When I pick up the phone and call Taste of Jakarta and they don't answer a tiny part of me dies. The part that can't go one week without their Nasi Padang. (Spicy braised beef curry, young jackfruit curry, deep fried hard boiled egg with chutney and white rice. I usually ask for yellow rice -- seen above -- cooked with lots of turmeric, coriander and a little coconut milk.) This happened mid to late January when TOJ was closed on and off for a couple weeks and then on a day when I'd almost lost hope TOJ stalwart Timothy answered the phone. I felt silly but I said in a very high pitched voice -- "Yea!" Embarrassing but truly impossible to hide my joy.
Well, last week while talking up my favorite takeout folks I learned that they will be cutting back their hours this week. Here's why...
This weekend is the third annual Indo Heritage Reunion -- a local Indonesian festival that Taste of Jakarta is catering. They have a small kitchen and need to devote it to the event for a few days. Lucky for you -- you're invited to the Indo Heritage Reunion. Well, not particularly but it's open to the public and you certainly don't have to be Indonesian to attend. I've got my hands full this weekend unfortunately but here are the details in case you want to attend.
According to Timothy you'll get some of the on-the-menu TOJ fare in addition to harder to find foods. If you go please let me know how it was. I'm really sad I won't be able to attend. Kembang Manis Presents the 3rd annual Indo Heritage Reunion this Saturday, March 6th 6pm-Midnight @ Club Paesano 3800 West Powell Loop Gresham, OR All ages welcome 0-5 free 6-12 years $5 13-64 years $15 in advance, $20 at the door 65 years and up $12 in advance, $15 at the door Cash only bar
Included in the entry fee: dinner, live music, authentic Indonesian dancing, Pencak Silat demonstration and more.
For more info. contact Debi Leidelmeyer Freund 503.970.0059
Taste of Jakarta 1239 SW Jefferson St. Portland, OR 503.222.5136 www.tasteofjakarta.com Hours: Mon. - Sat. 11am-3pm, 5pm-9pm Closed Sunday