Don’t let her humble neighbours (a laundry shop and a stationery store) deceive you, as the locality of this corner outlet betray its posh offerings that lie behind closed doors.
Once inside, one would not be faulted for thinking this another one of those high-brow coffee cafés catered for caffeine snobs. After all, frequenting stylish and trendy (read: pricey!) coffee bars such as this is the new norm for class-conscious yuppies, indie hipsters and baby boomers all the same.
Behind the counter stand tattooed baristas who are not only warm, pleasant and not-to-mention, seriously good-looking, but who also take their caffeine rather seriously … ;) These coffee rockstars not only whip up mean cups of joes, topped with magnificent latte art, but they also serve up freshly baked pastries, quiches, cakes, tarts and breads, which are delectable and can be consumed in-house or ordered to go.
The interior of the café is small, and seats 15 people (at most!) at any given time. Fret not, as there are tables outside as well, which can accommodate 10 petite people or perhaps 6 hefty ones… =)
We hear that Lescure butter is used in the baking of their pastries, which make them all the more scrumptious, as this butter is nutty and higher in fat content than regular butter brands out there, which in turn, results in extra moist crumbs. Calorie bomb? We think otherwise…
For those of you who fancy yourselves some alone time, you can revel in peaceful solidarity or perhaps indulge your intellect in one of the many books offered here. Butter + Beans at Seventeen have teamed up with ‘Novels for All’ to bring you ‘Cafe Reads’. If you’d like, you may even purchase the novels to support their cause, where all proceeds go to charity.
The outlet also serves teas and juices… but who cares about that?! Lol…
Now, onto why you should think about paying this place a visit:
Cappuccino (RM9)
Shiv: Made from local beans, with a moderately strong flavour, this one was rich and smooth, with a nice bitter aftertaste. Pretty good, and that’s not the caffeine-dependent-me talking! Lol…
Kav: Very smooth and yet not too milky. Rich coffee taste, just the way I like it.
Gaj: Loved it, not too strong or milky! Just perfect… :)
Hot Chocolate (RM8)
Shiv: Although I’m not a fan of this drink, this was one of the better hot chocolates I’ve tried. Have yourselves some light-yet-rich, chocolate-y goodness in the form of this beverage, which can be ordered cold!
Kav: Really good. Loved the rich bitter-sour taste of the chocolate. Was not overly sweet or milky, like most other hot chocolates.
Gaj: Sinfully good hot chocolate! Perfect on a cold rainy day.
Pain Au Valrhona or Valrhona Chocolate Croissant (RM5)
Shiv: Yummy! The croissant was bread-y, and although I prefer mine flakey, this was deliciously buttery and soft. The Valrhona chocolate filling was generous and super syiok!
Kav: The croissant had good texture and the chocolate filling was just so good, that it left me with this warm and fuzzy feeling inside.
Gaj: The chocolate was super yummy!! Will order it again… :)
Walnut Raisins Cinnamon Roll (RM5)
Shiv: A tad too sweet and heavy for one. However, if you’re up for sharing, this is not bad – very rich in flavour, and the spiciness of the cinnamon didn’t overwhelm, as it sometimes can. However, I would have preferred it sans the raisins.
Kav: A little too sweet for me, but delicious nonetheless. Dislike the raisins as well!!!
Gaj: Not a big fan of raisins and hence, I did not quite like this.
Chocolate Pistachio Danish (RM5)
Shiv: Good, but not excellent. The pistachios added a nice earthy touch to the richness of the chocolate, but a very similar pastry at The Loaf, Bangsar Village 2 stands slightly superior next to this one, I think. A good try nevertheless!
Kav: Delish!!! Again, love the chocolate that they use – that acidity and bitterness just came through. Although, I have to agree, the one at The Loaf is slightly better.
Gaj: Liked the hint of pistachio in this dessert. Not the best danish that I have tried, but not bad.
Verdict: WOK ON!
PRICE: Expensive – RM32 for 2 drinks and 3 pastries (3pax).
AMBIENCE: Warm, cosy and inviting. Interior of the shop doesn’t seat very many, but there are tables outside the café as well.
SERVICE: Excellent. Baristas are warm, friendly and very obliging. Pastry warming-up services were offered without being requested – two thumbs up!
FOOD: Good – decent pastries that pair well with their tasty hand-crafted beverages.
BUTTER + BEANS AT SEVENTEEN
BG-1A, HAPPY MANSION,
JALAN 17/13, SEKSYEN 17,
46400 PETALING JAYA,
SELANGOR
Tel: +603 7932 2556
Opening Hours:
Daily from 8.30am to 8.30pm