Cover Malaysian artist Red Hong Yi created ‘Kaleidoscope’ using 24,000 pieces of used Nespresso capsules (Photo: Nespresso)
Pore over these recent happenings in the coffee industry while enjoying your morning cup of Joe

1. % Arabica from Kyoto lands in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Cult coffee brand % Arabica, which first opened in Kyoto in 2014, has landed on our shores, causing quite a frenzy. Given Malaysians' love of minimalism and all things Japanese, it's little wonder that the new café in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur has seen snaking queues since its first day of operations. Be prepared to take a number and avoid watching the clock.

Proving that less is more, % Arabica is synonymous with an all-white aesthetic that extends from the interior design to the merchandise; take home reusable coffee cup, totes, backpacks and, if you're the kind who ignores the follies of white footwear, sneakers.

Just here for the coffee? Try the Dark Latte, % Arabica's version of a mocha, and pair it with baked goods from Jaslyn Cakes. Oat and almond milk are on offer, but there's something unforgettable about the regular white coffee here, with its impossibly smooth mouthfeel.

% Arabica | Lot 3.08.02 & E3.08.02, Connection, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur | +603-2110 6911 | Open daily, 10am - 10pm

You may like: The Ultimate Guide To Buying Coffee Beans Online

2. Happy Stan opens attached bistro and now serves food

KL's first coffee-cocktail specialist now boasts its own bistro serving fusion eats. Divided into four sections—baos, small plates, mains and desserts—the food menu is where Spicy Fried Chicken Baos collide with Hamburger Curry Rice while leaving room for Banana Toffee Loaves. We can vouch for the Salmon Maki with Sambal Petai, a spicy, funky and quite frankly, fantastic invention, and look forward to returning for the Salmon Foie Gras Bao.

"True to the concept of a bistro, we are serving comfort food in a casual setting," expounds founder Karl Too. "What you are getting now is just a teaser as we get the kitchen team warmed up. Expect more food and drinks in the pipeline!"

Happy Stan | First floor, Republik Damansara Heights, 1 Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur | +603-2011 0605 | Open daily, 10am - 12am (Bar), 10am - 10pm (Bistro)

Related: The Bar Hop: Happy Stan By Karl Too & VCR

3. Nespresso collaborates with artist Red Hong Yi

Known as the artist who paints without a paintbrush, contemporary artist Red Hong Yi was the natural choice of collaborator for Nespresso when it came to forming a—in every sense of the word—sustainable partnership.

"This experience is a unique one as I breath new meaning into the term 'second life'," expresses Red, who laboriously pieced together a 1.46-metre high installation with 24,000 used Nespresso capsules. Titled 'Kaleidoscope,' the artwork spells out a simple but strong message—"Doing is everything"—and boasts an impressive 'infinity' effect, which conveys our need to perform the repeated action of recycling until it turns into a habit.

Swing by the Nespresso Boutique in The Gardens Mall to view the artwork in the flesh from now until April 18, 2021.

Nespresso Boutique | The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur | Open daily, 10am - 10pm

ICYMI: Voyage The Globe With Nespresso's World Explorations Range

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