Best Friends Forever
Indonesia Tatler catches up with Donna Latief and Margaret Vivi as they enjoy an exquisite meal at Anigré and share stories about their friendship. Kevin Sjahrial writes
in brilliantly through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows as our guests for the day stepped into Anigré. Margaret Vivi, looking chic and dignified as always, arrived first at the table especially set for our special guests. Her best friend, Donna Latief, followed soon after, looking exquisitely elegant in a long blue dress. Anigré is Sheraton Grand Jakarta Gandaria City Hotel’s premier dining location. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow plenty of light in, creating an open and airy ambiance.
Anigre serves an array of international cuisines and multicultural delights for guests to enjoy throughout the day. The breakfast spread includes a variety of Indonesian dishes and classic intercontinental breakfast dishes. From local favourites like noodles and porridge to international delights like croissants and pastries, Anigré has it all. At lunchtime, there is an even-broader range of cuisines to enjoy. Stuff your plates at the lunch buffet with pizza, Peking duck, opor ayam, and many more dishes from all around the world.
Today, Donna and Vivi were in for a special treat: an exclusive four-course menu prepared by Anigré’s very own Chef Twedi Martatna. The menu featured fresh seafood, colourful vegetables, the most amazing cut of beef, and a very moreish dessert.
The meal started with a most refreshing appetiser of marinated beetroot carpaccio and crispy shrimp popcorn. The cherry tomato compote brought out the best of the beetroot, while a wasabi aioli added just the right amount of kick. Next on the line-up was roasted butternut squash puree, which came with sautéed sea bass. The light soup was complemented beautifully by the strong flavours and fragrance of Kalamata olives and truffle cream.
The ladies regaled us with stories of how they are such best friends. The two look like they have been friends for decades despite having met for the first time only three years ago. Margaret got to experience the phrase “never judge a book by its cover” first-hand. “She was just completely not what I expected from the way she looked,” said Vivi. “There was an air of arrogance about her; but that all dissolved the moment I started talking to her.”
Donna had a similar experience in the way that she had not expected Vivi to sound the way she did, in relation to her appearance. “She sounded so adorable. I could barely hide my amusement when I first heard her voice,” said Donna.
The two had an instant connection as their first conversation shifted to the topic of food. As time went by, they fostered a sincere bond that was backed by plenty of chemistry and support for one another. Without any cues, the two of them reached out their palms at the same moment and put them against each other. Vivi noted cheekily that having common enemies was yet another pillar of their strong friendship, much to Donna’s delight. Best friend goals, much?
The conversation was cut short as the eagerly anticipated main course arrived. A cut of Black Angus fillet mignon seared to medium-rare perfection and sliced the Italian way was laid on a bed of the smoothest potato mousse. Shimeji mushrooms, with all their umami, and shallots all’agrodolce, tangy and refreshing, completed the dish. Every bite presented its own unique experience of flavours, each better than the last.
As the culinary journey neared its end, we were pleasantly surprised by yet another masterpiece of Chef Twedi’s. A colourful ensemble of fruits, mousse and chocolate suggested a nice refreshing end to an already spectacular meal. As the server placed the plates on the table, he warned the table that the dark chocolate mocha crema came with a twist: a spicy one. With a mix of curiosity and astonishment, Donna and Vivi took their first scoop of the dark chocolate cream.
No-one was quite prepared for the kick as wave after wave of delicious chocolate flavour enveloped the taste buds. Then it came. It was familiar yet different. It was not the heat of chilies, or peppers, but it certainly was hot. It rose from the back of the throat and lingered for just a moment too long. Even then, no-one could resist going in for more. The forest honey croquant and mango mousse were sweet and delicate, while the fresh berries added a bright pop of vibrancy and zing.
Anigré
Sheraton Grand Jakarta Gandaria City Hotel Jl. Sultan Iskandar Muda, Kebayoran, Jakarta Tel: (+62) 21 8063 0888
“As time went by, they fostered a sincere bond that was backed by plenty of chemistry and support for one another.”