Zhui Guo Zu Hot Pot (追锅族) @ Anson Cube, Georgetown, Penang.

Another new addition to Anson Cube along Anson Road (Georgetown) is Zhui Guo Zu Hot Pot (追锅族), a brand that is under the social media limelight. It has a special Teddy Bear-gimmick Hot Pot but that would require advance reservation; otherwise, the menu offers the standard Hot Pot ingredients along with some signature Soup bases. The variety is lesser than most established Hotpot restaurants but the prices are budget-friendlier. Though the place is fully air-conditioned, the ventilation is less-impressive and the seats are less-spacious and rather cramped for a hotpot restaurant. 

Meet Up Cafe & Bar @ Hutton Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Meet up @ Grano De Cafe may be almost equally beloved as its neighbor- Secawan and Such for its chic, comfortable interior decor; though not as spacious, the space does have potential to be one of the new hang out places in the vicinity. Grano De Cafe did not manage to launch their full-fledged menu early but they do have great plans on serving brunch items. We were unfortunate, we've only managed to try some of their outsourced cake instead of their freshly cooked dishes. A second visit is required to make further comments. 

The cafe has got nothing to offer on our visit but some pastries and cakes. We saw some familiar cakes, potentially sourced from Moody Cow. We did not want to have that so we ended up with Vanilla Pistachio Mousse Cake (Rm 13). A jelly-like Mousse and Digestive-biscuit base sandwiching a layer of Sponge and completed with a layer of jelly-like Chocolate. It was gently sweetened but we did not like the texture. The Mousse was disappointingly average either; an overpriced and uninspired piece of cake. 

Grano Caramel Macchiato (Rm 13)

Ratings:

Taste: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good) *Rated based on the cake ONLY*

Service: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Ambiance: 8/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 6/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Parking: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Pork-Free

Service Charge: No

Additional Information:

Address: 158 & 160, Hutton Lane, 10050, Georgetown, Penang. (Opposite to Secawan and such)

Business Hours: 8:30 am to 1 am on every Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 3 am on every Friday to Sunday. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 604- 226 6388

Meet Up @ Grano De Cafe Facebook Page

Coffee Addict @ Campbell Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Known to serve some seriously good Coffee in town, Coffee Addict previously from Hutton Lane has relocated to Campbell Street, Georgetown. Housed in one of the heritage houses, the cafe has expanded its menu... from only serving desserts to now, offering a full-fledged food menu. The Western-Fusion menu covers breakfast items, Sandwiches, Salad and Pasta dishes... with standard-cafe price range but definitely heartier portion. The regulars come here to work on their laptops or have a chat... there are comfortable couches and proper tables, to cater for all sorts of needs. While the Coffee is popular, the food offering is equally worth a look over here.

Many Thanks to Coffee Addict for hosting us.

Soju Chang Go @ Vantage Desiran Tanjung, Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Vantage Desiran Tanjung has quick become a Korean hub with many Korean restaurants and marts but not many noticed the existence of Soju Chang Go... a quiet Korean restaurant (manned by a Korean couple) on the upper floor of the commercial building. The facade is covered in dark shades, push the door open and you will find yourself in a seemingly shady bar but the friendly lady proprietor would greet you. Once seated, she will then pass you a small Korean menu featuring some familiar Korean delights and some uncommon dishes. Prices are slightly lower than big establishments but the variety is less-extensive. If you are in dire need to get your cravings fixed, this place is a worth a look.

Platform 9&3 Quarter Fine Dining and Cellar @ Magazine Road, Georgetown, Penang.

A dreamy surprise for Harry Potter fans as there is a new magical dining spot in town that offers diners to dine-in amidst the wizarding world. Established in late 2018, Platform 9&3 Quarter is rather obscure and first-time visitors may have a sense of mysterious as they will need to walk in a shop next to the bustling street but without signage, go through a narrow walkway and to discover the whole new world. The front part of the space is converted into a bar, which will turn lively after 10 pm; keep walking and you will find yourself in a classy dining space with comfortable velvet chairs and spacious dining tables; there are also books flying around and wizard-themed knick-knacks on the tables for diners to play with. Though the theme is fairly obvious but the food offering is totally irrelevant to the interior decor. Like most fine-dining restaurants, Platform 9&3 Quarter offers a European-Fusion Chef Tasting menu along with some ala-carte dishes. Definitely a place for occasions or surprises.

Many Thanks to Platform 9&3 Quarter for hosting us.

Veggielicious Cafe @ Bishop Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Vegetarian food is not about boring mountains of leafy greens, for some uncommon Northern Indian vegetarian delights, make your way to Veggielicious Cafe at Bishop Street. The curious vegetarian cafe has been running for quite some time... the cafe menu focuses on Northern Indian food with a mix of Western vegetarian dishes. There are not much choices for Indian food (just a set of Chapati or Briyani) but the western options cover burgers and pasta dishes. Good quality of food, generous serving and affordable prices, one of the restaurants that you should put on your watch list if you are up for a vegetarian meal.

5 Online Stores You Can Get Delicious Snacks From

For the most part, snacking seems like a rather no-brainer activity that we do when we’re bored or need a pick-me-up. As someone who has a passion for food, there comes a time when it no longer does to just eat anything. Instead, intentional choices have to be made to be healthier, and this applies to the snacks that I consume as well. If you’re looking to make a similar change in your lifestyle, here are some online stores to check out for some delicious, guilt-free snacks.

CO- @ Icon City, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

A new comer, CO- at Icon City seeks to up the dining ante of the food and beverage scene at Bukit Mertajam area... offering finer dining options for the consumers in the neighborhood. The name does not paint a picture on what it could potentially offer and the exterior decor is certainly minimalist but if you approach the main entrance, you will find the menu on display. The menu changes every quarterly... with prix fixe menu as well as a small list of ala-carte dishes. Like its exterior, the interior adapts the same minimalist-elegance with well-spaced tables... offering sufficient privacy for diners to enjoy their meals. Prices are mid-high range but the quality commensurate with the prices. Though unlikely a place for casual meal, this place is definitely worth a look for occasions. 

Baba Phang 峇峇之家 @ Sri Bahari Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Diners are spoilt for choices especially when it comes to Nyonya Food at Sri Bahari Road, just that stretch of road itself, there are 3 Nyonya Restaurants. Few doors away from Ceki, Baba Phang 峇峇之家 is equally popular and the crowd can be seen in the evenings. It is however, relatively quieter during the day time. Like any Nyonya restaurants, the menu features many familiar Nyonya delights, including soups and desserts. Prices are of restaurant-standard. While there were some hits and misses, the serving portion was generally more generous than its competitors. Worth checking out if you yearn for Nyonya food.

Sunday Roast [Buffet] @ Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel Penang

While buffets usually come with myriad of choices, there is one type of buffet specially cater for the hardcore carnivores. Meat lovers would be thrilled to know that one of the meat-focused buffets offered by Eastern and Oriental (E&O) Hotel is set to sate your meat cravings. The buffet was previously offered by Farquhar's Bar at Heritage wing of the hotel but it has since, relocated and being offered at the Planter's Lounge... on level 6 of the new wing (Victory Annexe). The all-you-can-eat buffet is set in a classy-cozy space... that allows diners to navigate between food stations easily. Also note-worthy is the seating arrangement... diners get to be seated at the corridor for a more outdoorsy atmosphere and get to enjoy the meal with panoramic seaview.  As this buffet theme is all about Roast Meats, choices are slightly limited as compared to the usual buffet themes offered by the hotel. 

Many Thanks to E&O Hotel for hosting us.

34 Bishop @ Bishop Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Replacing the lot previously occupied by Simply Wang Thai is 34 Bishop, a newly opened cafe right next to Two Frenchies on Bishop Street. The name surely does not ring a bell (except the location) but in actual fact, it is a cafe offering Western menu... as well as some local delights. Step in the place and you will find a huge aquarium in the middle of the cafe, with a few eye-catching polka dot Stingrays. You will then notice they are all over the place... on the menu and mural paints on the wall but it has no direct relationship with what the place offers (except that there is only one Stingray dish on the menu). Options are pretty safe here with good consistency and reasonable prices; but sometimes, the serving time takes a little longer than other places.

Emily's Steakhouse @ Victoria Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Well-established and known to serve some of the best steaks in Derby (United Kingdom)... Penangite owner Emily is bringing a taste of Britain back to Malaysia, opening a branch here at Victoria Street, central Georgetown. Housed in Reunion Heritage House, Emily's Steakhouse is an undisputed carnivore's paradise, serving a char-grilled meat-focused menu along with some English classics like Fish and Chips and breakfast. Only available in the evenings, Emily's Steakhouse has a casual setting with relaxed atmosphere, featuring the same interior decor as the main branch in Derby. This is a spot fits for any occasion or just a simple meal over some seriously good meat and Wines.

Many Thanks to Emily's Steakhouse for hosting us.

[Hotel Review] The WEIL Hotel @ Ipoh, Perak.

An elegant-lofty building next to the central shopping mall of Ipoh- Ipoh Parade; apart from its strategic location in the heartland of Ipoh town, The WEIL Hotel is fully equipped with everything you need for a seriously comfortable stay. Opened in early December of 2014, WEIL Hotel has been upholding its status as the town's most glamorous hotel and to live up to its standard as a 4-star hotel. The city hotel is also the de-facto hotel choice for many corporate events or special occasions... or merely a time for celebration over good food.

Many Thanks to WEIL Hotel for hosting us.

Plaque Noire Dessert & Cocktail Bar @ Kimberley Street, Georgetown, Penang.

The concept of combining two beloved things- desserts and cocktails has been creating excitements at the other parts of the world. Introducing this playful concept to Penang, Plaque Noire is the first of its kind. The proprietor was trained in Taiwan and France before settling down in Penang. Painted in shades of black, the place exudes a mysterious sense; as you walk in, you will be greeted by the friendly servers. The place is not big... only with limited seating but visitors can opt to enjoy their booze at the bar counter or the tables at the end of the bar. Offering-wise, it has a small selection of sweets, which to be changed and updated on monthly-basis; a list of in-house Cocktails and classic blend. Prices however, are on the higher side but the quality is set to impress.

14th Coffee 拾肆室 @ Taman Seri Impian, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

14th Coffee 拾肆室 has been taking social media channels by storm despite of its rather hidden location. The place is a residential-terrace turned cafe, with modern, chic and minimalist design. The place can be found behind AEON Mall at Alma; the exterior does not suggest much, especially to a cafe and the best part is, the entrance to the cafe is at the side, not the front... making it extra hard for first timers to come by. Being a vegetarian cafe, the place offers a simple menu featuring some mains (not the usual-boring vegetarian fare) including but not limited to, Shepherd's Pie, Sandwiches, Noodles and Souffle Cheese Cake. Good quality of food despite wallet-friendly prices.