El Faro Tapas Bar and Wine @ Burmah Road, Penang.

Tucked beside the bustling Burmah Road of Georgetown, Penang, El Faro Tapas Bar and Wine is a humble yet unassuming restaurant. It serves some hearty Spanish Tapas and has since gathered many regular patrons since its opening in the year 2012. The comprehensive menu of theirs will surely have something to suit your palate, albeit not cheap but prices commensurate with the ingredients and quality in return. The fully air-conditioned restaurant has a glam-casualness ambiance; should you prefer a more outdoorsy ambiance, there are a few tables outside for you to have a sip on the alcohol and just see the world goes. The place is suitable for any casual dinner gatherings with friends and family while enjoying their extraordinary gourmet offerings. El Faro Tapas Bar and Wine is located few shops away from 1926 Heritage Hotel and a stone's throw away from Tong Pak Fu Dessert along the same road. 

The Press Est. 1936 @ Chulia Street, Georgetown, Penang.

The Press Est. 1936 is a new and delightful option for Penangites who wish to have a drink. Opened its doors on 26th of January 2014, the newly refurbished pub/ bar has the perfect ambiance to enjoy a cup of drink with your friends or business associates. The heat-intolerant can have their drinks on the second floor, a fully air-conditioned place with hits music as background; traipse up to the roof top for those who wish to have a more outdoorsy ambiance and a better view. After all, having a cup of drink overlooking the scenic view of Georgetown or Weld Quay is indeed a good way to retreat and unwind from the stress of life. 

Their menu is rather simple and limited, offering only a few types of liquors, cocktails, wines and beers; unfortunately, some of them were not available during my visit (I wish to try their Sangria but it was not available). I was quite surprised that they are not serving wines by glasses, only bottles, which can be quite frustrating for those who are not coming in large groups. It seems like they are serving some Sushi (information obtained from their Facebook Page ) but it was not stated on the menu though. The place worth a visit but probably more for novelty sake. 

Sensational Sakura @ Swez Brasserie, Eastin Hotel Penang.

Eastin Hotel Penang is offering its inaugural Japanese monthly buffet theme- "Sensational Sakura" for the month of March 2014. Japanese cuisine devotees will be delighted to know that all the visually-stunning and lip-smacking dishes will be carefully crafted to you by the very talented and experienced chef- Chef Ricky Hui, who has recently won the title- Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (HAPA) Masterchef (Asian) of Authenticity. Wait no more, come forth and savor the gloriously good Japanese dishes meticulously prepared by Chef Ricky this month, only at Swez Braseerie, Eastin Hotel Penang. 

Many Thanks to Eastin Hotel Penang for extending the invitation.

Prices for the buffets are as follow: 

Lunch: Monday - Friday

12:00pm - 2:30pm

Rm 50++ (adult) Rm 25++ (child)

Hi-Tea: Saturday and Sunday

12:00pm - 3:00pm

Rm 68++ (adult) Rm 34++ (child)

Semi Buffet Dinner: Sunday - Tuesday, Thursday

6:30pm - 10:00pm

From Rm50++ per person

March Credit Card Promotions:

Standard Chartered Bank, UOB Bank, OCBC Bank, CIMB Bank, Citibank and MasterCard Worldwide card members, guests can enjoy 15% discount for Semi Buffet Dinner (Monday to Thursday) and Weekend Buffet Dinner (Friday and Saturday) from 6:30pm to 10:00pm.

For inquiries or reservations, kindly contact Eastin Hotel Penang, Swez Brasserie at +04- 612 1128.

Chez Nous Cafe @ Seck Chuan Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Tucked within one of the heritage houses in the heart of Georgetown, Chez Nous Cafe is a humble and no-frills cafe manned by a very friendly Belgian couple- Philippe and Liz. Using Turquoise color as the theme, Chez Nous Cafe should be easily located, simply turn into Lorong Seck Chuan and you should be able to find Chez Nous with its attractive and eye-catching exterior. Menu is rather limited and simplistic but quality is assured; do keep an eye on their Facebook page for the constantly-rotating menu. Service was impeccable, do check with the friendly couple should you are unsure of what to order and I am sure they are able to provide you the perfect recommendations. 

Nona Bali Restaurant @ Sungai Pinang, Jelutong, Penang.

Finding authentic Balinese eats has never been easy in Penang but with the opening of Nona Bali, Penangites can now have an easy access to some authentic Balinese dishes. This is indeed, an interesting and delightful addition to the food scene in Penang. Walking into the restaurant is like going through a portal where it is possible to feel transported to Bali especially with the Balinese Dolls decorating the shelves and Balinese Drawings adorning the walls. Their menu could be overly simple and limited for some but they are definitely offering some of their best to the diners. Prices are on the higher side for their Ala-Carte dishes but their Set Lunch is definitely worth every single penny. However, I thought the place worth a second visit probably more for novelty instead. Nona Bali Restaurant is located at IJM Jelutong Promenade, where the Ubah Bird was previously held. 

Budan's Brew Coffeebar @ Argus Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Budan's Brew Coffeebar is definitely a delightful addition to Penang's cafe scene- cozy ambiance with relaxed vibe; freshly brewed coffee with simple but delectable snacks/ food and friendly staff. Step into the cafe and you will be greeted by the strong but comforting wind, as though the cafe is equipped with a natural air-conditioner but beware, one may easily fall asleep in the cafe! Their menu is simple but earnest with a couple of Breakfast/ Brunch choices and daily fresh bakes. While their ambiance does impress me but what gets me excited were the wallet-friendly price tags, especially with the soft-opening promotion. I do see this place a charming spot to enjoy their range of lovely snacks and breakfast set, as well as to have a cup of their carefully brewed coffee. It can be a little tricky to find this place, from Farquhar Street moving towards Penang Road, turn into Love Lane and make a left turn to the first junction (into Argus Lane); you should be able to find this place somewhere in the middle of those heritage houses. 

Apollow Coffee House (阿波罗饮食中心) @ Apollo Market, Butterworth, Penang.

Apollo Market is one of the largest wet markets in the state (of Penang), for those who are unfamiliar with the market, you might find yourself in trouble when it comes to getting yourself a decent breakfast from the myriad hawker stalls. Apollow Coffee House, a humble Hawker-Coffee House tucked within the market, has a couple of worth-trying dishes. It should be quite easy to spot the Coffee House, simply locate the new "roof" erected by the state government and Apollow Coffee House should be right next to it. Also, a note to my readers, most of the hawker stalls there will be closed after noon, hence, it will be ideal to visit them for breakfast or early brunch. 

Five27 @ Chulia Court, Chulia Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Previously located at Straits Quay, Five27 has relocated to Chulia Court along the bustling Chulia Street and has reopened its door on the 26th of January 2014. Five27 continues to tantalize Penangites' taste buds with its revamped menu, maintaining some of the "regulars' favorites" as well as new and carefully designed dishes. Stepping into the cafe is like stepping into a time portal, its retro design with a touch of Nyonya style is a reminiscent of the olden days. The fully air-conditioned restaurant cum bar is a perfect place for any of your friends or family occasions, there is an al-freso dining area too if you would prefer a more outdoorsy ambiance. Ample parking lots available behind the restaurant, from Chulia Street, turn into Carnavon Street and turn right into a small alley, you should be able to see the signboard indicating the car park from there (Rm 3 per car per entrance but fully redeemable for every Rm 30 spent in Five27).

Traipse yourself up to the second floor and you will be greeted by a bar, offering extensive range of alcohols; and there will be live band performances on every Friday and Saturday evenings too. Their Red/ White Sangria (Rm 18/ glass, Rm 45/ half-liter, Rm 75 per liter) is a must-try item.   

Many Thanks to Five27 for extending the invitation. 

U Desserts (優甜品) @ Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang.

With more than 5 outlets in Southern Malaysia and 7 outlets country-wide, a renowned chain dessert cafe has finally set foot here in Penang. Tucked within the shop houses right opposite to Chung Ling Butterworth along Jalan Ong Yi How, U Desserts pride themselves by offering some inexpensive but delectable sweet treats. You might need to spend a little more time in picking your choice as their extensive menu has myriad of sweet treats await you. Ambiance was simple but comfortable although the service could be more attentive. An ideal place to satiate your cravings for desserts! 

Rebranding Launch Ceremony of Vistana Hotel Penang

Another grand milestone achieved by YTL Corporation Berhad. To welcome the Tourism Malaysia's Visit Malaysia Year 2014, the rebranding launch of the hotel was a well-timed event for the occasion. The transformation and refurbishments of Vistana Hotel Penang at Bukit Jambul have given the hotel a completely refreshed look, which is in equation with the brand's new ethos of "Vibrance, Verve and Value". A modern and comfortable ambiance coupled with great services at competitive prices are what they are looking into right now. The event was held at the Grand Ballroom of Vistana Hotel Penang, at 14th of February 2014. 

Many Thanks to YTL Corporation Berhad for extending the invitation. 

Zest Bar & Cafe @ Glow By Zinc, Macalister Road, Georgetown, Penang.

While most of us are trying to save ourselves a penny by cutting our dining costs, many businesses are coming out with wallet-friendly dining set meals to attract and vie for business. One of the more attractive ones will be none other than Zest Cafe's Weekly Set Lunch. One can now enjoy quality food (3-course Set Lunch) with cozy ambiance and impeccable service without putting a dent on the wallet. Priced reasonably at Rm 15+/ set, Zest Cafe's Weekly Set Lunch includes a complimentary Iced Lemon Tea, an Entree, a Main and a Dessert. The only limitation will be the menu is fixed and the changes to the dishes are not possible. 

Zest Cafe is nestled within the building, traipse yourself up to the second floor and you will be greeted by a brightly-lit and fully air-conditioned cafe, with a great view of the bustling Macalister Road. A great place to spend an afternoon with your business associates or friends and family. There are, of course, many other available choices on their ala-carte menu but the worth-the-value Set Lunch caught my attention and I was tempted to try it out. Their spread of Pastries and Cakes are worth-checking out at the display fridge too. For the uninitiated, Glow By Zinc is a newly opened hotel along Macalister Road, facing the junction to Abu Siti Lane and Red Rock Hotel. 

Asiatique Kitchen & Lounge @ Vantage Desiran Tanjung, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Be thrilled with an exciting journey of flavors and senses at Asiatique Kitchen & Lounge as you will be greeted with some meticulously designed and thoughtfully chosen combinations here. Call it quirky, frisky or creative, one may expect the unexpected here at Asiatique, dishes like Chendul Panna Cotta, Sarsi Poached Pear or Coconut Cream Carbonara are definitely some of the worth-mentioning dishes. The very talented culinary team of Asiatique is constantly coming up with new creations, for a more updated version of menu, do hop over at their Facebook Page for more information. 

Genuine service from the eloquent staff, minimalist and simple interior decor, the fully air-conditioned restaurant is a perfect dining place for both family or any other occasions. This Australian-Fusion restaurant is located at Vantage Desiran, a newly built commercial shop houses right beside Tesco Tanjung Pinang.

Many Thanks to Asiatique for extending the invitation.