Seafood Feast BBQ Buffet Dinner @ G Cafe, G Hotel, Penang.

G Cafe at G Hotel continues to tantalize foodies' palates by offering a new line of theme buffet dinners for the coming three months- April, May and June 2014. The new line of buffet covers delicacies from many countries, Mediterranean, France, Mongolia, just to name a few, and of course, there will be some carefully chosen local delights as well. 

Be spoilt for choice at G Cafe's Seafood Feast Barbecue Buffet Dinner, the restaurant offers fresh catch seafood with panache as well as plethora of meticulously prepared smorgasbord. Imported Cheeses, fresh and succulent Seafood, Sashimi, Gelatomio Ice Cream and myriad of dainty Desserts are amongst some of the notable buffet items that one should not miss. Pamper yourself in this gastronomical paradise on a weekend with a sumptuous and lavish meal, G Cafe has the perfect setting for you to unwind and recharge from the all the stress in hectic life. The Seafood Feast BBQ Buffet Dinner is only available on every Friday evening (Rm 108++ for adults), starting from 6:30pm to 10pm.

***For a fun-filled activity that the entire family can partake in, bring your kids to G Cafe's Easter Family Buffet Brunch on 20th of April, 2014. The buffet brunch starts from 11am to 2pm at Rm 108++ per person, with kids 12 years old and below get to eat for free and 50% discount for senior citizens aboev 60 years old. For more information, kindly visit their Facebook Page***

Many Thanks to G Hotel for extending the invitation. 

Hương Quế Vietnamese Food @ Lebuh Melaka, Georgetown, Penang.

Devotees of Vietnamese food in town should be delighted and excited to know that there is another greater variety on offer. Hương Quế is one of the latest Vietnamese eats to burst on the Penang scene. Tucked within one of the houses along Lebuh Melaka, one could easily overlook the humble and no-frills restaurant, fortunately, it can be distinguished by its green-colored sign board. The menu is simple and earnest, they do not have much to offer currently, only a few choices of rice and Pho dishes, as well as some Vietnamese delicacies. One of the most exotic ones will be none other than the Balut/ Vietnamese Fertilized Duck Egg which is only available for dinner. Prices are definitely reasonable but the seats are rather limited and might not be too accommodating for larger groups; be sure to make your reservation should you are planning to have a gathering or family dinner. 

Back Home (回家) @ Island Glades, Penang.

Island Glades has a fair share of decent eateries and food courts, but now there is a greater variety on offer- an unassuming healthy vegetarian cafe. Manned by a very young couple, Back Home (回家) is a place that offers comfortable environment with a few carefully crafted healthy vegetarian dishes. The whole concept of Back Home is very simple, to provide a reading corner for guests to read, but at the same time, promoting healthy lifestyle. The place has the perfect setting for friends to catch up, as well as to spend your weekend time to do some quick reading. I was quite excited to find out that they offer a few quirky vegetarian pasta dishes; I was not surprised that this little hidden gem is garnering an appreciate following for the few reasons: healthy, delicious, cozy ambiance, attentive service and wallet-friendly price tags. Back Home (回家) is located at Island Glades, right beside Pearl Cafe.

Rasa Deli @ Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Batu Ferringhi, Penang.

It has been a while since Rasa Deli (of Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa) rolled out its Cronuts, the fresh, crispy yet flaky sweet treat has since attracted many dessert lovers to come forth and a try. Nestled within the resort, Rasa Deli is a kiosk located a stone's throw away from Spice Market and it offers quite an extensive range of sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and cookies at very affordable prices. If you are visiting Rasa Deli for their Cronuts, it should be noted that the Cronuts are only available from 3pm to 4pm daily. The sweet treats at Rasa Deli are only available for takeaways but should you wish to dine-in, you may purchase the desserts at the kiosk first and make your way to Spice Market. The friendly and eloquent staff there will attend to you promptly. 

Korean Cafe Gil (길) @ Bukit Gambir, Gelugor, Penang.

Down the hill of Bukit Gambir, there is a humble and quiet Korean cafe manned by a Korean. Menu is simple but earnest, offering some of their best dishes. No, you can't find Korean Barbecue or Bulbogi here. One good reason to visit the cafe will be their wallet-friendly price, most of the items are priced less than Rm 11 with no additional surcharges. However, I did not think all of the dishes we had were good (with some not up to par). Nevertheless, it can be the place to satiate your cravings for Kim Chi or Korean delicacies without putting a dent on your wallet. Korean Cafe Gil is situated at Ivory Plaza, right beside Istimewa Nasi Kandar. 

Hao Ji Bean Sprout Chicken (豪记怡保芽菜鸡) @ Lorong Selamat, Georgetown, Penang.

** Update: Unfortunately I was informed that Hao Ji Bean Sprout Chicken has moved out to Bukit Mertajam and has ceased its operation here in Penang branch since beginning of April 2014**

While Chicken Rice can be a common sight at most food courts and hawker centers in Penang but strangely, it is not an easy task to find a decent Ipoh Hor Fun with Chicken and Bean Sprouts. Once again, Penangites are blessed with more choices, especially with the opening of Hao Ji Bean Sprout Chicken. As the name would imply, Hao Ji serves only Ipoh Hor Fun, Chicken (with rice), Bean Sprouts and some of their home-made Yong Tau Fu. Overall, I thought the foods we had were slightly above par and with that wallet-friendly price tags, I will definitely make another trip back here for more. Hao Ji Bean Sprout Chicken (豪记怡保芽菜鸡) is located at Lorong Selamat, two houses away from Coya Vegetarian House and walking distance from New World Park. 

The Films Cafe @ Armenian Street, Georgetown, Penang.

The Films Cafe is one of the latest themed cafes to burst on the Penang scene. As the name might have indicated, the cafe uses "films" as the theme; the cafe, of course, is being decorated in accordance to that theme. You will find yourself in a quaint place with camera toys and filming tools adorning the walls. The newly opened cafe does not have much to offer currently, there were only four types of cakes available in which you may have your preview at the refrigerated cake counter, as well as a few types of healthy fruit juices. Prices are certainly a little more expensive than other cafes and finding a parking can be a real headache at this touristy place. I would not make a special trip to there again but if you are in the vicinity, the cafe can be a pleasant place to rest your feet. The Films Cafe is located a stone's throw away from the famous mural paint at Armenian Street and can be found right next to Armenian House. 

Seaside Barbecue at Pinang Restaurant and Bar @ Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Batu Ferringhi, Penang.

In the need of a charming spot to enjoy a sumptuous seafood dinner? Do check out Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa at Batu Ferringhi as the resort rolls out a special Seaside Barbecue feast. The Friday Asian Barbecue By The Sea proffers a wide range of grilled seafood with oriental seasonings and some Asian influence. Apart from the plethora of Seafood and Mains, diners can expect a salad bar and dessert counter, as well as a Char Koay Teow action stall (it will be Fried Ice Cream action stall on Saturdays). Buffet diners may also enjoy their house wines (Chardonnay and Shiraz) at happy-hour-prices to pair with the wonderfully prepared Seafood (not included in the buffet). Having a glass of White and some fresh Seafood in the middle of a stunningly breath-taking sunset view and a sea of glistening stars is indeed a memorable and enjoyable life moment. 

Many Thanks to Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa for extending the invitation.

Prices for the Seafood Barbecue buffets are as follows:

Asian Barbecue By The Sea: Every Friday

From 6:30pm to 10:30pm.

Rm 108++ (Adult), Rm 54++ (Child)

Seafood Barbecue By The Sea: Every Saturday
From 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Rm 108++ (Adult), Rm 54++ (Child)

For inquiries or reservations, kindly contact Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa at +604- 888 8788.

Marinated Chicken with Ginger, Garlic, Lemon Grass, Chilies and Thai Basil

Via Pre @ Weld Quay, Georgetown, Penang.

Welcoming its 2nd anniversary in early March 2014, Via Pre has officially opened its door to the public for 2 years. I am not surprised that Via Pre is crowned one of the finest and best Italian restaurants in Penang and has been able to stay strong and steady for a long time as they have devised a sturdy menu to satisfy its regular patrons. The interior decor and the exterior look of the restaurant are such a big contrast; the restaurant seems quiet and nothing exciting from outside but you will be surprised with the classy and swanky setting as well as the charming environment inside. Their comprehensive menu comprises of Antipastos, Entrees, Pasta, Mains, Pizzas and Desserts will surely have something for every palate. Prices are definitely on the higher side but they commensurate with the fine-quality ingredients. Simply ask for recommendations from the eloquent staff should you are unsure of what to order and I am sure they will provide you with the suitable recommendations. Via Pre is located at Weld Quay, a stone's throw distance from the interactive 3D museum and Pos Malaysia; opposite to the Ferry Terminal of Penang. 

Baa Baa Black Sheep Cafe @ Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Explosion of brunch places opening up in Penang and Baa Baa Black Sheep Cafe is one of the newest members to the food scene. The newly opened cafe proffers a range of brunch choices as well as some pasta dishes. There are also a few mains including steak and lamb chop for dinner-wise. While prices are standard-average, I thought the choices were rather limited, not only for food but beverages as well; nonetheless, since they are relatively new, I reckon we should give them some time? The fully air-conditioned cafe has a simple minimalist decor, though it will be more comfortable if they could spare more distance and spaces between the tables. Nevertheless, there is also an al-fresco dining area for those who prefer a more outdoorsy ambiance. Baa Baa Black Sheep Cafe is strategically located along Jalan Tanjung Bungah, opposite to Dalat International School, a convenient place for you to grab your brunch before you hit the beach. 

Edo Ramen @ Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang.

Goku Raku Ramen has always been my favorite place to satiate my craving for a bowl of authentic Japanese Ramen ever since their opening few years back. The restaurant has garnered an appreciate following, where the place will be throng with patrons during the weekends. Stepping into the brand new year of 2014, Goku Raku Ramen is looking for a change, the restaurant will roll out their new menu starting on this 7th of April 2014, where some items will be replaced with more affordable options. Customers can now appease their cravings without putting a dent on the wallet where prices start from Rm 8.90 for a bowl of hearty Ramen. The only drawback is, the portion is fixed and customers are not allowed to "upsize" the orders (you may, of course, order for two bowls if you wish). Nevertheless, its location at Gurney Paragon Mall provides a good place for tired shoppers to enjoy a meal and stretch the shopping legs. My partner in crime has also written a review which can be found here.

This blog post is brought to you by Gurney Paragon Mall. 

Xiang Yun Vegetarian Hut (香云素食坊) @ Yeap Chor Ee Road, Gelugor, Penang.

Who would have expected a vegetarian shop nestled within a terrace house along Yeap Chor Ee Road? However, the opening of Xiang Yun Vegetarian Hut (香云素食坊) is indeed a great news for the nearby residents of Island Glades, at least the vegetarians know where to get their meals fixed right now. The name- Xiang Yun Vegetarian Hut (香云素食坊) should be familiar for those who are in the know, the main branch has been in operation for quite a few years at Kompleks Lebuh Nipah (the food court right next to Vistana Hotel Penang) and has garnered many regular patrons since then. Despite their menu is simple and may have limited choices for some, but the restaurant deserves more recognition for promoting healthy diet at very affordable prices.