Hong Kong's coffee culture has come a long way in recent years. Now, with the opening of ēpöch coffee bar & desserterie in Starstreet Precinct, it has taken on a chic new dimension. The brainchild of Pauline Yam and her partners, ēpöch coffee bar & desserterie is a fresh approach to the coffee bar concept, combining delicious beverages, a healthy menu and cool music courtesy of Kosmic Soul. From the very beginning, Kosmic Soul's music bar was an intrinsic part of ēpöch coffee bar & desserterie - a place where people could relax with good friends while listening to alternative music selections, and then purchase the tunes they've enjoyed.

Although she has a strong background in corporate finance, Pauline has always been fascinated by the food and beverage industry. "My family is really into eating and cooking," explains Pauline. "We are very traditionally Chinese. We have a saying that if you know exactly what to eat, you must come from three generations of chefs or government officials. In other words, you have to know a lot about food, or be very wealthy!"

ēpöch coffee bar & desserterie falls under the illy Italian coffee brand's bar concept. Although other shops may sell illy coffee, ēpöch coffee bar & desserterie is the complete package. The unique combination of an innovative music store and excellent coffee makes ēpöch coffee bar & desserterie stand out from other illy stores. From its appealingly hip interior design to its food and drinks menu, the shop enjoys the full support of illy, which sent its Italian representatives to train Pauline and her staff. "ēpöch means the beginning of a significant era or period," she adds. "We want people to come in and have such a remarkable time here that they remember it afterwards as a great experience."

Pauline is actively involved in all aspects of the shop. Recently, she extended the opening hours to midnight and introduced more alcoholic coffee drinks to appeal to people looking for a comfortable yet sophisticated place to lounge in the evening. "There is going to be a drink named after me," she mentions, "because it was based on my suggestions." Dubbed 'Paolina', this elegantly delicious concoction will contain swirling Valrhona chocolate, Illy espresso, vodka and Frangelico presented in a sophisticated Martini glass. Pauline also ensures that all cakes are made in-house on a daily basis using only the finest ingredients - a standard of perfection that's sure to appeal to the discerning tastes of her clientele.