Espresso Bar, a diminutive den with air-conditioned & alfresco seating at Subang Soho (near Empire Shopping Gallery, within a five-minute driving distance).It's a pleasantly amiable place too; simple snacks are available, but they're probably not really the reason that Espresso Bar's fans like this place.The latte's OK, but maybe a little too scalding-hot & one-dimensional in milkiness.

Coffee Ink, which probably targets a relatively mature clientele.Baileys mille-crepe, not particularly boozy but still enjoyable enough.Try the "Dirty Chai," Coffee Ink's tea-spiked latte. A fun change from the usual. The balance between art & commerce takes on a new meaning here too.

Casually carnivorous; not a bad stop on weekends when meat cravings are most acute.This Shack's name & food are straight to point; start with a plate of mixed sausages, 350 grams for RM27. The restaurant makes its own, sufficiently juicy & flavorsome for a satisfactory chew, & even supplies them to other outlets (though we've been asked to not say which ones).BBQ spice-rubbed pork ribs, RM55 for a full rack (the portion pictured is half), reasonably tasty too & nicely roasted. These are regular ones; the restaurant also sometimes serves promotional Iberico ribs, similar to what we've had at Section 14's Burger & Ribs, another suburban eatery.Wine is not available, but customers can bring their own with no corkage charged.

Checking out Shin Tokyo Sushi & Ramen Ten, two sister restaurants that opened side-by-side this month at PJ's Jaya33; customers can sit at either outlet & order from both to relish a meal of sushi & ramen all at once.The lobster salad roll. Portions of the topping taste like an inferior version of dried scallops, though it's nevertheless not a rip-off, considering the ultra-low price of RM12.80.The Tamago Mayo Nigiri (RM5.60 before taxes) seems somewhat inspired by the late Fukuharu's famed mentai sushi. Astonishingly, it tastes almost as terrific, thanks to its melt-in-the-mouth, eggy creamy-savoriness.Unagi chawanmushi, a recipe that works. Blessed be thick slices of freshwater eel.Another fun combo: Garlic fried rice, topped with salmon sashimi & roe. The rice could probably use more flavor, but the fishy components of this are fine.Onward to ramen: The menu's extensive, with crayfish noodles the top recommendation.Both restaurants are known even in Singapore as being completely halal eateries, which explains why sake, shochu, wine & cocktails are sadly absent in this entry. Oh, well. On the plus side, service is efficient enough & fairly friendly.

Bulb Coffee, also a welcoming place eager to ensure a pleasant experience for patrons.Bulb's desserts are homemade by the cheerful owner's aunt; love this chilled Oreo cheesecake, a light, mousse-like delight that's ideal for a hot afternoon. RM8.Affogato, well-priced for RM10 nett. Basic salads, sandwiches & pasta are available too.