Wednesday, September 30, 2015

一棵树 Vegetarian Kitchen @ Golden Triangle, Relau, Penang.

More options for vegetarians at Bayan Baru area with the new opening of 一棵树 Vegetarian Kitchen at Golden Triangle, Relau. The team behind the vegetarian restaurant believes in eat clean, eat healthy. All recipes are self-explored and created. Elements of "Yin and Yang" have been included to balance out and maximize the nutritional values of the dishes. The space has a lovely ambiance, somewhat akin to cafe; it has a bright facade which allows natural light to flood in, comfortable chairs and tables as well as hanging light bulbs warming the entire area. The place is also clinically clean with an array of healthy vegetarian products displayed, both edible and non-edible (consumable goods though). Prices are fair considering the variety and options available; if you have a Western palate, they have a few Pasta dishes available but if you are an Eastern person, Rice and home-made Noodles are there too. A decent place to assuage your guilt for eating too much meat. 

Monday, September 28, 2015

Bark and Bean @ Pantai Jerjak, Sungai Nibong, Penang.

The cafe culture in Penang continues to percolate and now... our canine friends get to enjoy what their human friends get to enjoy too! Bark and Bean, right next to The Fox Butler, a renowned Pet Lifestyle Store/ Pet Grooming Specialist; is a new space especially created for furkids and their owners to mingle. Bark and Bean does not only serve human-friendly fresh bakes but for our canine friends as well; using recipe carefully created for them. The place is snug but comfortably decorated with soft couches. Bring your pets there for a relaxed afternoon tea, otherwise, it serves as an ideal place for you to play with others's. From Jalan Sungai Dua, turn into Tasek Gelugor and follow the road up to Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone; upon entering the flyover, there is a Petrol Station/ Pak Ali Jeruk to your left side, Bark and Bean is few doors away from Pak Ali Jeruk on the same road at Pantai Jerjak.


Pineapple Cheesecake (Rm 9.80) and Detox Fruit Juice (Rm 11.90)

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Brand New Taste Cafe by G Hotel Penang

A modern, chic restaurant set in the glitz of the iconic G Hotel has recently undergone a major refurbishment and it is now reopened to the public. Previously known as G Cafe, the newly upgraded restaurant is now known as Taste Cafe; well-designed into a young, frisky and vibrant space. Modern-contemporary design concept was used to give the place a delicate touch, with its minimalist sophisticated setting; it has the potential to be the ideal place for a family gathering. If music is your kind of thing, live band performance will be available everyday from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm (except Tuesdays). Buffet offering has been devised and here's a list of their new themes:

Mediterranean Medley
Available on Mondays
Time: 6: 30 pm to 10:30 pm.
Price: Rm 115 nett adult; Rm 69 nett for senior citizen aged 60 years old and above; 50% discount for Children aged 6 to 12 years old. 

Asian Cuisine
Available on Tuesdays
Time: 6: 30 pm to 10:30 pm.
Price: Rm 115 nett adult; Rm 69 nett for senior citizen aged 60 years old and above; 50% discount for Children aged 6 to 12 years old. 

Under the Lamp, A Carvery Nite
Available on Wednesdays
Time: 6: 30 pm to 10:30 pm.
Price: Rm 115 nett adult; Rm 69 nett for senior citizen aged 60 years old and above; 50% discount for Children aged 6 to 12 years old.

International Buffet
Available on Thursdays
Time: 6: 30 pm to 10:30 pm.
Price: Rm 115 nett adult; Rm 69 nett for senior citizen aged 60 years old and above; 50% discount for Children aged 6 to 12 years old. 

Farm Friday
Available on Fridays
Time: 6: 30 pm to 10:30 pm.
Price: Rm 150 nett adult; Rm 79 nett for senior citizen aged 60 years old and above; 50% discount for Children aged 6 to 12 years old. 

Deep Sea Barbecue
Available on Saturdays
Time: 6: 30 pm to 10:30 pm.
Price: Rm 150 nett adult; Rm 79 nett for senior citizen aged 60 years old and above; 50% discount for Children aged 6 to 12 years old. 

Around The World
Available on Sundays
Time: 6: 30 pm to 10:30 pm.
Price: Rm 115 nett adult; Rm 69 nett for senior citizen aged 60 years old and above; 50% discount for Children aged 6 to 12 years old.

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

Friday, September 25, 2015

Travel in Style [Business Class] with MH Upgrade of Malaysia Airlines

Travel in style with Malaysia Airlines' MH Upgrade feature, sharing based on my personal experience (this is not a sponsored post). I booked my ticket via Malaysia Airlines and was invited for a quotation for upgrade- MH Upgrade feature. The feature is user-friendly and highly flexible. You may bid your quote based on your means; if you must know, I bought my air tickets to Ho Chi Minh City from Penang (via KL) at Rm 518 and I bid a minimum offer of Rm 250. Notification on your offer will be sent 48 hours prior to your departure and fortunately, my offer was being accepted. 

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Sangkaya Thai Coconut Ice Cream @ Queensbay Mall, Penang.

Stay cool in this sweltering tropical heat by rewarding yourself a serving of Sangkaya's Thai Coconut Ice Cream. As opposed to the old classic way of selling Thai Coconut Ice Cream by the road side or night markets, the newfangled upscale Ice Cream Parlor- Sangkaya has finally landed Penang's Queensbay Mall after opening a few branches at Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian-founded establishment has since swept off the feet of many. Sangkaya does not have much to offer but it is well-known for its creamy, milky Thai Coconut Ice Cream. They do not run a big cafe/ restaurant here but a kiosk instead. The newly opened kiosk at Queensbay Mall is temporary and will be closed on 15 October 2015 (last day being 14 October); it will then moved to Gurney Plaza and reopens on 16 October 2015, right next go Gong Cha at Lower Ground Floor. Geographical-wise, you might want to visit Queensbay Mall's before they move to Gurney Plaza. Sangkaya's kiosk is housed within AEON Jusco at Queensbay Mall, opposite to Kenny Roger's Roaster. 

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Rejoyce Cafe @ Vantage Desiran Tanjung, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Need to grab a quick cup of Joe while waiting for your children to come back from tuition classes? Try Rejoyce Cafe. Operate next to a training centre, Rejoyce Cafe at Vantage Desiran Tanjung (3rd Floor) serves a wide range of delicate nibbles and home-made sweet delights. The daily fresh bakes are made from scratch and will be changed everyday; ask for recommendation and they are proud to share with you the in house's specialties. It may not have the perfect setting but a good place to savor their range of earnest, wholehearted fresh bakes and pastries. 

Sunday, September 20, 2015

[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam (胡志明市,越南) 2015

Ho Chi Minh City, a metropolitan of the emerging Republic of Vietnam; is one of the most-visited countries by Malaysians and Singaporeans in recent years. Previously colonized by France, Ho Chi Minh City is indeed a melting pot for cultures filled with myriad of delicacies and all walks of life. We were there for 5 Days 4 Nights but apart from food, there were not much to do so we'd recommend 4 Days 3 Nights, which should be more than sufficient (if you are planning to visit Ho Chi Minh City ONLY). Here is a list of what we have eaten and attempted during our trip:

Mon Hue Restaurant
Address: 134, Le Thanh Ton, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 
Business Hours: 6:30 am to 11 pm. Opens Daily. 
Contact Number: +84 (08) 7106 6607
Prices are subject to 10% VAT.


Bun Bo Hue/ Vietnamese Beef Vermicelli Noodle (60,000 VND)


Bun Nem Nuong/ Vietnamese Grilled Pork Meat Balls (46,000 VND)

Friday, September 18, 2015

[Suggested Itinerary] Bangkok, Thailand Travel and Lifestyle Guide 2015

A continuation from my previous blog entry- Bangkok Food Guide, this blog entry is dedicated for those who wishes to shop and to pamper themselves with facial/ spa treatment. One does not need to be rich to travel well; Thailand offers affordable luxury, a place where you can spoil yourself with lavish treatment without putting a dent on the wallet. Not only a haven for food but Bangkok is also well-known as a shopping paradise. 

*This post is brought to you by Tourism Authority of Thailand* 

To See:
1) Jim Thompson House & Museum
Address: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok, Thailand.
Business Hours: 9 am to 6 pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 02- 216 7368
Email: info@jimthompsonhouse.com
Directions: Take BTS and exit National Stadium Station Exit 1
Ticket Prices: 150 THB for adults/ 100 THB for those who are under 22 years old

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Garage Coffee House @ Icon City, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

For once, the name of this cafe actually matches with its theme- Garage. This new member at Icon City, Bukit Mertajam has the heavy-industrial interior decor, with a few murals featuring bikers adorning the walls. The two-storey space is huge with a high ceiling; rustic wooden tables and chairs, classic high stools, leather couches and crates can also be seen in Garage Coffee House. While we thought their interior decor was somewhat appealing, their offering was less-inspiring. The place has the standard cafe fare, delivering the ubiquitous Egg Ben, Aglio Olio, Carbonara... Cakes etc. Not the perfect place for a meal but good enough for a casual meet up or a place to have your quick caffeine fix.


Wednesday, September 16, 2015

[Hotel Review] Novotel Platinum Bangkok, Thailand.

Many research studies have shown the significance of the location of a hotel; strategic location of your stay leads to many pluses. Located in the heartland of Bangkok, Thailand; Novotel Platinum is no doubt one of the best hotels that you can stay. Right next to the iconic Platinum Fashion Mall and a short walk from major shopping malls like Siam Square, Siam Paragon, Siam Centre Bangkok, the four-star hotel is reachable from any locations at Bangkok via BTS Chit Lom or Siam Station. Well-equipped with facilities, Novotel Platinum is the perfect lodging for your family-getaway at Bangkok. 

Many Thanks to Novotel Platinum Bangkok for hosting us during our trip.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Lobby 079 @ Nagore Square, Georgetown, Penang.

In the caffeine arms race, everything is possible as long as.... there is coffee. Lobby 079, a humble beginning of brick and mortar shop for local Malaysian clothing brand- Pestle and Mortar. There is a small cafe (seats less than 10) housed inside the boutique; though crammed but a perfect spot for generating Instagram-perfect photos. While most are still serving gourmet Waffles, Lobby 079 seeks to be exclusive and... playful, in which, they have moved on to Doffle and Piffle. They do not have an extensive offer but only Doffle and Piffle. The same team at The Alley is managing the space but Papa Palheta blend is used. A place good for your daily quick caffeine boost but not the place that you would want to visit in group and chill. Lobby 079 is operating in the shop house at Nagore Square, previously Joyeux Cafe.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

[Suggested Itinerary] Bangkok, Thailand Food Guide 2015 of Street Food and Restaurants

A gastronomical paradise for food lovers, Bangkok is indisputably famed for its food, not only the ubiquitous street food but also renowned for its myriad of restaurants offering international cuisine. It is nearly impossible to go through and narrow down everyone of them. We might not have tried a very extensive selection of restaurants/ street food but we do have a list of interesting food places here; whether you have a tight budget or deep pocket, you will always find a place that suits you in Bangkok, Thailand.

P/S: If you are looking for an eloquent tour guide who speaks fluent English and Mandarin, you may contact Pinky at +6681-372 9848 or email her at pinky_9848@hotmail.com. She is one of the best tour guides I have ever met- extremely friendly and knowledgeable. One of the many reasons to why we enjoyed our tour so much. Also, many thanks to Richard Lim, Marketing Manager of Tourism Authority of Thailand in Malaysia for showing us around.

*This post is brought to you by Tourism Authority of Thailand.*

1) Kuang Heng Pratunam 
Address: 960- 962, Phetchaburi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand.
Business Hours: 6 am to 1 am. Opens Daily.
Direction: 10 min walk from Ratchathewi BTS station, the place can be found across the street to Platinum Fashion Mall.  


Dried Fish Maw Soup (50 Baht)


Sangkaya with Steamed Bread (40 Baht)

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Old Shanghai (老上海) @ Chime Heritage, Georgetown, Penang.

Opened for business at least for a year, Old Shanghai is proven to be one of the favorites for Shanghainese food devotees. The place is often thronged with people during the weekends, regular patrons appreciate the authentic-ness of the delicacies, the warm hospitality from the servers, the comfortable air-conditioned dining area and a wide variety of snacks and delicacies. Prices are wallet-friendly but certain dishes were too greasy to our liking. Nevertheless, the large menu offering many sweet and savory dishes ensures diners in any age group find something that suits their taste buds. Old Shanghai is right next to Happy Fish Noodles, opposite to the newly opened Perut Rumah Nyonya Restaurant, at Chime Heritage.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

[Direct Flight] Penang International Airport to Don Mueang International Airport (Bangkok, Thailand) via Air Asia

One of the favorite hot spots well-received by Malaysians will be undeniably Bangkok, Thailand. The metropolis city is the capital of Thailand, not only a melting pot for culture but famed for its vibrant, extravagant  shopping malls. Street foods are ubiquitous but for those with a deeper pocket, you may always splurge a little to pamper yourself. Affordable luxurious goods, facial treatments, spa, posh restaurants can all be easily found across Bangkok.

*Brought to you by Air Asia*


Monday, September 7, 2015

Farm House Cafe @ Air Hitam, Penang.

A stone's throw distance away from one of the famous tourist spots in Penang- Kek Lok Si, Farm House Cafe boasts the regal hominess of a rustic space. Housed in an old, rustic wooden house; the owners adopted the countryside interior decor style with simple tablecloth. The presentation of the food somehow suits the interior decor, resembling a leisure picnic scene, making it unusually picturesque. Dining experience was great but we thought the space was a little warm on our visit (no air conditioner), probably the best time to visit would be around 7:30 in the evening we reckon. If you are up for a plate of Pasta, you have ended up at the right place. Farm House Cafe has a deep selection of Thai-influenced Pasta dishes with an array of their home-made Yogurt in a jar. The location is a little obscure, you will need to take a few turnings before you can locate the place. Farm House Cafe is adjacent to the 7-11 convenience store nearest to Kek Lok Si at Air Hitam.