Monday, 29 June 2015

cuBs & cuPs - Desa Sri Hartamas

Catering to the local pet-friendly community and recent trend, cuBs and cuPs is a perfect place for pet lovers who can't pet their four-legged friend in their apartments.  With the booming of coffee culture and pet-loving enthusiasms,  cuBs and cuPs certainly succeeded in this by targeting pet owners who want to bring along their fur kids for cafe hopping.


Situated opposite of Souled Out in Desa Sri Hartamas, cuBs and cuPs offers the perfect seats for pet owners to enjoy their food and drinks either at the spacious patio area or the cozy air-conditioned indoors. Upon entry, you can see the white wood fence panels that makes a charming addition to the cafe and prevents your pets from running away.






The cafe is operated by my friends, a lovely and passionate Korean couple (Liz and David). This newly married couple met each other when they were studying in Malaysia, decided to start a business and settle down in Malaysia. 

Walk in, you will be greeted by three resident friendly dogs - Mocha, Cola (Baby Husky)and Nachos (Baby Pom). Now, you don't have to worry keeping your pet on a leash, it's the time to bring them out to mingle around with fur kids.


We loved the idea that the cafe has a bright and cheerful interior, offering not only food but Pups Daycare, customised Korean pets accessories and diapers as well as home-cooked pet food will be available soon. In current, the cafe serves well-prepared western meals prepared by an experienced Chef from the Philippines with Intalian restaurant background while the lovely couple will craft the Korean desserts and beverages. cuBs and cuPs is also best known for its freshly oven baked Pizzas, big breakfast, waffles as well as their signature Milk Snow.


We had the light tomato-based Pomodoro Pasta with fresh mushrooms which is delicious in its simplicity.


We go ga-ga for this healthy Chicken Salad with Avacado which is guilt free with satisfying flavors, perfect for a casual light dinner .


The homemade Pizza Pepperoni & Bacon is also freshly baked with premium cheese and topped with sliced pepperoni and bacon.  


That's not all! Don't miss out their signature Oreo Milk Snow (RM28) which is similar to the well-known Korean Shaved Ice or Bigsu. The snow milk is infused with chocolate syrup and topped with oreo crumbs. Its neither too sweet nor too rich, the perfectly blend snow milk just melt once you put in your mouth. 


It's definitely a one-of-a-kind pet cafe offering the latest design and lifestyle trends for modern pet lovers. Even if you don't have a pet like me, you may just spend time with any of these wonderful fur kids while enjoying a cup of coffee with some comfort food. 




cuBs & cuPs (C&C)
Wisma Rapid, 30/70A,
Desa Sri Hartamas
KL, Malaysia
016-6891258
Close on Tuesday

Sunday, 28 June 2015

P&C Speakeasy - Desa Sri Hartamas

Nowadays, a new breed of speakeasy has cropped up around the KL city, featuring old-school touches like hidden entrance, tin ceilings and unique cocktails. You might be confused by the dark setting that it may look closed. Where's the entrance to the P&C speakeasy? Head towards the back alleyway behind the Naughty Nuri's restaurant. The only hint is the brown steel door, go through the plain door and you'll find a totally intimate bar.



The bar has an interior that looks like a classic gilded age establishment with low lighting. A tiny -ce-cool speakeasy bar with two talented mixologists and a server. This low-key P&C speakeasy does not have any menu. You may either sidle up to the bar or grab a table. Ignore the menu and let the bartender know what you're in the mood for. Tell them the spirits and flavors that suit your fancy, the bartenders can whip you up something special.





Are you ready for a great cocktail bar experience! Here, the bartenders shake up their own creations with exotic recipes as well as classics and single malt whisky. On hot summer nights, we just love their specialty cocktails that would feel at home in a more upscale environment. We had Saloma (RM60) with a lovely delivery of fresh dragon fruit for the girls. We love the smokey old-fashioned cocktails,one of the latest bar craze; they are both dramatic and tasty, something more than just the flavors.



The mixologist used a small portable smoker with a handheld smoking gun to craft the cocktail. The smoke is then fed into the cocktail It's definitely a dramatic presentation with smoke spilling across the bar table.





For the guys, they tried out one of the oldest and classic cocktail, The Manhattan (RM50) is made with a twist of whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters is stirred and strained into a cocktail glass where it is garnished with a cherry with a stem.



Another main specialty, Sazerac Cocktail (RM50) with a splash of rye whiskey, syrup, bitters and absinthe. A perfect blend of strong scent and flavor. We enjoy this well-rounded drink perfect for sipping and the strong aftertaste.



P&C Speakeasy is one of the top list when it comes to cocktails and new hidden spot. Come for the cocktails, all of which are equally outstanding. Here, it's more like taking a sit on a time machine and travel back to the 1920's with good drinks, food and conversation to keep us going through the night! Do dropby for after work drink as they open starting from 7pm til late night.



P&C Speakeasy
No. 2, G Floor 24/70a,
Desa Sri Hartamas,
50480








Monday, 22 June 2015

Haraju Cube - Empire Damansara & Madame Waffle - Mid Valley

Haraju Cube - Empire Damansara

There's always a line of people waiting right in front of Haraju Cube after dinner time, starting from 8.30pm onwards. Japanese Honey Toast is the secret weapon of this tiny hidden dessert shop tucked away upstairs in Empire Damansara. Haraju Cube is taking inspiration from Harajuku, selling various heavenly dream desserts.


Want to build a modern dessert building? Here, the Harajuku Toast is a wonderful construction of fluffy buttered bread, loaded with all sorts of  toppings such as fruits, cream, honey as well as ice-cream. 


Both desserts and drinks are totally photogenic and artful. There are three different flavors of Haraju Milk and this Butterscotch Haraju  Cube Milk (RM8.90) is also highly recommended. 


The bread is diced into tiny cube blocks which fit into a cube bread bowl. The cubes are baked until golden brown color, buttered and sprinkled with granulated sugar. Then, the cubes are put back in and layered to resemble a brick wall.


The fresh caramelised bread is topped with a few generous scoop of ice cream, cemented with honey and maple syrup as well as crested with whipped cream. Now, you may indulge in the tastiest roofing decorations. I love the warm toast with the cold honey ice cream all over and don't forget to use the steak knife is to slice the brick toast! My next return would be definitely the one topped with strawberries and Matcha green tea ice cream!


Haraju Cube
103, Empire Damansara, PJU 8/8, Damansara Perdana, Selangor.
03-7733 5973http://instagram.com/harajucube/


Madame Waffle - Mid Valley 

Madame Waffle, a contemporary, quick-service food concept store that provides Belgian waffles abd coffee with a Japanese-inspired twist. Generally, Madame Waffle is well-known as specialist in waffles utilising Japanese ingredients in Malaysia.


 Its kiosk-style counter in Mid Valley is also encouraging a quick take away freshly baked waffle and a cup of homemade coffee. While there are also a few seats for a quick bite and chat. Currently, it offers plain and six other flavored waffles raging from RM5.90 to RM6.90. These waffles are perfectly meant for breakfasts or brunches for both weekdays and weekends.


Nutella is one of those things that I simply can't resist and hence I ordered the Banana Nutella (RM16). It comes with a piece of freshly baked waffle topped with banana, nutella and double chocolate gelato, glazed with Belgian chocolates. This definitely sweeten up my day with the sudden whiff of the fluffy yet crispy waffle and the rich chocolate and hazelnut-fueled Nutella! 



I am obviously well-pampered with the pairing of the toppings with the waffles. Awesomely good if you're looking for some unique toppings with not overly sweet taste. Do check out their outlet in Gardens Mall with more personalised choices for your waffles.


Madame Waffle
T-045, Level 3 Mezzanine, Mid Valley Megamall.
Open from 10am-10pm





Tuesday, 2 June 2015

Naughty Nuri's Barbecue Restaurant - Desa Sri Hartamas

Are you ready to go Oink with a super memorable porky ride? Naughty Nuri's Warung is one of the not to be missed grilled delights when you're in Bali. Naughty Nuri specialises in succulent ribs, well known as the island's legendary pork ribs. Now, you need not to go too far, Naughty Nuri has recently landed in Malaysia, located in Desa Sri Hartamas. Here, it serves an extensive range of dishes from appetizers to salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers and not to mention, famous porky meals and signature martinis.


This little gem is located in a funky street side just next door to Bricks & Barrels.
The restaurant has spacious, open-air  indoor and outdoor setting. It offers a truly relaxed, casual and cooling environment with great ventilation.


Reservations are highly recommended for groups as the restaurant fills up very quickly with diners especially during weekends dinner time. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis.



With a fun and enjoyable atmosphere, pair your pork dishes with some unique American style martinis. This will definitely liven up your casual dinner nights.


We arrived early and wanted to have super light dinner meal. Hence, we  jumped right in and kicked start our meal with their most famous dish, Naughty Nuri’s 1995 Signature BBQ Spare Ribs (RM39).  It's all about their finger lickin’ sweet and smoky ribs that everyone must order when they visit Naughty Nuri’s. The pork ribs are specially marinated and slow-grilled with their special barbecue based sauce till its flavor enhanced.


We liked how the pork ribs were perfectly grilled until tender, juicy and just fall-off-the bone ribs. It's very strong in flavor, soft and definitely a treat to tantalise your taste buds as they slowly melted in the mouth! However, we found the ribs tend to be coated with an overly sweet sauce. We loved the texture of the ribs but the sauce was too irresistibly sweet for my liking.



Loving the casual place with a welcoming atmosphere, great food, friendly and efficient services! It's a great place to kick back and enjoy!




Naughty Nuri's Barbecue Restaurant 
http://bit.ly/1eMRpMV
019-339 9611
2, Jalan 20/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur. 
Daily, 5pm-1am.
Reservations accepted only for groups of 8 customers & above.




Sunday, 24 May 2015

Proof Cafe & Sky Lounge - The Signature Suites, Desa Sri Hartamas


The Signature Serviced Suites & Studio Desa Sri Hartamas is the latest boutique modern living, providing contemporary and lifestyle designer suites. This luxurious serviced residential is perfect for both business and leisure travelers searching for long or short stay. It also features a unique sky cafe with a different breathtaking city view unlike most of the rooftop bars situated in the city center. 


The Proof Cafe and Sky Lounge has just recently popped up at the Sky Lobby of this chiq hotel-apartment. The cafe is catering well for leisurely breakfasts and brunches; serving both in-house guest and walk-in customers as early from 6.30am until 4.30pm or later. You can watch the sunrise and the sunset from this privileged new place. 


Customers can choose to chill out at its lovely al-fresco area or opt to sit in comfortable indoor area. One of the cafe's owners, Constance keeps the cafe atmosphere cheerful with her friendly chatter and helpful service. Here, you can enjoy both coffee and alcoholic beverages, extra plus for offering wine. It goes further than most cafes to offer Seasonal Espresso Blend and Guatemalan Roast.  


It has a simple modern design, comfortable seating with practical wooden tables. This newly start-up cafe operates with a limited selection of all-day breakfast and brunch menu. 


 As usual, I ordered Iced Milk Coffee (RM12) to ease my daily caffeine fix. It requires a smoother and richer coffee flavor to make a perfect cup.



The cafe provides complimentary bread served warm with salty butter and home-made orange fruit jam. 


Proof's interpretation of Big Breakfast - Brekkie (RM23) is prepared simply with fresh ingredients. It comes with two poached eggs served on toast with beef bacon, savory chicken sausages, sauteed mushrooms and grilled tomato. 


Another option of the Sunday Brunch would be Lamb Sausage Quiche (RM23). The pie crust is topped with chopped chicken ham and lamb sausages mix with the cheese. Continuous improvement needed for more crispy and buttery crust base. 






Proof Cafe is yet to be one of my favorite brunch spots in the city center, it could be one of those secret hideouts with airy and bright space that is ideal for a lazy weekend and casual hangout. More polish is needed for both food and drinks in order to stand out among the competitors in the neighborhood.





Currently, they are working on upgrading their menu by adding more varieties for the upcoming weeks. So, stay tuned!



Proof Cafe & Sky Lounge
The Signature Suites & Studios, Jalan Sri Hartamas 22, Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur. 
0132661333
https://www.facebook.com/proof.kl?fref=ts

Thursday, 21 May 2015

Mosano Coffee - Damansara Perdana

Mosano Coffee is situated in a quiet neighborhood in Damansara Perdana teeming with coffee shops, this quaint cafe stands out as a community hub. It's also a perfect hangout place to catch up with friends and family over a comforting cuppa coffee and a slice of delicious cakes. In current, shipping container architecture is not a new thing. Mosano Coffee also utilises the container concept which is functional, relatively easy to assemble, and creates a portable landmark and a lot of buzz around the neighborhood.



The interior of the cafe is also using its container design and some recycled materials to create the rustic feeling. The nicely designed spaces also serve as the neighborhood favorite cozy conversation spots for the coffee lovers. 


After grabbing my quick lunch, I hunted down to Mosano to have my caffeine fix to make it all better for the day. I ordered a glass of Iced Cappuccino (RM13). It was truly a great reviving drink that satisfied my cravings but I would prefer if they could offer a stronger espresso flavor. 


Here, the barristas were very helpful, cheerful and friendly on the whole. They recommended their signature open-face sandwiches topped with different type of toppings to choose from and priced between (RM6-8). I didn't opt for the sandwiches but instead a piece of Salted Caramel Cake. However, the cake was lacking of Caramel taste and moist texture as well as the pricing of RM16 for a piece of cake was a little too steep.  


We ordered another hot Piccolo Latte (RM10) to try out their different coffee drinks. The latte tasted alright but I would prefer a stronger roast and flavor. 


Overall, the coffee and cakes needed slight more improvement. Yet, we enjoyed its cabin concept with a lovely and laid back ambiance: cozy with both booth and tables! Perhaps another visit to try Mosano's smorrebrods and another plus point which it opens late until 2am during weekdays and as late as 3am during Fridays and Saturdays. 



As a coffee lover, I often search for the city's best kept secret and undeniable hidden hotpots. Mosano Coffee definitely provides personality-enriched spaces that puts emphasis on individual's desire and sensation.



Mosano Coffee
G-1, The Place, Jalan PJU 8/5G, Damansara Perdana, Selangor. 

03-7731-5276
https://www.facebook.com/mosano.coffee