “Large Bites Menu” and the “Bar Snack Menu” . Choices from the “Large Bites Menu” include- HONG KONG-STYLE STEAMED DIM SUM- Chef’s selection of steamed har kow,char siew pau and siew mai; MANDARIN ORIENTAL PRIME BEEF BURGER- beef burger on a toasted sesame seed bun with choice of gruyere, cheddar, blue cheese,caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, bacon ,tomatoes, fried egg and avocado; and PAD THAI- wok fried noodles with blue river prawns, chives,chilies, bean sprouts, diced bean curds,garnished with spring onion, crushed peanuts,dry shrimp, coriander and lime. Some highlights from the “Bar Snacks Menu” – BRUSCHETTA- marinated mushrooms, avocado tartar,tomato salsa, cold cuts and olives; FROMAGE- grapes, homemade preserve, farm house bread; and CRAB CAKE- deep fried shredded crab meat patties withspinach, pesto mayonnaise.
More dishes from the Bar Snacks Menu featured in the photographs below.
NACHOS – chili con carne, guacamole, cheddar, tomato,sour cream, jalapeno
SPRING ROLL– vegetables, sweet and chili sauce
VIETNAMESE ROLL– rice paper with prawns, papaya,vermicelli, coriander
MO Bar @ Mandarin Oriental Jakarta
Address: Jln M H Thamrin, Jakarta 10310. Indonesia
Reservations: + 62.21.2993 8888
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 5:00 pm ~ 2:00 am; and Sundays and Public Holidays 5:00 pm~ 12:00 midnight
Promotions:
Ladies Nights: Tuesdays 8pm – 1am
Happy Hour: Nightly 5pm – 8pm 50% off selected beverages
Resident DJs: Tuesdays 9pm- 2am
Live Music: Saturdays 9:30 pm ~ after 12:00 midnight
Dress Code: Smart Chic
Website: Mandarin Oriental Jakarta
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Previous asia-bars article from March 2011
