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. 🙂

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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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Check out Episode One and Episode Two for the previous celebrations!

So when bestieJoyce returned from her holiday trip with Jo, she asked me to pick a cuisine or pick an area.