Eastern & Oriental- authentic renditions of Thai street food from acclaimed chef Will Meyrick
April 25th, 2014
Widely acclaimed Bali-based chef Will Meyrick has garnered considerable success and recognition for his two restaurants on the resort island- Mama San and Sarong. An inspired collaboration in 2013 with the Union Group ( creators of notable Jakarta restaurants Union and Loewy) has introduced Will Meyrick’s much lauded interpretations of Thai-Vietnamese street foods to the Jakarta dining scene at the elegant new Eastern & Oriental (E&O) restaurant and bar. Located in an expansive street level space in the heart of the Mega Kuningan commercial and diplomatic district, E&O features a spacious open dining space and private dining room, with an adjoining stylish cocktail bar enticing cocktail aficionados with the expertly crafted drinks for which sibling venues Union and Loewy are renowned. E&O offers all-day dining, daily from 11 am in the mornings until late at night- with the kitchen serving the complete menu throughout the day and night.
E & O Interior
Designed by the same team behind the interiors of both Union and Loewy, the stylish interior created for E&O references a classic European brasserie style with white marble topped and solid hardwood dining tables, classic Thonet-style bistro chairs, luxurious red leather banquettes, dark hardwood flooring and a decorative pressed tin ceiling. Overlaid on the retro-brasserie theme are elements of colonial-era decor, vintage movie posters, and an eclectic assortment of vintage paraphernalia. Adjacent to the entrance, the handsome dark timber and marble-topped bar counter exudes a relaxed sophistication, with a massive red leather Chesterfield sofa delineating the bar space from the main dining floor.
E & O Cocktails
The bar at E&O is a destination in itself- serving a comprehensive drinks list highlighted by the E&O signature mojitos, supplemented by a well-crafted selection of classic and innovative signature cocktails. Asian-inflected signature mojitos are flavoured with some intriguing combinations of local fruits and spices- examples include Cinnamon Ginger Mojito; Mangosteen Mojito; and Passion Fruit Mojito. In addition to the cocktails, E&O offers a solid selection of Single Malts, and an extensive wine list that has been assembled to provide palatable pairings with the bold flavours of Will Meyrick’s cuisine.
E & O cuisine
Popularly known as the “Street Food Chef”- Meyrick has published his first book on his many peripatetic forays into the culinary hinterlands of the countries of South East Asia- collecting recipes, discovering indigenous ingredients, and tasting the local street-side cooking. Both Bali restaurants are internationally acclaimed for his signature interpretations of authentic Thai and Vietnamese street-food recipes- with the fine dining Sarong restaurant recently being included in the respected San Pellegrino Top 50 Restaurants in Asia 2014 rankings. At E&O, Meyrick has created a menu that incorporates both a selection of celebrated dishes from his Bali restaurants, as well as notable new dishes that showcase his hallmark renditions of the complex and assertive flavours of the quintessential Thai street foods. Signature dishes at E&O include Meyrick’s famous Massaman Curry of Slow-Braised Lamb Shank- with cardamom, shallots, pumpkin and tamarind; Salmon Betel Leaf Bites; and Crispy Pork Belly with tamarillo and tamarind sauce, served with nam pla prik.
In addition to the street food inspired dishes, the menu also includes dishes with a Chinese provenance such as Peking Duck Dumplings in light soy broth with comeo and shiitake; and Char Siu Pork Egg Noodle Soup with dumplings, choy sum and crispy wontons.
