But perhaps the secret of The Swiss Restaurant’s survival is in their belief since the restaurant’s establishment that a combination of patience, hard work and selling something a little different is the formula of success. What is different at the Swiss Restaurant is that the proprietors believe that dining out is not just about eating good quality food but also about having an enjoyable evening all round. Such all-round enjoyment is ensured at the restaurant by the very atmosphere and ambience of the establishment. There is a delightful mix of the nationalities and cultures of the owners in the feel and décor of the restaurant. You enter the restaurant through a Balinese gate, past a statue of the mythological half man, half eagle Garuda. There are Balinese ceremonial umbrellas on either side of the door and the building itself has a Balinese style palm thatch roof. Red and white, the colours of both the Swiss and Indonesian flags, dominate. The décor is, however, very Swiss with red and white checkered tablecloths, cowbells, and travel posters of Switzerland with her beautiful snowcapped mountains on the walls. The logo of the restaurant is a big, red, juicy Swiss apple. The menu follows the cultural mix with Swiss and Balinese dishes as well as Indonesian and other Asian delights. The Swiss Restaurant is naturally well known for its Swiss specialties, such as Wienerschnitzel, Bratwurst, Kartoffelsalat (potato salad) and of course the famous Swiss Fondue made with real, strong, rich Swiss cheese and white wine.

The atmosphere is fun, friendly and hospitable. Guests are welcomed with a Bali Baloo cocktail served in a ceramic togog, which is a cheerful, chubby imp-like creature that is usually used for candles. There is live music or a Balinese dance every night. I went on a Sunday evening, which is when the house band Trio Hoopla performs. The trio actually varies from three to five members, depending on who is there, and includes Jon himself (who is, incidentally, also the Swiss and Austrian Consul - the consulate is behind the restaurant), the American consul and the Italian Consul and other friends who drop by. The music is a talented and amusing ensemble of drums, violin, piano and accordions combined with operatic vocals. The pianist, by the way, is an Ibu Casilda who herself has witnessed great changes in Indonesia. She played on Radio Indonesia for many years and has even played for Indonesia’s first president, President Sukarno.

MADE’S WARUNG