Saturday, January 30, 2016

Food Caller (富一碗) @ Queens Street, Queensbay Mall, Penang.

Replacing Okomen at Queens Street, Food Caller is a restaurant that offers Japanese-Chinese Ramen as their signature dishes, with a few Chinese dishes and sides. Not much changes on the interior decor though. The place was packed to the brim last Friday, seemingly well-received by the factory workers in the industrial zone. Some of their Ramen dishes can be comforting.... but we did not think they are as affordable as we'd hope. 

Friday, January 29, 2016

Pacific West Prosperity Toss @ Hakka Village (客家山寨), Balik Pulau, Penang.

Everyone thinks about a booze when it comes to Chinese New Year-related parties (especially eve of Chinese New Year) but the main Chinese dishes should not be disregarded. It is often an exhausting process just to think through what to cook, where to buy the ingredients and how to present them. Pacific West is here to introduce their range of frozen goods, which can be transformed into delectable Chinese New Year delicacies that go well with the cheers. It is a typical perception that the brand sells frozen foods and would be the last resort for many, never would a sane person think of using their products as Chinese New Year dishes; so let us see what Pacific West has in store to surprise you when the Year of Monkey is knocking the door.  

About Pacific West:
Pacific West is a renowned seafood brand name from its inception in Australia in the 1990's and has since expanded its reach to millions across the globe. Their products have been served in major international arena such as Sydney Olympic Games, Wimbledon Tennis Tournaments and the recent Manchester United Football Club. Pacific West's range of products are meticulously crafted and designed to provide customers with values like:
  • Convenience- Ready prepared and easy to cook.
  • Innovation- Continuous creations of new products and offerings.
  • Quality- Premium Seafood that comply to the international food safety and process standards.
Pacific West products are available at all major and independent retail outlets in Malaysia (some of the big names include Cold Storage, Sam's Groceria, AEON, Tesco, Giant, Sunshine, Village Grocer etc). For more information, please contact Pacific West care line at 1800-88-389 or visit Pacific West Facebook Page.

Address: 4402, Jalan Chain Ferry, 12100, Butterworth, Penang.
Contact Number: 604- 331 7788
Email: enquiry@pacificwestfoods.com.my

Many Thanks to Pacific West and Hakka Village for hosting us that afternoon.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Hideout Cafe @ Icon City, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Start your day with a Western-Fusion breakfast or wind down after work with a cup of freshly brewed Coffee at Hideout Cafe; when we were strolling at Icon City as early as 9:30 am, Hideout Cafe was one of the few cafes that operated that early. Early risers will be glad to find out that they have a range of both Western and Oriental dishes for you to kick start your day. If you are not the usual Big Breakfast-kind of person, go for Oriental ones- Nasi Lemak and Chili Pan Mee just to name a few. Seats are comfortably-arranged with ample space in between... suitable for those who wish to visit in a big group.   

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Going The Extra Mile Peugeot- A Driving Experience Like None Other

We had a short road trip to Hatyai, Thailand recently and CS Euro (Peugeot Dealer for Northern Region) is one of the main sponsors for the trip. They have sponsored us a couple of models- Peugeot 308 THP and 508 to test drive and it was a smooth-sailing trip for us.

About Peugeot:
Peugeot, the best-selling French marque in Malaysia; is distributed by Nasim Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary by the Naza Group of companies. The brand has more than 200 years of history (since the year 1810) and is highly committed to be affordable than Asian-made without compromising on safety and performance. Wonder how the cars performed? Read the article below: 

Many Thanks to CS Euro Auto for co-organizing the road trip. 

Monday, January 25, 2016

Maria Wan Ton Mee (马丽亚云吞面) @ Burmah Road, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Maria Wan Ton Mee at Burmah Road, right next to New World Park is a long-standing institution that serves some of the best Wan Tons and Wan Ton Mee in town... for at least a decade. The noodle joint serves the timeless local favorite the traditional way- drenched in sweet soy sauce with a generous amount of Pork Lards. The non-stop influx of regulars doesn't lie and for the fact that the business survived many years, one can expect the Wan Ton Mee is of certain quality...

Saturday, January 23, 2016

[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Hatyai, Thailand (合艾,泰国) 2016

Read the latest Travel/ Food Guide to Hatyai 2017 at: here

Hatyai, one of the most southern cities of Thailand, is an hour drive from the Malaysia-Thailand border and it takes approximately 2 hours to drive to the Danok Checkpoint, northern Kedah from Penang. It makes a great short getaway for families especially for those living in northern Malaysia and that includes Penangites. However, there are a few things that one should take note before departure (stay tuned for our Peugeot car review coming up soon):
  1. No Visa is required for Malaysians but make sure you have a valid passport (for at least 30 days).
  2. Danok Checkpoint opens from 6 am to 12 am, daily.
  3. Go as early as possible especially on peak hours (public holidays, we queued under the hot sun for 2 hours just to clear the immigration). Sandwich RM 2 in between the passport as "admin fees" to the officer (at Thailand).
  4. If you are driving, make sure you have the grant ready and to fill in a white form (available for collection at the checkpoint). Park your car first of course.
  5. Follow the queue of the general public to get your passport validated, proceed to the queue and get your grant as well as form endorsed. Note: you need to queue twice.
  6. Slowly drive through the checkpoint and allow the officer to see your endorsed white form. You should wind down all your windows and prepare all validated passports just in case they wish to check.
This travel guide is brought to you by CS Euro (Peugeot Northern Region Dealer) and PTS Travel & Tours; in collaboration with Kerson Media. 

Friday, January 22, 2016

3 Monkeys Juice Bar @ Siam Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Back to Cold Pressed Fruit Juice... after the success of Juice Me, Penang welcomes another Cold-Pressed-Fruit-Juice specialist. Though they may not offer the same fruit-juice combination but the concept is indifferent; 3 Monkeys offers more volume (330 ml) and additional value-added snacks (mixed Nuts). There are more than 12 types of options available, especially designed for clean-eating crowd; all freshly pressed and sold on the same day. 3 Monkeys Juice Bar has the standard cafe-setting sans the hipstery-element. The hardcore weight-watchers will replace meals with fruit juices but if you are not keen on that extreme practice; the fully air-conditioned space can be an ideal spot for the health-concern to chill.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Chinese New Year Yee Sang Banquet @ Vistana Hotel Penang.

For a little over 2 weeks Vistana Hotel Penang will be laying on a festive feast to celebrate the auspicious Chinese New Year. Hailed from Hong Kong, Executive Chef- Chef Ng of YTL Hotels designed the menu in such way that it incorporates ingredients that promote health and wealth but most importantly, affordable to many. With more than 60 years of experience in the industry, Chef Ng leads the team with passion and together with the team behind Vistana Hotels; they develop the Chinese New Year Banquet Cuisine. The Chinese New Year Banquet menu will be available from 18 January to 22 February 2016. Below is a tasting menu specially crafted for the media, priced around Rm 688++.

Verdict: Though they did not surprise us in terms of taste, none of the dishes disappoint. Their strength lies in the hands of Halal Certificate, in which companies may consider the hotel as one of the options for the company's Year End Treat. 

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

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Urban Artisan. Co @ Nagore Square, Georgetown, Penang.

The Chinese New Year sultry tropical heat is off to a roaring start and the temperature is expected to rise to a record-breaking high. There is no better time for more Ice Cream parlors to enter the market; continue to sail the tide, one small corner of "Little Nyonya", a Tofu Fah specialist at Nagore Square is transformed into a cafe that sells Soft Serve. We can tell that they have been digging in their creativity but unfortunately not all creations were impressive; some notable flavors include Korean Binggrae Banana Milk and Cendol Soft Serve. The cafe is not big nor spacious but comfortable enough for one to enjoy the frozen treat. 

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Grand Yong Tofu (醸六宝) @ I-Avenue, Bukit Jambul, Penang.

Yong Tofu offers variety and a well-balanced diet due to the vast selection of stuffed crunchy greens; it comes to us as no surprise why the young female executives would prefer having Yong Tofu for lunch over a hefty plate of Chicken Rice. Within a short driving distance away from the Bayan Lepas Industrial Zone, I-Avenue at Bukit Jambul just saw the opening of Grand Yong Tofu. Aptly named, Yong Tofu is the only possible food that you could order at Grand Yong Tofu. The fully air-conditioned place is good as a casual dining spot but may not be an ideal spot for family gathering (might be a little cramped, even for small groups of diners). Grand Yong Tofu is located on the same row as Maybank and Subway, facing Bukit Jambul Complex (or Perodua Showroom).

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Sri Sawadee Fusion Thai Cafe @ Sri Bahari Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Once shared by a very wise man- "When the wind blows, sail with it before it subsides"; the people behind Sri Sawadee have been serving some classic Thai Cuisine for years (manned by an owner with his wife) but with more partners coming in, the team has decided to take on the "cafe trend". The space has since refurbished and transformed into a new Fusion Thai Cafe, new items have been introduced with prettier presentation and remarkably well-priced.  The menu is not "pure" Thai but with a unique personal touch of the Chef. The cafe has a chic interior decor, with rattan fish basket hanging all over the space, eclectic high metal stools and tables with industrial-element. There are appetizers, mains and desserts; so diners can opt to have a full-fledged course meal here and with the cozy ambiance, it can be an ideal spot for gatherings. Find Sri Sawadee Fusion Thai Cafe at Sri Bahari Road, adjacent to "The Ship" and few shops away from Foong Wei Heong Chinese Restaurant on the same road.

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

[Revisit] The Twelve Cups @ The Whiteaways Arcade, Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Back to The Twelve Cups, one of the oldest cafe establishments in town; was closed for a one-month renovation and has since, resumed its business operation. Not only that the cafe has enhanced its interior decor but introduced a newly revamped menu that furnishes a sprawling collection of shareable small and large Brunch, savory and sweet crepes as well as the regulars' all time favorites. The cafe is now more hipstery and brighter with younger vibe but seats are still limited, so for those coming in a big group, be sure to secure a table by making advance reservation. Ambiance-aside, we were impressed with the food quality and endless options. If you are seeking for a cafe that serves solid-promising food, give this place a try.

Monday, January 11, 2016

Sai Toh Lim (西刀林) Koay Teow Th'ng @ Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang.

You will be spoiled for choices when strolling along Jalan Raja Uda but try not to be distracted by them and proceed straight to Sai Toh Lim (西刀林). One of the oldest Koay Teow Th'ng specialists at Raja Uda is Sai Toh Lim, a brand that the locals would always go for. It occupies two prominent shop lots right beside the main street of Jalan Raja Uda, behind Petronas Petrol Station. The gigantic signage is eye-catchy and easily recognizable from far, though they may not have the perfect ambiance, but the place is clean and tables are well-separated to ensure sufficient space. It can be windy and chilly to sit near to the entrance too. Ideal for a leisure family breakfast spot.

Friday, January 8, 2016

Thai Tanic Restaurant @ Elit Avenue, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Restaurants serving Thai food are rather ubiquitous in Penang due to geographical location; though Penangites have professed their love for Thai food but certain restaurants' menus can be uninspiring and look alike. While their menu may seem no different from a standard full-fledged Thai restaurant, Thai Tanic excels in terms of pricing. They serve real deal and family-styled Thai food with certain Chinese-influenced Chu Char dishes but all are priced competitively and reasonably. As for now... part of their opening promotion, their Set Packages are worth a look.... Thai Tanic Restaurant is next to K Food Korean Restaurant at Elit Avenue.


Tom Yum Seafood

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Ice Estate Ice Cream Cafe @ Victoria Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Continuing the Ice Cream trend that hits Penang lately, the congested tourist area in the heartland of Georgetown saw an opening of a new sciency ice creamery- Ice Estate, a Liquid Nitrogen Ice cream specialist. The cafe's menu is entirely dedicated to sweet treats, not only the chilled treats but a range of Waffles either (they were not available on my visit though). The place has a standard cafe setting but find the seats on the second floor so one needs to traipse the steep flight of stairs before securing a seat... though choices are pretty limited but we thought it could be a cozy, quiet place to chill with friends. Ice Estate Ice Cream Cafe is still new and many items were not available on our visit so it's still early to judge; a second visit perhaps. Find Ice Estate at Victoria Street, towards Prangin Road Ghaut instead of Weld Quay. 

Monday, January 4, 2016

Ittan Izakaya (一炭水產) @ Icon City, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

It's easy to notice Ittan Izakaya, thanks to the flashy colorful flags with Japanese characters right outside the restaurant, waving and luring Japan-philes to flock in. Fresh Seafood is the thing at Ittan Izakaya, it boasts about their air-flown Seafood, directly imported from Tsukiji Wet Market Tokyo; seemingly aiming to be the apex in serving the freshest Sashimi in town. Step in the restaurant and be wow-ed by the interior decor- filled with wooden crates and Japanese-character embellishments. We actually thought they moved the entire fish market here! All servers were trained to be energetic and they will shout (earth-shakingly) in gratitude for your presence in the restaurant. Tables are well-partitioned but if you are coming in smaller groups (probably 2 or 3 in a group), you may have to settle with the smaller ones. Alternatively, pick the seats near the Sushi Bar where live actions can be seen and witnessed but do not expect the seats to be comfortable. The menu is dedicated to Sashimi and Grilled Seafood... with a few exotic choices like Chicken Sashimi. Not all dishes we had were great but they did excel in terms of freshness of the Sashimi. If you are in the vicinity, the place is worth a look. 

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Waffle Factory @ sPICE Canopy, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Potentially becoming Bayan Baru area's new place to be, sPICE Canopy is a row of just-built shop houses right next to the Aquatic Centre of the Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (sPICE/ formerly known as PISA). Waffle Factory is one of the first tenants that quietly moved in; aptly named, the place offers a menu entirely dedicated to Belgium Waffles; no savory Waffles unfortunately, only sweet ones. They rave about their in-house-made Waffles and Gelati but we thought they have yet to perfect the recipe. The interior decor is familiar, chic but cozy; the dining hall is spacious and not cramped. With the complimentary sheltered Car Park at the basement, this place can be a cool hangout spot to chill with friends. 

Friday, January 1, 2016

Steamed Seafood Hot Pot (蒸味鲜) @ Golden Triangle, Relau, Penang.

It is almost the time of the year where myriad of shops with bubbling tabletop cauldrons of Chinese goodies are surfacing but a new trend is hitting the island lately; a healthier, guilt-free option. The concept is not new in Kuala Lumpur but this particular restaurant at Golden Triangle is the first to introduce this concept in Penang: Rice with condiments will be placed at the bottom of the Hot Pot while the ingredients will sit on top, the essence of the ingredients will flow together with the steam and form the purest, most delicious broth at the bottom. Cook together with the Rice, a lip-smacking serving of Porridge will be ready at the end of your meal. The place is simple but spacious enough for a family or friend gathering, the heat-intolerant will be glad to know that the restaurant is fully air-conditioned. Don't want to get your hands dirty? Fret not, there will be trained servers to serve you; the cooking time has been meticulously tested out and should be just perfect to cook the ingredients. The only drawback is the limited seating (only 10 tables available), advance reservation is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. 

P/S: There will be complimentary steam treatment for your face too!