'I am super complicated about food'
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Those made of lesser stuff may have withered under the strain, but Ria Irawan has taken life's travails in stride. She made the transition from child star to starlet, weathered a difficult public scandal in the early 1990s and returned from several years living in Italy to make her name as both an actress and video music director. Most recently she was the lead in the award- winning movie Biola Tak Berdawai (The Stringless Violin) and gave a wickedly funny turn as a self-absorbed novelist who has a tryst in a toilet in the popular movie Arisan. But she still finds time to eat, even if she can be a bit picky, as she told us from Mlangi restaurant in Yogyakarta. -----------------------------------------
Next best thing to mom's home cooking?
People who know me know that I am a bit super repot (complicated) about food. I go to certain places based on its specialty.
Sweet treats?
I don't really like sweet treats because they are fattening. Sometimes, I do order them, like apple pie and apple strudel from a place next to Gran Mahakam, Corica. But I don't really like sweets.
For me, the choice of food that I find delicious means that it should taste authentic, like it's made in its own home country. The profiteroles at Warung Made, Bali, are the best for dessert.
Coffee to go?
I quit drinking coffee sometime ago... Before, when I was in Italy, I used to have around four cups a day. But my appetite is crazy. I can't sit down and eat in a dirty place but if I find the food is good, I don't mind buying it and eating it in my car.
Fast food?
I like the classic burger at Wendy's. When I am going crazy, I go for Kentucky original. But I don't like it hot or crispy... I am the kind of person who thinks that the classic one is the best. I don't like complicated cuisine... Delicious food that looks too beautiful to eat is also a turn off.
Best atmosphere?
Mana Lounge in Taman Ria Senayan, South Jakarta.
Service with a smile?
Hard to be specific. I usually go to places where people there know me and I know them. I feel uncomfortable when people in a place I go to feel nervous while serving me.
Most promising new place in town?
I am kind of a fanatic. If I like certain food, I might go there for two straight months. But for steak, I'd go to Maxi's and for shabu-shabu to Kayangan restaurant at Wisma Nusantara. I also like grilled ribs at this place (Coto Makassar H.M. Amink) near Lapangan Ros in East Jakarta. But again, the places I pick depend on many things -- my budget, whether I am going there alone or with friends....
-- Stevie Emilia