Special thanks to Jeeves for extending this food review invitation.
Update: This business has ceased its operations.
Located 2 shops away from Wheeler’s Coffee is Jeeves Café 71 Love Lane. Opened several months ago, this restaurant is named after Reginald Jeeves, a fictional valet from P. G. Wodehouse’s novels.
This European-style eatery features an all-day brunch menu. In addition, there are also soups, salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes. Coffee and desserts are also available. The chef behind the scene is an experienced veteran of 14 years.
As Christmas is approaching, the interior décor of Jeeves is assuming a yuletide look. The entire length of ground floor serves as dining space, while the kitchen is located upstairs.
Today’s meal starts with a bowl of British Tomato (RM13.80), which comes in reasonably large portion. Made from fresh tomatoes, the soup presents sweet-tangy sensation but is fortunately not too intense.
Also included in the bowl of soup are bacon bits and baked croutons. Basil is added for appetizing aroma and well as to accentuate the freshness of tomatoes. The soup is certainly recommended.
It is easy to identify signature dishes when their name contains the restaurant’s. One of the most popular choice in this category is Jeeves Ultimate Ben (RM36.80). This dish is conceptually similar to Eggs Benedict: poached eggs with overflowing Hollandaise sauce. But what sets Jeeves Ultimate Ben apart is what it uses in place of English muffins.
At the very base of each stack is a hearty serving of pork patty. Minced pork is sufficiently loose such that the patty maintains savory juices. Various spices season the pork thoroughly in order to make it succulent with each bite. Also included are sautéed shrimps and mushrooms, both are fine additions to the patty. Bacon strip is also added near the top of the stack. This is a scrumptious meal indeed.
Another crowd favorite is Jeeves Big Breakfast (RM23.80). Presented elegantly on the platter are scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, sautéed mushrooms, grilled tomato, baked beans and bread. Garden greens are provided on the side.
In particular, I must say that the sautéed mushrooms are quite delectable; I simply cannot have enough of this. Also worthwhile mentioning is the slice of toasted 6-grain bread, which is blessed with delightful mouthfeel that I have not encountered for quite some time. I look forward to trying other dishes that use the same bread.
Scrambled eggs are prepared just perfectly. The delicate emulsion is not overdone to the extent that it solidifies completely. Although thick in consistency, the generous portion of eggs is not surfeiting at all. Meanwhile, the two pieces of streaky bacon are quite enjoyable to chew. Not too salty either.
As for desserts, Jeeves usually prepares four types of homemade confectionery. As the desserts are made from natural ingredients without artificial preservatives, only a limited amount is prepared every day to maintain freshness.
The Italian-style Tiramisu (RM14.80) should strike a chord with most coffee lovers. Mascarpone cheese mousse is infused with bold coffee flavors, followed by a dense shower of dark chocolate powder. The mousse carries reasonably soft and creamy consistency. Although the level of sweetness is kept modest, I feel that coffee does not pull sufficient weight here.
My personal preference goes to Beetroot Raspberry Cheesecake (RM14.80). With a base made from Sablé biscuit crumble, the cheesecake takes the center stage with its sharp fruity flavor. While raspberry contributes to taste, beetroot serves as natural coloring of this vibrantly-colored dessert. At the very top is a layer of raspberry coulis, white chocolate and whipped cream.
At the beverage department, Jeeves has a handful of medium roast coffee drinks. Most orders of coffee are double-shot by default. The choice of espresso beans is still in the exploratory stage, so its flavor may vary from time to time.
Salted Caramel Latte (RM10.80) is blessed with pleasant aroma of caramel, but I think the caramel lacks the ability to accentuate the overall enjoyment of coffee. As for Hazelnut Latte (RM10.80), I prefer it to have more intense toastiness of roasted hazelnuts.
Tea is also available by the pot. Lemongrass & Ginger (RM8.80) comes in a silken tea bag of Ceylonese lemongrass and ginger. A hint of raspberry provides pinkish hue to the brew.
Lemongrass dominates the aroma and taste aspects. On the other hand, ginger assumes a more subtle role. I think this tea is appreciated more for its rejuvenating aroma than the taste.
Looking for quick remedy to thirstiness? Try a bottle of The Tapping Tapir (RM9.80). This carbonated drink is infused with real lime juice and hibiscus extract.
It is nice to enjoy a cold glass of this fizzy drink during a hot Saturday afternoon.
Jeeves scores high markets for its food in many aspects: taste, presentation and creativity. The desserts are certainly worthwhile to try too. However I think the choice of espresso beans, and by extension quality of coffee, deserve more improvement.
Name: Jeeves Café 71 Love Lane
Address: 71, Lorong Love, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-251-9120
Business hours: 8:00am-4:00pm (Monday-Friday), 10:00am-6:00pm (Saturday-Sunday), closed on Wednesdays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/JeevesLoveLane
Coordinates: 5.41866 N, 100.33648 E
Directions: From Chulia Street (Lebuh Chulia), turn into Love Lane. Jeeves is one of the shops on the right, somewhat opposite of Selfie Coffee. Street parking is available but limited during certain hours. There is also a private car park further down Love Lane on the right, just before reaching Reggae Penang.
