Ben's

December 2012

After years of serving consistently satisfying food amid trendy and chic interior in Kuala Lumpur, Ben's finally lands on the island. Tucked on the ground floor of St. Jo's within Gurney Paragon, its black, yellow and white colours overpower the discreet scrawl of its name at the entrance.

Within, the interior is a harmony of dark wood, white and sun-bright yellow walls, a cake counter and plenty of bustle. The result is an ambience of a pseudo European cafe with a touch of, well, cheek.

Food-wise, for those already familiar with Ben's sort of menu in KL, you'll be relieved to know they serve the same fare here too. Sandwiches, burgers, salads, pastas and side orders of French fries, wedges and the like are what you can expect from RM8.90++. Main dishes are around RM20++ onwards while salad begins at RM15.90++.

Be warned that the smogasboard of irreristible cakes on display is like a siren calling for ships to sail right into the rocks she sits on. Despite that, their classic chocolate cake of nearly four inches high at RM11.90++ looks delectable but is only moderately rich in flavour. It comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and dribbles of chocolate sauce. In short, it's a chocolate orgy and enough for three as a dessert after a full meal. Its steamed-cake consistency is pleasing when accompanied with a spoonful of ice cream and the chocolate sauce.

Naturally, there's an array of coffees, teas, smoothies, ice-blends, juices and soft drinks to choose from and they begin at RM5.90++. The corridor seating area is a lovely spot to sit, sip coffee, indulge in happy food and people-watch. For some, it's definitely a spot to bring along an engaging book and read a chapter or two. Su Aziz