Step into the modern oasis that is Palm Court restaurant within the elegant opulence of Four Seasons Jakarta and lose yourself in its blissful culinary treats.
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By Refa Koetin
Although it just opened its doors back in this year, the newly Four Seasons Jakarta is already a known landmark on Jalan Raya Gatot Subroto, and it is well on its way to being, if not already, one of the city’s most iconic five-star hotels. And like all of its counterparts around the world bearing the Four Seasons brand, this hotel holds wondrous gourmet temptations for those stopping by.
One of these treasures is Palm Court, the hotel’s main F&B venue located across the main entrance adjacent to a marvellous lobby past a carpeted grand stairway. Entering Palm Court, guests will immediately notice a strikingly beautiful chandelier hanging from the tall ceiling. With tall leather and velvet armchairs dominated by green hues around its marble tables, floors and counters, the main dining area truly feels like a tranquil oasis flourishing in luxury. Palm Court’s interiors are laden with white and gold surfaces, further contributing to its elegant atmosphere.
Opposite the restaurant’s entrance, clear floor-to-ceiling windows allow plenty of sunlight to illuminate the dining hall, making for a soft and bright atmosphere during the day, and commanding an enchanting view of the stars during the evening. On the other side of these windows is Palm Court’s garden, which offers an outdoor area (smoking allowed) with a slightly more private feel. Complete with wooden foyers and three tables placed on the grassy area in chic wooden tepees to shelter from the rain, and add an extra layer of comfort, this outer courtyard is perfect for an intimate social gathering or private functions.
Pioneered by seasoned Executive Chef Marco Riva, all-day dining restaurant Palm Court offers a wide selection of international tastes with his signature modern twist. “We are trying to create something different that complements the Four Seasons identity. We are not a big buffet restaurant or a restaurant that is too big, so the guests have to wait a few extra seconds for service. The idea is exclusivity, opulence and genuinely delicious food with immaculate presentation,” Marco explained.
Some of Marco’s signature inventions that are highly in demand at Palm Court include avocado lime hummus and Javanese grilled prawn salad, Indonesian lobster laksa, and the sumptuous upside down mango cheese cake.
Creative chef Marco likes his creations to be full of expression and trendsetting, which is evident by adding a splash of avocado to traditional hummus, and serving it with shaved vegetables and croutons instead of the more commonplace pita bread, creating a lighter, slightly sweeter delicacy. The Javanese grilled prawn salad contains pineapple, kale and mango sambal dressing, which provides a perfect base to complement the delicious meat of local Javanese prawns. It is a mildly spicy dish that is equally refreshing to the palate.
Bridging the difference between the traditional Malaysian and Singaporean dish laksa, Palm Court presents Indonesian lobster laksa, with grilled lobster cooked in seafood broth that boasts a delicately balanced level of spice and richness. The twist runs further by adding udon into the broth, and this Japanese noodle, probably due to its thicker nature, absorbs the tasty broth and deliciously releases it with a bang as you chew.
The upside down mango cheese cake offers layers of soft and creamy cheese cake topped with an intricate combination of flowers, chocolates, berries, and more fresh fruit that is so artfully composed you’d almost feel sorry for scooping in and undoing the edible decorations.
(www.fourseasons.com/jakarta/dining/restaurants/palm-court/)
