'Urge' finds the way

Addictions, habits and ones intense fixation within an accustomed lifestyle are incredibly hard to unlearn or break; for some its ritualistic even by way and form in fulfilling a craving. As dated and cliche as it sounds, 'old habits die hard' ... in as many times it drowns, the urge resurfaces with boldness forefront no matter what deadly consequence awaits.

So faithful and loyal, I was never one to stray far from routines and my regular 'purposeful haunts', except for a couple of unforeseen routes diversion or two. Still, I always come full circle with a sense of completion yet ready to go again. Annoyingly, the current havoc in the country has disrupted my almost sacred practice in realising my compulsions (needs). Fortunately, learning from past experiences of being caught high and dry, there is an emergency stash for days of dire need. I rely on my DIY skills for a quick fix in the safety of home... with one satisfaction setback - delivery is flat and lacklustre.

Even on our best managed days, moments of temptation spring unsuspectingly like a thirsty whirlpool of mixed emotions; throwing logic and caution out the window in mindless defeat. On one such instance, encouraged and motivated by a female peer (sweet May Fah), I relented, determined to pursue greater gratification out there against all odds! Fully psyched and hyped, I abandoned safe walls for unseen risks, crossed boundaries and braved armoured authorities for fix sake. My need to feel good was on overdrive; I craved that sense of normalcy, of breathing without anxiety, that confidence of stepping out beyond comfort zones.

Thirty minutes later, I was staring curiously down a dimly lit lane hidden behind a building. Boring and uninviting, it certainly does not jive with the mall's fancy facade although a retro barber rotating LED pole did catch my eye. Discreet but clever, I might say. That should be it; my highly anticipated destined #caffeine #fix in the face of Covid-19 's chaos. I approached the den in slow short paces, up a shabby concrete stair and paused in front a raggedy wooden door. Old, heavy and creaking, it slid open cinematically to reveal just the opposite of its cold exterior - a sunny, warm, welcoming aura. I found it! My urge found the way to Lynettes... sorry I mean Lisettes CAFE!

But enough of wordy drama, just read on to find out why the girls think this place is gravy. What meets the eye is a charming decor like a throwback of the 70s' mood i.e. loud, clashing prints in vivid colours that goes against the grain of fashion rules (watch Netflix's - Emily In Paris tips on flashy fashion) but who cares! The lively spirited ambience even disrupted my caffeine craving until a familiar wooshing, hissing sound reminded me very quickly of my purpose there. Searching for my petite cafe buddy May Fah, her striped tee was an easy spot against a backdrop of busy, bold fabric and wallpaper. She was sitting well within 'social distancing' SOP for dining in. The diligent cafe staff made certain I did my due diligence as a responsible citizen with the current contact tracing application and body temperature scans.

An open, airy, space with comfortable lighting, pleases the sense of sight as accompanied by a hot Piccolo

Within minutes, I was scouring the menu which to me, offers a great choice of 'brunch category' food that is appetizing, ample and balanced to kick-start lagging tummies. Having said that, the selection is still more than sufficient to take you through the day starting from an RM15 mini brekkie (OJ, coffee and pastry), sweet and savoury bakes (pies, cakes, breads) to mains of proteins and carbs. While playing it safe with some local dishes and the commonly popular international spread like pasta, soba, burgers and quesadilla, I was excited to find a blend and fusion of tastes in items like Shakshuka, Kerijwal and Gamberoni. Don't be fooled by the foreign-sounding names as you will be surprised by hints of familiarity in ingredients and flavours yet excitingly different. Check out Lisette's menu HERE

With about 15-minutes to spare before food was to be served, we made ourselves at home, from corner to wall, bench to ceiling and the 30sec 'walk of fame' in pursuit of the best camera angle. Thank goodness for a bunch of patient, tolerant, cooperative staff. Then food came a calling, the moment we have all been waiting for did NOT disappoint especially the marinated Lamb Strips (MUST TRY!). Each juicy strip of meat was perfectly marinated, sweet and savoury, nicely charred and tender to bite without the usual gamey taste of lamb. Incredibly delectable that we forgot about photos! I would say the accompanying sauce was redundant. Lisette's smashed my cafe toast charts with the Avo on Rye toast which I would definitely recommend as an easy vegan brunch. May Fah's (poached) Egg Shakshuka was generously soaked in tomato puree, topped with peppers, onions and sprinkles of spice is a statement for comfort food. As a fan of Mexican food, I felt the Quesadilla was just mediocre as the filling was sparse and the heat (spicyness) was a little too overpowering.

With my tick boxes checked for satisfaction on categories for selection (menu), nutrition (portion size & calories), palate (taste), service (staff & speed) and ambience (quiet comfort), I would summarize it as a worthy experience for the body, mind and senses yet relatively wallet-friendly. If you are unable to find Lisette's Cafe via the shady lane, just take a walk through SOCIAL Subang Empire and head towards the back door. Exit and Hey! you're in a garden of greens with scattered rattan furniture and huggable throw cushions. Pick a spot and Own it like we did!

Ending the day's experience on caffeine high with a final 'walk of fame'