The moment I stepped into this place, I instantly fell in love. It was my first year of university, with my classmates and seniors, getting assignments, exams, projects and deadlines off our heads. It totally helped.
It's just the kind of place we'd all adore. It's charming, fabulously old (Since 1932. Wow!), and indeed one of the city's iconic place. A couple of swanky new places which have been sprouting around it does not shake its popularity.
Ragusa is famous for its ice cream. It's light and refreshing, perfect for Jakarta's balmy weather.
My sis and I went there after a day of shopping (again?) in Pasar Baru, trying to avoid traffic jam, and resting our exhausted feet. I ordered a Chocolate Ice Cream Soda, which came pink, thanks to my sis who thought Chocolate starts with an S (Soklat, as it might be pronounced in Javanese accent) and wrote (S) on the order form (the code for Strawberry). I can't blame her. This is what a day of crazy shopping could do to you. It's not all euphoria, it too, could get you a bit delusional.
We also ordered a cup of classic Mocha Ice Cream. Just sounds so perfect for my blog, innit?
We gossiped (oh, I meant share valuable experiences) for hours, and just enjoyed the cool ambience. The crowd; the group of gentlemen just beside our table; the singer who did a beautiful rendition of the golden oldies such as Let It Be Me, Love Me Tender, and Only You (oh...all my songs!); the jamu gendong lady and other street food vendors delivering foods from outside the shop; the servers in neat uniform; the parking attendant who were downing a bowl of steamy noodles by the street; the sun setting behind the trees; the sound of the rain just outside the door....truly a feast for our senses and soul.
We were still stuffed from the huge lunch of noodles earlier, but we couldn't help ordering two servings of our all time favorite...
Krupuk (crackers) drizzled with palm sugar syrup and peanut sauce
We had to leave before we were tempted to order another plate of these bad boys.
Ragusa Es Italia
Jl. Veteran I/10"
Central Jakarta
Indonesia
Tel.: (62)(21) 384 9123