Saluting Indonesian Independence with a Grand Feast

(8/4/2007)

Bali's Kayumanis Jimbaram Private Estate is planning a sumptuous Rijsttafel to help celebrate the month of August and the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the Indonesian Republic.

What's a Rijsttafel?

When the Dutch colonized the Indonesian archipelago they took particular pleasure in sampling the varied culinary specialties of Indonesia, made succulent by the almost endless range of aromatic spices grown on the islands.

While few would argue that the Dutch were resolute overlords of Indonesia, it appears that they dissolved into confusion and indecisiveness when sitting down to the dinner table. After sampling so many delicious dishes from every corner of the colony, the Dutch mijnheer en mevrouw obviously couldn't decide which were their favorite recipes. The solution: Include as many different dishes as they could at a single dinner seating.

And, thus, was born the Rijsttafel - a grand and seemingly endless feast of Indonesian dishes, often served back-to-back by a long line of attentive waiters and waitresses in Indonesian traditional dress. Meaning rice table in the original Dutch, the modern Rijsttafel continues the tradition of a grand feast of Indonesian specialty dishes accompanied by steamed white rice and spicy condiments.

Reviving this grand culinary tradition, the Kayumanis Jimbaran Private Estate will re-introduce the grand Rijsttafel on August 24 & 25, 2007 at their Tapis signature restaurant.

The special dinner will include a complimentary glass of wine and music provided by a traditional orchestra – all for only Rp. 460,000 plus 21% tax and service (approximately US$60.50) per person.