A Costly Cuppa Cappu (2012)

 

This was intended to be a very different piece of writing, in fact – an article to be published in a glossy tourist magazine, all razzmatazz, glitz, and positive energy. However, there was a turning point, just at the end of a promising interview, at which I felt that I could no longer continue with that glowing touristy article, and you will see why....

   I question the wisdom in making a journalist pay the over-priced sum of RM 11 + for one mediocre cup of cappuccino, sans almond biscuit. Especially as said cappuccino was delivered during an interview with the cafe manager, and during a prospective write-up of said venue. That inconsiderate management technique sets up a bad vibe for the forthcoming article.

   In a Kuala Lumpur simply teeming with cafes and Art galleries, surely it is a poor idea not to take full advantage of a walk-in journalist who openly volunteers to speak with his editor regarding a promotional article of the cafe. It would have sealed the deal and enabled said journalist (ok, it was Moi), to walk away with a warm cosy feeling to offer him a freebie - a comely cappuccino fee as the air which makes the froth and also free to him. But, sadly, the current manager of The Warehouse on Jalan Tun H S Lee, Kuala Lumpur, made the decision to charge for said pseudo-Italian coffee, leaving me with a very bitter taste. That singular action turned that prospective positive article into an uncomely negative blog.

   That particular cafe in which we had met – the downstairs portion of The Warehouse, sits at the rear of the more infamous Petaling Street, which is known for its tourist trapping, obviously fake watches and a peculiar smell - which may be either the drains, or durian. Unfortunately Jalan Tun H S Lee is not Petaling Street, neither is it Central Market - it is barely China Town. The Warehouse restaurant and cafe sit anonymously along from the more interesting Hindu and Chinese temples, especially at this time of year with Chinese New Year drawing to a close and Thaipusam knocking on the door, and enjoys, seemingly, very little passing trade. While I was there one (white) parent came in with his child and, like me some minutes beforehand, struggled to find where to purchase refreshment – strangely the cafe counter is to the rear of that space, in a separate room.

   The coffee incident was unfortunate, for the venue was all pregnant with possibility, virtually spilling its waters over Kuala Lumpur’s floor in readiness for birthing, but I fear that The Warehouse concept maybe yet still-born. One would have thought that management would have gone out of their way to encourage promotion of their fresh enterprise, perhaps even come up with an almond biscuit or two - to foster good relations, but certainly not charge for the beverage consumed within the parameters of a promotional interview.

   The truth be told, I doubt very much if such a venue will take off - certainly not during the day. Maybe The Warehouse will be an exclusive bar, catering to the KL arty farty elite and perhaps whites only - al a Bangsar, but certainly at their current prices, and being down somewhat of a backwater, it will not appeal to the hoi polloi. I wish them luck - as I do the next media individual dropping in for a promotional chat.