Alive & Brewing in JB: a review of Art 52 Coffee Johor Bahru, Malasyia-CLOSED! :(

We Brew Seriously! 

Art 52 Coffee JB

Just like the sign says these guys are serious about their coffee! 

Barista Owner Ang Yee Siang and Stella Teo are brewing up top shelf stuff in Johor Bahru.  Outshining many a shop across the border in Singapore and in capital KL.

Since I rarely read or follow instructions I kept pushing, pulling or sliding the entrance door only to notice that I needed to "RING" to get in. Thats what you get when you keep looking at your phone.

my shadow

Definitely a place for coffee lovers!!!  

The shop serves as an art gallery on the first and second floors. On the second floor hidden behind a door is a real "hole in the wall" cafe.

Did I say HOLE IN THE WALL? 

Today they had single origin Ehtiopian, Sidamo.  He took about three tries to get the perfect pull for my first shot. He tasted each one and did not seem satisfied until the third one. I really appreciate the attention to detail. The result was a very good strong citrus notes with a floral finish. As every espresso drinker knows there is nothing better than your first cup. 

Upon ordering my second one the barista offered to tweak the coffee slightly for me. My second cup was even more enjoyable than the first. This very rarely happens for me. The second cup had longer finish and initial floral notes before a strong lemon finish. 

My second cup!

The Art Gallery!

Have not tried other places in JB but all I can say is the coffee scene in JB is alive & brewing!

Location: Art 52 Coffee,  #52 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Johor Bahru 

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/art52coffee

instagram: @art52coffee

The Curator-Specialty Coffee, Legaspi Village, Makati, Philippines

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Curating the best coffee experience in Metro Manila...

Here it is… The Curator by far…and I mean a long way ……serves the best coffee in Metro Manila! 

The Curator has an industrial feel with its exposed ceilings and raw concrete. The interior styling gives this joint a hipster vibe. My main criticism of this place is the lack of free Wifi.(peace) I love almost everything else about this place specially their passion for coffee. 


The space used to be a store room which has been converted to a coffee shop by day and speakeasy by night.

For the sweet tooth…

A large selection of syrups (Left to right)  White, Agave(missing), Honey, Brown, Muscovado and Coconut.   

They have the following coffees available: 

Kenya Wakulima

WOW Blend 

Panama Carmen Estate 

Dark Matter Theory

IMHO:

My favourite is their Dark Matter Theory which is a blend of Columbia Bambuco Excelso, Guatemala Agua Hal, and India Kaapi Special Robusta Natural.

The barista describes the coffee as ...full bodied with a robust dark chocolate profile.


I certainly agree it has a great balance with  moderate acidity, hints of chocolate and just the right amount of tartness. Perfect for my daily espresso or three… :)

So here is the low down…  

It's a hidden coffee shop/speakeasy outside a wine showroom on the corner of C Palanca/Legaspi.


They serve coffee daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00PM, it converts to a speakeasy at 7:00PM till late. 

N.B. they stop serving coffee at 6:00PM and start serving cocktails.  

The food menu is limited but there are plenty of great dining spots in the village.


Website:http://thecurator.com.ph

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Curator/310581049064376?fref=ts


Instagram:https://instagram.com/thecurator_/