Krakatoa Restaurant brings Indonesian Cultural Experience to Downtown Hollywood

Krakatoa Indonesian Cuisine, a popular Hollywood restaurant known for its authentic multi-flavored Indonesian food as well as the cultural experience it creates for diners, has expanded its operations to the Downtown District.

Krakatoa, a joint venture between landscape designer John Anthony and head chef Abe Muis, an Indonesia native, opened September 30 at 1910B Hollywood Blvd.

Aptly named for a volcanic island in Indonesia whose eruption in 1883 was the greatest in recorded history, Krakatoa first burst on the local dining scene three and a half years ago at the Yellow Green Farmers Market and has attracted a strong following from throughout South Florida, with diners traveling from as far away as West Palm Beach.

“We have found a niche that just has not been filled in the area – and people really, really, really love our food,” Anthony said. “We broke all-time records this summer.”

Krakatoa serves traditional Indonesian cuisine made with imported ingredients. The expanded new menu features a wide variety of flavor-packed dishes, with mild selections as well as spicy.

“There are so many flavors in just a very simple dish,” said Anthony. “We’ve got something for everyone: beef, chicken, lamb, seafood, vegan and vegetarian.”

Anthony and Muis, who happened to meet four years ago in Bali during Anthony’s first trip to Indonesia, share a genuine passion for their business that extends beyond the food they serve to the informal education on Indonesian culture that they provide to interested patrons.

The new 62-seat restaurant’s decor features traditional ceremonial masks, umbrellas and framed fabrics acquired during Anthony and Muis’ trips to Indonesia. They plan to showcase dishes from the different islands, and alter the decor accordingly, every couple of months. They also plan to create a Skype connection between the restaurant and a local market in Indonesia.

“We don’t want people to just come in and enjoy our food. We want them to have an experience and learn and discover a new culture,” Anthony said. “It makes it more fun. And we establish relationships.”

Krakatoa’s menu features entrees ($11.99 to $17.99) that include Rendang Sapi, slow-cooked spicy beef in a savory sauce of coconut milk, garlic and kaffir lime and served with yellow rice, salad and Indonesian crackers ($15.99); Urap, a warm salad of crispy fresh steamed vegetables served with a homemade Indonesian-style roasted coconut dressing ($12.99); and Nasi Goreng, a well-known classic Indonesian fried rice dish with fresh vegetables and seasoned with garlic, white pepper and sambal sauce ($12.99; add chicken for $1, lamb for $4 or shrimp for $5 more).

The menu created by Muis includes Drunken Ice, a popular Indonesian dessert of shaved ice smothered in cold seasonal fruit and topped with strawberry sauce and condensed milk. The beverage menu includes sodas, beer, wine and the classic Indonesian street drink Happy Soda, a blend of bubbly soda, strawberry syrup and condensed milk finished with flavor-popping boba.

Anthony said the historic downtown arts, music and entertainment district, home to a variety of international cuisines, is an ideal fit for Krakatoa.

“Downtown Hollywood is like a mixing bowl of different cultures,” he said. “It’s a foodie destination. It’s very inviting and pedestrian-friendly. It’s a nice place for people to gather and relax and enjoy.”

Krakatoa Indonesian Cuisine is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Catering and imported Indonesian products are also available. For more information, call 754-221-0914 or visit www.KrakatoaCuisine.com.

Author: Amanda Jones
Author: Amanda Jones

Amanda Jones specializes in social media marketing. She holds a Master's degree in Social Media Management from the University of Florida and a Social Media Professional Certificate from the University of Miami.

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