CRIZ BON APPETITE

WINE DINNER AT FERRINGHI GRILL

2011-03-18T14:38:00.002+08:00

Once again the Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa's Ferringhi Grill has brought in world class dining experience for diners. Do check out their Wine Dining promotion only on 26 March 2011, 7.30pm, at the Ferringhi Grill. Priced at RM200++ per pax, you would get to try out their newest Chef de Cuisine, David Pooley's delicious 6-course creations, paired with 5 different Italian vintages from the family-owned Gianni Gagliardo wines. Don't miss out this wonderful evening with the opportunity to chat with the brand ambassador, Mr. Carlo Alberto Bruno.

FINGER FOOD FOR ANY OCCASION

2011-03-18T00:22:00.002+08:00

I would say that I’m quite lucky to be living in this part of the world where food can be quite abundant everywhere and at any time. Other than those fancy restaurants scattered everywhere around town, you would also get those delicious street food. Those could be heavy meals, light meals or even snack of different shapes and sizes. Boy~ believe me, there are more than a few hundred variety of snacks available for grabs. Of course, my favorites would be those simple and yet fulfilling fritters.

One of the known ones would be the Sweet Glutinous Rice Fritter (Thnee Koay) where a slice of the sweet delicacy would be clamped between a slice of sweet potato and a slice of yam, prior to be dipped into a tempura like batter and deep fried to perfection. This is one great snack that no one would want to miss out. Another one great snack would be the savory type of Curry Potato Puff. If you are lucky, you might even find some stalls selling those filled with additional chicken, beef, mutton or even peanuts. The Mashed Banana Fritter is something I love a lot too. There’s actually no secret recipe for this snack as it only contains mashed ripen banana with frying flour. The end product can be real delicious.

There are also many other nice fritters available such as the Mung Bean Fritter, Yam Fritter, Sweet Potatoes Fritter, Whole Banana Fritter, Tapioca Fritter, Cempedak Fritter, Breadfruit Fritter and many more. Do you know why I love those snacks so much? It’s because they are simple yet less messy for me to consume while doing practically anything online such as FaceBooking, playing online games, watching online movies, or even busy chatting away through MSN or Skype. How nice it has always been to savor those nice snacks with a cup of my favorite green tea.

GET THE BEST DEAL FROM SHANGRI LA GROUP OF HOTELS

2011-03-05T16:58:00.006+08:00

In conjunction with its First Anniversary, Sigi's Bar & Grill on the Beach, Golden Sands Resort, is promoting its special First Anniversary Set Meal at RM100++. This promotion comes with a "1+1" offer, where you can bring along your partner to enjoy the breezy evening by the beach while getting yourself pampered with the great food served here. Pizzas are at 50% off for a limited time. Make yourself available between 7.00pm and 10.00pm nightly (except Thursday and Sunday) to indulge in the fine creations of Executive Sous Chef, Mr John Brock. This promotion is available until 31 March 2011. Check this review here.

You also should not miss out the Thursday's Beach Seafood BBQ Night. Some of the main attractions include Grilled Slipper Lobster with Tarragon Butter, Valencian Seafood Paella, Moroccan Fish Tagine with Cous Cous, Butterfish with Chimichurri Rub and many more. This promotion is available until 28 April 2011 at RM59.90++ per pax. Check this review here.

If you feel that you would rather bring your family for a weekend of relaxation, there's always the Sunday International Buffet Lunch at the Garden Cafe, Golden Sands Resort. Priced at RM59.90++ (adult) and RM19.90++ (child), you would be able to indulge in international spread of dishes specially created for you and your family members. The promotion is available until 17 April 2011, with the "1+1" offer as well.

Do take note that there will be an Easter Sunday Lunch (RM49.90/pax) at the Garden Cafe on 24 April 2011. There will be lots of entertainment and fun for your whole family.

Have you tried out the Spice Market Cafe at Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa? Do check out their Sunday Brunch where you get to test out the skills of 7 magnificent chef under one roof. Priced at RM80++ (adult) and RM40++ (child), you might also walk away with their Weekly Prize for 2 persons and/or the Grand Prize worth RM4,000.

HAVE YOU TAKEN YOUR NOODLES TODAY?

2010-08-03T00:54:00.002+08:00

Thrill yourself with a wide selection of Japanese noodles at Miraku Japanese Restaurant this July/August 2010. You can opt for a rich bowl of hot noodles or cold noodles. Call 604-229 8702 to make your booking now as it can be real packed during dining hours.

WHERE TO BREAK FAST DURING THIS RAMADHAN?

2010-08-01T00:47:00.000+08:00

If you would like to dine in a great atmosphere during the month of Ramadhan, why not head down to The Cafe, Berjaya Hotel Penang for that experience? There would be a wide spread of dishes available just like how your Mum would cook them.

THE BEST CRAB I HAVE EATEN SO FAR

2010-06-09T16:14:00.003+08:00

I did mention in my earlier post on the promotion Miraku Japanese Restaurant was having for their 4th Anniversary. I was truly impressed. The Miraku Special Bento set was a blast at only RM33++. Even my Dad had a hard time trying to finish off the generous amount of food given.

What impressed me most was the almost 1kg weight giant crab - the Asahi Kani. It was lovely and my Mum had an enjoyable time digging into the meaty crab. The good news is, the price for the crab had decreased to only RM30++ per crab until the end of June 2010 or until stocks last. Don't miss out this hard to come by golden opportunity to try it out. Just head down to Miraku Japanese Restaurant at G Hotel, Penang right now! You might want to call in 604-229 8702 to make your reservation.

IS PRESENTATION IMPORTANT WHEN SERVING?

2010-06-04T15:54:00.000+08:00

You were busily catching up with old times with a group of former schoolmates in a restaurant downtown one fine evening. Suddenly the room became quiet as the waiter came in with the first serving as all eyes were captivated by the elegantly crafted serving tray. This is what we would call the art of good food presentation. Not only must a restaurant provide great food, they should also present each diner with the best dining experience by utilizing the best restaurant equipment and utensils.

That is the reason you would see those people involved in the food and beverages industry of all sizes had placed high importance on this form of art. On top of providing great hospitality, using the right professional wares and utensils while presenting the food would indeed contribute an important role in ensuring the success of the restaurant.

There are many unique and affordable restaurant supplies available on the internet that would fit any requirements, ranging from all shapes, sizes, materials and even designs to choose from. With a collection of beautifully crafted wares being part of your kitchen, impressing your guests would no longer be any problem at all.

MIRAKU JAPANESE RESTAURANT 4TH ANNIVERSARY PROMOTION

2010-04-26T11:45:00.003+08:00

Miraku Japanese Restaurant would be celebrating its 4th Anniversary this coming month of May and June 2010. Do try out their specially flown in Japanese crabs, Asahi Kani and prawns, Aka Ebi. There will also be a specially created Miraku Bento to commemorate this memorable occasion.

MOTHERS' DAY PROMOTION AT BERJAYA HOTEL PENANG

2010-04-26T11:34:00.002+08:00

Coming this 9th May 2010, what's your plan for your mother? It's Mothers' Day! Why don't you make some reservations at Berjaya Hotel Penang and give your Mum the best Mothers' Day experience? Other than the food, entertainment, games and door gift, she might walk away with a jewelery from Venessa Diamonds. Call 604-220 7333 or 604-220 7373 to book now!

Do check out on other promotions for May - June 2010 too.

HOKKAI PROMOTION AT MIRAKU JAPANESE RESTAURANT

2010-03-04T04:50:00.003+08:00

Feeling like having some Japanese food? Check out Miraku's March until April Hokkai Promotion. Be pampered with the freshest seafood available. Do not miss out this opportunity.

BERJAYA HOTEL MARCH - APRIL 2010 PROMOTION

2010-03-03T23:23:00.000+08:00

Where would you bring your secretary for a nice meal during Secretaries Week? Check out Berjaya Hotel's latest promotion. At the same time do watch out for the Easter Sunday promotion too.

HARWICKE CHINESE NEW YEAR 2010 PROMOTION

2010-01-31T13:31:00.003+08:00

If you think having only a few selected dishes for this coming Chinese New Year reunion dinner would be quite boring. Why not head over to Harwicke House to check on their buffet spread this year? I would surely go for more of their delicious meat and seafood BBQ soon... Would you want to join me?

Check this out!

SHOPPING HAS NEVER BEEN SO EASY

2010-01-18T16:55:00.001+08:00

Have you ever come back from your regular weekend grocery shopping and you forgot to get something? Well, it happened to me quite many times and multiple revisits surely did make me waste more of my precious time. It’s not that I was not systematic enough or losing my memory through the years but it was how I had managed my shopping lists. With a hectic working life and having to multi task many things at the same time, my brain somehow was so preoccupied all the time. Thus, I’ll get all the spoilers in my routine shopping trips. Thanks goodness I found a grocery shopping list that solved all my regular hiccups.

Ever since I found this free and handy shopping list, my weekend shopping has been more organized and hassle-free. I can search for the items that I wanted and just select the store I would like to get them from and I’ll get my organized shopping list printed out with ease. I can always save the list as my favorite or even personalized my own list for products that are not listed. It’s so user-friendly!

The best part of this amazing form is that you can use it practically for any of your crucial shopping agenda even without login into the system, although registering would ease your next shopping list being saved in the history for easier management. Facebook users would also be automatically updated on the latest information upon joining the fan club. Don’t you think life would be so much easier now? Do check them out!

SHOULD I EAT OUT OR COOK AT HOME?

2010-01-18T08:27:00.000+08:00

With another festive celebration just around the corner, I’m still sitting here to contemplate whether to eat out or to cook something decent for the family reunion. Although I can always pop into the internet to search for some of the recommended restaurants, maybe I should commit myself to cooking since it would be more personal towards the family but I have some problems here. How am I going to set up the whole place to boost the atmosphere to its peak or to find the perfect combination of food to please every household member?

Do I sound panic here? Well, not exactly as I always had the faithful support from my online friends. Practically anything related to recipes, cooking advice, tips & tricks to add that magic touch to the food as well as great deals in cooking utensils are something that I would always be made aware of. What a nice bunch of friends they are to share out their culinary adventures. I was thinking about having some seafood on bamboo skewers served during dinner but never had I known that those skewers were to be soaked in water for 30 minutes prior to barbequing to avoid being burned. Thanks friend! That was one great cooking tip I needed.

Now I would need a salad recipe to go with my barbequed stuff. Maybe I should get some healthy greens or fruits or a combination of both to suit the taste buds of my parents and kids. This was again another great advice highlighted on the effects of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and High Density Lipoprotein (LDL) in our bodies and what would the relevant food be that would be suitable for our consumptions. I guessed I should also make sure everyone stays healthy during this festive season.

HOMECOOK DINNER AT IVY'S KITCHEN THIS CHINESE NEW YEAR

2010-01-07T01:17:00.000+08:00

If you are thinking of giving your Mum a break during this coming Chinese New Year, why not head down to Ivy's Kitchen, located in the heart of Georgetown. Not only are their traditional food recipes passed down through the Nyonya generations, they are freshly prepared with the finest ingredients to please your urge for more home cooked dishes.

What Chinese New Year package deal do they have? Please click the photo to enlarge to find out more. You sure would not regret dining at Ivy's Kitchen ever after.

BERJAYA PENANG HOTEL JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 PROMOTION

2010-01-07T00:04:00.001+08:00

What would happen when Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day fall on the same day? It should be a day for double celebration. Where would be a great place for dining other than at The Cafe at Berjaya Hotel. Do check out their latest promotion.

LATEST WESTERN CUISINE OUTLET IN TOWN

2009-08-30T01:00:00.001+08:00

This restaurant served some of the best Western cuisine deals around town. Do check them up when you are around Sg. Ara, Penang area.

The Honey Roasted 1/4 Chicken is good. It’s only RM11.90.

Do also try out their Jumbo Prawn Thermidor (RM19.90). It has the cheesy creamy taste just as how most restaurants would prepare their lobsters.

My best would be their Chicken Seafood Combo Grill (RM20.90). It’s yummilicious!!

AMAZING DISPLAY OF KITCHEN UTENSILS

2009-08-29T23:46:00.000+08:00

Have you watched The Martha Stewart Show which is in its fourth season now? Each episode of the show included several segments related to cooking, interior design, gardening, crafts, and other topics related to the domestic arts. Boy… I did learn a lot of new stuff watching her show on my local TV network. Did you also notice that she had a great kitchen layout on her set? It’s so simple and yet sophisticated. If you study carefully, it’s actually on the higher level of the Chelsea Studio overseeing the skyline of New York City. It’s so panoramic.

How I wished my kitchen would be as great as hers. Just look at how systematically arranged her utensils were. I could not ascertain well but that looked like the enclume pot racks I have heard so much about. Not only would the rack holds all the pots and pans you have in the kitchen, it sure proved the culinary skills of a seasoned cook. With all my pots and pans being cramped in my kitchen cabinet, I ought to get one to ease the hassle of digging deep into my cabinets during each cooking session.

Although having an enclume pot rack might cost me slightly above a couple of hundreds for a simple one, I guessed it would be a necessity that I cannot deny myself. Having watched Martha’s kitchen each week had made me more determine to own one soon. Now what design should I choose to suit my needs and to blend in well with my kitchen?

There are so many options to choose from ranging from the ones made of hammered steel, stainless steel, chrome plated, brass plated or even copper plated. With a soft colored wall and majority of my pots and pans being stainless steel, I would think a stainless steel oval shaped enclume pot rack would suit my kitchen well. There would be no more hassle, no more excuses not to cook some healthy meals for the whole family now!

BERJAYA GEORGETOWN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER PROMOTIONS

2009-08-28T03:49:00.001+08:00

If you are planning to buka puasa in a good environment with lots of local delicacies, you should check out what The Café in Berjaya Georgetown Penang can offer you during this festive season. Here are their promotions for Hari Raya Aidil Fitri as well as Deepavali.

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHERE THOSE UTENSILS CAME FROM?

2009-08-27T03:45:00.000+08:00

Whenever you dine in restaurants downtown or even hotels, you might come across beautiful displaywares which were so impressive that you would want to own them. Have you ever wondered who their supplier is? Well, it took me quite some time sourcing from many suppliers locally without knowing that they were actually imported from a leading restaurant equipment supplier overseas – Wasserstrom, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, USA.

The Wasserstrom Company is the world's leading restaurant supplier and distributor of foodservice supplies and equipment and they are presently having sales where some of their branded displaywares would be sold at discounted price. That’s a great deal for many bargain hunters as their product range is quite extensive, ranging from regular barbeque sets to bulky professional cookware and chain restaurant supplies.

While checking out their user friendly website, I had gained more knowledge through their latest tips on food safety products, organizing a systematic kitchen, keeping a clean kitchen environment, preparation guidelines and even simple restaurant management. Who else were to share these wonderful tips other than Wasserstrom which has more than 10 decades of experience in handling restaurant supplies?

PENANG FLOGGERS 4TH GATHERING

2009-07-21T00:28:00.001+08:00

A WEEKEND GETAWAY WITH CHEF BONNIE

2009-06-28T10:18:00.002+08:00

For those who have been following the food network would know who Chef Bonnie Muirhead is. The 26 years old Californian nanny and personal chef was the 2008 runner-up in Fox TV’s reality cooking competition known as the Hell’s Kitchen presented by Chef Gordon Ramsay, a British chef, television personality and restaurateur who had hosted many competitive programs such as the Hell's Kitchen, The F-Word and Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares.

I recently stumbled upon an existing sweepstakes where one of the winning prizes was the Chef Bonnie Weekend Getaway. It would be a waste if I did not share this with my readers since I’m not eligible to join in from this part of the world. The chance of the lifetime to have Chef Bonnie cook for you and your 3 friends should not be missed. Wow! $5000 worth of vacation deal which would include some cash for your airfares and meals? How I wish I were to be living in South California right now. For my American and Canadian friends, check this out right now as you won’t even have to make any purchase to qualify for the sweepstakes. If you were to win this promotion, all you have to do is to select any of their selected vacation homes.

Instead of this nice promotion, you might even wan to check out their two other promotions which would include a Golf Vacation and Spa Relief Vacation.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HEALTHY DIETS?

2009-06-24T04:28:00.002+08:00

I have always told my foodie friends that we are what we eat and we should always keep watchful eyes over what we dumped into our bodies. Food indeed is a necessity to keep us strong in order for us to perform our daily duties with the required energy. Sometimes, we tend to overlook in the aspect of “eat to live” or “livë to eat”. How sure are we that by eating in large quantities would ensure that our bodies would have the necessary nutrients to stay healthy? Most people would not even bother with their figures as the temptation of great food surrounding them overpowered them. Thus, there would never be an ending to the alarming increase in obesity and obesity related illness.

What do you know about healthy diets then? Do you think that your present lifestyle should be studied more carefully now? It does not mean that staying away from too much of red meat will eventually make you healthy. Other than white meat such as lean chicken, turkey or even Omega 3 enriched fish, you can always opt for grass fed beef, venison or bison. The most important part of a healthy diet lies in our consumption of more natural state food such as vegetables and fruits.

Vegetables especially those colorful one have the necessary fiber, vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to our health. Take them more as what your Mom would always advise you, “Eat more vegetables dear” and you would not regret knowing that it would boost your prostate health to avoid the risk of having Prostate Cancer when you touches 40’s, especially in men. On the other hand, fruits and berries would be ideal to satisfy your need for some sweetness. Take them fresh and you could have them in juices minus the addition of sugar of course. If you insist to have the juices sweeter, you can think of using natural sweetener such as the Sweetleaf or Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana). The FDA approved leaves from the plant has zero calories and are 300 times sweeter than sugar.

Other on the adaption of a healthy diet into your lifestyle, exercising regularly is equally as important. After all, healthy food with healthy nutrients in a fitter body would ensure a healthy body and mind. For the guys, you won’t even need to rely too much on Viagra or Cialis anymore for a better bond in your relationships.

More articles at http://crizfood.com/

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY 2009

2009-02-14T12:42:00.002+08:00

This is the time of the year for some love, passion and romance. Valentine’s Day is not only the day for you to show how much you care and love your other half but a day to remind you that you have to make a commitment by doing something romantic frequently.

The key to a tradition is that it comes from the heart as Valentine's Day is not a day to spend lavishly on meals and expensive gifts. It's about that connection between two people, a connection that money can't buy. It is all about showing your love how much you care deep within your heart… Let’s say with a pot of your handmade heart-shaped steamboat! :)

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY EVERYONE!

A GIFE OF LOVE ON VALENTINE’S DAY

2009-02-04T13:25:00.001+08:00

Where would you bring your love to a romantic dinner this year on Valentine’s Day? Would you choose a fancy restaurant in the centre of town or would you to prefer to hold it by the beach while enjoying the cool evening breeze with a glass of wine in your hand? It’s simple. You can have both options with what E&O Hotel has to offer you. There are even Valentine Gift & Flower for each couple if you were to dine in Sarkies Corner. Check out what the hotels have in store for those love birds of Penang.

In order to secure a table to celebrate the memorable moment with your love, do call them up now (Tel: 604-222 2000 Ext. 3177 for Sarkies Restaurant or 604-881 1511 for Lone Pine) to make reservation.

More food reviews at http://crizfood.com/