Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A DETOUR
PUBLIKA
Art, shopping, dining and social life are all in harmony at
Publika
(
www.publika.com.my
;
1 Jln Dutamas, Solaris
Dutamas; 10am-9pm), a forward-thinking retail and residential development less than 10 minutes' drive
north of Bangsar. Dazzling murals, quirky themes for the toilets and a fun kids' playground all add to Publika's
visual interest and point up a liberal vibe that's in striking contrast to the conservative Islamic high court, the gi-
ant mosque and Istana Negara (National Palace) that are the complex's neighbours.
Galleries & Events
Contemporary art is fostered at several independent galleries at Publika with
MAP
( 6207 9732;
www.facebook.com/mapkl
;
Publika, 1 Jln Dutamas; KL Sentral) acting as the cultural anchor with a wide
variety of performances, talks and art exhibitions held in its White and Black Box spaces - everything from
Malaysian death-metal bands to major public events and product launches. Free films are screened each Monday
in the central square and there's a handicrafts market held on the last Sunday of the month. MAP's and Publika's
Facebook pages list up-to-date details of all events.
Eating & Drinking
There are two good food courts: EAT and Made in Malaysia; the former includes an outlet of Kin Kin where you
can sample supremely tasty
pan mee
('dry' noodles). Other good places to eat and drink include the following:
Bee
( 6201 8577;
www.thebee.com.my
;
36B, Level G2, Publika, 1 Jln Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas; mains
RM15-20; 9am-midnight Mon-Thu, 9am-1am Fri, 10am-1am Sat, 10am-midnight Sun; ) A happening
cafe-bar serving burgers, sandwiches, salads and fine coffee and hosting events including live music, film screen-
ings and open-mic nights.
Nathalie's Gourmet Studio
( 6207 9572;
www.nathaliegourmetstudio.com
; 1 Jln Dutamas, Solaris Dutamas;
mains RM25-35; 9am-6pm Tue-Wed, to 11pm Thu-Sat) For delicious nouvelle cuisine and melting macar-
oons. It also runs cooking classes.
Journal by Plan b
(
http://www.thebiggroup.co/planb
; Level G2 Publika, 1 Jln Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas;
mains RM20-40; 10am-10pm) A pile of chairs hanging from the ceiling and an old TV screening P Ramlee
movies are part of the quirky decor at this upmarket branch of cafe-bar Plan b. It's a very pleasant place for a lazy
breakfast/brunch at weekends.
There are also branches of reliable chains Ben's, The Social, Chawan and +Wondermilk; the latter sells sells cup-
cakes, milky drinks, comfort food and handcrafty items.
Shopping
Rents are kept low to encourage new talents and retail ideas - look out for pop-up shops on the Level G2 Art
Row.
Ben's Independent Grocer
(BIG;
www.thebiggroup.co/BIG
;
Lot 1A, 83-95, Level UG, Publika, 1 Jln
Dutamas, Solaris Dutamas; 10am-9pm) is a huge and creatively designed supermarket. There's a particularly
good section of shops for children including the arts and crafts workshop
Artis Kids Store
(
ht-
tp://artiskidsstore.my
;
48, Level G3, Publika, 1 Jln Dutamas, Solaris Dutamas; 10am-9pm).
Fashionistas are well served by a good range of small boutiques, as well as major fashion retailer British India
and
Elegantology
(
www.elegantology.com.my
;
35, Level G2, Publika, 1 Jln Dutamas, Solaris Dutamas;
