My Food Fetish

Sesame + Soy - a hot new dining concept at G Hotel

2012-12-03T09:24:00.000-08:00

Sesame + Soy, G Hotel's Pan Asian Chinese Cuisine restaurant offers dining experience like no other in Penang. As a start, it is already unusual to find two complimentary yet different dining ambiance in one space.

As you walk into the restaurant, you will be greeted first by Soy, a modern Asian bistro of sort, which is the more casual of the two. Soy offers fusion contemporary Asian cuisine that are also moderately priced. Soy is famous for its value-for-money Business Set Lunch where you select any two dishes with your choice of steamed or fried rice, soup and dessert of the day at only RM30++ per person.

Sesame is the perfect epitome of Chinese fine dining, a rare find in Penang. Don’t be surprised if Sesame if not your traditional Chinese restaurant. Sesame prides itself in its Pan Asian Chinese Cuisine with a fusion of contemporary Chinese cuisine from across the region and classic Chinese dishes.

The soft ambient lighting and plush setting makes Sesame a favourite for private dinner party, wedding party or corporate group dining. The restaurant offers attractively priced set menus ranging from Rm58++ per person to RM138++ per person.

Soy is opened from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm for lunch while Sesame is open from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm for dinner.

Sesame + Soy has graciously invited us for a food tasting session with a few other food bloggers. The following are the fine dishes crafted by Chef Chiam in the menu. Chef Chiam is very particular about plating and decoration. The dishes are not just tasty but they are also very pleasing to the eyes.

We started off with the appetizer which is a combination of fruit tart, fresh scallop skewer with baked mashed sweet potato. I especially liked the concoction of smoked duck breast, mango and roe with rasberry dressing in the fruit tart.

Sesame's Treasure Combination - with smoked duck breast, fruit tart with rasberry dressing and fresh scallop skewer with baked mashed sweet potato

We were then presented with a Superior Broth ala Western with Seafood Dumpling. The broth is made of pumpkin while the seafood parcel is full of treasures like crab and sea cucumber.

Braised Golden Superior Broth with Seafood Dumpling

The pan seared chicken was crispy and yet tender, served with a traditional "Xi Shi" sauce.

Pan-seared Chicken with "Xi Shi" Sauce and Asparagus in Cream Sauce with Baby Carrot and Edible Flower

Wok Fried Diced Salmon with Brown Bean Sauce with Crispy Corn Cake

Grilled Blue River Prawn in Korean Spice accompanied by Marmite Sauce

Crunchy Jack Fruit Kataifi Roll with Honey and Chinese Herbal Jelly with Jamoca Almond Fudge Ice Cream

The dessert was a creative twist with the sweet jack fruit roll and ice cream and the slightly tart and bitter herbal jelly.

Pink Perfection

Watermelon Pudina

Chef Chiam passionately sharing the fine details he puts into his dishes

Elegant dining

Private room

If you have a change from the Penang Chinese dining scene and you want to pamper yourself with fine Chinese cuisine in a luxury cum trendy setting, then Sesame + Soy is definitely worth a try.

Sesame + Soy

G Hotel

168A Persiaran Gurney 10250 Penang

Tel: +604 238 0000

Website: www.ghotel.com.my

KNK Yakiniku Japanese Charcoal BBQ in Bay Avenue

2012-09-15T16:09:00.001-07:00

Kannichikan Yakiniku (KNK) opened in Bay Avenue in March this year, making the outlet the third one in Malaysia after the ones in Tanjong Tokong and Desa Sri Hartamas. The Tanjong Tokong outlet has been around for over ten years now.

KNK specializes in Japanese charcoal barbeque and is most notable for serving premium grade Wagyu beef. The grilling is done by diners over a charcoal brazier built into the table.

The restaurant is well ventilated and air-conditioned making the grilling experience a comfortable one. The meat was quick to cook and retained the original flavours and succulence.

KNK also offers value-for-money set menus for lunch and dinner. Check out the review on thestar online here.

Appetizer

Beef

Cabbage

Seafood

Spicy Japanese Ramen (RM18)

KNK Bay Avenue

No.D-25-1, Lorong Bayan Indah 2, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang

Tel: 04-641 2410

Operating Hours: 11.30am-2.30pm & 6pm-10.30pm

LOVELOCKS Ice Cream Shop - Fresh Home Made Coconut Ice Cream

2012-08-31T20:34:00.002-07:00

LOVELOCKS is a new ice cream shop in town, opened just over 10 days ago at the corner of the junction between Love Lane and Chulia Street. The light blue facade of the shop is unmistakable from afar.

The name of the ice cream shop suggests the interesting notion that you should (pad) lock your love with your soul mate, family or friends and throw the key away so your love for each other will forever be sealed.

LOVELOCKS sells only one type of fresh homemade coconut ice cream with toppings of your liking. One topping that deserves a special callout is the passion fruit caviar, a fruit caviar developed via molecular cooking. The lady at the counter also suggested that we drizzle some raw egg yolk over the ice cream which apparently is a common topping for coconut ice cream in Thailand.

The coconut ice cream was light, smooth and fresh. The four toppings we opted for: almond slices, corn flakes, passion fruit caviar and “atap chee” (atap seeds) added just the right crunch and flavours to the ice cream.

Check out their Facebook page for photos of people who have sealed their love at LOVELOCKS.

Love locked

Coconut ice cream

5 scoops ice cream with 4 toppings (RM7)

Some interesting finds along Love Lane / Stewart Lane:

Steel-rod art

Interesting pay phone (heart broken yet happily ever after)

LOVELOCKS
No.318, Chulia Street, 10200 George Town, Malaysia

Steak Frites: Steak, Fries & Wine

2012-08-31T04:39:00.000-07:00

As the name suggests, Steak Frites, serves primarily one type of food on its menu i.e. steak and fries.

Hubs is a steak lover so we jumped at the opportunity to try out the steak served here when we read about the review at Time Out Penang.

So we naturally ordered the one and only Grilled Australian Beef Tenderloin in Melting Café de Paris Butter Sauce served with Crispy Fries and Garden Salad with a glass of house pouring red wine.

The steak medium done, exceeded our high expectations. It was juicy, tender and flavourful. The Café de Paris butter was allowed to melt into the meat, adding another layer of flavor to an already great piece of steak. A very generous serving of crispy fries was served on the side.

Steak Frites retained the original design of the pre-war building with marble top tables and wooden chairs. The setting is relaxed and rather unique for a steak place. It is part of an establishment that includes a lovely boutique hotel: 23 Love Lane.

A must try indeed for steak lovers.

Garden Salad

House Pouring Red Wine (RM12)

Grilled Australian Beef Tenderloin in Melting Café de Paris Butter Sauce served with Crispy Fries
(RM49 for 150gm / RM60 for 200gm)

23 Love Lane Boutique Hotel

Steak Frites23 Love Lane, George Town, Penang.
Tel: +604 262 1323

Website: http://www.23lovelane.com

Rubin Mardini Turkish Cuisine in Penang

2012-08-28T06:27:00.000-07:00

We had an exciting new find over the weekend, a Turkish restaurant that is.

Rubin Mardini is probably the one and only Turkish restaurant in Penang, opened since the beginning of this year. Restaurant owner cum chef, Halil Duzgun who is also an avid backpacker hailed from the historic province of Mardin in Southeastern Turkey, which explains the name of the restaurant. He runs the restaurant with his Malaysian wife.

We were quick to order the Chicken and Lamb Shish Kebab sets which is meat grilled on skewers.

Traditionally shish kebab is made with lamb and I have to say the lamb kebab was definitely a great pick. The lamb meat was very well marinated with spices and hubs just couldn’t get enough of the juicy and tender lamb meat.

The set is served with Turkish pilaf rice, fries, roast vegetables, fresh salad with pomegranate sauce and extra olive oil on the side and Turkish flat bread.

We also ordered the highly recommend Mutton Tirshik which is a roasted vegetables stew cooked with mutton. They also serve the chicken alternative of the stew.

Rubin Mardini serves the famous Turkish dessert i.e. baklava. I like their version of the walnut pistachio baklava which is thin, crispy and not too sweet.

We don’t have photos of the Turkish pizza (Pide) which we ordered to go. That’s another Turkish dish that you should not miss. Turkish pizza has a thin dough and can be ordered plain, with egg or with minced chicken or mutton.

The lovely meal sure brings back a lot of fond memories of our holiday in Turkey two years ago. Turkey is such a beautiful country with very rich natural reserves. We must have spent at least half an hour chatting with Halil after our meal, reminiscing about the diverse beauty and rich history Turkey.

Rubin Mardini is currently running a promotion on Groupon so don't miss the chance to try the authentic Turkish cuisine. Do check out the restaurant's new menu at their website (link below).

Banana Chocolate Yoghurt Shake

Turkish tea

Baklava

Lamb Shish Kebab set

Chicken Shish Kebab set

Mutton Tirshik

Turkish Coffee

Here are some photos we took of the beautiful sites in Turkey:

Hagia Sophia

Trojan Horse in Troy (Canakkale)

Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia

Pamukkale

Rubin Mardini
Permai 32
12A Lebuh Lembah Permai
Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Penang
info@rubinmardini.com
http://rubinmardini.com

Delicious Straits Quay

2012-07-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

We were craving for dessert after dinner one night at Straits Quay so we hopped into Delicious for a sinful late night treat. As you can see from the picture above, we were spoilt for choice by the huge selection of desserts on display.

We took our pick and ended up with the classic Warm Maple Walnut Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream (RM14.90) and Fruit & Berry Trifle (RM14.90). The walnut tart has a crunchy texture and is just excellent when served warm with vanilla ice cream. Do note that the big serving size can be quite filling if you are not sharing.

Warm Maple Walnut Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream (RM14.90)

Fruit & Berry Trifle (RM14.90)

Delicious Straits Quay
3C-G-3 & 3C-G-3A, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang,
Tanjung Tokong, 10470 Penang.
T: 604 8998 555 F: 604 8901 606
B: MON-FRI: 10.30am - 11:30pm (Full Breakfast Menu Available till 12noon)
SAT, SUN & PH: 9.30am - 11:30pm (Full Breakfast Menu Available on Weekend & PH till 12noon)

O'Briens has landed in Penang

2012-06-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

O'Briens, the Irish Sandwich Cafe chain has finally made its way to our shores, with the opening of its 13th outlet at Persiaran Bayan Indah (opposite Queensbay Mall, next to Tutti Frutti).

O'Briens is well known for its made-to-order sandwiches which are prepared with breads baked with sugar-free Irish recipe. Shambo is another specialty of O'Briens, a foccacia bread baked in the shape of Shamrock, a three-leaved clover associated with good luck.

O'Briens also serves fresh juices, gourmet coffee, cakes, pastries, smoothies, salads and wraps.

For its 10 days only Opening Special (from 29 June until 8 July), O'Briens Persiaran Bayan Indah is offering the following five of their best selling sandwiches at RM10 each, which is up to 39% discount from the normal price.

O'Briens Classic Tripledecker (our favourite)
Tuna Swiss Melt
Chicken, Chicken Crisp and Cheddar Wrappo
Chicken Slice and Cheese on Shambo
Sundried Tomato on Hot Ciabatta.

O'Briens Classic Tripledecker (our favourite)

Tuna Swiss Melt

Chicken, Chicken Crisp and Cheddar Wrappo

Chicken Slice and Cheddar on Shambo

C-21-G, Persiaran Bayan Indah
Bayan Bay, Sungai Nibong
11900 Penang
www.obriens.com.my

Father's Day Promotion Penang 2012

2012-06-16T18:26:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a place to treat dad to a special meal today, here are some ideas to start with.

Happy Father's Day, Dad.

Bayview Hotel

Parkroyal Penang Resort

Equatorial Hotel Penang

Eastin Hotel Penang

Baskin Robbins

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

T.G.I. Friday's

Hotel Royal Penang

Golden Sands Resort Penang

Hisago Modern Japanese Restaurant

Sunway Hotel Georgetown

Hard Rock Hotel Penang

G Hotel

Paella Cookout at Agua, Straits Quay

2012-05-06T02:13:00.000-07:00

We are big fans of paella (pronounced ‘pie-a-yah').

Frankly speaking, I am quite a new fan. I was only introduced to paella by hubs a few years ago at El Cerdo in KL, and boy, am I hooked!

For those who don’t know, paella is a rice dish that originates from the Valencia region in Spain. The key ingredients in this dish is obviously rice - short to medium grain, vegetables, saffron (which is the most expensive spice in the world), and everything else you can think of – chicken, snail, rabbit, seafood, sausages, pork etc.

So, you can imagine our excitement when we were invited by Agua to experience a Paella Cookout at the Mediterranean restaurant in Straits Quay. The cookout is organized every third Wednesday of the month. I was told the previous few cookouts had been hugely successful.

In the cookout, diners can experience how paella is made and indulge in the taste of the paella, accompanied by a generous serving of garlic bread, Paysanne salad and a glass of Sangria each. Given how expensive we used to pay for paella at other restaurants, I have to say the price of RM38++ per person is a real steal.

We reached the restaurant at 7:45pm, in the nick of time before the paella cooking demonstration started. The restaurant was already filled with diners and all abuzz with activities and excitement. Some diners gathered around the table where the demo would take place.

All the ingredients and cooking utensils were lined out on the table including the special flat pans in which the paella will be cooked.

Crowd gathered around demo table

The chef started the cooking demo by stir frying some fresh ingredients like tomatoes, capsicum, beans, onion, garlic, chicken and squid with olive oil and fresh herbs like oregano and thyme. The rice is then added followed by stock. The prawns and mussels were last to go into the pan.

The cooking demo was very interactive, with diners enthusiastically asking questions and the chef happily sharing with them the secrets of cooking good paella.

Short grain rice

Smoked paprika powder

The paella normally takes about 25 minutes to cook so diners were served with garlic bread and Paysanne salad in the meantime, with a glass of zesty Sangria on the side. For those who abstain from alcohol, a non-alcoholic version made with grape juice is also available.

Paysanne salad is a typical Spanish salad with fresh greens like avocado, cucumber, corn, carrot and onion drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with fresh herbs. The salad was very light; a great way to start the meal while we waited in anticipation for the climax of the night.

Sangria

Paysanne Salad

Garlic Bread

The full house at the restaurant

Seafood Paella and Chicken Paella served

Diners were served to two types of paella that night – the Chicken Paella and the Seafood Paella.

To me, paella is all about the burst of flavours in the slightly sticky and burnt rice. The seafood or meat are nice to have but quite trivial. And I definitely get some of those flavours with the paella served that night.

I have never been to Spain but that night I experienced the passion for paella, a dish that is sometimes viewed as the national dish of the country.

I also experienced Agua's passion and celebration of the Mediterranean cuisine which strikingly stood out in the extensive Mediterranean menu and Karen and her team's genuine efforts to share the love of the cuisine with the people in Penang, which should be applauded.

Various promotions at Agua

More promotions at Agua

Set dinner menu

Agua Mediterranean Restaurant

If you are up for a chance to experience the flavours and passion of Spain, what better way to do it than the Paella Cookout at Agua. So, don’t miss the next cookout on May 16.

Book your seat now on-line at http://www.agua.com.my/paella-cookout/ before May 16 to experience it all at the special rate of RM38++ per person. Tickets sold on the night will be RM50++ per person. For reservation, call +604-8908668.

Read Lingzie's review of the Paella Cookout here.

3AG18-19 Straits Quays, E&O Marina,

Penang, 10470,
Malaysia.

Facebook

Balik Pulau Home Cooked Hokkien Mee and Laksa

2012-05-01T01:33:00.000-07:00

Will you believe if I tell you the people in the photos above are waiting for their Hokkien Mee and Laksa? Well, you better, because they really were.

This family sells these all-time favourite Penang hawker fare from their home in Jalan Bahru, Kampung Jalan Baharu, Balik Pulau during the weekends only. The location is quite far in so it is a bit difficult to find.

The Hokkien Mee soup is very flavourful which explains the crowd and wait. The Laksa is a little more watery; I still prefer the stall nearer to the market.

So, the next time you crave for home cooked Hokkien Mee, give this one a try. It is undeniably good and worth the drive. RM3 per bowl. Tel: 04-8663929

Bittersweet's House Hokkaido Cakes

2012-04-26T23:05:00.003-07:00

I was recently introduced to a homemade bakery with an interesting name, Bittersweet’s House. The bakery whips up really good Hokkaido cakes; soft, airy and fluffy chiffon cakes filled with creamy custard. They are best eaten when chilled and I just couldn’t have enough of them.

Bittersweet’s House also sell freshly made cream puffs. I like the slightly crispy puff shell filled with smooth silky fresh custard combined with cream. There a few flavours to choose from: Original, Strawberry, Coffee, Green Tea, Durian and Sweet Corn. I have only tried the Original and Strawberry flavours and will recommend the former, anytime.

Crepe cakes are also their specialty but I have yet to try.

Contact Shirlyn at 012-4305095 to order three days in advance. I think they do delivery within the Butterworth and Autocity areas but do contact Shirlyn for more info.

Bittersweet's House Facebook

Hokkaido cakes

Cream puffs

Food for the Soul Music for the Heart at Agua

2012-04-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

Wellness Recipe Organic Cafe

2012-03-31T23:04:00.000-07:00

(Sorry for the long hiatus folks. My busy schedule has gotten the better of me. For those who've been back here to check on my blog, thanks for your patience.)

Wellness Recipe is an organic cafe that serves healthy organic food without MSG and low in salt.

The menu is elaborate with set meals and ala-carte items. The items are mostly vegetarian but for those who can't live without meat, read this: Wellness Recipe also serves organic chicken, so fret not. You can even opt for the Hakka Lei Cha, Nasi Ulam, Asam Laksa or Korean style Hot Pot, amongst others (check out the full menu here).

I bought two vouchers from Groupon so we made our maiden visit to the cafe a few weeks ago to claim the vouchers before they expire.

I paid RM9.90 for each voucher for a choice of Yin Yang Spaghetti or Mushroom Fried Rice or Tom Yam Noodles and Barley Green Honey Drink (voucher value RM21.70)

We immediately liked the cottage inspired decor with green hues and cozy ambiance. We opted for the spaghetti and fried rice and paid extra for the signature Organic Chicken and an additional glass of bitter gourd honey drink.

Wellness Recipe promotes wellness juicing programmes so there is a host of interesting fruit beverages on the menu.

We truly enjoyed the meal especially the fresh and whole ingredients used. This is what I call good wholesome food minus the guilt.

Barley Green Honey Drink (RM5.90)

Mushroom Fried Brown Rice (RM13.80)

Bitter Gourd Honey (RM4.90)

Wellness Signature Organic Chicken( RM18.80)

Yin Yang Spaghetti (RM13.80)

Wellness products for sale

Dr Yoshide Hagiwara's Barley Green

Wellness Recipe Cafe
K-5-1, Bay Avenue, Lorong Bayan Indah 2
11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Tel:+604-646 4505 / Fax:+604-643 8119

Operating hours: 10am - 9pm (Mon - Sat) http://www.wellnessconcept.net/v4/greencorner_wellnessrecipe.html

Penang Chinese New Year Promotion 2012

2012-01-13T03:42:00.000-08:00

Cititel

Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa
Tel: 8888 788

Bayview Hotel

Eastin Hotel

Hotel Equatorial

G Hotel

Gurney Hotel
Tel. No.: 604 370 7000

Hard Rock Hotel

Hydro Hotel

Jade Blossom Restaurant

Maple Palace Restaurant

Tel : 604- 2279690

Parkroyal Resort

Blue Whale Cruises

Vistana Hotel

Goh Teo Kee Restaurant

E&O Hotel / Lone Pine Hotel

Golden Sands Resort

It's that time of the year again.... Christmas and New Year Dining Promotions in Penang

2011-12-20T17:58:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the year again to celebrate and indulge in a little holiday dining and merriment. I have compiled a list of some of the festive dining promotions in Penang to ease your celebration planning.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

P/S: CK Lam has a more elaborate list so, do check out her blog for more.

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That Little Wine Bar - 54 Jalan Chow Thye, 10050 George Town,

+604 226 8182 info@thatlittlewinebar.com

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Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
Golden Sands Resort
Batu Feringgi Beach, Batu Feringgi, 11100 Penang, Malaysia

Tel (604) 888 8888
Fax (604) 881 1180 www.shangri-la.com

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Hotel Royal Penang

No. 3 Jalan Larut, 10050 Penang

Tel: 04-2267888 Fax: 04-2266615

Email: info@hotelroyalpenang.com

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Sandy Bay Paradise Hotel Penang
Address : 527, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang Malaysia
E-Mail : info@paradisehotel.com
Tel : +(6)04-8999999
Fax : +(6)04-8990000

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The Gurney Resort Hotel & Residences

18 Persiaran Gurney

10250 Georgetown

Penang, Malaysia

Tel. No.: 604 370 7000

Fax No.: 604 370 5000

Email: gurneyhotel@myjaring.net

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HOTEL EQUATORIAL PENANG

1 Jalan Bukit Jambul

Bayan Lepas

11900 Penang

Malaysia

Tel: +60 4 632 7000

Fax: +60 4 632 7100

Email: info@pen.equatorial.com

Web: www.equatorial.com/pen/

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Finnegan's Irish Pub
3E-G-1, Straits Quay,
Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang,
Tanjung Tokong, Penang 10470
Phone : 04-8992 788
Fax : 04-8906 588
Email : straitsquay@finneganspubs.com

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G Hotel
168a Persiaran Gurney 10250 Georgetown
04-2380000

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Agua
3AG18-19 Straits Quays, E&O Marina,
Penang, Malaysia, 10470,
Malaysia.
T +604-8908668
F +604-8908665
http://agua.com.my

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BERLIN'S BIER HOUZ

Penang Branch - Straits Quay 3E-G-3B, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang, Tanjung Tokong 10470 Penang.

Tel: 04-899 8887

Penang Branch - Bay Avenue G-1-1, Lorong Bayan Indah 1, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Tel: 04-644 8887

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Blue Reef

3A-G-20 Straits Quay, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang,, 10470 Penang, Malaysia 016 4059182

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BLUE WHALE CRUISES
Contact: Eileen Burton
Mobile: 016-459 8443 / 016-458 4777
Office: 548, Jalan Tanjung Bungah.
Tanjung Bungah.
11200, Penang, Malaysia.
Phone / Fax: 00604-890 6273
E-mail: bluewhalecruises@gmail.com
Website: www.bluewhalecruises.com

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The Northam All Suites
55, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah
George Town,
Penang, Malaysia
Tel. No.: 604 370 1111
Fax No.: 604 370 2222
Email: northam@po.jaring.my

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EASTIN HOTEL PENANG

1 Solok Bayan Indah, Queensbay

11900 Bayan Lepas,

Penang, Malaysia

Tel	:	+604 612 1111
Fax	:	+604 612 1199
Email	:	info.pg@eastin.com

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Bayview Hotel Georgetown

25-A Farquhar Street,

10200 Penang, Malaysia

Tel: +(604) 263 3161

Fax: +(604) 263 4124

General Email: bayviewgeorgetown@bayviewhotels.com

Website: www.bayviewhotels.com/georgetown

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55 Cafe & Restaurant - Coffee Atelier

55 Lorong Stewart, 10300 George Town, Malaysia

E info@coffeeatelier.com
W www.coffeeatelier.com
T + 604 261 2 261
M + 6016 464 8118 (Stefan)
M + 6016 469 8228 (Lorina)

Kopi Cine reopens at China House

2011-11-26T17:37:00.001-08:00

The wait is finally over.

If you recall from my previous post on Kopi Cine, the café at Stewart Lane was temporarily closed in anticipation for something bigger to happen. Fret no more. Kopi Cine has finally found its new home at China House, undoubtedly bigger and better.

The China House is the new jewel in Penang. Located at Beach Street in the UNESCO Heritage site of Georgetown Penang, China House is made up of 3 heritage buildings linked by a traditional open air courtyard.

I read that the place is house to 14 exquisite spaces with shops, cafes, restaurants, galleries and a theatre under the same roof including a bar and a private dining room where the chef cooks in the presence of the patrons.

The China House is part of the Straits Collection in Penang which has a mix of cafes, restaurants, boutique residences, retails shops and galleries in the heart of Georgetown. (If you don’t already know, the Straits Collection happens to be part of the famous Bon Ton group which also owns and operates the beautiful Bon Ton Resort and Temple Tree Resort in Langkawi)

We saw a lot of the familiar items from Kopi Cine on the menu, which is great. They serve all day breakfast from 9 am to 6pm. Hubs ordered the Big Breakfast with fried eggs, lamb sausage, beef patty, mushroom, spinach, caramelized onions served with lemon hollandaise sauce and chili jam. We absolutely loved the hearty breakfast with the homemade sausage. Everything just came together perfectly.

I ordered Roasted Chicken with Ras-el-Hanout spices on Focaccia with cherry tomatoes. I loved the toasted sesame seeds and zesty lemon pickles with the herbed roast chicken.

We can't help but order a Pavlova from the array of mouth watering desserts. The meringue cake with strawberry, passion fruit and mango slice was very light and fresh and we just can't have enough of it.

I have to say Straits Collection did such an excellent job with China House. Kopi Cine was already enjoying brisk business in its opening days with the steady stream of patrons. We could already envision coming back for more of what China House has to offer.

Cafe Latte and Mocha Latte

Big Breakfast (RM28)

Roast Chicken Focaccia (RM26)

Pavlova

China House
153 to 155 Beach Street
10200 Georgetown, Penang.
Tel: 04-2637299

http://www.facebook.com/ChinaHousePenang

http://www.straitscollection.com.my/ChinaHouse.htm

Ming Garden Restaurant at Penang Times Square

2011-11-19T20:53:00.001-08:00

There is a new Chinese restaurant in town. Recently opened at the Penang Times Square, Ming Garden Restaurant is undoubtedly one of the largest restaurants on the island. Built in 20,000 square feet of space, Ming Garden can accommodate up to 100 banquet tables or 1000 pax.

The restaurant has an impressive décor, most notably for the colourful and modern lantern-shaped pendant lamps adorning the ceilings of the restaurant. Those who opt to dine in private will also not be disappointed because it has an abundance of elegantly designed private dining rooms, equipped with AV or karaoke systems for their singing pleasure.

We were impressed with the food. The cooking style was simple yet creative and the ingredients used were fresh, to note a few. This is definitely one Chinese restaurant to watch out for in Penang.

The restaurant offers set menus which are reasonably priced including birthday set menus starting from RM398++ and wedding packages starting from RM378+.

Private dining room

Longevity Buns

Roast Duck with Two Special Taste

Steamed Soon Hock Fish

Fried Fresh Water Prawn with Special Bean Sauce

Golden Special Vegetables

Braised La Mian with Minced Meat

Peanut Rice Ball

Yam with Sago Cream

Happy Birthday Grandma and Grandpa

Ming Garden Restaurant
2nd Floor, Lot No 77-2-28
Penang Times Square
Jalan Dato Keramat, 10150 George Town Penang
Tel: 604-226 9977, 6016-661 0777, Fax: 604-226 3977
Website: www.minggarden.com.my
Email: enquiry@minggarden.com.my

Irrawaddy Fine Foods - "Penang’s first New York style deli"

2011-11-05T20:54:00.000-07:00

Irrawaddy Fine Foods, touted as Penang’s first New York style gourmet deli opened its door to food lovers in the island just days ago. The deli is yet again another brainchild of husband and wife team, Tommes and Louise, the owners of That Little Win Bar, a popular European wine bar and restaurant a stone’s throw away.

We made our way there on Day 3, in the nick of time before the deli is closed for the day at 6 pm. Tommes and Louise were wrapping things up but they were their friendly and helpful selves; playing host to us.

We were awed by the number and variety of sausages, cold cuts, quiches, salads, pates, pizzas you can find at this place. I think it must offer one of the widest variety of cheese you can find in Penang, especially those not commonly found specialty cheeses.

Fresh cakes and breads including their famous baguettes are baked daily. The apple and cinnamon cake baked with Tommes mom’s recipe is not to be missed.

They also have a sandwich bar where you can make your own sandwich with the different kinds of home-baked breads and a myriad of fillings and dressings. The same goes for salad where you can make your own pick of fresh salad at the salad bar for eat-in or takeway.

We bought pork pies and and a zatar spice and cheese pizza home and popped them in the oven for dinner that night. The pies were absolutely delicious; we loved the flavourful pork filling with crunchy pie crust.

Hubs and I are very excited about what the deli can offer and are already thinking of what we can get from Irrawaddy Fine Foods for Christmas. This is definitely one deli to look out for in Penang.

P/S: We were at That Little Wine bar a few months ago for dinner. Watch this space for the post.

Irrawaddy Fine Foods
4 Jalan Irrawaddy
George Town
10500
E-mail: info@irrawaddyfinefoods.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/IrrawaddyFineFoods
Website: http://www.irrawaddyfinefoods.com/
Opens 10 am to 6pm, Mondays to Saturdays
Tel: 042286360
Fax: 042287360

Deluxcious All You Can Eat Lunch Buffet

2011-10-24T05:42:00.000-07:00

Deluxious which has long been synonymous to its ‘spa cuisine’ has now spread its wings and is now a boutique hotel cum spa and restaurant. It took over the colonial bungalow next door and transformed it into a charming 18-room boutique hotel.

Its newly refurbished restaurant has also introduced an All-You-Can-Eat ala-carte style buffet at RM39.90+ since 30th September 2011. The appetizers, soup and desserts are served at the buffet line but you can order any entrée and as many as you want from the menu. The entrees are served in smaller tasting portion so you can try the different dishes the restaurant has to offer, which include a variety of pasta, chicken, beef, lamb, seafood, fish and Asian specialties.

The restaurant was enjoying brisk business on the Sunday we went for buffet lunch and thus a little short-handed. Nevertheless, the kitchen was very fast to turn around our orders. It would be nice if they could at least serve water at the table vs. the buffet line but the food served was really good so we were quick to dismiss the minor inconveniences.

Despite the buffet style, we were served with very fine and good quality food. All of us were awed by the flavours and freshness of the ingredients served. Hats off to Deluxious for coming up with such creative ideas and especially so for such great culinary delights.

Seafood Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce

Hokkien Char

Fried Vermicelli

Beef Meatballs with Light Cream Sauce

Teriyaki Chicken

Barramundi Fish with Mushroom Ragout

Japanese Crumb Chicken

Vongole Alio Olio

Marinated Miso Lamb

BBQ Chicken

Marinated Salmon with Apple Cider and Pickle

Cheese Salmon

Marinated Miso Beef

Marinated Miso Chicken

Salmon Bombay Curry Style

Seafood with Tomato Bisque

Buffet menu. Full menu at restaurant website

Deluxcious Hotel. Spa. Restaurant
15-17A Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 11600 Penang, Malaysia
Email deluxcioushotel@gmail.com, deluxcio@gmail.com
Phone 422699936 / 042269991
Website http://www.deluxcious.com.my/

Oktoberfest Party on the Beach at SIGI's Bar & Grill on the beach

2011-10-16T05:21:00.000-07:00

Justart

2011-10-15T04:16:00.000-07:00

Justart sells just tarts (no pun intended).

Justart sells hot and cold tarts with a variety of toppings or flavours. The cold tarts come in the following flavours - Kiwi Cheese, Strawberry Cheese, Grape Jelly, Mango Custard, Peach Custard, Peanut Butter, Longan Gou-Qi, Apple Cheese, Lemon Cheese, Hazelnut Mousse, Green Tea Mousse, Almond Chocolate, Almond Coffee, Durian Cheese, Blueberry Cheese, Bear Chocolate and Pineapple Custard.

Their hot tarts or shortcrust pastries also come in as many flavours - Pumpkin, Red Bean Tart, Pineapple, Apple and Banana, to name a few. I was told that their best seller hot tart is their Portugese Tart.

These dainty mini tarts are great for afternoon tea, special occasions or as gifts. I like the cheesy tarts which give a good contrast to the buttery and sweet crispy pastry.
They cater for functions like birthdays, parties and weddings and they also offer special Wedding boxes and Baby Full Moon sets.

They are currenty running a "Buy 8, Free 1" promotion until 15 Nov 2011.

Justart
1-01-11 Krystal Point
Lebuh Bukit Kecil 6
Krystal Point 11
11900 Bayan Lepas
Penang
Tel: +6012-4801808 (Ms Soon) / +6012-424 2892
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/justart#!/pages/Justart/156576621068757
Business Hours: Monday - Sunday: 9.00am - 7.00pm

Lighthouse Coffee Cafe

2011-10-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

The Lighthouse Coffee Café serves mainly coffee beverages made from a variety of gourmet beans and in a myriad of styles e.g. latte, cappuccino, siphon, ice-drip and of course espresso. The gourmet beans are roasted and blended on a weekly basis to ensure freshness.

They also have quite an extensive food menu e.g. pasta, bakes rice, all day breakfast, soup, quiche and salad. Something about coffee with pasta appealed to us so we ordered the Lighthouse Spaghetti Caffe which was their house recipe pasta with coffee, capsicum and smoked chicken. The result was a light pasta dish with a hint of coffee taste.

Lighthouse Coffee also sells imported beans, coffee making ingredients, home and commercial grade espresso machines, professional tools and accessories for making coffee. If you are thinking of setting up your own café, they also offer café consultancy and equipment set up services. The interesting thing is Lighthouse Coffee also offers training workshops to Baristas and coffee enthusiasts, to learn the art of coffee making.

The warm ambiance promotes a sense of togetherness thus the café is great for chilling out with friends with a good cuppa as can be seen on the day we were there.

Doppio Piccolo Latte (RM8)

Mushroom Quiche (RM10.90)

Lighthouse Spaghetti Caffe (RM16.50)

Lighthouse Coffee Café
Logan Heritage No. 4 Bishop Street, Georgetown
10300 Penang
8:30 am to 7:30 pm (Opens everyday)
Direct Mobile: 6012 4360 836
Email: lighthouse.coffee@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.lighthouse-coffee.com.my/

Berlin's Bier Houz Bay Avenue

2011-09-30T20:25:00.000-07:00

The word is out and it is official.

The Berlin's Bier Houz is now open at Bay Avenue. This is their third outlet, after Ipoh and Straits Quay, Penang. If you live on this side of the island and are craving for traditional German chow down like Pork Knuckle and German sausages then the wait is over.

We hit the restaurant in opening week and had our fair share of both. The pork knuckle has very crispy skin and tender meat on the inside, just the way we liked it.

Their signature dishes include German Pork Knuckle, German Suckling Pig, German Roast Pork, Duck Crepe, Sausage Platter and Meatballs.

With October Fest just around the corner, the timing of the opening of the bistro couldn't be better.

Soup of the Day - Asparagus Soup (RM9.80)

German Pork Knuckle (1/2 portion RM25)

German Bratwurst (RM15.80)

Bay Avenue. G-1-1 Lorong Bayan Indah 1,
11900 Bayan Lepas. Penang.
Telephone / Fax : 604 644 8887
E-mail: admin@fnblibrary.com
http://www.fnblibrary.com/penang

La Boheme Penang - Patisserie, Viennoiserie, Salon Du The

2011-09-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

La Boheme is a quaint and unpretentious French bakery, café cum patisserie that recently opened its doors in the heart of Georgetown, joining a host of cafés and restaurants which has mushroomed in the World Heritage site in the recent year.

Located at the ground floor of a pre-war double storey house at Jalan Sri Bahari, the café may go unnoticed with the almost non-existent sign, if not for word of mouth.

The pattiserie maintained the originality of the pre-war building; adorned only with old and recycled furniture thus giving the eatery a certain character and mystery.

It’s specializes in French delicacies, most notably for its desserts and pastries. We were told that their best seller is Crème Brulee, the classic French dessert of custard topped with caramelized sugar. The chef whips up different decadent pastries to his fancy from time to time like the Forêt Noire (Black Forest), Bavaroise Caramel, Tarte au Fruits, Pain au Chocolat, Pain au Raisin to name a few.

They also have simple menu for soup, salad, quiche and pizza.

The creme brulee was quite unforgettable; the charred and slightly bitter caramelized sugar was a great contrast to the creamy custard. The French puff pastries like the Pain au Raisin are not to be missed as well.

Entrance

Old furniture

Apple Flower Tea (RM8)

Wide selection of desserts

Counter and menu written on board

More pastries

Quiche Lorraine with Fresh Salad (RM12)

Petit Fours (RM10)

Creme Brulee (RM10)

Open Face Apple Tarte (RM8)

Thin crust pizza with salami, fresh mushrooms and herbs (RM22)

Location: 42, Jalan Sri Bahari, 10050 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (same row as The Ship)

Hours: Tue - Sun (10:00 am - 6:00 pm)
Phone: 017 9762153 (Mathieu & Huvi)
Website: http://42-laboheme-penang.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/42La-bohéme-penang/140396129371193

Il Bacaro Venetian Restaurant at Campbell House

2011-09-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

The Il Bacaro restaurant is the in-house Italian Restaurant of the Campbell House boutique residence. It prides itself as being an authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of Georgetown Penang, a UNESCO heritage site.

We read CK Lam's review about Il Bacaro and quickly made our way to the restaurant to check out the latest addition to the mushrooming dining scene in good old Georgetown.

We were received by Chef cum General Manager Roberto Dreon and were seated at a table by the french window overlooking Chulia Street. The warm and cozy restaurant on the ground floor of Campbell House was enjoying brisk business.

Lamb Ravioli with Pumpkin Puree and Red Wine Juice (RM30)

The hand made ravioli is filled with braised lamb and served with sweet pumpkin puree and red wine sauce. We loved the fine ravioli texture and the tender lamb meat.

Basil Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes and Mozarella Pizza (RM25)

We loved the simple thin crust pizza with basil pesto and a generous topping of mozarella cheese.

Opens daily
12.00pm-3.00pm Lunch Menu
3.00pm-6.30pm Light Snacks & Drinks Menu
6.30pm-10.30pm Dinner Menu

106 Lebuh Campbell, 10100 Georgetown,
Penang, Malaysia
T – +(60) 42618290
W- info@campbellhousepenang.com
http://www.campbellhousepenang.com/the-restaurant/