Hey stranger!

Don’t chide me – I’m more than aware I’ve been gone for almost a year.

Not giving up and will at least pen a few stories before the year ends. But hey, at least you’re following me on Instagram (@imthejessicat) I hope; I didn’t go completely MIA just yet!

OOTD for the night:

Dress by Sarah Joe | Heels by Pedro | Bag by Chanel

Currently working on two blog articles and this is just one of them. The other one is taking a wee bit longer as I’m making a video for that staycation experience too.

I need way more discipline and speed to get back into my old blogging habits. 2019 Resolution maybe?

Dear readers, how I’ve missed you.

How I’ve missed writing and sharing my experiences with all of you! ❤️

There’s so much to update since my absence and so many stories & thoughts to share, but here’s one for today in the spirit of Christmas. This festive season, I had the pleasure of tasting the Christmas & New Year’s Eve Menu of Signature and took in the beautiful sights of Stratosphere – all thanks to the good folks of The Roof.

When I walked in, I was pleasantly surprised with the renovation and revamp of The Roof.

The last time I dined in there was a couple of years back and I thought it couldn’t look any better than it initially did! Great job buddy Roen, Dax and team!

Soon after, the waiters ushered my date and I to our table. I was taken aback – enthralled by the table decor.

Honest to God – I was not expecting such an elaborate table setting!

This photo was actually taken after dinner. Apologies!

Was too excited and I didn’t manage to shoot an aerial view of the table before dining.

Isn’t it lovely? 😍

Those elegant candles on a menorah, rose petals, faux crystals and faux grass on the table that truly embodied a beautiful and romantic modern garden ambience. (Yes, I know I’m easy to please)

Right after I was seated, I was first presented two signature cocktails.

The first was my old and all-time favourite, the Watermelon Slush.

The Signature Watermelon Slush that I’d totally vouch for!

Creatively served in a half-watermelon, the Watermelon Slush is refreshing and not too sweet.

Definitely something worth enjoying at any time of the day!

I wonder who’s POV this is.

The second cocktail was this year’s Christmas Cocktail – the Red Rudolph.

Whilst not being a fan of cocktails in general (probably due to the amount of syrup – read: high amounts of sugar! – and artificial flavourings in most cocktails) this one was different. It tasted rad!

Particularly amused by the marshmellow decor which was made to resemble Rudolph’s nose.

This photo was taken by the Samsung Note 8.

I rue the day there was ever a photo of me using a Samsung device. We’re sworn enemies.

Being such an Apple fangirl, there was no way I’d ever be caught dead using an Android.

But I guess that’s about to change… 🙂

The Mixologist of the night was so gracious to come over and say hi too.

She was super sweet and attentive to us as well.

Thank you Latz for your really cool cocktails! Keep it up ❤️

After a couple of shots around the beautifully decorated table, the main courses were already served before we knew it. We was served all four mains, which was great, because I was then able to feature all the mains of this specially crafted festive menu.

Staring hard at you my dinner.

Signature at The Roof’s Festive menu comes with a buffet of starters, soup, desserts, a carving station and a choice of one main course.

The Chef of the night, Danial Thorlby, had made the effort to come round our table to explain each and every one of his specially crafted dishes too.

Thank you, Chef Dan, for being so gracious and welcoming!

In the exact sequence of arrival, the first to be served was the Chargrilled Lobster.

Seeing how much I loved seafood, it was no surprise that this dish was one of my two favorite dishes of the night. This is probably something all Penangites can relate to. Our undying love for seafood.

The meat of the lobster, as the name depicts, was deliciously charred.

The dry heat imbued its meat with the taste of the natural juices seeping from the shell, giving off a smoky, more complex and caramelized flavour.

The interesting combination of veggies at the side was such a good accompaniment to the lobster as well.

The second dish was arguably my favorite of the lot. Clearly, Jessicat loves her fish. 😀 😀

It was the Pan-fried Codfish. The skin of cod was fried to a nicely golden brown – so crisp!

The flesh remained soft and tender beneath and seasoned to perfection. If I could eat Cod for every day of my life, I would. 😛

This dish also came served on a bed of creamy mashed potatos and clams at the side.

I gulped down this dish in a flash. Whoops – not sure if I left any for my date to enjoy. When it comes to fish, it’s mine. ALLLL MIIINNEEE. 😛

The third main course I tasted was the Chargrilled Ribeye Steak.

Meat lovers, you’re in for a treat! The steak was rich, juicy and full-flavoured.

It came as a surprise when it was served medium-well to well-done; just the way I liked it. They didn’t even have to ask!

Cross section. Yes, yes… I’m aware that the best way to eat steak is to have it medium-rare, but being squeamish to blood got me not opting for the latter. Oh and, I was also overjoyed when I saw Brussel sprouts amidst the two rounded slabs of Ribeye.

The mushrooms, broccolini and purple carrot were a fantastic pair to the steak as well.

The fourth main course selection which had me reeling was the Lamb Shank.

Now, being quite a lamb person, I was quick to dive headfirst into that dish.

It didn’t disappoint at all! The lamb, cooked in its own juices, rewarded me with the most succulent and meltingly tender bite to taste.

Also served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, it was paired with one of my favorite veggies of all – asparagus. The world needs to cave into more veggies, one asparagus at a time.

Oh, and don’t get me started on broccoli.

Was so satiated! Took a break from all the food and photos; headed over to the balcony for a breath of fresh air and the unparalleled view, amidst the breezy night sky.

By the time we came back, it was already time for dessert!

Apart from the above mains, the Dessert buffet also features a Christmas log cake, gingerbread house, festive tarts, mini cakes and many more!

Here’s what I managed to taste.

I was glad to have tasted all the four main courses and share my thoughts about them with you, in hopes that it will help you decide on your main course this festive season at Signature, The Roof.

Although I didn’t get to taste the starters, soup or carving station, I’m glad I didn’t as I was already so full to the brim after indulging in tonight’s palette pleasing dishes! 🙂

You can also head up to Stratosphere after dinner for an uninterrupted 360º view of the suburb!

So, if you’ve not made your Christmas or New Year’s Eve plans yet, you still can.

With such a modern garden interior boasting a cosy festive ambience and a sumptuous feast, what’s there not to love? Countdown to 2019 with their festive buffet overlooking a panoramic view of the city as you wine, dine and be merry in the spirit of this joyous season.

To all my Christian friends, here’s to wishing you a very jolly Christmas ahead!

And to the rest, Happy Holidays and have a wonderful New Year’s ahead. Feast and be merry!

Available on: 24th & 25th December

For more info: 03 8605 3388 | www.theroof.com.my

Opening Hours: Weekdays: 10am-10pm | Weekends: 4pm-10pm

Socials: SignatureAtTheRoof | fb.com/SignatureTheRoof

Address: Sky level, 1 First Avenue, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

So, where will you be celebrating New Year’s this 2019? 🙂

It’s exactly 1 month after Christmas and I just realized I haven’t blogged about Part 2 of my Christmas celebrations yet. Whoops.

So today will be all about my Christmas celebrations in WEIL Hotel, Ipoh with la familia!

Just like every year, we’ll either head back to Ipoh or Penang to spend Christmas eve all through the Christmas weekend together.

Not for religious purposes, Christmas, to us, is really just an annual ‘year end’ family thing we’ve always been doing since I was a kid. Fast-forward decades later, I’m glad this family tradition never changed 🙂

But first… tonight’s OOTD! 

Outfit of the day/night would be this beautiful, elegant dark fuchsia dress and nude heels.

If you haven’t already realized from my Instagram photos and recent blog posts, I’ve (almost) completely revamped my wardrobe.

Slowly but surely, my style has gradually changed from being a tad too revealing & low-cut, to more of an elegant & classy yet decent one… simply because I’ve learned that a woman’s beauty and purity lies in her modesty.

Dress by: Dorothy Perkins

Gladiator nude heels by: Steve Madden

Accessories by: DIVA

Back to the story!

It wasn’t a long drive there, about a little under 30 minutes from my folks’ place.

One thing’s for sure though, we were starving already. Certainly couldn’t wait for the feast awaiting us! Teehee.

Mom & I – selfie from the backseat

Read on to find out where we went and how we celebrated!

That blessed day of the year has come again!

Wow, looking back… how I spent this last year’s as well as this year’s birthday has been a vast difference from my insane party-hard birthdays of my much younger days.

I guess when we grow up, we tend to want to spend our special day in the comfort of our loved ones and enjoying quality conversations… instead of banging it out hard at the clubs/raves. (Save that for the weekends instead! 😛 )

This year, I’m lucky enough to spend it with the love of my life again – for the second time!

Last year, he surprised me to our city’s Helipad to enjoy the wondrous sky-high view and the delicious meal at Heli Lounge Bar.

Just a little throwback before we start with this year’s birthday celebration.

(Terrible low-light photo quality – forgot to bring my camera!)

Moo brought me to enjoy a rather different cuisine for our dinner date this time round.

As we’re so used to the likes of Italian, Arabic, North Indian, American and local food already, we decided to check out what Spanish cuisine has in store for us.

(Do I hear a hola!?) So off we adjourned to Estilo in Publika KL. 

Beautiful, authentic setting.

The view from our seat

The interior decor was a pretty interesting one – it had wooden arches partitioning different sections of the restaurant, with standard dining tables and seats, with the option of sofa seating (like ours!) and a bar-top area with high chairs. 

There’s also the alfresco area – but we’ll get to that later. 

Handpainted Spanish crockery

The waiter who attended to us was anything we’d want a waiter to be: knowledgeable, friendly and polite.

To manage expectations, he explained what the dishes were, its main ingredients and how it will look like – trust me, reading the menu in Spanish proves to be an arduous task!

We appreciated the gesture and placed our orders.

His and hers (for sharing): Chocolate Milkshake & Freshly Squeezed Watermelon Juice.

Yeah, yeah… kids’ drinks. Don’t chide us! We would’ve gotten wine but it was a weekday and since our weekends are usually full of that, we’d thought we’d play it down a little.

Plus, my guilty pleasure has always been fruit juices and anything chocolate/milk based 😀

While waiting for our sumptuous feast to arrive.

We were half worried that we wouldn’t be able to finish all the dishes we ordered. We hear they come in huge portions! 

Table talks. Let the quality conversations ensue!

We were served fluffy house bread and butter as we await our entrées & main course

Berenjenas 

This tapas appetizer had aubergine crisps, chickpea mash and mostillo reduction. We loved how crispy and tasty this was. I’m a huge fan of aubergine so I was naturally thrilled!

Costillas de Cordero

This dish of whole rack baby lamb ribs was flavourful, and very well-done! 

You know how fat lambs usually are, right? But this one was hardly considered fat, in comparison. It was also served with baked potatoes in their skins, homemade french fries and a delicious triple delight of Estilo signature sauces – Mojo Green, Peri Peri & Piquillo.

Go taste them for yourself and find out what they are made of!

We couldn’t decide which was our fave as all three complemented the ribs perfectly. 

We made sure to make space in our stomachs for the main event… *drumroll*

It’s finally here! The glorious, glorious Paella Estilo 

Strictly for sharing! Unless well, you have an appetite of an entire starving population.

I’ve only eaten Paella once in my life – at a Carlsberg event 2 years ago in La Bodega, Pavilion KL. It was seafood paella and to my best memory, I distinctly remember how delicious and hearty it was.

Moo giving it a good mix before we dug in!

This one surpassed expectations too. With chicken chorizo, chicken & green beans in rich chicken stock, this giant hotplate was certainly a reason to revel in delight.

Largely filling, bursting with flavour and yummy to every bite, I’m glad moo’s first time with Paella was a good experience!

Don’t forget a selfie with the Paella!

 As expected, we weren’t able to finish the entire portion.

We ended up packing the remaining away for brunch the next day. Moo excused himself to wash his hands – at this point, I was thinking to myself, “Wash hands? For? We didn’t even eat with our hands – full on cutlery till the end!”

But as he returned with a smirk on his face, I knew he was up to something. 

Thanks dearest!!

You never cease to surprise me!

Right from the lovely bouquet of pink roses delivered to my office desk this morning to this enjoyable birthday dinner date.

Thank you for the tiramisu birthday cake surprise. Time to make a wish!

Here’s to many more birthdays with you.

We decided to catch a breather and headed to the alfresco area for some fresh air – also to finish up our drinks and dessert.

So full to the brim! 

T’was a lovely end to an awesome dinner date

Our view of Estilo, from the alfresco area.

For the awesome dinner, surprise bouquet at my office this morning and for making my birthday a memorable one yet again, I owe it to you.

Thanks a bunch, moo!

Now, just wait and see what I have up my sleeve for your birthday this time round.

 Also, thumbs up to Estilo for making our night and my birthday one to remember.

Viva la Espana! 

——————————————————————————

For reservations and more details on this restaurant:

Check out their website at: www.estilo.com.my

LIKE them on Facebook at: fb.com/estilo.my

Call them at their contact number: +603-62039883

Drop by this address: 

Estilo Tapas Bar & Charcoal Grill
No 34, Level G2 Block C5,
Publika Solaris Dutamas,
Jln Dutamas 1,
50480, Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: Monday – Sunday (11am – 1am)

Sunday came a-calling, and what better way to spend the last day of the weekend than to unwind with some delicious bites in the neighbourhood?

Not too long ago, I received an invitation for a food tasting/review session at Nooks by Baker Dave, a cosy restaurant tucked at a delightful corner in Plaza Damas 3, Hartamas.

Naturally, I brought along my better half to experience the afternoon with me.

Arrived at Nooks in less than 10 minutes; locating it wasn’t a problem at all! 

I was half prepared to get lost in the carpark or run into difficulty searching for Nooks.

But the moment I exited the carpark, it was Nook’s right in front of me!

Strategic spot, may I add? 🙂

Love how they used crates as a table and exposed planks for its façade.

The exterior already gave me a warm and inviting feeling. 

 Saw this signage at the door. What a way to be prepared and make us feel welcome! 🙂

The moment you enter, you will definitely not miss a display of cupcakes greeting you at the front door. They’re all so beautifully and creatively decorated! 

Adorable, no?

Baker Dave himself, as the name suggests, is a baker by profession.

He specializes in customized 3D cakes for birthdays, weddings or any special occasions. I am definitely going to order my birthday cake from him this year – you will see why at the end of this post! 😛

The interior by Nooks by Baker Dave was filled with colour, quirkiness and bright hues!

I immediately felt comfortable as I took my seat, as there were many different kinds of seating to fit the varied preferences of their patrons.

 Can’t say how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE their simple, colourful decor  & shelves!

 If I wasn’t conducting a food review of the entire menu,

this comfy armchair will definitely be my spot!

We were first served with a cold glass of Honey Lime Juice.

This reminds me of the ones my family used to make for me back home.

Nostalgia, nostalgia…

Honey Lime Juice

Their homemade drink also includes he use of rock sugar & sliced lime.

Good for sore throats & relieves headaches, that’s for sure!

Next, we were served an appetizer that I recognize, from being served all the canapés whilst at events. It’s not in the menu, mind you!

Maybe Baker Dave was in a good mood that afternoon. 😛

Carrot & Cucumber sticks dipped in honey mustard!

 Served in a wine glass, interesting concept!

My kind of a healthy snack – aka yummy rabbit food LOL

Once we were done with the appetizers and got more or less settled in, Baker Dave made his appearance and welcomed us with a little opening speech. 

Nooks by Baker Dave features a full menu of moderately priced comfort food of breakfast, sandwiches, pasta, rice, and brewed coffee, along with cakes and buns that are baked from scratch.

 Baker Dave thanking us for making our way here and

explained a little about the concept behind the food & pastries they serve.

He also shared that all items are prepared, baked and cooked at the premise itself.

The fusion food here are all inspired by travel and mom’s home-cooked food, with his own very special twist. 

The fact that we were going to review the full menu, made Baker Dave thought of serving us a smaller portion of every meal first, and then flashing out all the meals in its actual size when we were done with it.

I found this to be a fantastic idea, with a foresight that we would be full to the brim and unable to finish our meals, had he give us the full size instead.

 First, we reviewed the Nooks Breakfast.

Nooks Breakfast (actual size)

This had two Eggrolls with Turkey Ham, Cheese, Chicken Sausage + a slice of toasted bread of the day with butter & jam.

All breads and buns are baked in the kitchen and alternated between wholemeal, black sesame, wholemeal flaxseed and multigrain and contain wholesome wholemeal flour without additives and preservatives.

Being a very breakfast person, I enjoyed this simple yet hearty breakfast meal a lot!

Next was also a breakfast meal. Two adorable ‘burger’ buns!

It was the Nooks Duo!

Tuna Mayo & Scrambled Egg on two soft buns with cucumber & tomato

Soft fluffy buns with sesame seeds on top – who could resist? 😀

The stuffing was so tasty – when asked which was my favourite, I couldn’t choose!

We’re done with the breakfast meals!

That’s buddies Jen & Max with the boyfie and I, along with Baker Dave himself.

It’s time for our lunch meals. Prepare your stomachs! 

 This isn’t any ordinary carbonara…

Nooks Spicy Carbonara!

I’m glad the level of spiciness wasn’t too extreme for me. 

This is perfect for anyone who fancies a little extra ‘boomz’ in their meals.

Deliciously rich like Carbonaras should be, this dish has its own spicy cream sauce paired with chicken ham & shitake mushroom, cheese and oh that yummy egg yolk. Sure to perk you up.

If you thought that was unique, our next lunch meal was a rarer find!

Nooks Sesame Vegetarian Chicken Pasta

Vegetarian Chicken, Carrot, Shitake Mushroom, Sweet Pease in Roasted Sesame Sauce

For my vegetarian readers, you’re in luck! 

Nooks also features a vegetarian pasta meal with soy/tofu made to look like chicken slices.

Despite not being vegetarian, I truly enjoyed this dish. The roasted sesame sauce paired perfectly with sliced carrots, shitake mushrooms and sweet peas was so fragrant – definitely giving this meal a good bang for your buck.

 The next meal serves to appease local Malaysian palates.

Nooks Rendang Chicken with Rice

This meals takes the cake, with its freshly prepared homemade spices blended to make the perfect chicken rendang with rice served with sunny side up egg.

It was certainly spicy for me, looks like i have to level up! 😛

Needless to say, it wasn’t spicy for him at all!

Speaking of unique dishes, check this one out.

Ever heard of pumpkin cooked in chicken curry? 

 Nooks Pumpkin Chicken Curry with Hardboiled Eggs & Rice

I’ve never tasted something quite like that before.

Their golden pumpkin was gloriously simmered with homemade Belacan curry and tender chicken breast. One of my faves right here!

Our final meal was a huge burger. 

By then, moo and I were already so satiated with the rest of their mouthwatering bites that we were BOTH unable to finish ONE burger!

 Nooks Signature Burger

Being all for non-processed food, I’m so glad that everything is homemade/prepared in-house!  Even their burger’s chicken patty was!

Drizzled with barbeque sauce, with a slice of cheddar cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and mayo sandwiched with two wholemeal buns, this burger was, safe to say one of the ‘healthier’ versions of burgers. (Fries? What fries?) 😛

Check out the burgers I had a while back in SS15 here if you are interested in more burgers.

Baker Dave had me a cup of flat white too. Yay!

How could I ever say no to my fave cuppa? 

Their cuppa was roasted by Lighthouse coffee roasters, and boasts a medium bodied blend of Central American & African coffees.

Def loving its caramel-like sweetness with a hint of nutty attributes!

 We were ushered to the alfresco area for some mingling and

chit-chatting with Baker Dave and the rest of his guests.

 The team prepared some cute props too! We had fun with that, haha!

Just when we thought that concludes our afternoon soiree, Baker Dave placed two notoriously sinful looking desserts.

My, my… would you take a look at those goodies! 

Left: Ultimate Chocolate | Right: Mango Cheesecake

Triple layers of dark chocolate mousse, chocolate fudge & chocolate cake

Creamy cheese with Belgium mango puree

I cannot express how smitten I am with both these delicacies. They were to die for!

The Ultimate Chocolate consisted of triple layers of dark chocolate mousse, chocolate fudge and chocolate cake. It was so soft and rich, and every bite melted in my mouth.

Now… this was the cake that I was referring to, in the beginning of this review that I wanted for my birthday! 😉

 The Mango Cheesecake was so soft and creamy, with strong hints of its Belgium mango puree. The mango tasted so rich and moderately sweet, almost reminding me of durian!

 Just as our wonderful gastronomic arvo came to an end,

Baker Dave again, surprised us with two gift-wrapped presents!

Inside, were bumblebee cupcakes, a ceramic speaker-mug which amplifies music playing from your phone, and almond biscotties.

Looks like Santa came early, disguised as a baker this year! 😀

 Thank you, Baker Dave, your team of chefs and PR/Events rep buddy Jen,

who made our afternoon a fun one to remember.

We definitely had a ball of a time!

Can’t wait to be back real soon. 🙂

————————————————————

For more information or book a seat/order a cake by Nooks by Baker Dave:

LIKE them on Facebook: Nooks byBakerDave

FOLLOW them on Instagram: @NooksbyBakerDave

Contact them on the phone: +603-62117686

Drop by their address: Plaza Damas 3, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

(Opening hours: 8am – 7pm)

This post was meant to go up for the longest time now, but it never saw the light of day as I keep going to new coffee joints ever so often thus never getting round to update this list!

My list of favorites exponentially grew and I have decided to just chronicle my caffeine journey in this little coffee diary – which you can use as a guide or directory to coffee places around (and out of) town!

But first, here’s a really interesting infographic of the fast facts of coffee I just had to share:

This awesome infographic is beautifully made by the peeps at Quill.com! 

Done? Awesome stats and coffee info, no?

I hope you have gained some pretty intriguing insights on the wonderful world of coffee – because I sure did! 😀

Now that you’re familiar with what coffee can do for you, it’s time for you to tickle your tastebuds and warm your tummy with a piping hot cuppa! Starbucks and Coffee Bean is a given, but let’s see what the other non-globally franchised coffee joints have to offer for a satisfiying coffee fix.

*Drumroll*

In no particular order or preference (unless stated!), my list/directory/review begins now:

SELANGOR/KUALA LUMPUR

Artisan Roast Coffee (TTDI)

One of the first few cafes I’ve patronized when I first hit the road on this coffee journey.

Artistic doodles and murals come aplenty within its walls. Expect unique chocolate pieces on their display of treats as well!

Coffea Coffee (Bangsar, The Curve, Hartamas)

At this point of writing, Coffea Coffee stands as my most frequented place for work, meet-ups and of course, for my caffeine fix.

Apart from my usual flat white, I’m currently in love with their Triple Mocha 100% Belgian Cacao and Moist Chocolate Cake.

Journal by Plan B (Publika, Mid Valley, Bangsar, Paradigm Mall & Cyberjaya)

Also recently opened in Ipoh Old Town and Queensbay Mall, Penang.

This is one of my most frequented spots for a full-fledged meal, desserts and of course, the mandatory cup of coffee. With a menu full of salads, sandwiches, pastas and Aussie-meets-New York cuisine, it’s a sure favourite for me. Check out their epic ceiling decoration too!

Kaffa Espresso Bar (Uptown Damansara)

I have taken quite a liking to the raw underground energy expressed via wall graffiti. Admire them all! Make sure you try their Not-So-Cheesy-Cheesecake, it really is NOT SO CHEESY, as they claim it is. That mille crepe cake was yum too. If you’re looking for a spacious, not-so-noisy, good spot for a casual hangout or a meet up, you’ve found one.

The Embershoppe Tobacconist (The Curve & Paradigm Mall)

Who says we can’t have the best of both worlds? If you’re a coffee & tobacco enthusiast, you’ll be spoilt for choice in this joint.

Enjoy your shisha, and experimenting with different bongs and tobacco!

Epiphany Coffee & Tobacco (Ara Damansara)

Another one worthy of note, as the name suggests, this joint provides patrons with a heavenly combo of coffee and tobacco.

Their desserts are def A-game right there – holy smokes! The variety of tobacco available and their very own tobacco house blends are to die for. (Quite literally, but nevermind that)

Despite being opened by a personal friend of mine, I speak with no biasness whatsoever. I only wish I could enjoy the awesomeness of this joint more often, as it is quite a distance from my crib. 🙁

Mukha (TTDI)

This very homely-meets-underground looking joint features a really extensive menu of uncommon yet delicious food! Yes, not the typical cafe food that you see permeating your Instagram feed. I love the interior decor of this place, as there’s really nothing quite like it. It’s furniture reminds me of the ones you’d see at a garage sale and walls are plastered with quirky dessert & coffee quotes.

A little homemade bakery – Souka – can be found nestled at their own little corner inside. Also really yum, btw.

Hailam Kopitiam (Damansara Perdana)

Your average everyday-go-to coffee joint for the non-fussy quick coffee drinkers. (Most affordable, btw)

They serve a huge array of food so you apart from coffee, you get to have a substantial meal too!

Kaffe Cafe (TTDI)

A quiet & cosy cafe with good wifi connection.

One of the most frequented places to park my mobile workstation for working in a comfy & conducive environment.

Cosans Coffee (Bangsar & SS15, Subang)

Another popular cafe, not sure why I find their coffee more expensive than the rest. Full of college/university students, don’t come here if you don’t want to feel old. Kidding! Most of the time, the plug points will be occupied by people on their laptops – just saying – but overall, a not-too-shabby cafe to do your nightly hangouts over a cuppa.

Acme Coffee & Bar (The Troika)

This is where you could bring someone on a coffee date to, if you’re keen to impress them, or if you have the (extra) money to spare.

Food & drinks here are pricey, but location & interior-wise it is indeed stylish. No wonder this is an award-winning place! With beautiful lightings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and all the fancy-schmancy, pretty sure you’ll score a second date. Yes, I’m being superficial. 😛

Chilla Cup (Ikano Power Centre & Solaris Mont Kiara)

Their all-day Big Breakfast is notable for this joint – it’s fully customizable! You can basically construct how you want your big breakfast to be. Coffee is not too bad too. Very bright and spacious, and it is also a lovely place to chill on a casual night out.

Cafe Bene (Solaris Mont Kiara)

Always packed to the brim – full-house! This tiny cafe will be jostling with youths and K-Poppers alike.

The Korean franchise boasts (thankfully) not typical cafe food, but specialty thick toasts, gelato and waffles. Oh dear gawd, the gelato is really something you can’t NOT order! 😀 Yum. Pair it with your fave cuppa coffee and you’re set for the night.

Brewyard (SS15, Subang)

From this picture, I can prolly see why I was such a fatty LOL. I can’t ever get enough of cakes! Haha.

I came by twice to this really unique cafe, there’s sorta like a secret passage – with grass, no less! – behind the counter. From what I was told when I was there, this is a family business. They’re pretty quirky too, as little cardboard figurines of Marvel & DC Comics characters will be standing on the counter top represent their tipping jar.

Broadbean (Aman Suria)

I do not wish to say anything nasty about this place, but this is the very cafe I fell off a chair in public due to a loose screw. Yup, it broke apart and there I was on the floor. Also, I wouldn’t come back for the food. 🙁 But hey, if you’re looking for a place just to grab your quick cuppa coffee and to probably enjoy the relaxing ambience, go for it! Just stay away from the chairs and stick to the sofa/couches, would you?

Frisky Goat (TTDI)

Haven’t exactly gotten round to actually sitting down and enjoying the ambience, as all I’ve ever managed to take in from this joint is a coffee to-go and a Chicken & Mushroom Pie and Moist Chocolate Cake takeaway. But from the few minutes I stood there, I managed to gather the fact that it’s hugely popular (based on the crowd!) and judging from the assorted in-house made pastries and pastry chefs they have available, it’s actually a bakery-cum-cafe.

Rekindle (SS2)

One of my favourite places for cakes and coffee – their butterscotch cafe latte is a must try!

Their unique, very hipster interior decor intrigued me. Think: beanbags scattered everywhere, exposed pipings & brick walls and best of all, the furniture at their alfresco area is built out of old-school sewing machine tables. Yup.

Espresso Lab (The Curve, Mutiara Damansara & Queensbay Mall, Penang)

Definitely not a hipster cafe, this little spot has an island of its own in those respective malls.

Drop by for a quick coffee fix, roasted and served from all over the world, and a simple piece of cake. 

Podgy and the Banker (Sri Hartamas)

What actually attracted me to swing by was, ironically, their ‘No Wifi’ sign on their display window.

Upon entering I discovered that it was actually THE Podgy and the Banker – purveyors of awesomely roasted coffee! As literal as it gets, this joint was opened by a podgy person and an actual banker, as I was told by one of the baristas. Large crowds expected at night, and needless to say, their coffee is great!

Pickle n’ Fig (TTDI)

Awesome place for delightful paninis, sandwiches and smoothies.

Bonus: They have chalkboards and provide you with chalk to doodle on their walls! May not be anything to you, but it is to me, for the scribble I wrote and sent a certain boy, eventually became my boyfriend! (It became his profile picture for a while too!) *blush* The little cute things matter, okay? You could do that too, on your little first date or something 😉

PENANG

Full of BEANS

With crazy tubes and apparatus at the bar, this place reminds me of my high school Chemistry lab!

Expect not only your common coffee concoctions but also specialty coffee.

Chinahouse (Beach Street)

I deem this the epic cake house. If you’re a sweet tooth like I am, pretty sure you’ll walk out the door with at least 3 slices of different cakes. Interesting Mediterranean food here too. Your evening entertainment consists of live bands and occasional jazz singers. This ‘abandoned’ looking mansion has a special novelty to take in, be sure to enjoy it with your cup of coffee!

IPOH, PERAK 

Bread Espresso Dessert – B.E.D (Medan Istana)

Unlike the typical hipster crowd, small families can be seen patronizing this tiny cafe.

Apart from coffee, they serve pretty delish sandwiches and pastries, such as buns, cakes, pies and tarts!

Stan & Brew (Soho Ipoh – Jalan Sultan Iskandar Shah)

This comfy little corner cafe was our pick for a quick breakfast/brunch over coffee. For those who simply cannot resist rainbow coloured cakes, this would be your best bet. Be sure to give their adorable plant cakes a try too!

That’s all for today – there’s more to come, of course! 

On top of the ones pending in the drafts, I’ll be periodically updating this space as I relish my cafe-hopping adventures and drag along my (un)willing coffee-mates to come with. 😛 If you’re up for a catch-up over coffee at a joint I’ve not been before, I’m game!

Check out this link when I went to David Brown’s Restaurant & Tea Terraces in Penang a while  back!

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