Wednesday, January 30, 2013

The Eighty Eight Restaurant @ Kelawai Road, Penang.

The Eighty Eight Restaurant refers to the year of 1988, which was the year of the restaurateur was born; a very talented young chef- Danny Ng. Danny has been creative and passionate about food where he creates a lot of astonishingly amazing dishes from his culinary experiences in Singapore. I was one of the lucky few to be invited to sample some of Chef Danny's master piece at his very first restaurant- The Eighty Eight Restaurant, which situated at one of the busiest roads in Penang- Kelawai Road. The Eighty Eight Restaurant is just a few doorsteps away from the Sleeping Buddha Temple (Wat Chayamangkalaram) and opposite to Mobil Petrol Station at Kelawai Road, Penang. The restaurant offers a wide variant of dishes, mainly Western dishes. Service was very attentive and the ambiance was very cozy and suitable for family and friends' gatherings. The Eighty Eight Restaurant changes its specialties on a monthly-basis, diners are encouraged to check with the management and make reservations accordingly to avoid disappointments. Prices shown are to be subject to 10% of service charge.


Monday, January 28, 2013

Habanero Mexican Dining @ Queensbay Mall, Penang.

Habanero, a type of Chili Pepper which can be easily seen in the country of Mexico. The name gives me an impression of both Spicy and Mexican Food. I was introduced by a friend of mine about this restaurant, she told me she loves it. Hence, I guess I would definitely make an impromptu visit to check it out. As such, I have visited this restaurant few days ago, it was a bit tricky to locate the place. You can find Habanero at the end of 3rd Floor North Wing of Queensbay Mall, Penang, where the previous Kamay was situated at. Do ask the information counter for more information should you have any problems in locating it. Anyway, Habanero offers Burritos and Tacos, both in a healthy way I'd say, as well as affordable prices too. The concept was somewhat similar to Subway, where diners can pick their desired fillings and make it a meal or just have it ala-carte. Diners will be then asked to choose their Chili Sauce which varies in a few different level of spiciness. 


Saturday, January 26, 2013

Gartien Pineapple Cake @ Lorong Macalister, Penang.

With Chinese New Year is just around the corner, have you thought of what to be sent as gifts during this auspicious time? It is a common practice to send gifts to business partners, relatives, family and friends but sending the usual stuff is just too boring for you? Worry not, do put Gartien's Pineapple Cakes into your considerations. Gartien is a locally/ Penang based company, making quality and savory Pineapple cakes using local ingredients. Gartien has its own pineapple plantation in Nibong Tebal and all their pineapple cakes filling is made using their 100% freshly harvested pineapples. As the production of the hand-made pineapple cakes is rather limited, it is highly recommended to make your reservation before your collection. Gartien is located at Lorong Macalister, a road beside Hong Leong Bank Burmah Road. They do have some Limited Edition Pineapple Cakes offering from time to time, check out their Facebook Page for some updated information.


Thursday, January 24, 2013

Yong Tau Fu @ Nagore Road, Penang.

*** This eatery has ceased its operation since then.***

As I am a big fan of fish ball, I would normally hunt for fish ball-related food, and Yong Tau Fu is definitely on my list. I was passing by this area few days ago and immediately, I've came back to try some of their dishes. The shop is located right opposite to Pik Nik at Nagore Road, same row as U.S. Pizza. They do offer some other dishes such as Pork Trotters in Sweet Vinegar and Fried Dumplings etc. I wasn't too into all these stuff but my main aim was to try their Yong Tau Fu instead. Price and service-wise were okay but what troubles me was the parking. 



Monday, January 21, 2013

Soft Opening of Kampai Restaurant @ E-Gate, Penang.

Last Saturday (18/01/2013) marked the soft opening of Kampai Restaurant by Tao Authentic Asian Cuisine, and I was very honored to be invited to their media launching. Kampai Restaurant is located at the place where the previous "Tao Restaurant" located, at E-Gate (opposite to Tesco) Penang. The word "Kampai" simply means "Cheers" in Japanese and it has been very common for Taiwanese to shout "Kampai" instead of saying it in Mandarin or local dialects as they are so getting used to the mixed culture resulted of  the colonialism happened decades ago. Having the concept of offering the "upgraded" version of Taiwanese "Chu-Char" to Penangites, Kampai Restaurant offers more than 100 dishes of Taiwanese Stir-Fried dishes at very affordable prices. Most of the dishes are priced at Rm 9.90 following the market rate in Taiwan (NTD 99). The restaurant has a very homely ambiance as the owner wishes to let diners feel that they are actually enjoying their alcoholic beverages at Izakaya (居酒屋 or pub in English).


Friday, January 18, 2013

Chinese New Year's Buffet @ Eastin Hotel, Queensbay, Penang.

It has been two weeks since we had celebrated New Year of 2013 and within the glimpse of an eye, the Lunar Year of Snake is just around the corner at early February. With just less than one month to go, have you thought of any places/ restaurants to go for and dine in during this meaningful festive season? In conjunction with the forthcoming Chinese New Year, Eastin Hotel is glad to offer diners an array of authentic Chinese cuisine for the celebration. Apart from the delectable dishes, Eastin Hotel Penang has arranged some performances for the crowd too. Below are some of the details of the Buffet and Performances:

Buffet:
  • Chinese New Year's Eve auspicious Reunion Buffet Dinner with Yee Sang. 9th of Feb 2013, 6:30pm to 10pm. Rm 98++ (adults) and Rm 52++ (kids).
  • Chinese New year prosperity Buffet Dinner with Yee Sang. 10th and 11th of Feb 2013, 6:30pm to 10pm. Rm 88++ (adults) and Rm 44++ (kids).
  • Chinese New Year Special Dynasty Hi-Tea with Yee Sang. 10th and 11th of Feb 2013, 12pm to 3pm. Rm 68++ (adults) and Rm 34++ (kids).
Performances:
  • Meet and greet the "Fok Lok Sau". 9th of Feb 2013, 8pm to 9pm.
  • Chinese Orchestra Performance. 9th, 10th and 11th of Feb 2013, 8pm to 9pm.
  • Meet and greet the God of Prosperity. 10th and 11th of Feb 2013, 12:30pm to 1:30pm.
  • Lion Dance Performance. 11th Feb 2013, 10am.
Fresh Salmon Yee Sang is also available for take away from 4th to 23rd of February 2013.
  • RM 68++ (4 to 6 persons)
  • Rm 88++ (8 to 10 persons)

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

ALOHA House Of Desserts @ 1st Avenue Mall, Penang.

**This place has since ceased its operations.**

"ALOHA~" A new dessert eatery has just opened in 1st Avenue Mall, Penang, offering some of their signature desserts, as well as some western foods. ALOHA House of Desserts is situated right beside Carefour on 4th floor. I'd had a quick recharge after having some of their icy cold desserts during a hot afternoon. Aloha offers a wide array of desserts at affordable prices and the best part was, everything stated on the menu is at their net price (no further charges). As for my visit, we had some of their desserts only and did not opt to go for their western food. My overall verdict: nothing too special but just an okay dessert outlet.



Sunday, January 13, 2013

Sarkies/ Sarkies Corner/ 1885/ Farquhar's Bar @ Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel, Penang.

Established in the year of 1885, E&O Hotel has since embarked into one of the top hotels in Penang. Located in the bustling heart of Georgetown, E&O Hotel has attracted many with its sophisticated contemporary exterior. Apart from that, E&O Hotel offers one of the best buffet and fine dining experience that are renowned to the people of Penang. It was my honor to be invited by VBook and Eileen from E&O Hotel to do a review covering four of the restaurants in E&O Hotel. 

Executive Buffet Lunch @ Sarkies:

It has been quite sometime since my last visit, I had their Wine & Dine Buffet Dinner two years back at Sarkies Corner. I was told that the venue for buffet has been relocated to Sarkies instead of Sarkies Corner. I was amazed by the variety and choices offered for the price of Rm 68++ (adults) and Rm 34++ (kids). The buffet is made available during Weekdays ONLY (Monday to Friday) at 12 noon to 2:45pm. Prices are to be subject with 10% Service Charge and 6% Government Tax.

For reservations and enquiries, please contact 04- 222 2000 ext. 3601/ 3602.
For Information about their offer and promotions, please visit their website which can be found here.

Executive Buffet Lunch: Rm 68++ (adults), Rm 34++ (kids), Mon to Fri, 12pm to 2:45pm.
Weekend High Tea Buffet: Rm 74++ (adults), Rm 37++ (kids), Sat to Sun, 12pm to 3pm.
International Buffet Dinner: Rm 96++ (adults), Rm 48++ (kids), Sun to Thurs, 7pm to 10:30pm.
Wine And Dine Buffet Dinner: Rm 148++ (adults), Rm 65++ (kids), Fri to Sat, 7pm to 10:30pm.

Prices stated are for your own references only, please do check with the management for more details.


Friday, January 11, 2013

Sweet Forest @ I-Avenue, Penang.

Just as the name- "Sweet Forest" suggested, the place serves pastry cakes and sandwich, as well as their newly launched menu which includes a series of pasta. Since I'm a follower on their Facebook Page, I've found out that they do serve some interesting and attractive pasta meals, not a big fan of cakes nor desserts, did not bother to try. Anyway, Sweet Forest is located at I-Avenue (Bukit Jambul), where the restaurant is just right beside to JPJ branch at I-Avenue. The restaurant is rather small and can be really congested if full, I was there rather late (peak hour- around 1pm), what I've found was the place was full, there was only one table left. Seated and the waitress provided us with the menu, had a quick glance and had our orders placed. A few minutes later, she came back and warn us told us that we had to wait for at least half an hour. We had no options left but to compromise... it turns out that they need exactly 45 minutes to serve us our spaghetti, the reason told to us was that, they need to "clear" the orders for Living Social vouchers. Not that I was interested in your own issues but you should have at least expected the customer flow since they should have placed their reservations earlier ago... what a disappointment. Price-wise, I'd say the dishes are reasonably priced but there are serious problems with their service.....



Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Zhou Restaurant (粥杰伦) @ Macalister Road, Penang.

Amused by the name 粥杰伦 (similar to the name of a famous Taiwanese Singer- Jay Chou/ 周杰伦) when I've passed by the place. Located in the bustling heart of Georgetown, Zhou Restaurant is situated at Macalister road, facing the busy hawkers of New Lane. Zhou Restaurant offers a wide variety of creative Porridge-dishes at reasonable and economical prices. Some notable ones are Pumpkin Frog Porridge, Salmon Porridge, Curry Soup Based Porridge and Herbal Soup Porridge etc.... Parking can be troublesome, I had my car parked right in front of Public Bank (at Macalister Road) and when I was ready to get back into my car after the meal, I've came to realize that my poor car has been bombarded by bird feces. Do beware of the places you are parking your car at. Anyway, one good thing about the place is that they will be operating until late night (3-4am everyday) so if you are starving in the middle of the night, you may consider to grab yourself a bowl of hot porridge to ease your hunger. Taste-wise, I would say there are rooms for improvements still.



Bread History @ Queensbay Mall, Penang.

I am sure most Penangites are familiar or at least heard of the name- "Bread History". As the name suggested, Bread History sells bread in the earlier stage of their business but it has now shifted and expanded where they will be offering some main course as well. You may find Bread History at Gurney Plaza too. I have always been a fan of their Bamboo Charcoal Bread but have yet to try their mains and coincidentally I was invited to sample some of the dishes in Bread History, Queensbay Mall. Despite the fact that I am writing based on my experience at Queensbay Mall but we were told by the management that customers can feel free to visit any of their outlets as the quality control is very strict in Bread History and they can assure you that their quality is of certain standards. Service was attentive during my visit, price-wise, could be fair enough for certain dishes but some are on the higher side. However, they do have a very good ambiance where you may find it a decent place to chill out with friends or family.



Sunday, January 6, 2013

Tian Ding Xiang (天鼎香) @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

As you may have aware that I've actually posted a review on Tian Ding Xiang few months back and coincidentally, I've just received an invitation to review this restaurant again. Tian Ding Xiang (天鼎香) is situated at sixth floor of Gurney Plaza, right beside Subway. It offers a wide variety of Chinese dishes at affordable prices. The menu has changed since then (revised with more choices added) but maintaining some their signature dishes. I did reflect my readers' comments to the management about their bad service few months back and was told that they have sorted out the problem and now they have sufficient manpower to handle the crowd. In a nutshell, we were impressed by the food quality and rated them above par, prices are reasonable but are subjected to a 10% service charge.



Friday, January 4, 2013

Squidto (黄金贼) @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

With the recent Taiwanese Night Market foods became a trend in Penang, where all the Taiwanese snacks and dessert eateries are mushrooming these days. Squidto is one of the newly opened Taiwanese eateries in Gurney Plaza. Operated for less than two months, Squidto serves a unique type of Taiwanese snack- Succulent Deep Fried Giant Squid Stuffed with Seafood Baked Rice. The place has gained a lot of attention since then, we were amazed by their impressive amount of sales achieved within such a short period of time. Anyway, Squidto is a franchised eatery which originated from Taiwan, they are extremely careful in choosing their squids where they will be using Argentina squids, which come in a bigger size. The squids will then be stuffed with their own recipe of Spanish Seafood Baked Rice and deep fried till golden brown. It should be very easy to locate this humble little kiosk at Gurney Plaza, you can find Squidto right beside to Scallop Q and directly opposite to Purple Cane Tea Art Center at the basement of Gurney Plaza. Price-wise, I'd say its reasonable and economical as the rice will be filling enough to make it a usual meal instead of savoring it as a snack for one person. 



Tuesday, January 1, 2013

House Of Kolo Mee @ D'Piazza Mall, Penang.

Sarawak's Kolo Mee is not too common in Penang but I have found myself a decent place to enjoy Kolo Mee. Kolo Mee, blanched Egg Noodles served with minced meat with a touch of Pork Lard oil. House of Kolo Mee is rather a "specialized" eatery opened in D'Piazza Mall months ago which offers serves authentic Sarawak Kolo Mee. Choices are rather limited, but the prices are very economical. I was rather amused by the way they operate, as in customers will be asked to order their own noodles at the counter, with a computer attached. Customers will need to enter their respective orders into the computer and print the order receipt out. Numbers will be called upon and customers with the order receipt (with the same number being called) will need to collect their own orders at the small window right in front of the kitchen. Moreover, drinks and soups will not be served but instead, you will need to pour your own drink/soup at the soup kiosk beside. Customers will basically handle everything except the cooking part in this eatery.... I find it interesting at first, but my friend finds it annoying as it would be troublesome if you wish to customized your orders.....