A Liberating Experience

One of my favourite Taman Desa hang-outs, if you've read my Facebook/Twitter status occasionally, is Cafe Libre. Taman Desans, you must try it out at least once. This charming place, located behind the row of shops facing Danau Idaman condo, serves great coffee, great cakes and wonderfully affordable food. Most importantly, it serves its customers really well.

It starts with Jimmy, the young manager. He's friendly and polite without neglecting the art of customer service. His boss and owner, Yasmin, is just as affable. While I can't complain about the cosy yet modern environment Cafe Libre is set in, I enjoy coming here just to have a friendly chat, grab a newspaper and surf the net while waiting for the food and coffee.

Speaking of coffee, Jimmy is a true barister and will give handy advice to those wanting to know more about the art of brewing coffee. A recent, free talk-cum-coffee tasting had the regulars out in force.

Just like the eponymous bar in the sitcom Cheers, this is one place where people will know your name. Okay, maybe my name. Good friend and erstwhile futsal teammate Colin was sighted here once. His fellow business partners also drop by once in a while and it's always great to see. Sunday Star Chief Reporter Andrew walked in recently to both our surprise. Singer Farah Asyikin also came by, although she spotted Nim first (whom she knows well). Oh, and even a fellow committee member from Casa Desa took in the alfresco experience last weekend.

The mains are quite affordable, with Spicy Seafood Spaghetti, cooked in olive oil costing RM10.90. The Nasi Minyak, which Nim loves, comes with rice and a portion of lamb in an aptly oily gravy and costs a bit less. Cakes are priced less than what you'd expect from many branded cafe chains. And their quality coffee? Well, it starts at RM4.50 for an Americano and goes up from there, with many flavours to choose from.

I can't quite put my finger on one good point about Cafe Libre that alone compels me to visit each week. It's the whole package that really makes it the best place in Taman Desa to hang out. Just like a home away from home.