Saturday, November 29, 2014

Narrow Marrow @ Carnarvon Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Its easy to miss Narrow Marrow... who would have thought that there is a snug little cafe tucked within those pre-war heritage houses along Carnarvon Street? The absence of a proper signage makes the search back-breaking. The artsy space- Narrow Marrow is a brainchild of interior designers Alvin and Jamie, which explains why Narrow Marrow has a rustic-retro interior decor with playful personal touches. It does not have much to offer at present, just a small menu featuring a couple of nibbles with a few types of drinks but the good news is, prices are exceptionally wallet-friendly. Narrow Marrow is just few shops away from the famous Jit Seng Duck Rice at Lebuh Carnarvon.


Thursday, November 27, 2014

Cafe Muscolo @ Kampung Malabar, Georgetown, Penang.

**Update: Cafe Muscolo has since ceased its business operations.**

There are and will be a few new cafes sprouting out in Penang lately but I am amazed by Cafe Muscolo's adventurous yet ingenious concept- to create a space that embodies both gym and cafe as well as to promote healthy living. Hardcore gym fans have no excuses to skip gym now as they get to reward themselves with a nutritious, healthy, guilt-less yet protein-packed meal at the cafe. The second floor will be turned into a gym while the Cafe on ground floor is ready to serve the public. The brilliant idea speaks for itself; the cafe needs not to have fanciful frills, in fact, the decor is minimalist with basic tables and chairs, a few ironic motivational workout prints and posters. They have a small menu at present but more dishes will be added in the near future. Stay tuned to their Facebook Page for more updates. Cafe Muscolo is located at Kampung Malabar, somewhere near to Cintra Lane.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Liang Khee Restaurant (良记) @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

I was introduced to this place by a local friend of mine, this is one of her favorite places for Zhu Char/ home-cooked oriental dishes. Liang Khee occupies two shop lots opposite to the wet market at Kampung Baru, Bukit Mertajam. The place might not have the perfect ambiance but it has quite a lot to offer and to our surprise, with unbeatable prices. The meal of six dishes for six person costs Rm 79 nett only (including tea); not a bad place if you wish to have family dinner but could not decide on what dishes to order. However, please beware of the serving portion, which may be smaller than usual but that justifies with their wallet-friendly price tags; so do order more (or larger portion) if you have a big appetite.


Monday, November 24, 2014

Festival of Seafood Buffet Dinner @ Tamarind Brasserie, Parkroyal Penang Resort.

Be spoilt for choices at Tamarind Brasserie's "Festival of Seafood Buffet Dinner" (of Parkroyal Penang Resort) as the buffet will be teeming with an amazing variety of Seafood, Grills, Desserts, Western and Oriental dishes. The restaurant is located by the waters at one end of resort and the restaurant is surrounded by enchanting garden with flora which exudes a relaxing and exquisite ambiance. It could be a little humid during hotter days but the resort offers a better way to experience the beauty and the nature of tropical paradise. Tamarind Brasserie is fabled for its Seafood Buffet and to celebrate the ending of another wonderful year, the restaurant offers a promotion on its "Festival of Seafood Buffet Dinner".

Festival of Seafood Buffet Dinner
Price: Rm 118++ (Adults), Rm 38++ (Children). Promotion is available until year end. Normal price will be Rm 135++ per adult.
Time: 6: 30 pm to 10: 30 pm on every Saturday.
For enquiries or booking, contact 604- 881 1133

Many Thanks to Parkroyal Penang Resort for hosting us that evening.


 Rock Oysters on Ice


 Salmon Sashimi on Ice


Chilled Poached Shell Scallops

Friday, November 21, 2014

Jung Won (情園) Korean Restaurant @ Mount Erskine, Penang.

Tanjung Bungah area has a fair share of Korean Restaurants but there is another one sprouted out lately. Jung Won (情園) took a prominent spot along Jalan Mount Erskine, opposite to the wet market. It should not be hard to spot the restaurant, a huge semi-detached house with an eye-catching red banner hanging outside. The newly opened Korean Restaurant specializes in two offerings- Steamboat/ Shabu or Barbecue; with a small menu consists of some noodle-dishes and alcohols. The restaurant has a minimalist interior decor but we thought there could be some improvements on air-ventilation; attentive service, reasonable prices, I can see myself returning for the Shabu-Steamboat again in the near future.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Street Art Cafe @ China Street, Georgetown, Penang.

A leisure walk in the heartland of Georgetown led me to this curious and quiet cafe at China Street, the second floor is a small lodging while the ground floor is a small cafe. Street Art Cafe has three different menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The office workers nearby would be glad to know that they are offering set lunch menu at Rm 12.90. The interior decor is simple and minimalist but we thought the seats could be more comfortable. I would see the place as a place that will be more suitable for a meal rather than hanging out.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Ah Niu Wanton Mee (阿牛云吞面) @ Sungai Ara, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

One of the new places for the folks at Sungai Ara to patronage would be Ah Niu Wanton Mee. Ah Niu is not new to the business, the business has been running for more than 3 years at a hawker center nearby but has since relocated to his very own shop at a new location. The newly opened Wanton Mee-specialist has been drawing a lot of attention lately, thanks to its wide variety of offerings (Chu Char/ Chinese Stir-Fry dishes are available for lunch and dinner). The place is clean but the absence of air-conditioners would frustrate the heat-intolerants. Not a bad place for a casual family lunch/ dinner nevertheless. Ah Niu Wanton Mee is right in front of the car park at Sungai Ara, next to Shell Petrol Station.

Friday, November 14, 2014

Weekend Surf & Turf BBQ Buffet Dinner @ Nada Lama, Hotel Equatorial Penang.

The previous restaurant- Coffee Garden located on Lower Ground floor of Hotel Equatorial Penang has gone through a major makeover and has since, given a new and fresh look. The just-refurbished restaurant is now known as Nada Lama which translates to "Yesterday's Melody". Inspired by its Colonial and Peranakan origin, the restaurant takes on a modern Peranakan interior decor- simple, spacious and elegant. The harmonised colors excude a casual and relaxed atmosphere. At present, Nada Lame offers a few types of buffet themes at the restaurant:

1) Daily Buffet Breakfast
Time: 6 am to 10: 30 am. 
Price: Rm 52++ (Adult)/ Rm 29++ (Children)

2) Buffet Lunch
Time: 12 pm to 2:30 pm. Every Monday to Saturday.
Price: Rm 65++ (Adult)/ Rm 35++ (Children)

3) International Buffet Dinner
Time: 6:30 pm to 10 pm. Every Sunday to Thursday.
Price: Rm 85++ (Adult)/ Rm 45++ (Children)

4) Surf and Turf BBQ Buffet Dinner
Time: 6:30 pm to 10 pm. Fridays and Saturdays ONLY. (10% discount for CIMB Bank Card Holders)
Price: Rm 98++ (Adult)/ Rm 52++ (Children)

5) Sunday Buffet Lunch
Time: 12 pm to 2:30 pm.
Price: Rm 78++ (Adult)/ Rm 42++ (Children)

*The hotel management reserves the right to change the buffet themes without prior notice, kindly call to confirm.*

Many Thanks to Hotel Equatorial Penang for hosting us that evening.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Old Chow Thye @ Chow Thye Road, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

A walk along Chow Thye Road leads me to this quiet, curious and rustic cafe. The cafe proffers a slightly different menu- local Malaysian dishes with Nyonya-influence; evidently seen from their specialties like Curry Kapitan, Kiam Chai Ark, Tu Tor Th'ng, Loh Bak etc. The menu, however, does not seem to match with their cottage style interior design. Not only does Old Chow Thye bake their own cakes but they do brew Coffee as well. We had no space for mains so we could only sample a couple of their home-made cakes. Ratings were given solely based on their cakes only. Old Chow Thye is right next to Monkey Cup Cafe along Chow Thye Road.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Georgetown Wines @ Leith Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Previously a stable, the building has since gentrified to a classy, elegant wine lounge. Ground floor is a restaurant with a small wine-cellar attached while the upper floor consists of a cozy and homey area with comfortable couches; perfect for a glass of wine or to spend your evening with your loved ones. The four-month old restaurant does not have a very comprehensive menu but more than sufficient to pair with your wines. It appears to me Georgetown Wines has a wide range of high-quality wines; I am no wine connoisseur but a person with genuine interest and love for wines can elucidate by telling the labels. Unlike most wine shops, where diners are to choose their wines from an infuriating menu listing only prices and names; Georgetown Wines offers a better experience- a sommelier will walk you through the cellar and recommend the most suitable bottle for your evening. A place not only for great food but fine wine as well. Georgetown Wines is located behind Red Garden Food Court, a stone's throw distance away from the famous tourist attraction- Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion at Leith Street.

Many Thanks to Georgetown Wines for hosting us.

Friday, November 7, 2014

Wallpaper Eat Drink & Indulge @ Nagore Road, Georgetown, Penang.

The predecessor of this place was an interior designer, specializing in selling Wallpapers. The new management converted the office to a restaurant while preserving some of the beautiful wallpapers. The management and culinary team behind Wallpaper Eat Drink & Indulge is connected to the burger specialist- Hamburger Inc at Tanjung Bungah. There is a twist of change in their menu, offering aplenty of pasta dishes wtih funky and playful combinations while maintaining some of their regulars' favorite burger choices. Nothing spectacular about the interior decor of the place but more like a casual dining place for friends and family. Wallpaper Eat Drink & Indulge is located at Nagore Road, right next to Sugar Dynasty (糖朝).

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Afternoon Tea @ Farquhar Mansion, Farquhar Street, Georgetown, Penang.

The new posh fine-dining establishment along Farquhar Street rolls out a new Afternoon Tea set recently. The Afternoon Tea set is priced at Rm 98++ for two or Rm 138++ for three respectively. Diners will be served with a traditional three-tier English Afternoon Tea stand filled with both home-made savories and sweets. Not only does Farquhar Mansion strive to score well in taste, food quality but it seeks to please your visual sense and the entire dining experience as well.  A tea cart will be pushed by the well-trained server and diners get to choose their preferred tea as well as to listen to the server's erudite explanation. 

Afternoon Tea Set:
Price: Rm 98++ for Two/ Rm 138++ for Three.
Availability: 3 pm to 5 pm (Last Call at 4 pm). Daily, except on Mondays. Limited to 10 sets daily and at least one-day in advance reservation is required.

Many Thanks to Farquhar Mansion for hosting us.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Yun Shui Ge Tea House (云水阁) @ Macalister Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Who would have thought that there is a cozy, unpretentious and humble tea house nestled within the quiet political party's mansion- Gerakan Service Center at Macalister Road. I would not be able to locate the place had I not looked into their Facebook page. No, there is no signage in front of the building so navigate your way until the end of the building and you will see Yun Shui Ge Tea House tucked nicely behind the building. The concept of Yun Shui Ge Tea House is simple- to provide a clean and comfortable environment (though the seats could be more comfortable) for customers to enjoy their range of luscious home-cooked dishes. Healthy and vegetarian dishes are available upon request.