Despite protestations & definition disputes, some of the Klang Valley's recent new eateries probably deserve to be described as hipster cafes. But at the risk of sounding flippant (we use none of these terms as insults), Fikcles _ which launched this week in Taman Tun Dr Ismail _ might seem more like a makcik cafe ...
... while Cotton Craft in Shah Alam could potentially be considered a hijabista cafe. That's not a slight on both of these friendly cafes (we like them) or their customers (whom any restaurant would be fortunate to welcome), but a very superficial observation based on our brief visits here. We hope the two outlets will be kind enough to humour us.
First up, Fikcles, which follows in the footsteps of TTDI cafes that choose to name themselves by intentionally misspelling words (we blame you, Thursdvys!). Catchy, certainly; Fikcles also features an interesting layout that we failed to capture in our photos. Service is warm (with super-pleasant vibes) but somewhat haphazard for now _ forgivable, since it's still early days for this place.
Fikcles' selection this week is limited to the likes of pasta aglio olio (RM15.90 nett; lots of prawns & nicely spicy, though perhaps a little limp & under-seasoned), but expect more excitement next week, when the restaurant is scheduled to start serving stuff like tortillas filled with squid in salted egg yolk (also RM15.90).
Congo bar (a bit dry, but we're nitpicking) with ice cream, washed down with a soda of grapefruit & chamomile. By the way, our reason for saying Fikcles seems like a makcik cafe: Many of the tables here on one weekday afternoon featured at least one or two women who were more mature than the typical KL cafe-hopper.
Lamb loin linguine (RM29). Hearty & almost addictive, though the meat might be a little gamier & chewier than recommended.
11 Jalan Wan Kadir 2, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Mon-Fri, 10am-10pm; Sat, 8am-10pm; Sun, 8am-3pm
2-1-1, Presint Alami, Persiaran Akuatik, Seksyen 13, Shah Alam, Selangor
Daily, 9am-10pm
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