E: What are your responsibilities in this new role?
A: As the person in charge of Nautilus Bar, my main task is to turn it into a captivating cocktail haven in Jakarta. Being chosen as one of Asia’s Top 50 Best Bars in Kuala Lumpur has elevated Nautilus’ offerings with innovative and artfully crafted cocktails.
E: Team player or team leader?
A: I consider myself as a team player. Why? When you look at it, being a team leader is good at times, but a team player is where you connect. You listen to other people, you understand what they need, right? From there you can work together better. Looking at Nautilus Bar, we are only a team of five, it needs to be very, very close knit. Being a team player is one of the best things here because you trust your team and your team to assist you. This is the fundamentals of my role and how I actually lead my team.
E: Name one really special thing about Nautilus Bar.
A: Nautilus Bar is an intimate speakeasy with an impressive array of handcrafted cocktails. The captivating ambience is further enhanced by a panoramic mural of the old port of Sunda Kelapa, artfully displayed behind the bar, immersing guests in its historical charm and storytelling.
E: Is there any exciting new plan for Nautilus Bar that you can share with us?
A: Certainly! Our vision is to relaunch Nautilus as an intimate destination bar with a focus on curated cocktails inspired by local spices, evoking a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of the vibrant flavours during the 16th century in Indonesia. Each cocktail will be carefully curated, incorporating unique and indigenous spices that were prominent during the 16th century, creating a taste experience unlike any other.
E: You probably have other projects for the hotel’s other outlets as well, right?
A: Absolutely! With my extensive background in the beverage industry, I’m excited to bring a fresh perspective to all of the hotel’s outlets. My goal is to curate new and enticing drink menus, catering to both non-alcoholic and alcoholic preferences, while aligning them perfectly with the unique concept of each venue. Furthermore, I believe in fostering local talents and collaborations. As part of the plan, we will engage with skilled local bartenders, providing them with opportunities to showcase their craft and creativity.
E: Tell us one thing about yourself that not many people know.
A: I actually wanted to become a chef before joining the service industry. Until this day, I can actually rip up a very good carbonara. I’m always on leave for a very long period of time, so whenever I’m back in Malaysia, I will spoil my wife with three meals a day – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and maybe supper once in a while.
Exquisite Taste Volume 40
Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta
Jalan Jenderal Gatot Subroto
Jakarta 12710, Indonesia
T: (+62) 2122771888
E: contactus.jakarta@fourseasons.com
IG: @fsjakarta
