TEMPO.CO, Semarang - There are around 50 buildings from the past century currently existing in Semarang Old Town. Among these old buildings that spread around the 31-hectare area, a building used to be owned by Herman Spiegel dating back to 1895 stands still sandwiching Srigunting Park along with Blenduk Church.
After Herman Spiegel left for his hometown in 1935, the building had been changing functions until local people transformed it into protected cultural heritage in form of a bistro in 2011. The bistro is called Spiegel Bistro.
“We name the building to honor the first owner of the building,” said Bram, Spiegel Manager at the bistro few weeks ago.
Spending an afternoon in Spiegel Bistro is like being in an European banquet. The renovation did not change vintage colonial shape of the building. Here you will find pillars that are more than a-century-old, authentic wall and giant windows.
“We are forbidden from changing the core building, including installing a nail on it,” said Bram.
Only the first floor of the two-story building is used to accommodate guests since the upper floor is too old. But no need to worry as the first floor alone can accommodate up to 140 people.
The cafe owner has installed more modern and casual interior on the building. In the center of the room, we will find square-shaped bar where mixologists show off their skill. The bar is surrounded by wooden chair, red sofa and marmer-motif round table with a candle on it. Chandeliers are installed on the ceiling to give warm atmosphere.
We chose to sit by the giant window to enjoy the ‘view’ of Semarang street. We tried out a cup of cappuccino served with two sugar sachets with “Est. 1895” writing on it. A plate of warm quesadilla--Mexican cheese corn chips--cooked Patrick the Scottish chef accompanied our coffee time.
Night fell and jazz music turned into higher-tempo music. After finishing up a plate of delectable mushroom soup, we ordered Chocolate Martini and After Sunset. Both beverages came in pretty appearance. While vodka odor pervaded from Chocolate Martini with ‘a piece of chocolate leaf’, After Sunset came with orange tequila, sexy as the dusk.
ISMA SAVITRI
