Director of Food & Beverage at InterContinental Jakarta Pondok Indah
E: What are your responsibilities?
J: I’m in charge of the daily operations and management of all F&B venues at the new InterContinental Jakarta Pondok Indah, including the event spaces. As part of the opening team I am responsible for planning, setup, organising and preparation works, including ensuring we have the right team.
E: What makes a typical day?
J: A typical day doesn’t really exist for us. Every day is something different and this makes my job so exciting! I spend my time in-between guests, team members, meetings and my office work, in that order.
E: Your best attribute?
J: I would like to think that my extensive experiences in Southeast Asia has made me a better overall F&B professional; diligent, passionate, persistent.
E: Team player or team leader?
J: Both! In a large operation we need to find the right balance. No guest or team member is the same, hence I would always adapt my style to the results I would like to get.
E: Who has been the most influential figure in your career to date?
J: A mix of people. I’ve learned a lot from people I meet and experiences I’ve had.
E: Name one really special thing about your hotel or restaurant?
J: The event facilities; The Lounge where guests are treated with a journey through Indonesia’s best coffee brews and the experience of indulging in the complexity of well-brewed teas. Sugar & Spice, our main dining restaurant, incorporates the cultures and culinary highlights of five continents through six magnificent show kitchens, including a private hidden teppanyaki restaurant. Our Grand Ballroom is one of Jakarta’s largest and has great features including a Bridal Lounge, VIP Sky Box and Chef’s Table with a complete view of the kitchen, designed for guests to experience special dishes. The Studios give you The Club Experience of Meetings. Unique and the first of its kind in Jakarta, it provides ultimate flexibility, personalised service and luxury to impress your guests.
E: How do you unwind?
J: I love cooking. I cook nearly every day, even if I finished very late. I can be very particular about my food and cook everything from scratch.
E: Dead or alive, who would you like to take out to dinner?
J: My family. It might sound cheesy but I am only home very little and I have been away for 10 years. So time with my family is really an important moment for me and truly creates great memories.
InterContinental Jakarta Pondok Indah
Jalan Metro Pondok Indah
Jakarta 12310, Indonesia
T: +622175908854
E: sales.icjakarta@ihg.com
ihg.com
