July 13th, 2012
Face Jakarta is an impressive assemblage of culturally themed dining and drinking venues housed within the walls of a restored Dutch colonial era building in central Jakarta. Initially opening in 1994 as the Indian restaurant Hazara, the concept further evolved to include the Thai restaurant Lan Na Thai and the cocktail bar- FACE Bar. Embraced by a discerning clientele of both local residents and visitors to Jakarta, Face Jakarta has enjoyed an enduring popularity in the competitive local restaurant scene. The unique style and authentic cultural heritage that is the essence of the Face Jakarta experience have also seen the concept expanded to include FACE establishments in other major cities in Asia- Bangkok, Shanghai and Beijing.
The concept behind “Face” is a recognition of the timeless endeavours by generations of travellers and traders to make voyages across the globe- by land, sea and more recently by air. Rooted in the history of Asia, the famous “Silk Route” was the legendary interface between East and West, where overland traders and travellers would seek refuge at the end of each day in a “caravansary” – a safe haven providing an oasis of overnight calm and security. Face Jakarta has drawn inspiration from the past to create a modern era “caravansary”- an urban oasis of calm and comfort where like minded people can gather for drinks or to share a meal.
The Face Jakarta establishment occupies a restored two level building that has been extensively remodeled to recreate an authentic cultural environment. Raw timber beams and pillars, the original timber flooring and ceilings contrast with the internal walls rendered in bold colors. The sprawling floor plan follows the original rooms of the building, creating a variety of spaces within each section. The ground floor features the FACE Bar on one side of the entrance hallway, with the Hazara Indian restaurant occupying the spaces across the other side. A staircase leads to the upper level and the Lan Na Thai restaurant, which features a series of interconnected dining spaces extending across the entire width of the main building.
The interiors showcase an extraordinary collection of authentic artifacts that are essential in creating the culturally relevant environment of Face Jakarta. Sourced primarily from China, the artifacts also include pieces from other Indo-Chinese cultures.
The entrance passageway with water ponds and garden. A carved timber spirit house is prominent.
FACE Cocktail Bar
The FACE Bar is a popular gathering place for after-work and pre-dinner drinks, conveniently located in close proximity to the heart of Jakarta’s commercial and diplomatic districts. The bar is renowned for their delicious cocktails, featuring both classics and the innovative creations of the bartenders. Generous daily Happy Hour promotions are an attraction, with live music also featured on Saturday evenings.
The bold red colored central bar of the ground floor FACE Bar
The spaces adjoining the bar are filled with an eclectic collection of furnishings, with antique Chinese beds sharing the space with contemporary furniture.
Antique Chinese bed in one corner of the bar space
An extensive collection of original modern artworks are displayed on the walls
The head bartender preparing a cocktail at the bar
First Kiss- Dark rum, grapefruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, passion fruit and monin syrup
Face Sangria- Signature cocktail of Face Bar. Red wine with orange juice & sangria monin syrup & chunks of fresh fruit
Mojito- fresh mint-fused rum, fresh limes, basil leaves and sugar
Pink Silk- Rum and fresh strawberry
Lanna Thai Daiquiry- light rum, cointreau, lime juice, pineapple juice, and ginger
Hazara- North Indian Restaurant
Hazara, located on the ground floor, serves an authentic North Indian style of country cooking that features vegetable, lamb, seafood and poultry dishes cooked either in the tandoor oven, or as gravy curries cooked in the Handi (wok). Rice dishes and Indian breads (naan) baked on the inner walls of the tandoor ovens, compliment the main dishes.
The main dining room of Hazara features authentic fabrics and artifacts from India
The ground floor Hazara dining room overlooks the tranquil water ponds and garden at the front of the property
The dining room setting of Hazara exudes an authentic Indian heritage
Lan Na Thai Restuarant
Derived from the Thai words “Lan Na”- “many rice fields” and is the name of an area of northern Thailand that is the rice bowl of modern Thailand. The restaurant design utilizes authentic furnishings and artifacts to reflect the Thai traditional culture and re-create the atmosphere of dining in an elegant Thai home.
The Thai cuisine served at Lan Na Restaurant features a wide selection of traditional and contemporary dishes.
The main dining room of Lan Na Thai is on the first floor of the restored building. Original antique artifacts and furnishings compliment the rich timbers of the floors and ceiling.
Elegant dining settings of the first floor Lan Na Thai restaurant
A private dining space within the Lan Na restaurant
Selected dishes from the Bar Menu
Appetizer Platter- Vegetable Samosa
Appetizer Platter- Boti Kebab and Squid Rings.
Poa Pia Thod- Golden Spring Rolls, filled with Chicken and vermicelli noodle served with sweet and sour sauce.
Thung Thong- filled with shredded chicken , carrots and shrimps
Face Jakarta- Thai & Indian Restaurants & Cocktail Bar
Address: Jln Dr Kusuma Atmaja No.85, Menteng , Jakarta Pusat 10310. Indonesia
Reservations: + 62.21. 31925037
Opening Hours:
Restaurants-
Sunday to Wednesday Lunch 12:00 pm ~ 2:30 pm Dinner 6:00 pm ~ 10:30 pm
Thursday to Saturday Lunch 12:00 pm ~ 2:30 pm Dinner 6:00 pm ~ 11:00 pm
Bar-
Sunday & Monday 5:00 pm ~ 12:00 am midnight
Tuesday & Wednesday 5:00 pm ~ 01:00 am
Thursday 5:00 pm ~ 01:30 am
Friday & Saturday 5:00 pm ~ 02:00 am
Promotions:
Happy Hour-
Weekdays 5:00 pm ~ 8:00 pm
Saturday 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm with live jazz
Sunday 5:00 pm ~ close
Website: www.facebars.com/en/jakarta/restaurant/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/facejakarta
