Week 3: Indonesian - Ramayani

Ms. L.W., Ms. L.S. and Ms. J.H. were in attendance this week as well as new member, Ms. S. "Yucca is Yucky" R.

Although Ramayani looked dingy from the outside, sitting on a bustling Westwood Blvd. corner with a tacky mustard, yellow sign, the restaurant was quite cozy and clean inside. When we arrived, we were greeted and served by a sweet and gentle elderly couple, quite likely the owners. To the right hand side of the entrance was a small store with an eclectic collection of exotic breads, sauces, beers, snacks and spreads.

Several delicious dishes were slotted on the menu tonight. The evening began with a refreshing Fresh Lime Soda that was tangy with just a delicate dash of sweetness. Ayam Bakar (fire-grilled chicken breast dish basted with sweet soy sauce served with kafir limes) was juicy and tender, and complimented perfectly by a sauce of sweet and tart. Vegetarian Cah Kangkung (Hawaiian Watercress stir-fried with garlic and chili) was cooked to an appetizing bright green, but some members found it to be a bit too salty unless eaten along with the plain rice. Belado Tahu (fried tofu in tangy sweet red bell pepper sauce), on the other hand, was a disappointment: the tofu did not hold its own in freshness and texture and was drowned in the spicy, sweet sauce. Nasi Goreng (Indonesian-style fried rice) was popular with the crowd as a slightly sweeter and chewier variation on the traditional Chinese fried rice.

The sisterhood was adventurous in their dessert choices. Bubur Ketan Hitam (warm, sweet black wild rice pudding topped with coconut milk) was a hit. What it lacked in presentation, it made up in creamy yumminess. Ms. S.R. noted that she preferred the softer texture of traditional western rice pudding to chewy wild rice but Ms. J.H. enjoyed the exotic departure. All agreed that Iced Doger/Tape (sweet fermented yucca root with young coconut and vanilla syrup) was an acquired taste. Ms. L.S. deftly fooled others into trading their delicious desserts for the pink yucca when she declared that the yucca "actually starts tasting good after about 10 bites!!" Ms. L.W. fell for the bait and took the advice to heart; after 10 bites, she concurred, convincing herself that the trade was worthwhile. The yucca had an indescribable savoury taste of sweet, salty and fermented. DEP recommends it to only the brave and unabashed.

1777 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Tel: 310-477-3315
Fax: 818-892-4811
http://www.ramayani.com/

Vegetarian friendly? Generally.
Parking: Small lot next to restaurant and street parking.
Entree pricing: $7-14

THE SISTERHOOD HAS DELIBERATED: 7.5 ROSES OUT OF 10.

For a Discussion on Indonesian Cuisine
For a Discussion on Indonesia