The Third Floor Cafe

Big books. And good coffee. On a Sunday afternoon. Sounds like a perfect way to end the week.

That was what I had earlier today when I ventured to Isetan at Lot 10 as I got a spare couple of hours. The initial plan was to see a 3D printing demonstration but I realised that the timing was not right. I had to be back home before the program started. So, the hour sipping coffee and browsing books at the third floor at the Isetan store sounded fine to me.

Just in case you were so enamoured and wanted to go to Japan straight away, there was also a travel agent on the same floorIt was rather difficult to term the place. Was it a cafe with books, or a cafe at a bookstore. Seemed like most people were doing a bit of both. The coffee was OK, not the best in town, but the books there were something else especially when you venture towards the travel books section. Great material, in heavy minded volumes. The books on urban landscapes and street photography definitely tickled my fancy as lately I found those to be the kind of photography I like - or more like the only photography my schedule allowed me to do plenty of.

I decided against buying the books as I had to trek back to another store where I parked my car and I had a couple of stops in between. Maybe I would come back to buy some books. It would complement the volume I had in my living room nicely.

The cafe counter

Apart from the cafe and books, the third floor were also dedicated to workshops for origami as well as all things Japanese. Take that day for instance, there was a Japanese artist who came to do a demo on 3D glass printing. There were more activities laid out for the rest of the year - which you had to enrol and pay for of course. I might just bring Idlan there one of these days if the event was right ... he loved origami.

Lot 10 hosted - and still hosts - the first Isetan Store in Malaysia. There were a few others now but the one in Lot 10 had been renovated into what was termed a “Japanese Concept Store”. It had ample space with plenty of room to browse around. There were no items cluttering the walkways and it did not have the typical “pushy” salesperson common in KL. You can just walk around without being bothered. Definitely a place worth visiting ....

Isetan Lot 10

This place is neat. A piece of Japan in the middle of KL. Bukit Bintang to be specific.

I managed to get home earlier than usual last Tuesday and I decided to ask Anita for an afternoon out. This time it was slightly different. I took her on the new MRT, after sampling it myself for the first time earlier last weekend.

We parked at NU Sentral as I usually do, took the MRT and came out of the station right in front of Lot 10. I told Anita that there had been some major renovations going on there and the new Isetan at Lot 10 had been completely transformed.

Some nice lighting on the top floorThose were killer macarons Time to explore Anita was skeptical at first. But it didn't take long for the place to win her over. The Lower Ground floor where all the food were left the biggest impression on her. I was more into the the "workspace cubicles" on the third floor. They had a nice little care with some really cracking books around there.

Let's start with the food as I felt that the cubicles deserved a separate entry. Most of the items were rules in especially. The cakes were luxurious and really tummy, although very costly. Anita bought to slices and even before we left the store, those had gone through her mouth. They were that good.

There were a number of sushi bars there as well. We didn't try them as we were not sure if they were halal. Plus it was still too early for dinner. We had a good look around. The Waugh beef specially imported in .... those scrumptious cookies and short cakes! Too many temptations.

Really wished that I could spend more time there. Maybe sample a cuisine or two. But not today ... Many more floors to explore ...

#PokokPercuma Pokok Power

I only learned about the event on the afternoon when I was making my way around town. It was my first walk since the end of Ramadan and I was curious to see what was happening.

After finishing my clinic, I soon realised that Anita were away for a wedding and I had to go out for a lunch. A quick search on the net and I learned that in conjunction with the World Population Day - to be honest I did not even know what that was - LabDNA organised an event at Medan Pasar giving away free plants while hosting a small party and sing song.

The event was scheduled to start at 4 pm, running until the evening. I reached there too early and the organiser was still trying to get things sorted out. I decided to sit down for some coffee first before coming for another look. No joy and the sky looked like it was going to rain any minute soon.

I couldn't since I have errands later on the day. To be honest, since I was taking the LRT, I don't think I was able to carry any plants with me this time around. Good idea. But I wished that the publicity would have been more viral. Next year maybe ...

Don't Judge Me

Yes! That was Pikotaro in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. With Anita and the kids in Port Dickson and me being post-call, I did not plan anything for the day. Hunting for food, I decided to go out. A quick search on the net and I learned that there would be an event all weekend at Pavilion and as part of the event - called Japan Expo Malaysia - Pikataro of the PPAP fame would be making an appearance.

True to the precision of Japanese timing, Pikatoro appeared on stage just after the advertised 5 pm start. The place was already packed when I arrived and I decided to perch myself at one of the upper floors. Hence the vido was taken from the sixth floor right parallel to the stage. Not great but it did the trick I supposed ....

So, here we go .... I have a pen ...

A Hidden Gem

Tucked away along a busy bus stand in town, I found this hidden gem of a stop. This particular Starbucks appeared out of nowhere and with the hustle and bustle of Medan Pasar bus stop at its front, entering this cafe certainly felt like stepping into a different locale from the outside.

As far as the Starbucks chain went, there was nothing special about this branch but the location was something unique. It was located next to Hotel Cosmo - which in itself was a find. It was just 250 m from the Maskid Jamek LRT stop and 100 m away from Medan Pasar. Strategic location when I was out and about with my camera.

When I was there on a Saturday afternoon, there was hardly a crowd. I ordered my drinks and sat myself at one of the corners quietly, I did not see anyone entering for the next 20 minutes. Brightly lit, soothing music at this location certainly worth another visit. Maybe this would be my hub for my street photography from now on ...