LonBay @ Paradigm Mall & Await @ Taman Desa

Two different cafes, one common purpose: Coffee, black and strong, is what keeps the crowds buzzing at both LonBay and Await.

First up, LonBay at Paradigm Mall distinguishes itself from other java joints by brewing its own exclusive brand of beans, organically cultivated at a Johor farm.

From what we understand, LonBay's 'kopi luwak' is Malaysian-produced, thanks to free-roaming civets in the peninsular's south.

A batch of three cups of civet coffee costs north of RM80. Not as expensive as what other outlets charge, but we're not enough of coffee connoisseurs to appreciate these aromas. An ideal accompaniment, nevertheless, to Cielo Dolci's awesome gelato, just a few steps away.

A cheaper choice: LonBay's Liberian-origin coal-roasted siphon-brew ice-drip coffee (about RM20 for 250ml), also grown and fermented in Johor. Lattes, cappuccinos and espressos are available at around RM10 each.

Customers seeking a more homey environment, instead of a sterile shopping mall setting, need not wait in vain, now that Await is open at Taman Desa.

It's a friendly neighborhood hangout that's suitable for leisurely Sunday afternoons, since parking might be a problem on weekdays.

Try the fairly flavorsome banana cheesecake, baked specially for Await. House-made sandwiches are also sold here, alongside breakfast sets on weekends.

Siphon house-blend, comprising Brazil Santos and Tanzanian beans.

Some like it cold: Guatemalan iced coffee.

What works well with coffee? Chocolate desserts! From Await, it's a relatively short drive to our current favorite Bangsar dining destination, Madisons at the Bangkung row.

Main entry on Madisons: June 4, 2012.

Madisons' chocolate and hazelnut dacquoise, constructed with choc mousse, hazelnut meringue and choc-coated salted caramel. Creamy and melt-in-the-mouth milky, with a flavor evocative of Ferrero Rocher.

Crema fritta, featuring fried custard cream pastry, chocolate sponge, strawberry syllabub and red wine and pepper jelly. Pretty rich, but delicious enough to devour without sharing.

Coffee lovers, take heart: there'll be even more outlets to get your fix at soon, including new branches of EspressoLab at The Gardens Mid Valley and Artisan Roast in Bangsar.

Lon Bay Coffee,
Lower Ground Floor, Paradigm Mall, Kelana Jaya.

Await Cafe (above Ceggo Boardroom),
9-1-5, Jalan 3/109F, Taman Danau Desa, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-7971-0978
Open through 8pm daily.

Madisons Restaurant,
Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2092-1222
Closed Sundays.