Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Dim Sum City @ Insadunia Food Court, Kampung Baru, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

A regular Dim Sum place for the folks in Bukit Mertajam, Dim Sum City is an iconic place in the heartland of Kampung Baru; partly due to the spacious, windy seating and strategic location which gives easy access to many. A Dim Sum place in the morning, a hawker center in the evening; the place has a huge facade with ample parking lots. While we did not think that they have plenty of choices but they do have the upper hand in terms of prices. We were quite impressed with their efficient service too, a couple of Dim Sum carts were approaching us right after we were invited to our tables. It was impossible for me to list down all the prices but the total damage of all Dim Sum dishes on my visit was Rm 34 nett.


Deep Fried Bean Curd Skin with Shrimp


Steamed Pork Ribs

Monday, April 27, 2015

Vogue For Virtue 2015 @ Queensbay Mall, Penang.

Vogue For Virtue, is an annual signature CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) program of the fashion-leading Queensbay Mall (last year's highlights can be found here). Similarly to the past few years' program; apart from making charity fashionable, Vogue for Virtue works in two tiers- Charity Fashion Show with Celebrities and a one-month-long Model Search. Seventh year in the running, Vogue For Virtue 2015 Model Search seen a total of 170 participants, comprising of both adults and children. The grand finale of the Model Search is set to be held on 26 April 2015, at 2 pm, Central Atrium of Queensbay Mall Penang. 

The Charity Fashion Show with Celebrities held on 25 April 2015, at 7:30 pm featured celebrities like Serena C (host of the evening), Debbie Goh, Jeffrey Cheng, Joanne Yew, Nadia Heng, Wayne Cai Pei Xuan and Wilson Tan. The enchanting fashion models of the evening strutted down the runway with premium fashion brands including Bonia, G2000, Esprit, Dorothy Perkins, Burton Menswear London as well as Forever 21. Supporting partners of the event were Make Up For Ever, MX Academy, Sense, Xenos Studio, GSC Movies and Eastin Hotel Penang. 

Many Thanks to Queensbay Mall for hosting us that evening. 

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Aunty Anne- True Penang Cuisine @ Macalister Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Many of us have dreams but how many of us have the courage to live the dream? Aunty Anne, about to turn to her 70, managed to realize her dream for operating her very own Nyonya restaurant recently. She did not manage to realize her dream in her younger days due to family commitment. A very chatty and passionate lady whom shared with us stories of herself and the restaurant. It is impossible for her to run the restaurant all day long, thus, the restaurant opens from 11: 30 am to 2: 30 pm only. Set Lunch (Rm 18.50 nett per set) is the only option, together with a few choices of add-on. Limited quantities available daily but justifiable with the labor-intensive Nyonya dishes and no, she does not believe in cookie-cutter approaches. While there are many versions of Nyonya dishes out there, claimed to be as authentic as they can be; Aunty Anne tries to preserve the flavors of the yesteryears by putting everything she learnt into use. If you wish to find out more, talk to the friendly and accommodating lady. Aunty Anne- True Penang Cuisine is tucked within a shop house along Macalister Lane, further down from the famous Xiao Feng Lai Coffee House.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Official Opening of Queens Hall @ Queensbay Mall, Penang.

20 April 2015 marked the official opening of Queens Hall, Queensbay Mall's in-house food court. The 17,500 square feet food court expects to seat approximately 500 guests and features plethora of local Penang delicacies. The food court was previously closed for 7 months and finally reopened its doors to the public in April 2015. Queens Hall is conceptualized and refurbished to exude the characters of Georgetown heritage, as well as to promote the local food that makes Penangites proud. Tasty highlights to note are Penang Teo Chew Cendol, Char Koay Teow, Hokkien Mee, Wanton Mee, traditional desserts or even Mak Ee's pastry puffs! The interior decoration of the food court should not be forsaken too, it was carefully designed in a way to match make the theme- "something new of something old".

Many Thanks to Queensbay Mall for hosting us that evening. 

Thursday, April 23, 2015

i Eat Restoran @ Summerton, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Choices are extremely limited when it comes to halal Chinese food (in Penang) but there is another new option right now with the opening of "i Eat Restoran" at Summerton. The restaurant does not only serve ordinary Zhu Char styled dishes but they specialize in serving halal Hainanese-Nyonya dishes. The menu seems to have many interesting options but not all were available on our visit. Not a place that we would frequent given the okay-passable quality; it might be, however, otherwise for our Muslim friends. 

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Kidoya Ramen (喜奴屋) @ Fettes 10, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Penangites have more choices for Ramen now with the opening of Kidoya Ramen at Fettes 10, a new row of shop houses right opposite to Prima Tanjung. The Ramen specialist is said to have originated from Tokyo, noodles are freshly made here in Penang. It does not have a big menu for obvious reasons, just a page or two for lunch, mainly featuring their Ramen creations as well as some Rice dishes. There will be slightly more choices for dinner but I would not worry about that (hey, its a Ramen restaurant right?). Prices are pretty reasonable and competitive, especially with the value top up for lunch. The place was clean on our visit, brightly-lit and ample seating spaces. Parking could be a problem but you may have your car parked at Prima Tanjung and walk over (if you don't mind). Worth dropping by if you are in the vicinity. 

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Blackmores Retreat Camp @ The Lost Paradise Resort, Batu Ferringhi.

The world-renowned Australia-trusted health care brand- Blackmores Malaysia, has successfully organized its inaugural Two-Day-One-Night Blackmores Retreat Camp in Penang over the weekend (18 and 19 April 2015). The aforementioned event was held at The Lost Paradise Resort, at Batu Ferringhi. With the triumphant start for organizing the Retreat Camp at Bukit Tinggi, Blackmores Malaysia continues to reward the brand's loyal followers and health-watchers to a Retreat Camp, to rejuvenate and revitalize their bodies and souls. It is planned in such a way that Blackmores Malaysia will be organizing the Retreat Camp on a yearly basis. If you must know, Rm 250 (excluding GST) for the 2 day 1 night retreat camp.

For future events, kindly follow Blackmores Malaysia's Facebook Page.

The highlights of the event were (but not limited to):

  • Workshop 1: Detox for Good Health (DIY Healthy Snacks and Juices)
  • Workshop 2: Addressing skin issues (DIY Skin Care Remedies)
  • Workshop 3: Exercise for optimal health
  • Workshop 4: Boosting memory through natural remedies
  • Workshop 5: Massage away the stress using Essential Oils
Many Thanks to Blackmores Malaysia for extending the invitation.


A group photo of the participants for Blackmores Retreat Camp 2015. 

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Boon Seng Seafood Restaurant (文盛海鲜饭店) @ Batu Maung, Penang.

Somewhere relatively quieter from the buzz of town, Boon Seng Seafood Restaurant sees a constant crowd flocking in the restaurant especially during lunch hours on weekdays. The place is proven to be one of the popular places for seafood treat to their nearby factory workers. The place is simple and to my surprise, there is a snug, air-conditioned room right next to the kitchen, comfort is therefore, assured. Ordering of the dishes has to be done in front of the kitchen, where an array of live seafood will be lined up and displayed for you to choose. Prices are also clearly shown and of course, do ask for the prices if you are on a tight budget. It was impossible for me to list down all the prices but the total damage for the seven of us was Rm 217, drinks and a fruit platter were included. 

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Coco Ichibanya @ Queenstreet, Queensbay Mall, Penang.

Curry devotees might want to give a shot at Coco Ichibanya, a world-renowned Japanese Curry brand that has plethora of branches all over the world. The brand has recently set foot in Penang, making its debut at Queens Street of Queensbay Mall Penang (between Okomen and Seoul Garden). As the name might have suggested, the brand is famous for its Curry Rice but Coco Ichibanya is not a one-trick pony, it serves good Pork Cutlet too (according to some) and some non-curry dishes. Prices are slightly on the higher side but justifiable with the satisfying portion. Diners may even pair their own desired toppings or to make it a unique combination to themselves. The flexibility is there; the spicy lovers could challenge themselves to the highest level (level 5) while the heat-intolerant could play safe by staying at the default level (original) or the lowest level (meant for children). A place especially suitable for novelty seekers to try a completely different variation of Curry. 

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Restaurant OZ @ Elit Avenue, Bayan Baru, Penang.

A new tenant at Elit Avenue has been drawing a huge crowd lately, especially during lunch hours. The factory workers nearby will flock to the place in a group. The place was thronged with patrons, probably attracted by the extremely budget-friendly prices; 2 course Set Lunch at Rm 14.50 nett and 4 course Set Dinner at Rm 24.50 nett. The place is a little small so I would not say that its a cozy and comfortable restaurant but more than sufficient for a casual lunch or dinner. As you might have guessed it right, Restaurant OZ serves modern Aussie-influenced dishes, the menu is simple, offering an array of their proudly chosen dishes including their signature dish- House Roast Chicken with Gravy. A place that I would not mind dropping by again, for a casual lunch with colleagues. Restaurant OZ is just right next to Sticks and Spoon of Elit Avenue, Bayan Baru.

Sunday, April 12, 2015

[Menu Preview] Guest Chef from London- Chef Mark Jarvis @ 1885, E&O Hotel, Penang.

1885 of Eastern and Oriental Hotel welcomes a guest Chef from London- Chef Mark Jarvis, a Chef with great culinary knowledge who has sharpen his culinary skills at many world-renown prestigious restaurants. He intends to bring the flavors of London and to share with the lucky diners in 1885. His new, painstakingly crafted menu features contemporary, playful dishes where many surprises and possibilities can be further explored. I was one of the fortunate ones to be invited for their new menu preview tasting session for the media, therefore, portion shown in the photos was of tasting portion . 

Many Thanks to E&O Hotel for hosting us that afternoon. 

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Uncle Tetsu Cheesecake @ Summerton, Bayan Baru, Penang.

Cheesecake lovers would be jolly happy with the opening of a famous Japanese Cotton Cheesecake joint- Uncle Tetsu Cheesecake. The Japanese brand has recently opened a new branch at Summerton- first branch in Penang and third in Malaysia. Fresh dairies sourced from Australia seem to be the key for the brand's success. Long queues are forming in Penang, despite the first opening day for this new branch at Summerton. My wait was approximately 1.5 hours but no, we could not afford to wait. We paid and came back after some time to collect our orders (disclaimer: unlike some bloggers in Penang, I did not glamorously announce my identity and did my photo-shooting quietly. I waited patiently just like anyone else.). The branch has a simple setting, no tables nor chairs; just a pick-and-go kiosk with a huge displaying fridge. Freshness is assured as the cakes are made-to-order (expect at least a 20-minute wait). While we did like the moist, light and ultra-soft texture, we did not think the wait was worthwhile. 

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

HK Triplemilk @ Golden Triangle, Relau, Penang.

Eggette (鸡蛋仔) is an ubiquitous snack that can be found almost every corner of Hong Kong but it is certainly an uncommon thing here in Penang. At an off-the-map, newly set up commercial-residential property at Relau, named Golden Triangle; one may find this unusual snack in an unassuming shop. Opened for less than 2 weeks, HK Triplemilk is manned by a couple from Hong Kong. Eggette is one of their specialties but they do have Frozen Yogurt, Hong Kong styled Breakfast and Milk Tea on the menu. Prices are reasonable considering the cozy, cafe-like ambiance. A place worth dropping by if you are in the vicinity.


Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Yellow Lips (澳日咖啡馆) @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

*During my second visit with friends to the cafe, we had to wait for more than 1 hour before they could serve our orders.*

Yellow Lips is now the new tenant of The Mangoes Cafe's previous location at Beach Street, Georgetown. The former brand is a new establishment that serves Japanese-Aussie fusion dishes while the latter one has since relocated to Gurney Paragon Mall. The interior decor has not changed much since then but Yellow Lips' sturdy menu is something that one should be looking forward to. It is now an ordinary restaurant/ cafe but rather, one can expect to see interesting dishes like Sashimi Don, Soft Shell Crab Burger, Sirloin Steak Risotto, Crab Carbonara etc. A place especially suitable for gathering. 

Monday, April 6, 2015

EU Cuisine @ Rangoon Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Restaurants serving Western-European dishes are a dime of dozen in Penang but EU Cuisine is one that you really should not miss. Tucked inside one of the heritage houses along Rangoon Road, EU Cuisine is the latest venture by Chef Selina and partner Vinnie. As the name might have hinted you a little, EU Cuisine specializes in serving European dishes, that being said, it does not specialize in one country but a mixed of the entire continent. The wholehearted restaurant deserves more recognition, it serves their food in a healthier way where they make prepare their food and sauces from scratch. The restaurant is still expanding their menu but there should be sufficient choices to please everyone. The fully air-conditioned restaurant has ample seating area with comfortable chairs; a place that is especially suitable for family gathering. EU Cuisine can be found right opposite to Wong Chau Jun (王昭君) restaurant on the same road. 

Many Thanks to EU Cuisine for hosting us that afternoon.

Friday, April 3, 2015

Market Lane Cafe @ Lorong Pasar, Georgetown, Penang.

Market Lane Cafe settled in a sequestered spot right smack in Georgetown- Lorong Pasar, a narrow, quiet alley between Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Steward Lane and Chulia Lane. We saw some familiar faces in Market Lane Cafe, probably from some cafes nearby. The snug cafe has limited seating, maybe a total of 5 tables, so its not a place suitable for big group gatherings. The cafe has a small modern Asian menu, featuring some of their proud creations. Prices are slightly higher as compared to its contenders but they are justifiable with the generous portion. There are some hits and misses but as the place is fairly new and the menu is constantly improving, the place is still worth a second visit. 

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Songkran Sawadee Pee Mai @ Swez Brasserie, Eastin Hotel Penang.

Set your taste buds alight as Swez Brasserie of Eastin Hotel Penang is about to spice up your days with its Songkran Sawadee Pee Mai Buffet Lunch. The Thai buffet lunch sees a wonderful assortment of Thai nibbles, snacks, appetizers, mains and desserts and will be available on 1st of April 2015 to 30th of April 2015. Tasty highlights to note in the buffet are Yam Talay (Spicy Seafood Salad), Yam Hua Plee Sai Goong (Spicy Salad with Shrimp and Glass Noodles), Tom Yam Goong (Thai Spicy Prawn Soup), Sangkaya (Pumpkin Custard) and Tab Tim Krob (Water Chestnut-Jackfruit Coconut Cream Dessert) etc.

Lunch (Songkran Sawadee Pee Mai): Monday - Friday
12:00pm - 2:30pm
Rm 62+ (adult) Rm 31+ (child)
50% discount of Senior Citizen, aged 60 and above.

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


Yam Hua Plee Sai Goong- Banana Flower Spicy Salad with Glass Noodles


Lab Gai- Spicy Minced Chicken Salad with Roasted Rice and Chili Powder