adventures with sarah pour

I cannot say this enough but I just love the idea of how Instagram inadvertently connects people from around the world. Pictured here is the lovely Sarah Pour, a bright and lovely graphic designer based in Cologne/Bonn who so sweetly proposed to meet up for a photowalk/tour around Bonn a few weeks ago.

Bonn is a town not far from Cologne, the city I currently reside. It was a quiet Sunday the day we met. We started the day by visiting her to-go local coffee shop where we found ourselves connecting over unlikely topics of conversation, like religion and human slaughter. By then, I've concluded that Sarah is not just a pretty face. This girl's definitely something else (in a good way, of course). The day went on with a short walk around Bonn's housing area and for lunch, we indulged ourselves in pasta at Vapiano. As if that wasn't enough, we took the train back to Cologne where I introduced her to this whole new world of Sushi at Sushi Ninja and ended up chugging our 3rd, 4th? cup of coffee at my favourite cafe called The Coffee Gang. 

It was so hard to say goodbye to this lady even though we live just a train ride away from each other. I'm already looking forward to our next meet!

T.

coffee for days

Pinterest is such a beautiful and inspiring visual discovery tool. I have seen many pictures of coffee but it seems that there is a growing appreciation for a certain marbling effect a dose of milk does to black coffee. Thankfully it was the exam season at this time of discovery and so I decided to try for myself. The result, as taken with my iPhone above, was as true as it looks on Pinterest.

T.

photos for thirdwave coffee

Photography and styling by Trisha Toh.

For more, follow @mydearkl on instagram. A 'let us feed you' project by the folks of THIRDWAVE Coffee. 'twas a fun, fun, fun shoot!

T.

the kitchen table

Bakery by day, restaurant by dusk, there is so much story and character at The Kitchen Table. I am 100% confident that this place was created for me. This handsome nook evokes a sense of kinship from the moment one enters through the glass door and the intimate setting is just the perfect spot for a relaxed meal with friends. Huge props to Mei Wan (pictured above) and Marcus for creating an avenue that brings people together for a feast inspired by Malaysia's fresh produce and holding onto their passion ever since their supper club days.


For now, The Kitchen Table remains a sure bet for when I need some real comfort food. And when it's available, I'm a team potato and leek soup all the way!


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singapore xiv

I'm sure by now everyone knows of my love for Singapore. This time, I was accompanied by a dear friend on a decision made on a whim on January. We had only five days which was definitely too little for the both of us. Days were spared for catching up with our own friends and family, over cups of coffee and plates of pastries. But we silently knew that this was to be and I am ever so grateful to still have her as a friend. This made me realize how different this trip was than when I first came down to Singapore. It started with a friend, left with a dozen, and it keeps adding each passing year.

My heart is full just by looking back at this trip again. Thanks to everyone who made their time for me, you know who you are!

Pictured

One Man Coffee
Ronin
Symmetry
Wheeler's Yard
National Museum of Singapore

Not Pictured

The Bravery
Artistry
Arbite
Maison Ikkoku
Necessary Provisions
Plain Vanilla
Bloesem Shop
Creamery Ice-Cream


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standing theory

In the last few weeks, I have been craving for citrus poppyseed muffins. And the quest for some decent citrus poppyseed cake felt like forever. Thankfully, the search came to a halt at this gem of a café. Which led  me to believe that the universe sends precisely what you need, when you need.

Standing Theory continues to charm my heart with their decision to bring in the lemon poppyseed cake and other sweet treats. Come here with a book or a friend because what they lack in coffee, they make up for in cakes.

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thursdvys

Good coffee is taking over Malaysia, but you won't find too many better than those at Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI). Pronounced as 'Thursdays', this tucked-away café situated along the same 'hood as Quar/tet is ironically not open on Thursdays. Totally did not see that one coming.

Stylishly hip with an industrial slant, the owner takes interior design to the next level. Caffeine addicts will croon over a delectable cup of Common Man Coffee Roasters blend at this tasteful and creatively designed café. The menu isn't long with only cakes on offer, but rumour has it that their kitchen is up to something.

Choosing a spot to sit is an effortless task. Just make sure you bring a camera along with you.

22, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail.


T.