Clarity

Clarity

Sunday 18 January 2015

Daily: Coffee Appreciation Session @ Caffe Crema Coffee & Tea, Plaza Mont Kiara

I'm not an expert at coffee, but yes, I drink it occasionally once in a while. Well, that's because I don't appreciate coffee like how others do. This is why I figured I need to be educated on this drink which has become a staple to people around the world. There are so many ways to have your coffee, be it an Espresso, Latte, Americano, Mocha or anything, you name it.

I was a noob at coffee and I received an all-in-one, concised coffee 101 at Caffe Crema Coffee & Tea yesterday. A cosy cafe tucked in the corners of this bustling area with a concept of hair and coffee, it is filled with passionate coffee drinkers or those who wants to hangout with their friends at a nice, comfy place. I like how Caffe Crema collaborates with the all famous hair salon, Number 76 next door and you can even have them deliver your coffee while having your hair done. Pretty interesting I would say, and it's definitely a first in Malaysia.


Patrons can enjoy their favourite cup of coffee in a quiet, classic simple environment. The concept of this cafe is 'Back to Basics' so there isn't too much elaborate decorations.
Some of the coffee enthusiast must-haves! They sell their Signature Blend here and some pretty cool coffee grinders as well.


We had a conversation with the mastermind behind this cafe, Elvin who mentioned he started out drinking commercial coffee and found it very interesting. His brainchild, Caffe Crema was founded based on his passion in coffee. Here, he emphasises that he wants the primary focus to be coffee and secondarily, cakes and desserts. Believe it or not, it was a mere 2 and a half months before this place was opened to public. Elvin mentioned that he has been constantly planning for this because opening a cafe has always been his dream.

At Caffe Crema, a good cup of coffee depends on the one who will be drinking it. Its an individualistic thing and they usually ask the customers what type of coffee they prefer. The baristas are well trained by an Australian and are very specific and particular in making the perfect cup of coffee.


The baristas hard at work to produce your perfect cup!

The session began with us smelling some commercial coffee blends which kind of smells like burnt chilli flakes to me. I liked the smell of Trucillo Moka Espresso which was slightly lighter and mild. The basics of coffee is that once it is roasted, it should be consumed within a month. A good cup of coffee is achieved by grinding the beans only when you want to drink it. Oh, just a note, never ever store your coffee beans in the fridge, they are best kept at room temperature in a dark, cool place.


Feeling different size of grinded coffee. Do you know that the size actually plays a part in whether your coffee will taste bad or good?

We even got to taste underextracted coffee (below shot time) and it was the most sour, acidic and pungent drink I've ever tasted. The overextracted (above shot time) was overwhelmingly bitter and it was just disgusting. That's why it is important to achieve a balanced cup where the shot time is just right on the dot and it should be slightly sour with a hint of bitterness.

The Signature Blend available here is a mix of beans from Brazil, Bali and Costa Rica, It is perfect for those who prefer a smooth coffee taste which isn't so strong. They do offer Raven Blend here which is a tad bit stronger with a dark chocolate flavour to it. Oh, and here, they try to incorporate science in making their coffee with a refractometer to ensure the consistency of their coffee everyday.



Looks like a credit card swipe machine. But in fact, this is a refractometer which will provide the data of the coffee placed on it. Pretty useful to maintain the consistency of coffee on a daily basis.


Trying my very best to concentrate on latte art, the outcome wasn't too good though. Haha.



The latte art made by the trained barista. We had a try at it and I ended up having a milky coffee with no art at all. Haha, it's pretty tough to have such a pretty cup!


Some of the array of cakes available here, bear in mind that they are all homemade so they are of the highest quality. I've selected my personal favourites below.


Strawberry Cheesecake
Smooth and melt in your mouth with a hint of strawberry!




Toblerone and Oreo Cheesecake
For the chocolate lover, this cheesecake is a definite must have. Rich chocolate-y flavour coupled with cheese taste, this is a dessert which will comfort you even on a bad day :)



Mille Crepe Cakes


My #ootd outside the fancy yet simple cafe. 


Coffee lovers, you now know where to head to if you are yearning or still looking around for a good place.

Caffe Crema Coffee & Tea
E-01-02, Block E
Plaza Mont Kiara,
2 Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara.

Tel: 03-6206 22237
Daily: 8.00 AM - 8.00 PM

2 comments:

  1. so good you get to try the coffee art! i bet it must be tough! Toblerone and Oreo Cheesecake sounds pretty good to me! but i still yet to try any with toblerone.. haha

    CNY Platter 2015 from Hard Rock Cafe Penang!

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    1. Hey henry! It's super hard, you really need skills to do a pretty latte art :) Try them out at Caffe Crema, i'm sure you won't regret it ;)

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