Levain Boulangerie & Patisserie, The real STONE OVEN bakery in KL!

It’s been a while since I was here – my last post dated May 2010 – HERE so I didn’t know what to expect. It had remained an insanely popular place since it’s opening, and from general feedback, I was informed that the quality of breads has since deteriorated, service is bad, it’s packed to the rafters everyday, etc etc.

Hence I had avoided a re-visit; til just a few days back, when a bunch of us decided that we would like to brunch out on BREADS on the 2nd day of Raya.

Thanks Pop for the pic!


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TeaRoom by Bel Jee – Wisma Volkswagen, Lorong Maarof, Bangsar

UPDATE: Another post on the ultra-delectable Chocolate Blueberry Cheese cupcake! Check it out!

It may not be on the popular Telawi stretch, but location didn’t seem to matter for Belinda Jee’s little gem ” TeaRoom by Bel Jee”.
It was only opened last June but has already gained quite a reputation. Of course it helped that her previous set of of clientele from her home-based designer cake business followed her wherever she goes; and while the little cafe does allow her to serve walk-in guests, I can see that retail has yet to be the core of her business.

TeaRoom by Bel Jee – Wisma Volkswagen, Lorong Maarof.
Yup, this is it. All the space & tables there is for the cosy cafe.

TeaRoom by Bel Jee - Bangsar-01

The cafe mainly attracts the working crowd in the vicinity. Taking into consideration the time factor, Bel has cleverly created homely but “fast” food that can be served immediately – or maybe with a bit of reheat. Take for example the pies.

TeaRoom by Bel Jee - Bangsar-02
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The Vanilla Place – desserts galore!

Contrary to what some may think, leaving my job wasn’t an easy decision. I wasn’t exactly rejoicing in triumph. I left with a heavy heart.
But I walked out knowing I have done my best, and accepted that there are times when one has to admit defeat & this is one of them. Some things are just not within my field or control to change.

Anyhow, when things gets low, desserts are the way to go. (Eh, it rhythms!! :) )
I have heard of how Empire Shopping Gallery has become THE place for desserts, which is true, considering the amount of eateries here that specialised in sweets & pretty pastries.

This time round I decided to check out The Vanilla Place.

The Vanilla Place, Empire Shopping Gallery-01

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Round 2– Carrot cake, Charcoal cake & Tiramisu! @ Hummingbirds Coffee Bar @ Beatrice Looi Boutique, Telawi Bangsar

After the initial euphoria of discovering a new dessert outlet last week (WASABI macaron, Red Velvet & Durian Cake HERE!) , I couldn’t wait to make my way back for more; especially since I was informed that their Tiramisu kick-ass & they have some new variaties such as the carrot cake which was just launched this week.

Hummingbirds Coffee Bar, bangsar-16

The opportunity to swing by again presented itself soon enough; after a particularly long harried day & the need for some comforting sweets just couldn’t be ignored any longer.

Unlike most cafes on this street which are bustling with human traffic & conversation; The Hummingbirds Coffee Bar is laid-back with very comfortable & pretty chairs (I love those chairs! :P ) & most importantly; quiet.
Stepping in, I relaxed immediately, proceeded to drop my heavy bags at my favourite corner & strutted my way to the cakes display counter for my sugar fix.
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Hummingbirds Coffee Bar @ Beatrice Looi Boutique, Telawi Bangsar – wasabi macarons, durian cake & the best red velvet in town??

UPDATE: 2nd round –  HERE –> Carrot Cake, Charcoal Cake & Tiramisu!

The hunt for the best Red Velvet remained on-going.
I must have tried every Red Velvet I’ve seen/came across in KL. Some I have blogged about, some I haven’t (Sigh…yes yes… my backlogs are piling up) but I promise I will ermmm…eventually finish posting all of them. :)

But for now let’s just focus on the ones worthy of mention shall we?
The best (IMHO) was the one at A Taste Boutique , but their boutique is kinda far (in Putra Heights) & their kiosk at Sunway Pyramid doesn’t carry the Red Velvet cake most of the time. Also, it’s been a while since I eaten theirs, so I’m not sure if it still taste the same. Anyhow, it was SO GOOD that it had left a lasting impression on me.

For me, a good Red Velvet is a combination of luxuriant flavour from the sponge & perfect smooth light cream cheese frosting. The one at A Taste Boutique was a fair example of a Red Velvet that I like, followed closely by another that’s baked by a friend FBB; and you can try it at The Bee, Jaya One since he supplies the cake there.

Today, I’m pleased that I have finally found another Red Velvet cake worth blogging about. At the most unlikely places really; right here on Telawi 3, Bangsar, in a designer’s boutique!

Hummingbirds Coffee Bar, bangsar-02

Hummingbirds Coffee Bar shares the same space with Beatrice Looi Boutique; and exudes a most charming vibe with special made to order blue high-back comfy chairs (love those chairs, so pretty! ) & an impressive list of coffee from Germany. There were even some funky drinks like Cucumber Oh La la that is alcoholic @ RM25+, (how does one mix cucumber with alcohol is beyond me)  & a very good selection of tea. This “cafe” is just perfect for that afternoon tête-à-tête with a BFF. :)

Hummingbirds Coffee Bar, bangsar-04
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The Haute Food Co, Plaza Damas

My 1st visit didn’t got off to a very good start as we got lost though I followed the map on the website to the T.
So take my advice; forget the map.

A foolproof way would be to park in Hartamas Shopping Centre & to go to the 2nd floor where Starbucks is. Exit through the glass doors & you will see Aji Don Ramen. Proceed to the row behind it and turn right. Walk til the middle of the row, keeping a lookout for 2 big blue and white stripes umbrellas (which is quite obscure as well) on the opposite side. It is somewhere in the middle of the row.

Not familiar with HSC/Plaza Damas, we walked up & down the row a few times on our first visit. I would have hopped into other outlets (there’s quite a selection of eateries here) but the need to verify the claims of “best scones in Malaysia” and “superb sandwiches” had me obstinately thrudging up and down looking for The Haute Food Co.

Boy, was I glad when I finally spotted the entrance.
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