E urasia is neither a restaurant/bar nor a bar/restaurant – it's a restaurant with a bar in the basement. Apparently, when Rina, Charles, John and Sandjojo, the proprietors of Eurasia, leased the space to develop their dream restaurant, they were told that the rather substantial basement below was also part of the deal. So, they decided, “why waste the space – let's turn it into a bar”. And so the Crossroads bar came into being. It's a snug little hideaway that is perfect for a few unwinders after work or the odd post-dinner relaxant. The décor is cozily uncomplicated with warm orange walls, just-right lighting and despite the smallness of the bar, the proprietors have managed to fit in a pool table, a dartboard and a big TV screen without cramping the customers. And, for a nice change, the background music (of the golden oldie variety) really is background music.

Upstairs is the restaurant, and although the bar is an unexpected bonus, it is the restaurant that is the main show. In the Eurasian scheme of things, the décor is definitely European – ala Mediterranean. The restaurant, with its large arched windows, is spacious and the decorations are well chosen and simple, enhancing the overall Mediterranean theme.

The food, as the title of the restaurant promises, is a combination of Asian (leaning towards Singaporean) and European. Except for a couple of old time fusions like Devil Curry and Roti John, mostly its East is East and West is West. The European corner includes reasonably priced steaks, assorted sandwiches and pastas and noodles. The Asian side is headed up by two deliciously difficult crab dishes – the Singaporean inspired Chili Crab and Pepper Crab. The supporting cast includes Sweet and Sour Fish or Prawns and Chili Lamb (lamb cutlets are used – a bit of fusion happening there). The chili dishes are on the mild side so if you want it hotter, ask the staff to chili-it-up. An interesting entrée is Corn Beef Cutlets, which, along with Roti John, can double up as a great bar snack.

All in all, the Singaporean husband and wife team and first time restaurateurs Rina and Charles (who is also the cook) have put together a menu that should cover most tastes and have promised further additions in the future. Eurasia (and Crossroads ) is located in the Dharmawangsa (City Walk) Square in South Jakarta.

And by the way, Crossroads is keen to enter the up and coming Jakarta Bar pool competition and is looking for players.