BAYWATCH PECEL - Eating Turi Flower Pecel by Mbah Warno "Anderson"

At first, I was confused by the name of Baywatch pecel owned by Mbah Warno eatery. Passing in my mind, a naughty imagination of a naughty waitress wearing bikini like what Pamela Anderson wore on Baywatch serials or at least it's located on seashore area.

Mbah Warno eatery is located at Kasongan, at the street heading to Sempu Mountain. This place was established 35 years ago and it has a very simple interior. The banner has 30 cm long and 20 cm width which can be easily skipped for those who don't pay attention to it. The interior is totally equipped by simple functional equipments. Only tables and wooden chairs. Behind the table, there're some braziers which always produce smokes. A peculiar position which accidentally designed like that because kitchen in javanese concept is always put at the back of the house but Mbah Warno put his kitchen in front of his eatery after the earthquake accident and he simply said due to the financial constraint he did it.

Mbah Warno serves main menu which is pecel accompanied by some meals starting from fried ell, bacem tofu, lele and mangut ell (ell with coconut milk and chili) and fried noodles. Yogyes ordered everything to taste all Mbah warno culinaries.

During the time of waiting, my mind flew to track down the origin of pecel which is as little known as soto. Many regions in Java have their own pecel with their own characteristic such as Madiun, Blitar, Madura, Slawi and etc. But for at least, a dutch historian enlighted with the fact when Ki Ageng Pamenahan undertook Sultan Hadiwijaya's instruction to proceed to a jungle named Alas Mentaok (now, Kota gede), his groups were welcomed by the opak river-side inhabitants and then they're given some foods including pecel.

My reverie was suddenly cut by the arrival of my pecel and some other meals on the table. A portion of pecel, fried lele and bacem tofu somehow challenged me to eat them as soon as possible. There are four kinds of vegetables which are spinach, papaya leaves, Turi flower (Sesbania grandiflora) and poured by nut sauce which is so yummy. We’ll have sweet flavor from nut sauce and bitter flavor from Turi flower making an unexplainable delicious mixture.

Pecel with Turi flower is the symbol of Ndeso pecel. In this age, it's hardly ever seen a pecel seller packages a kind of it. It's deemed that Turi flower has the benefits of alleviating high body temperature and headache. No wonder, some javanese, indian and Suriname (their ancestor is still javanese though, LOL) still consume young Turi flower as their vegetable.

Pecel will be more delicious by adding with fried lele or Bacem tofu. This lele is fried until very dry so that it's really crispy when you have a bite. And bacem tofu is quite big so you can eat it by combining with some small chilies. Apart from it, you can also have fried ell that has two different sizes and also you can have fried noodles and mangut ell for those who think that spicy is the best one. Smoke from brazier also adds more sensation to this place.

I don't know whether it's caused by my full stomach or effect of Turi flower, after eating, my head was way much smartier than usual. During the small conversation with Mbah Wartno and his assistant, i suddenly understood why pecel at this place is called Baywatch pecel. Apparently, Mbah Warno and his assistants always wear clothes called Kutang. These clothes are really comfortable to wear in the hot and dry weather of Kasongan village, Bantul.

Even though, many people sell pecel everywhere, Baywatch pecel still offers something new for you. A great combination of delish foods, strong village ambiance and hospitality of Mbah Warno "Anderson".

Turi Agro Tourism

Salak pondoh is unique plant with the upper part looks like oil palm with a little touch of fern style and they look very unique when planted in a row. The fruits growing at the low stem are small in the shape and with meat that does not stick to the seed and its sweet taste is the selling point of this fruit.

In 1958, Prof. Dr. drg Sudibyo who was still in Junior High School found the way to move salak plant in order not to die. After he succeeded in developing salak pondoh in his parent garden, Sudibyo asked local community to develop it together. The plantation of salak pondoh that had to sacrifice other plants was initially refused. With his persistence, the community began to follow him. The peak was in 1988 when Sudibyo initiated the foundation of Turi Salak Agro Tourism.

Enjoying Natural Atmosphere

To reach Turi Agro Tourism, there are Jalan Palagan Tentara Pelajar and Jalan Magelang to take. Entering Turi District, the scenery of salak plants on both sides of the street becomes sensation of the village nuance after passing through rice field and gardens owned by local people.

Usually, the yard of the houses is planted with mango trees or roses. It does not apply in this area. Some blocks of the house yard are functioned as salak pondoh garden. Even, there are some houses that are encircled by salak pondoh plants, only leaving small path for small pick-up cars to bring the crops.

It is not difficult to get to agro tourism are since many signs will lead readily you. If you are still in doubt, come to local people and ask them. They will be friendly to tell you the direction.

Going Around the Fruit Garden

Turi Agro Tourism is as wide as 27 hectares land that is changed into salak pondoh garden, children play ground, fish pond and swimming pool. This tourism complex is located in Gadung village, Bangunkerto Sub District, Turi District, Slemen Regency.

After 25 kilometers trip northwards of Jogja city, a gate with the writing of Wisata Agro will welcome you. Entering the location that was opened since 1994, each person will have to pay 8,000 Rupiah. With this tariff, a guide will accompany visitors to go around the salak garden before finally take a rest in a garden where they can try salak pondoh that is famous for its sweetness. If you only want to have a look, just pay 2,000 Rupiah.

Located at the height of 200 meters above sea level, the weather is so good for salak pondoh growth. The cool air gives comfort while going around this garden. When you walk through the salak plants, you will even hear the sound of soft rustling wind just like the sea wind so that you feel like walking through a village by the seashore.

One of the main products of Turi Agro Tourism is Kebun Nusantara. There are not less than 17 kinds of salak plants in this two hectares area, ranging from superior salak pondoh, yellow salak pondoh, black salak pondoh, condet salak pondoh, manggala salak, gaing salak, bali salak, semeru salak and tanonjaya salak.

In addition to salak plants, there are also medication plants such as ginger, temulawak, blimbing wuluh, galingale, and others for traditional recipes.

Relaxing with the Family

On holidays, Turi Agro Tourism can be an alternative for the family to relax; either fishing or playing rowing boat in the pond located beside the swimming pool.

Sitting on the mattress spread at the side of the fishing pond or in the lodging in the middle of the fishing pond and eating the supplies with the members of the family while enjoying the blue skies and birds that occasionally passing by or looking at the circles formed on the surface when the fish come up will be a pleasant picnic.

If you have to visit Turi Agro Tourism by the end of the year, please do. In Novembers and Decembers this area is flooded with salak crop. Salak fruit will decorate the female salak plants.

If you want to get some gifts, you may buy them in the cooperation that provides many kinds of traditional snacks and food. One of them is salak cracker that dr Sudibyo invented to overcame surplus of salak production. This cracker is made from salak through drying process. YogYES took an opportunity to taste it. It's just delicious!

The price of salak pondoh ranges from 2,500 Rupiah to 3,000 Rupiah when it is in season and increases to 4,000 Rupiah to 5,000 Rupiah when it is rare.

There are many tourism objects in Jogja, but if you choose to make a tour while relaxing with your family, and tasting the sweet salak pondoh in the garden, Turi Agro Tourism will be the right answer to your expectation.

"Selokan Mataram"

Going along the Bank of the Mataram Ditch

During Japanese colonization, many Indonesian people were sent to different regions to be employed as forced workers or romusha. They were forced to build various infrastructures to support the Japanese military to fight the Alliance. The people who served as romusha suffered so much; they did not get enough food and they were treated so severely that many of them died.

This made Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX - the former king of Yogyakarta - felt a pity and tried to put the romusha away from Yogyakarta people. He ordered the people to build an irrigation ditch as long as 30 kilometers from the Progo River to the Opak River, and objected to let his people to join the romusha by claiming that they still had to finish the project. The ditch was named Yoshiro Canal and up to now, it functions to irrigate teen-thousands hectares of rice field.

Going along the bank of this historical irrigation ditch on a motorcycle or a mountain bike promises a pleasant experience when it is done in October - May since from June to September this ditch is dried to cut off the contamination cycle.

The perfect start would be from the crossroad near the building of Magister Management of Gadjah Mada University on Kaliurang Road. There are two choices of routes from this point. We may choose to go westwards to meet the upper stream of Progo River in Ancol village of Magelang Regency. Otherwise, we may go along the Mataram ditch to the east direction that will end in Opak River in Kalasan. Starting at 06:00 a.m. is the right time with fresh air and warm sun and we can see many activities of the agricultural community.

Westwards

If we take to go westwards, we will directly see the green rice field after passing by the west Ring Road. When the sun rises highly enough, we will see it shining brightly above the green rice field and coconut trees of which shadow will be seen on the surface of the ditch water that flows quietly. Sometimes, some nature-lovers from universities practice canoeing here.

After going as far as 16 kilometers, we will get to Barongan village. The road in the area is muddy and slippery like an off-road route. We have to be careful in order not to be slipped. On both sides, we will see irrigation shutters regulating the water distribution from the ditch to the rice field. You will soon learn the importance of this ditch for the agriculture in Sleman Regency.

On this "off-road", YogYES experienced some pleasant events such as seeing the people who were pasturing ducks, buffalos, or goats. Once, we felt excited as well as worried of being attacked by the buffalos when we passed in between them while they were grassing on both sides of the road. After a tiring journey through earth road as far as 1 kilometer, we will get to a blind road (see photo) that is obstructed by the Krasak River that forms as deep as 5 meters path. Usually, the ditch will keep flowing through a bridge on the river, but there is nothing here. Where does the water continue flowing then? It turns to flow downwards, through a pipe planted beneath the earth, then flow up to the other side of the river. What is amazing is that no water pump is used! The physics law stating that the surface of the water will always be even is applied here (see picture). If we ride a motorycle, we have to return to take an asphalted road. If we ride a mountain bike, we can carry it on our shoulder to cross the shallow river.

About 5 kilometers away from Krasak River, we will come to Ngluwar village. Again, we will get confused since the flow of the water in Mataram ditch seems to disappear at all. We cannot assume that we have arrived at the upper course of the ditch since it continues to flow through the tunnel beneath the village. It is so amazing, isn't it?

Two kilometers to the south of the village, we will get to the upper coarse of Mataram ditch, namely the Progo River. A small dam named Bendung Karang Talun dams up the flow of the Progo River. The water from the dam then flows to the Mataram ditch. On Ancol bridge, over the dam, we can admire the fast current of the Progo River that is also used for rafting. This is where our journey ends.

Eastwards

We will see different view if we choose to go along the ditch in the same direction as its current, eastwards. Some areas we are going to pass by are Gejayan, Depok, Maguwoharjo and Kalasan. From Gejayan to Depok, we will see the city nuance with the presence of buildings and food-stalls. If we had not had meals, we can drop by the Bu Wiryo SGPC (sego pecel or rice served with mixed vegetable topped with peanut sauce) restaurant to the north of the animal husbandry faculty of Gadjah Mada University.

We see the green rice field only when we arrive in Maguwoharjo area. In some areas, we have to take the earth road since the asphalted road is sometimes built not in the same direction with the ditch. Generally, the earth road in this east area is dry and thus is not slippery, but we have to be careful of not falling in the ditch. We will be ok if we should fall in the water but it will be too embarrassing!

After reaching the Kalasan area, we will see an impressive panorama. From the earth road on the right side of the ditch, we can see the middle to the upper parts of Tara Temple. The spread of rice field and high trees will be the foreground. If we want to visit the oldest Buddha temple in Yogyakarta, we can take the asphalted road to the right.

From this point, we still have to go eastwards to reach the lower course of the Mataram ditch. On the way, we will find the ditch flowing under the railway. About 1 kilometer ahead, we will get to the downstream of the Mataram ditch. The water of the ditch will flow downwards fast to meet the Opak River flowing southwards to the Indonesian Ocean. The surrounding scenery is quite beautiful. High trees grow at the bank of the Opak River. This scenery signals the end of our eastward journey alongside the Mataram ditch.

Exciting and Amazing

In addition to giving a pleasant experience, going along the Mataram ditch will make us admire the designer. The course of the water flowing from west to east seems to "oppose" the nature law since the Merapi Mountain in the north of Yogyakarta causes the river in this region to generally flow from north to south. The ditch crossing over teen of small rivers and going through the tunnel under the Krasak River by applying the physics law, has been supplying water for teen-thousands of rice field for tens of years and it has been one of the landmarks of Yogyakarta.

Text: Yunanto Wiji Utomo

Photo & Artistic: Agung Sulistiono Mabruron

Ngliyep beach

Ngliyep beach has beautiful rocky beach at the southern part of Malang Regency, where gigantic waves meet coral reef. In addition, it has an island with a lush green tropical shore-forest giving more enchantment to the beach. This beach is provided with some facilities such as: stalls, souvenir shop, inns, etc.

Annually the traditional ceremony Labuhan Mulud (offering ceremony) is held here. Labuhan Mulud is the traditional ceremony that always held in the beach at Malang regency.

Ngliyep beach lies at Kedungsalam village, Donomulyo district, about 62 km a way to the south from Malang. Visit Ngliyep beach and enjoy its wonderful waves. The visitors can swimming, sun banthing, or fishing here.

Bening dam

Bening Dam area is located in the border between of Madiun regency and Nganjuk regency, precisely in Petung sub village, Pajaran village, Saradan district, about 40 km from Madiun to the north.

This reservoir tourism object is interesting to be visited because it also used as fishing pool, canoes, and the other relax activities.

This area also completed with some tourism facilities, such as; play ground, scout equipment, foods kiosk and souvenir shop, etc. You can enjoy it's interesting view and have relax in this tourism area. Enjoy the fantastic forest tourism and agro tourism.

The scout can do their activities here. Self-learning, and enjoy the nature around.

Warung Ijo Brongkos Bu Padmo Krasak Under Bridge

Known dishes named brongkos? You know cooking beef raw material (usually the stumbling myopia and koyorannya) which among other seasonings onion, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, bay leaves, ginger, and seeds keluwak. Of course with the salt and sugar as well. It was tasty, slightly sweet slightly. Very delicious served in a warm state. Usually, in addition to the beef / koyor, brongkos also combined with nuts or peanut tunggak tholo. To prod taste, in the brongkos also often sown chilli red pepper.
Warung Ijo Brongkos

've Enjoyed Mrs. brongkos Warung Ijo Padmo under Bridge Krasak, Tempel, Sleman? Well, here it is! Was secretly brongkos Warung Ijo Padmo Mom has known since 1950. So, it's almost 60 years this shop serves brongkos lovers and remains legendary. Great is not it?

You are a hobby for culinary tour, never wrong if you want to enjoy Warung Ijo brongkos because now there are many shops that use the name brongkos Warung Ijo Brongkos too. Even physical stall also painted green. Shhh, be careful, yes, ma'am Warung Ijo Padmo not open branches lho. So, do not get lost so do not be disappointed (not a promotion, but the reality is that kok).

For those of you who want to visit Warung Ijo Bu Padmo if leaving from the direction to follow the path of Yogyakarta Yogyakarta, Semarang (Jalan Magelang). If you've reached the south side of Bridge Krasak, direct steering your vehicle to the left (west-north) because it was there deviation to the left and right. Remember, take the left side. Follow the road. Once stuck in a junction (Ngepos Market), point your steering wheel to the right. In the near-angle corner bracket, just below the bridge, point your eyes to the left (east). That's where you'll catch sight Warung Ijo figure who was Padmo Mrs. painted green.

For those who depart from or Magelang Semarang direction, follow the road-Yogyakarta Magelang. If you've passed Krasak Bridge take the road to the left just inside the south side of the bridge. Arrive at the left (east) bridge, follow the road left again (down). Follow the road until it kept stuck at the north side. Point your view to the right (east). Well, there you will find the figure of Mother Padmo Warung Ijo. Easy right?

Well, prepare sensational surprises that will shake your tongue with a dish of Warung Ijo brongkos Bu Padmo. If you are belly bag, may order two servings at once. For serving portions are not coolies. Tembi itself pingin order two servings at once, but really bad at heart. Except for making extravagant, shame also thought belly sack. Brongkos portion cost only Rp 10.000, - (the price of mid-July 2008). Add a glass of sweet tea just USD 1000, -. Add a piece Empal, tripe, or iso has dibacem and fried just USD 5000, -.

Warung Ijo Brongkos Mrs. Padmo become legendary because um, it's like Bondan Winarno said that, "mak nyusss." Seasoning composition made so pas banget. Gravy not too thin, but also not too thick. The color is not pale but not too dark like Rawon East Java. Meat? Do not ask deh. It's really soft. Was soft when chewed. Comfortable swallowed. Spices-seasonings that ngresep banget lho in the fibers of meat or koyornya. No wonder if many people become addicted to brongkos

Warung Ijo this Padmo Bu. No wonder also when Tembi there to talk show (er wall coverage), Tembi must patiently wait for time Mrs. Nugroho which now runs Warung Ijo Bu Padmo.

With a friendly smile and patience Mrs. Nugroho serving or answering all the questions posed Tembi between busy serving customers who continue to come and go. Apparently Mrs. Nugroho as the second generation of the dynasty Warung Ijo Bu Padmo has used an interview with journalist. When asked, according to the confession booth was once covered a variety of media such as Trans TV, TPI, Jogja TV, Essence, People's Sovereignty, and Tembi course. All that would be a clue about the quality of the legendary sajiannya since 1950's.

According to Mrs. Nugroho, he never hid the secret ingredient for its products. Anyone can ask what the recipe. Great is not it? It's just a taste and skill of each person in the food processing is not the same course. Just as a painter. Even given the paint with the same brand, same canvas, the painting of the same object, the result is certainly not the same. Likewise, Mrs. brongkos Warung Ijo this Padmo. Even if you've been prescribed the same composition do not necessarily Nugoroho Mrs. processed your food as good as their processed products.

Understandably, he has galvanized the science of cooking by his mother, Mrs. Padmo. Sophistication and experience has led brongkos process Warung Ijo this Padmo Bu perbrongkosan rule in Yogyakarta. Not only the DIY community are specifically coming to this shop. People who hobbies culinary tour, whether originating from Jakarta, Surakarta, Bandung, Magelang, Surabaya, and others never tasted a dish brongkos Warung Ijo Bu Padmo. The result? They're addicted. Every time he came to Yogyakarta, meluncurlah them to this shop to satisfy ketagihannya. Rasain!

Warung Ijo Padmo Mom is actually not only a brongkos cuisine, but there are also pecel menu, soup, and Rames. For additional lauknya also baceman tripe, iso, or meat and then fried. Sepotongnya appreciated USD 5000, -. Feel? Um, really delicious. Fiber meat tender. Marinade so pervasive. So hard to describe the pleasure. According to Mrs. Nugroho, in a day is usually spent his stall 20 kilograms of beef. While on holiday, can reach 30 pounds. In addition, just as the stalls of traditional food in Java, Warung Ijo Mrs. Padmo also provides various kinds of food or other side dishes such as fried bananas, Tempe Mendoan, Bakwan, crisp eel, emping, krupuk, cakes, plates legendär, dent beans, and forth.

Although Mrs. Padmo Warung Ijo nylempit looks at Ngepos market environment and under the Bridge Krasak, but it menasional Bung brongkosnya.

Text and Photos: Sartono
Source: www.tembi.org