The folks behind Kota Damansara's Wood & Steel have helped to create a new cafe in Desa Sri Hartamas with a name that's determined to raise eyebrows.BAD barista-owners Ji & Hafiz (we've probably spelled their names wrong) explain it this way: "We're nice people but we're a badass cafe." This two-storey space is only scheduled to officially open next week, since it's facing a staff shortage, but here's a sneak peek into one of 2014's most memorably constructed cafes.Hot meals should be available within weeks too; expect Eggs Benedict & their ilk.Well-prepared baked treats should satisfy the sweet tooth at BAD, located on the street level of Hartamas' Glomac Galleria.The coffee? If you like what Wood & Steel serves, you'll likely enjoy BAD's beverages as well.

Epique Coffee Company at Damansara Perdana's Empire Damansara, is here to please.Epique serves not only regular ol' lattes but also Milo & Horlicks lattes (RM7 each) for our inner child (plus a Milo affogato too).Mini salted cheesecakes (RM2) & Hokkaido chiffon cupcakes (RM8), Epique's got 'em.

Bringing a slice of its namesake city to KL's Pavilion mall (buttressed by a bit of the Eiffel Tower), this French-inspired bistro bids 'bon appetit' with a sweeping menu that spans bouillabaisse to boeuf bourguignon.At first blush, this place might appear gimmicky, but its menu renders reassurance of Cafe de Paris' aspiration to authenticity; start with sourdough, served with Lescure French butter & Bonne Maman preserves (RM12).The ideal introduction to Cafe de Paris begins in the morning; breakfast is served 8am through noon. Items include a Dr Seuss-approved plate of scrambled eggs _ turned a potentially garish green with pesto _ accompanied by turkey ham on toast (RM19).Cafe de Paris' current version of the classic croque-madame (RM22) is a little less cheesy than expected; certainly more Hollandaise than Gruyere, risking condemnation from conservatives.The Paris-Brest fares better, with choux pastry & praline cream. But ultimately, the customers who enjoy this best might be the ones who're fortunate enough to order it at its first-day freshest.Macarons here range in flavour from salted caramel to pistachio, scoring a solid B (or possibly a B-plus) for satisfaction.Cava or coffee? The former remains mercifully available till very late (it's possible to head into Cafe de Paris past midnight & still plead for a full meal, particularly on weekends); the latter's labelled an 'Asterix,' a single espresso with equal parts milk (RM9).

Bari-Uma, a ramen restaurant with a handful of branches in Japan (plus one or two in Singapore).Bari-Uma's signature ramen, elegantly striking, with relatively light, pork-flavoured shoyu broth flanked by crisp seaweed sheets, crowned with reasonably thick slices of tender flame-cooked cha shu. RM27 before taxes, sufficient for a not-very-heavy lunch.Two Japanese chefs currently oversee the kitchen, keeping a close eye on how the gyoza turns out; ironically, there's a wider-than-usual assortment of chicken-stuffed dumplings here, from the negi-mayo version with a mildly spicy sauce (RM12 for five)Customers will probably be satisfied with how this aburi salmon salad tastes. But it's the one dish here that could benefit from a more appealing presentation. RM19.90.Ishiyaki chaofan forms the final component of the menu _ rice in hot stone bowls with plenty of pork & accompaniments like salmon or shrimp (RM15.90).Basic sake should be offered by next week; for now, there's beer (RM20 per can).

Riding into Subang for coffee & cakes at this new cafe run by a Vespa-loving family whose own scooter is parked out front.Oh Scooter is a spiffy-looking hangout with excellent business hours, operating 9:30am-11:30pm everyday.The fun order here: Deconstructed coffee (RM11.90), with components of espresso, milk & cotton candy served separately.Food? Only desserts are currently available (banoffee pies in jars to Victoria Sandwich sponge cakes) ...... but waffles, salads, sandwiches & pasta should be offered soon.