Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Coya (古雅) @ Lorong Selamat, Georgetown, Penang.

Coya at Lorong Selamat is another delightful addition for the vegetarians, offering flavorful vegetarian dishes sans meat; its extensive menu will surely has something to satisfy everyone's palate. The Chef does have something uniquely exclusive to Coya to offer in which the recipe was passed down from her master. Prices are considered reasonable in Penang's context where set meals are available from Rm 12.90 onward; the place is fully air-conditioned and its simple decor exudes the warmth of home. The unpretentious restaurant can be easily overlooked by one, it is situated at Lorong Selamat, few A worth-visiting place if you wish to seek for a short respite from meaty meals or in a meat-free diet.

Many thanks to Coya for extending the invitation. 

Monday, January 27, 2014

Quê Hương Tôi Vietnamese Cafe (正宗越南小食馆) @ Jalan Jelutong, Georgetown, Penang.

The food scene here in Penang is getting really interesting, especially with all those unusual foods we are getting from other countries; we don't get to find Vietnamese food easily few years back and we are blessed with more choices right now. At the junction to the bustling roads of Jalan Jelutong and Jalan Sungai Pinang, there is this unassuming and unpretentious quaint little cafe offering unabashed authentic Vietnamese eats at very affordable prices. The place can be easily overlooked by one as there is only a small banner hanging outside the place, do find the place right next to Chevrolet Showroom at Jalan Sungai Pinang and directly opposite to Peugeot 3S Center along Jalan Jelutong. Choices are aplenty and more than sufficient to satisfy everyone's palate. Some of the notable dishes are Vietnamese Pho, Banh Mi, Vietnamese Spring Rolls and Vietnamese Coffee. This is definitely a place to look for especially for some authentic yet delicious Vietnamese eats! 


Friday, January 24, 2014

Prosperity Abalone Treasure Pots @ Dragon-i (龙的传人), Malaysia.

Chinese New Year, a festive season for reunion of family and friends; justifying the occasion, sumptuous treats are must. To welcome the auspicious Chinese New Year, Dragon-i has once again come out with the traditional Treasure Pots offer. From 1st of December 2013 until 28th of February 2014, customers get to dine-in or take away both Dragon-i's Prosperity Abalone Treasure Pot and the Signature Prosperity Abalone Treasure Pot

In hopes of serving authentic and good Treasure Pots, Dragon-i has invited the famous Iron Chef of Hong Kong- Mr. Leong Man-To for a sharing session in the making of traditional Treasure Pots. As for Dragon-i's Treasure Pots, they were meticulously co-designed by Chefs who hail from Shanghai and Hong Kong. For customers' convenience, Dragon-i is taking a step further by offering take away where the Treasure Pots will be contained in a high quality steel pot and can be easily reheated before serving. The take away is ONLY available until 30th January 2014 before 3pm

Many Thanks to Dragon-i for extending the invitation. 


Prosperity Abalone Treasure Pot/ 百福临门新春鲍鱼盆菜 
(Rm 388++ for dine in/ serves 6 to 8 pax)

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Playground Cafe @ Siam Road, Georgetown, Penang.

While many cafes in town are focusing on their fresh brews and extraordinary gourmet offerings, Playground Cafe has a little different concept. The place offers simple and earnest food but also an ideal place for gathering. Traipse up on second floor and you will be greeted with their in-house movie theater where they will be playing different movies at different time throughout the week (for the movies, kindly follow their Facebook page for more information) and every Tuesday is prefixed to be a movie day. Guests can order some nibbles, snacks or grab a couple of drinks and enjoy the movie with your closer ones at their in-house theater. Not too fond of movies? No worries, the spacious and brightly-lit cafe offers comfortable couches and seats which exudes the warmth of home; making it an ideal spot to spend some time to catch up with each other. 

Choices available on their menu are rather limited but their top-notch service will put many cafes to shame. A worth-dropping by place if you are in the vicinity. Playground Cafe is located at Siam Road, a stone's throw away from the traffic light at the junction to Dato Keramat Road. 

Monday, January 20, 2014

Chinese New Year Dining Offers @ Four Points by Sheraton Penang.

To welcome the lunar year of the "Horse", the culinary team of Four Points by Sheraton Penang has come out with a couple of Chinese New Year Set Menus and some of their extraordinary gourmet offerings (Chinese New Year Eve Buffet and Chinese New Year Buffet). All of their Chinese New Year Dining Offers will be made available from 30th of December 2013 onward.  

Prices and the Dining Themes are as follows:

Chinese New Year Eve & Chinese New Year Buffet:
6pm to 10pm
Rm 88+ per person

Chinese New Year Course Lunch/ Dinner:
Rm 850+ per table (maximum of 10)

Yee Sang Takeaways:
Rm 58+ (serving size: 10 pax)

For inquiries or reservations, kindly contact Four Points by Sheraton Penang at +604- 371 8888.

Many Thanks to Four Points by Sheraton Penang for extending the invitation.

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Menya Miyabi Hokkaido Ramen (麺や 雅) @ Queensbay Mall, Penang.


Originated from Japan, Menya Miyabi is the first branch in Penang/ Malaysia, with 4 branches in Japan, Menya Miyabi is making the interior decor as simple as possible, just like those Ramen shops in Japan. Its location at Queensbay Mall provides shoppers a decent place to enjoy a quick meal and recharge. Their menu, however, is rather simple and earnest- few Ramen dishes, couple of Rice dishes and Gyoza/ Japanese Dumplings. Prices are on the higher side but it is worth splurging a little more to go for their authentic Ramen than the usual ones; service was genuine and attentive but probably due to first day jitters, the presentation of the foods was somewhat unappealing and falls below par, improvements are certainly needed. Do check out their Ramen dishes if you are in the mall and on the lookout for some new eateries. Menya Miyabi is located on 1st floor of Queensbay Mall, a stone's throw distance from Maybank of South Zone. 

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Pirates Seafood Night @ Swez Brasserie, Eastin Hotel Penang.

For the brand new year of 2014, Swez Brasserie of Eastin Hotel Penang has rolled out a whole new series of buffet dining themes, the revamped menu will be showcased in its Pirates Seafood Night on every Saturday. Seafood lovers will be weak in the knees with its special and impressive buffet feast, some of the worth-mentioning dishes are Canadian Lobsters, Snow Crab Legs, Fresh Oysters, Sashimis and the voluptuous Scallops. It is worth splurging a little more to opt for the extravagant seafood buffet as a reward for your hard-work over the past or a motivation for a good start of a brand new year! Reservation in advance is strongly recommended due to the overwhelming responses from the public.

Many Thanks to Eastin Hotel Penang for extending the invitation.

Prices and the new dining themes are as follow: 

Semi Buffet Dinner (Wine and Dine): Every Wednesday
6:30pm to 10pm
From Rm 95++ per person

Buffet Dinner (Free Flow Friday): Every Friday 
Free Flow of Wines/ Beers and Juices. Chilean Wines will be served (Red- Merlot/ White- Chardonnay). 
6:30pm to 10pm
Rm 128++ (Adult), Rm 48++ (Child)

Buffet Dinner (Pirates Seafood Night): Every Saturday
6:30pm to 10pm
Rm 80++ (Adult), Rm 48++ (Child)

Year-long Credit Card Promotions:

Standard Chartered Bank, CIMB Bank, Citibank and MasterCard Worldwide card members, guests can enjoy 15% discount for Semi Buffet Dinner (Sunday 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.


Fresh Oysters


Scallops


Snow Crab Legs

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Mon Délice Patisserie @ Nagore Road, Penang.

With various festivities around the corner and to justify the occasion, sweet treats are compulsory. If you are looking for some unique and healthy home-made cakes, why not check out this place- Mon Délice Patisserie? Located at Nagore Road, few doors away from Wei Wu Guan Cafe, Mon Délice Patisserie offers an array of freshly made and healthy pastry cakes, albeit prices are slightly on the higher side. One major downside of this place is the limited tables and seating- only two tables are available and seat up to not more than 6 diners in total, hence, take-away is strongly encouraged. Custom-made cakes are available but require advance booking and reservation. Do check out the place if you are around the vicinity, who knows you might fall in love with their cakes. 

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Loke Thye Kee (乐台居) @ Burmah Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Talk about the once-glorious Loke Thye Kee and older Penangites will be fired up with the mouth-watering authentic Hainanese Food; the restaurant named Loke Hai Kee, is said to be the oldest restaurant in Penang which started its operations in the year 1919. Known to some as "Love Boat" in which the architecture resembles a Chinese pleasure boat, the building took a prominent location of the junction to Penang Road and Burmah Road. The architecture itself has made it a landmark of Georgetown and its enthralling history and stories have made the place popular amongst tourists.

After its refurbishments in the recent years, Loke Thye Kee has finally reopened its doors, offering Malaysian Cuisine prepared in the traditional ways by their very own Malaysian Chefs. No longer serving only Hainese Food, Loke Thye Kee has a wide selection of their signature Malaysian dishes from different ethic origins (Malays, Chinese and Indians); set menus are available for both lunch and dinner. 

*The Malaysian Buffet will only be available on every Saturday Evening (Rm 60++ for Adults/ Rm 30++ for Children). Buffet Brunch will be served on every Sunday (Rm 28++ for Adults/ Rm 14++ for Children). As for Tuesday to Friday, only Ala-Carte dishes will be served.*

Many Thanks to Loke Thye Kee for extending the invitation.


Mango Kerabu


Macaroni dressed with Olive Oil 


Chicken Ham

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Jawi House Cafe Gallery @ Armenian Street, Georgetown, Penang.

A stone's throw away from the tourist hot spot (mural art) of Armenian Street, there is an unassuming cafe cum art gallery. Stepping into the cafe is like going through a time portal where it reminds you of the Peranakan culture, every spot here can be a photo opportunity. Jawi House offers Jawi-Pernakan dishes with a touch of Western-fusion, some of the worth-mentioning signature dishes are Nasi Lemuni, Laksa Lemak and Roti Jala; for full menu, you may click here. Ambiance is cozy and laid-back while the dishes are priced reasonably and not too grueling on the wallet; we were also impressed with the genuine service offered by their eloquent staff, it feels like an intimate cafe to us. After the meal, traipse up on second floor and you will be greeted by some of the art pieces which are available for sale. Do check out the place if you are around the vicinity, a charming spot to enjoy a meal and to have a cup of coffee/tea too. 

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Her Xin Yuan's (合心圆) Mandarin Oranges @ Tesco E-Gate, Penang.

With the auspicious Chinese New Year is around the corner and to justify the occasion, many are starting the gifting season with Mandarin Oranges. However, many of you might have realized that the quality of the Mandarin Oranges imported by the bigger brands has deteriorated. Seeing this as an opportunity, Her Xin Yuan (合心圆) is proud to present their very own brand of Mandarin Oranges, exclusively in Penang.

Her Xin Yuan (合心圆) is a whole new brand started by a group of young and talented Penangites in strive of offering quality Mandarin Oranges/ Lokam at affordable prices. All of their Mandarin Oranges/ Lokam are imported from Yong Chun (永春), China. The team has carefully inspected the entire process ensuring top notch quality Mandarin Oranges are ready to be delivered to their customers. Interested parties can head over to the kiosk at Ground Floor of Tesco E-Gate (Lebuh Tunku Kudin) from today onward until 29th of January 2014 (the booth will be available from 10am to 10pm everyday). For more information, kindly follow them on their Facebook Page. Online ordering is also possible via their Facebook Page. 


Monday, January 6, 2014

Moody Cow Dessert Cafe @ Transfer Road, Georgetown, Penang.

At the junction to Transfer Road and Dicken Street in the heart of Georgetown, one could easily realize the presence of this newly opened dessert cafe. Nestled within an old heritage building, Moody Cow Dessert Cafe serves some of their carefully crafted home-made desserts just as the name would imply. Choices for desserts are aplenty in the cafe and they share one common feature- Gigantic in portion; sharing is highly recommended. However, the selection and types of cakes are quite "safe", I would personally prefer my cakes with a touch of uniqueness, you will agree with me if you are as adventurous as me. The snug cafe has limited seats and advance reservation is recommended should you are coming in a big gang. Other than desserts, the place serves some pasta dishes too.

Moody Cow Dessert Cafe is next to where Ye Wei Vietnamese Food was previously located, facing the bustling road of Dicken Street as well as Transfer Road. 

Kochabi Double Content (古早味锅加锅) @ Times Square, Penang.

Previously Taiwan Kochabi, Kochabi Double Content is the new name for the Taiwanese food specialist at Times Square Penang. Most of the dishes remain unchanged but there are quite a number of new items being added to the menu. The food menu isn't extensive but there are sufficient options to please everyone. The restaurant is no longer manned by the same owner as before but most of the dishes are prepared by the same chefs as before. I wasn't quite impressed by the food quality, this place worth a second visit probably for novelty than absolute taste. 


The dish Beef Noodles is the quintessential Taiwanese comfort food. Their Beef Soup Ramen (Rm 12.90) comes in a very small portion which can be insufficient for some. The broth was abundant flavorsome, with a medley of sweet and savory, however, I found the broth slightly too sweet for my palates. The Ramen lacked the bite either as I was expecting it to be springy but it turned out to be other way round. 


Hitting the top notch of the day was this beautifully presented dessert- Strawberry Volcano Toast (Rm 10.90); Roti Benggali (which means Shareholders' bread in Tamil) cubes were lightly spread with butter and perfectly toasted to a crunch, 3 scoops of Strawberry Ice Cream were added, dribbled with some Strawberry Syrup. This dessert will make dessert lovers weak in the knees. The fluffy yet crunchy toast goes perfectly well with the icy cold Ice Cream, the hot and cold sensation just struck my palates. Sharing is highly recommended as the serving portion might be too big for one. 


Ratings:
Taste: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Service: 8/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service Charge: Yes 5%
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: 77-G-69, Penang Times Square, Jalan Dato Keramat, 10150, Georgetown, Penang.
Opening Hours: 12pm to 10pm. Daily.
Contact Number: 604- 228 7296
Email: angie2878@hotmail.com

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Chinese New Year Reunion Course Dinner @ Ixora Hotel, Perai, Penang.

One month down and Chinese New Year is on its way, having reunion-course dinner in restaurants or hotels is almost a trend here in Penang. The Straits Cafe, an in-house restaurant nestled within Ixora Hotel (right next to Megamall) at Perai, is taking on Chinese New Year with panache, offering their meticulously designed Chinese New Year Prosperous Reunion 8-Course Dinner. We (bloggers) were invited for a preview of their Chinese New Year dishes and we were impressed with the impressionable quality as well as mouth-watering food presentation. Tables are limited, do secure yours should you are interested to host a reunion dinner here at Ixora Hotel. 

Many Thanks for Ixora Hotel for extending the invitation.