Artisan Roast Coffee HQ @ Section 13, PJ – Motormouth’s Holiday Mode On!
January 28, 2014 | 17,405 views
Love for anything industrial; Artisan Roast HQ opened in the midst of a light industrial area in Section 13, Petaling Jaya near to the landmarks of Jaya One and Jaya 33.
In 12 hours from now, I should be on my way back to Ipoh. Or maybe, a wishful thought of finally stepping home and munching on CNY snacks (usually arrowroot/ngaku chips), while contemplating on which new eatery to tackle first. After all, the recent boom in new lifestyle cafes in Ipoh got me a wee bit left behind.
Yes, Motormouth of all people. So, if you have the slightest ounce of empathy embedded within you … please share with me on what you think should not be held back from public knowledge. And eventually will benefit the ‘balik kampung’ crowd.
Already in a festive mode, let’s diminish the thought of work for a second and drink some really good coffee @ Artisan Roast in Section 13, Petaling Jaya …
Mocha (RM12/USD4), Red Velvet Cake and Carrot Walnut Cake (RM11/USD3.50 each) and Latte (RM10/USD3.30)
The 3rd Artisan Roast outlet in Klang Valley (the first in the quiet neighbourhood of TTDI, the second at Bangsar Village 2) kickstarted with a bang in the middle of last year; picking a rather unconventional premise of a large warehouse/factory in the midst of corporate offices, light industrial premises and no F&B within sight. The nearest eatery could be at Jaya One or Jaya 33, and that’s a tad more than walking distance away.
Walking in into the extremely spacious cafe infused with strong elements of wood, bricks and metal; this was nothing like your typical Starbucks for sure. And the group of people behind the bar; baristas if you would, churning out cups after cups of artisan coffee was a sight to behold. Initially, I got lost in the chaotic pace; as you have to order from the counter, and service’s DIY. This means that if you’re on your own, tough luck on scrambling for that elusive window seat with stiff competitors coming in pairs or trios.
But of course, the staff there exudes a certain kind of affable charm; exactly like how Michael Wilson (the brains behind Artisan Roast) envisioned – recreating a scene from ‘Cheers’. The effortlessly-laid back atmosphere was conjured up by the medley of young baristas, trainees and ultimately; the lively patrons. Everyone’s deep in their conversations, and none etched with that perpetual frown from weekdays’ stress or deadline scares.
The coffee was good; almost half-expected given their renowned status of winning Best Coffee in TimeOut Awards 2012 before. The Mocha was more chocolate than coffee; but to each his own I guess. But then again, the cakes we sampled; Red Velvet and Carrot Walnut were disappointing. The latter had this inedible bitter flavour from the walnut; seeping into the cake, while the red velvet did not impress.
Usually I leave my cakes with barely a trail of destruction; downing a slice with minimal effort. But this time, we left a third of both slices untouched.
All in all, Artisan Roast could be a heaven-sent option on my caffeine-deprived days, or just when I needed a shot the most. And the temptation factor grows a notch no thanks to the close proximity of my current office and this cafe. Just the devil at work, presumably.
Happy Chinese New Year dear readers. Let’s discover together some stellar Ipoh food finds in the next few days, shall we?
ARTISAN ROAST HQ
Jalan 13/2, Seksyen 13,
46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel:+60 3-7931 8978
Google Map to Artisan Roast HQ
Something doesn’t feels right having coffee in an industrial premise, too spacious, too high ceiling. :p
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They Never Pick Up their calls
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I wish they would sweep the floor really early in the morning. Twice I was there 8.30am Sunday and there is someone sweeping the floor while I am trying to have breakfast. If this is the case I better eat elsewhere. Good place though.
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