By Nestled in a corner of the bay at Marina Pacifica in Long Beach, an eastern paradise awaits.
Tantalum, a bar and restaurant, brings Indonesian culture to California in the jungle-like atmosphere and exotic cuisine.
While staying true to its style in the environment and food, the bar provides a variety of live entertainment.
Jen Bloom, a singer and piano player specializing in pop, R&B and classic oldies, entertained at the bar’s corner stage on Saturday.
Her performance brought mostly mellow tunes to the large crowd. Etta James’ “At Last,” Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” and Feist’s “1, 2, 3, 4” were just a few of the songs that she performed. The music sounded as though Bloom stuck with Feist’s style while performing the songs, but Bloom’s tastes are quite different.
Her true influences include Phoenix, Cut Copy, Daft Punk and Nigel Godrich, according to her MySpace.
Bloom has recently performed at the Independent Short Film, Music and Art Festival in Long Beach. She is also a regular at Tantalum and McKenna’s in Long Beach.
Her performance at Tantalum pleased the crowd as they applauded her after every song.
“She had a nice voice and good taste in music,” said Sarah Garcia, Cal State Long Beach senior kinesiology major.
Bloom set up a familiar atmosphere with her performance in an otherwise unique environment.
Tantalum is not an average bar. It is situated on the water in Alamitos Bay and its panoramic window overlooks the boats that frequently pass by.
The mahogany bar itself is a sight to see. It stretches 75 feet, from the live entertainment stage to the restaurant section.
The décor sets up the Indonesian-themed environment. Dozens of small trees and colored lanterns, mahogany high tables with stools, low tables with cushioned wicker couches, a gong at the bar and a waterfall at the entrance make it seem like everyone is relaxing in an eastern tropical paradise.
The restaurant is a separate section from the bar, but they are not far apart.
Those sitting in the bar area can enjoy food with their drinks. The current bar specials include lobster risotto, oysters, fruit and cheese platter and flatbread topped with salami, ham and peppers.
However, food at the restaurant is pricey; expect to spend at least $20 on a meal.
Nevertheless, the food is an exotic combination of Asian and Californian cuisine. Marinated tofu, kobe beef burger, scallops with kobocha puree and roasted half chicken with green soy beans are some of the options to choose from.
Even with high prices, Tantalum is very popular, inviting people of all ages to attend. Reservations are recommended on the weekends and holidays.
To make a reservation, find out about the live entertainment schedule or learn more about the unique bar and restaurant, visit tantalumrestaurant.com or call 562-431-1414.
