Thursday, October 31, 2013

Sumida Japanese Restaurant @ Prima Tanjung, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

There are quite a number of Japanese restaurants sprouting out in Penang these days, with the 3 newly opened Japanese chain restaurant- Sushi Zanmai, Pasta Zanmai and Rakuzen, the competition between these Japanese eateries seems to be pretty intense. There's this quiet yet humble Japanese restaurant within Prima Tanjung which has been in business for more than 8 years, many regulars are still coming back for the affordable yet quality Japanese meals. Service was up to par but the waiting time during my visit was rather long, the lady owner did apologize to every single customer for that part which makes me feel very customer-oriented. I like the place being quiet and unpretentious, as well as the affordable Japanese dishes. Sumida Japanese Restaurant is right beside Brix and Baume Bakery (previously known as Ritz Bakery). The only drawback about this place is the variety, the choices seem to be rather limited, most of the dishes being Bento set, as for those who prefer noodles (be it Ramen or Soba), this might not be an ideal place for you....

Monday, October 28, 2013

Herbs and Spices @ Swez Brasserie, Eastin Hotel Penang.

In conjunction with the festival of lights- Diwali/ Deepavali, the creative and skillful culinary team of Swez Brasserie, Eastin Hotel Penang is pleased to offer diners with their November (2013) buffet themed "Herbs and Spices" which includes some delectable dishes with thoughtfully chosen combinations of herbs and spices to tantalize your taste buds. Diners can expect some signature Indian dishes such as Deep Fried Pakoras, Chicken Tikka Masala, Briyani and Mango Lassi. "Herbs and Spices" themed buffet will be available throughout the month of November (Available from 1st of November until 30th of November, 2013).

**Many thanks for Eastin Hotel Penang for extending the invitation.**

Prices for the buffets are as follow:

Lunch: Monday - Friday
12:00pm - 2:30pm
Rm 48++ (adult) Rm 24++ (child)

Hi-Tea: Saturday and Sunday
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Rm 55++ (adult) Rm 28++ (child)

Semi Buffet Dinner: Sunday - Thursday
6:30pm - 10:00pm
From Rm48++ per person

Delightful Deepavali Hi-Tea (2nd of November 2013)
12pm - 3pm
Rm 55++ (adult) Rm 28++ (child)

November Credit Card Promotions:

MAYBANKAD, Standard Chartered Bank, OCBC Bank, CIMB Bank and Citibank card members, guests can enjoy 15% discount for Herbs and Spices 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.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Assam/ Lemak Laksa @ Balik Pulau, Penang.

Penang Assam Laksa, being voted as the Top 10 Yummiest food in Asia by CNN, is the quintessential Penangite favorite food. Speaking of Assam Laksa, my favorite Assam Laksa can be found here, at Nan Guang Coffee House, Balik Pulau (or commonly known as Balik Pulau Laksa). I am quite sure most local food experts or patrons are familiar with this coffee house, this place is famous of its Assam Laksa, as well as Lemak Laksa. Balik Pulau you wonder. Balik Palau is a quiet village approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour drive from the heart of Georgetown. Penangites have no qualm in driving all these meandering roads up the hill just for a bowl of decent Laksa, but of course, the place will be thronged by tourists especially during Durian season. It should be quite easy to spot this place, if you are using the Paya Terubong- Bukit Jambul road to Balik Pulau, you should be able to see this place at the T-junction after passing the Balik Pulau Market. I was told by some friends that they thought the Laksa here was average-okay but I guess everyone has his/her own favorite right? Where's your favorite place for Assam Laksa ?

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Okomen Japanese Restaurant @ Queensbay Mall, Penang.

Okomen is a name/term formed by Okonomiyaki/ Japanese Pizza and Ramen, which suggest to us that Okomen specializes in serving Okonomiyaki and Ramen. Okomen Japanese Restaurant, a KL-based Japanese restaurant has recently opened its door to diners at level three (Queens Street) of Queensbay Mall Penang. Being an ardent fan of Ramen, I just couldn't wait to check the place out. The menu is not extensive but sufficient to please Okonomiyaki and Ramen lovers, unlike usual Japanese restaurants, they do not serve any Sushi nor Sashimi. Prices are considered reasonable in Penang's context albeit some dishes are priced on the higher side. However, there were some hits and misses for the dishes we had, some items on the menu need some refinement. I'd probably come back for a second visit but strictly for novelty instead of absolute taste.

Monday, October 21, 2013

G-Xiang (奇香港式风味云吞面) @ Taman Lip Sin, Penang.

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

Being an ardent fan of noodles, I have been constantly looking for some decent Wanton Noodles and Shrimp Roe Noodles (虾子面), coincidentally, this place was introduced by a friend of mine- Sunflower. Located at Taman Lip Sin, where Sunshine Lip Sin and Red Tea Garden Dim Sum are situated. G-Xiang is facing the main road and should be quite obvious if you were to enter to Sunshine Lip Sin using the main entrance. Wanton Noodles and Shrimp Roe Noodles are some of their signature dishes, their menu is simple and earnest, offering their best dishes to diners. Despite the foods were not mind-blowing, but they do give me some standard satisfactions, I thought the prices are reasonable too; with ample parking spaces available at the basement of the building, I'd coming back for more! 


Friday, October 18, 2013

Namoo Korean Dessert Cafe and Bistro on The Park @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Despite of the myriad eateries in Gurney Plaza Penang, the mall is in dearth of a good Korean restaurant and now, there is a greater variety to offer to Korean fans. "Namoo", which generally refers to trees in Korean, is an authentic Korean restaurant fused with a modern yet playful twist. Namoo has its first outlet opened at Publika, KL and now, second outlet here at the iconic location of al-fresco dining area at Gurney Plaza Penang (right beside Black Canyon Restaurant and opposite to Chili's). The menu is extensive, covering some of their carefully crafted yet quirky dishes such as Rice Burgers, Pasta, Omuto, Korean desserts and an array of their meticulously prepared cakes. Ambiance is modish and laid back; making it a perfect place for friends' gatherings and get-together or after-work chill-out. When you are at Namoo, try to look at their decor which adhere to the theme- "trees". There is also an al-fresco dining section outside of the restaurant for those who prefer a more outdoorsy ambiance. 

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Eam Huat Charcoal Steamboat (炎发火炭炉) @ Batu Lanchang, Penang.

Steamboat will never go out of fashion in Penang and Penangites are always ready for steamboat. However, finding a decent steamboat with reasonable prices is getting tougher and tougher these days. Here's the place where many raved about- Eam Huat Charcoal Steamboat. The place can be quite obscure for those who are not familiar with this area, simply locate Batu Lanchang wet market and you will find Eam Huat Charcoal Steamboat right beside Central Park Condominium (opposite of Batu Lanchang wet market). Lack of air-conditioning, the place can be warm and frustrating for the heat-intolerant. Nevertheless, the quality of the steamboat (ingredients/ soup) is above par, not to mention that the prices are really wallet-friendly and reasonable too. Definitely a place where steamboat fans shall not miss! 


Saturday, October 12, 2013

Roti Bean Café @ Lorong Chulia, Georgetown, Penang.

Georgetown has a fair share of eateries that offer decent breakfast set but there is a greater choice to offer right now with Roti Bean Café. Opened its doors few weeks ago, Roti Bean Café is a fairly new, humble and quaint little Café in the heart of Georgetown. One could easily get confused between Lebuh Chulia and Lorong Chulia, Lorong Chulia is a small and narrow road right beside the bustling road of Lebuh Chulia; Roti Bean Cafe is facing the famous Hainamese Chu Char Coffee Shop- Sin Kheng Aun. Home-made Soya Milk, Egg Benedict, Sunny Egg Toast are some of their signature dishes (limited menu as they are still new). While the food did not appear to be gloriously good and some items on the menu need some refinement, the place worth a second visit, after all, the place is still new and I was told that more items will be coming out in the menu real soon. Ambiance is modish and laid-back; a place suitable for breakfast or even weekend brunch.  However, I don't think the place is suitable for the elderly as the stairs appear to be rather steep and it could be an issue for the aged.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

All You Can Eat Dim Sum Semi-Buffet @ Golden Phoenix, Equatorial Hotel Penang.

With the year 2013 is coming to an end and approximately 5 weeks away from the year-end school holiday, organizing family gathering is inevitable. If you are looking for a classy place for a family-get-together or friends-meet up session, especially when you are an ardent fan of Dim Sum, you might want to consider Golden Phoenix at Equatorial Hotel Penang. Situated at the peak of Bukit Jambul, Golden Phoenix (of Equatorial Hotel Penang) is somewhere relatively quieter from the buzz of town and it's a place where you can satiate your cravings for Dim Sum. Priced at Rm42++ (Adult) and Rm 23++ (Child), diners will be offered All You Can Eat Dim Sum Semi Buffet (Promotion period starts from 1st of October until 30th of November 2013) where diners can enjoy as much Dim Sum dishes as possible, followed by some "Buffet" dishes (Mains and Desserts etc). While the menu is not extensive but there are more than sufficient choices to please every diner. 

*Many thanks to Debra (PR Manager of Equatorial Hotel Penang) and Hanson Li (Assistant F&B Manager of Equatorial Hotel Penang) for extending the invitation.*




All You Can Eat Dim Sum Semi-Buffet Lunch (Pork Free):
1st October 2013 until 30th November 2013
12pm to 2:30pm
Rm 42++ (Adult) and Rm 23++ (Child) *Prices are subject to 10% Service Charge & Prevailing Government Tax*
Excluding Weekends & Public Holidays
For reservation, please call +604 632 7166


Lor Pak Gou/ Pan-Fried Carrot Cake (美味萝卜糕)


Sin Har Fu Pei Guen/ Deep-Fried Beancurd Skin with Shrimps (鲜虾鲜竹卷)

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Musical Soirée @ 1885, Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel Penang.

*Updated: The next Musical Soirée will be coming to you real soon on 7th of November 2013; for more information, kindly refer to here.*

October 3rd, 2013 marked another grand milestone for Eastern & Oriental Hotel, one of the most prestigious hotels in Penang for successfully organizing a Musical Soirée at its swanky and elegant fine dining restaurant- 1885. Priced at Rm 200++ per person, guests were served with some of their carefully crafted and stupendous dishes, accompanied with symphonic and soul-reaching music; it was indeed, a memorable night for the guests. The musical performance was led by three talented musicians- Zhang Chi, Teresa Ong and Sean Ooi. It was my honor to be invited as the media to cover the event. 

Many thanks to Ms. Eileen Chong (Communications and Public Relations Manager of E&O Hotel Penang), Mr. Jaya (F&B Director of E&O Hotel Penang), Mr. Harold Rainfroy (Resident Manager of E&O Hotel Penang) and Mr. & Mrs. Martin Rutherford for extending the invitation.


Hokkaido Scallop Tataki served with Citrus Mango Salsa


Foie Gras Terrine with Cinnamon Brioche


Vichyssoise completed with Norwegian Salmon Tartar

Pinktober Campaign @ Hard Rock Hotel Penang.

While many are aware that October-Fest falls in the month of October but many have not heard of Pinktober campaign. Pinktober campaign is an initiative taken by Hard Rock Hotel to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. In conjunction with the Pinktober Campaign, Hard Rock Cafe of Hard Rock Hotel Penang is offering diners their "Pinktober Set Menu" where 10% of the proceeds will be donated to Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital Penang to support breast cancer research. Please do not forget about the unfortunate while enjoying October festivities and you, can make a difference too! 

For more information about the Pinktober Set Menu/ Campaign happening now at Hard Rock Hotel Penang, kindly refer to the brochure attached below:


Saturday, October 5, 2013

Ban Chien Kueh/ Peanut Pancakes @ Air Itam, Penang.

One could easily overlook this humble little stall manned by an aged uncle here at Jalan Kampung Pisang, Air Itam. It sells Peanut Pancakes, or commonly known as "Ban Chien Kueh" by the locals, the uncle uses charcoal as the fuel which could really brings out the flavors. It should be quite eye-catching as this stall is always packed with patrons, waiting patiently for their orders to be done. The uncle insists to increase the selling price albeit the fast escalating cost of living expenses; I was shocked to find out that each substantial piece of Ban Chien Kueh is selling at Rm 0.80. However, please be sure that you are not in rush for any events as you are expected to wait patiently.It has been here for few decades according to some locals which suggests that Penang has many hidden gems yet to be discovered. Well, serendipitous finds are always the best, no?

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Brew Thirty Two Coffee House @ Green Hall, Penang.

Chanced upon this place during my previous visit to Kaffa Espresso Bar , situated at Green Hall, finding a place to park your car can be a real headache especially during office hours. As the name of the coffee house suggested, Brew Thirty Two Coffee House specializes in brewing coffee, as well as serving some cakes and pastries. On top of the usual cakes, they do serve some mains too, although the menu is not that extensive. However, the kitchen was down for renovation during my visit, it was a regret that I couldn't try some of their mains. I was told by one of my friends that the service was bad when she visited this place a couple weeks back (on a weekend) but it was perfectly okay during my visit. We didn't wait too long until our foods were served. The decor is a glam casualness; it's the harmonious yet cozy ambiance makes this a perfect place for gatherings and get-together. Prices are reasonable considering there are no taxes nor surcharges. 

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

German Galore @ Swez Brasserie, Eastin Hotel Penang.

The month of October is around the corner, with a glimpse of an eye, the year 2013 will be ended in another 2 months time. Why not reward yourself with sumptuous treat? If you are planning to do so, you might want to consider Eastin Hotel Penang's up coming month's (of October 2013) buffet promotion- German Galore. Beginning of 1st of October 2013 (until 31st of October 2013), the culinary team of Eastin Hotel Penang is pleased to offer diners with a wide variety of their carefully crafted German dishes.

Prices for the buffets are as follow:

Lunch: Monday - Friday
12:00pm - 2:30pm
Rm 48++ (adult) Rm 24++ (child)

Hi-Tea: Saturday and Sunday
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Rm 55++ (adult) Rm 28++ (child)

Semi Buffet Dinner: Sunday - Thursday
6:30pm - 10:00pm
From Rm48++ per person


October Credit Card Promotions:

MAYBANKAD, Standard Chartered Bank, OCBC Bank, CIMB Bank, Citibank and VISA card members, guests can enjoy 15% discount for German Galore 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.