The idea to establish Loewy was a spontaneous one: that there is a need in Jakarta for a casual bistro – an everyday place with an interesting but accessible menu, a well-designed but informal décor, and adding to the mix: a buzzing, energetic bar serving the best, stiffest drinks in town. The inspiration came from traditional Parisian bistros by way of New York City. The style of the interior is
retro/classic with a modern interpretation. The original Thonet chairs, the leather banquet seats, the subway beveled tiles, the tin and copper ceiling panels, the white brick walls; evoking this “Paris bistro meets New York loft in the 1940’s” feel. It is then combined with a modern layout and concept, creating an overall ambience that is uncluttered, clean, understated, and timeless. The menu takes a contemporary twist on classic, home-style cooking with moderate prices. Seasoned Belgian Chef Benoit Claeys prepares a diverse range of dishes which include not only bistro favorites such as salad niçoise, roast chicken rotisserie and steak frites, but also European-style curry, a selection of simple but hearty pasta dishes, even Asian-inspired dishes. And then two are the desserts: a variety of tarts with the freshest tropical fruits in season, and of course, Chef Benoit Claey’s legendary Mille-Feuille (French vanilla layer cake). The bar, spanning 15 meters in length, serves simple, recognizable old favorites. Think super-smooth martinis, or the city’s largest selection of the finest single malt whiskeys. The focus is on the quality of the spirits and the freshness of the ingredients. Finally, why name a restaurant after an industrial designer? Raymond Loewy was no ordinary designer – he was responsible for the most iconic and enduring products and logos of 20th century: the redesigned contoured Coca-Cola bottle, the Lucky Strike logo, even the Air Force One livery. And it also happens that he was a French designer by way of New York City! In short, Loewy strives to recreate the achievements of its namesake: providing people with something new and exciting but at the same time, simple and uncomplicated; to provide something that is of its time and yet long-lasting.
