Watercolor Bakery and Cafe @ Magazine Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Paint some colors to your day by visiting Watercolor Bakery and Cafe at Magazine Road (walking distance from M Summit 191)... the first branch outside of Kuala Lumpur. Like what suggested by its name, Watercolor is both a bakery and a cafe, it offers a range of home-baked pastries and bread as well as a menu featuring Sandwiches and Toasts. Though the menu is not as colorful as expected, the products would make any bread lovers weak in the knees. Visit the place after 5 pm and most bread/ pastries will be on 50% discount. Chic but simple interior decor with cozy atmosphere, I can see the place as one of the options for Afternoon Tea in town. 

Sun Vegetarian Cuisine (善) @ Bay Avenue, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Carnivores will not feel left out here at Sun Vegetarian Cuisine (善), the colorful rolls packed with fruits and vegetables are convincing enough to please any diners. The vegetarian restaurant at Bay Avenue (near Queensbay Mall) serves an extensive Japanese-inspired Vegetarian menu, noticeable-ones include the range of Sushi Rolls, Japanese Steamboat, Noodle and Rice dishes. The menu is of course an expansion from the casual-classic Vegetarian food; the setting is classier as well... fully air-conditioned with proper chairs and tables. Though slightly more expensive than many vegetarian places in Penang, Sun Vegetarian Cuisine impressed us with its superior quality... definitely one of my top choices when it comes to vegetarian food.

Loo Kee Chicken (盧記鹵雞飯) @ Sri Wonder Complex, Jelutong, Penang.

Unlike most Chicken Rice places in Penang, Loo Kee serves Chicken in a rather unique way. It does not offer Roasted Chicken but in fact, its signature dish is another variant- braised Chicken but pork lovers are not forsaken, the usual Barbecue Pork and Roasted Pork are still available. Housed in one of the shop lots at Sri Wonder Complex of Perak Road, the setting is casual but comfortable; at least the place is fully air-conditioned and well-spaced. A decent place for a quick, casual meal if you are in the neighborhood.

Teoh's Chinese Seafood (张海鲜大排档) @ P. Ramlee Road, Georgetown, Penang.

More Chu Char options for the folks staying nearby Terengganu Road and P. Ramlee area, Teoh's Chinese Seafood is one of the latest additions in the neighborhood. The place has quickly become one of the favorite spots for a quick, simple Chinese meal. Though the setup is simple and just like any other Chu Char place, the menu is rather big and most importantly, relatively cheaper as compared to those bigger establishments. Seafood options are available, along with some commonly seen Chinese home-styled dishes but if you have exotic taste buds, they have seasonal items on offer as well (like Crocodile's Tail). 

Hello & Co. (好客) @ Butterworth, Penang.

Not far away from the buzzing Jalan Raja Uda, Hello & Co. has been swarming social media lately. Opened in late 2017, the new kid on the block is housed in a bungalow right at the corner, before turning into Jalan Ong Yi How (adjacent to Chung Ling High School). At least the facade looks clean and inviting... the exterior does not disappoint either. It has the standard-relaxing atmosphere that most cafes have, at certain angle, the cafe can be an Insta-worthy place. Hello & Co. has quite a lot to offer, while most diners are keen on their Western dishes, the cafe does offer a small variety of Asian delights as well. Not a bad place for occasion or small gathering. 

Miru Dessert Cafe @ Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

The competition is fierce as there are an endless number of food eateries at Damansara Uptown but Miru Dessert Cafe is one of the few standing strong in the neighborhood. It started out as a Japanese dessert-inspired cafe mainly offering Shibuya Toast and Kakigori. The business has since expanded and the brand has presence across Klang Valley now. The menu remains as a dessert-focused menu without much expansion but we were glad that they have managed to maintain the quality over the years. Though not exactly the cheapest around but they do not skimp on ingredients, definitely one of the better choices when it comes to Japanese desserts or Toast. 

M'atural @ Carnavon Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

A place meant for horticulturalists or those with a green finger, M'atural runs as a plant-workshop and a cafe at the same time. It hosts plant-related workshops on first floor, more to Bonsai planting workshops; the ground floor displays a simple exhibition on the proud creations with some simple tables and chairs. Cafe hoppers will get to feed their eyes with artistically arranged plants as well as to savor some of their snacks. More like a place to gather those of same interest in lieu of a cafe suitable for hipsters; the atmosphere, including the chairs, is not as comfortable as most would expect in cafes. But that should not discount your interest to pay the place a visit, especially if you would like to have a decent, unique sweet treat. M'atural is located at the end of Carnavon Lane, next to the junction to Toh Aka Lane.

XuJi Noodle House (旭记自制全蛋旦仔面) @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Flat, thick and slightly curly, XuJi's is another delicious variant of the usual Wanton Mee but in broader strands. Almost similar to Singapore's Mee Pok, XuJi dishes out home-made egg noodles... in a rather unique way. The new kid on the block at Lembah Permai, Bukit Mertajam has been receiving positive responses from the neighborhood; the menu is not big... noodle-focused with a few choices of side dishes but the place is often thronged with regular patrons. Not the place that I would go all out for the food but if I am in the vicinity, I suppose this is a decent place for a quick meal.

Two Frenchies @ Bishop Street, Georgetown, Penang.

At first glance, we thought the place offers a dog-friendly space (or maybe dog cafe) due to the cute French Bulldog logo but a quick check on the menu only to find out that the place is peppered with numerous French classics like Duck Confit, Croque Madame, Quiche, Creme Brulee etc; and for the fact that most items are priced below Rm 30, it's hard to find better gourmet deals in town. Step in the place and you will find yourself in a modern air-conditioned restaurant with cozy, homey atmosphere; the friendly servers will then greet you at the entrance, in which one of them speaks fluent French. While the bistro has a good variety of savory options, the sweet selections are equally mouth-watering. Two Frenchies now occupies the shop at Bishop Street which previously housed Goh Kaki and Route 9.

Heng Seafood @ The Shark Food Court, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Forget the Chinese-styled of cooking Seafood, Heng Seafood... a stall housed in The Shark Food Court (previously known as Pakma Food Court along Burmah Road), offers a menu free from meat but heavy on Seafood and vegetables. It specializes in offering barbecue/ grilled items or rather, more known as 'Ikan Bakar' in Malaysia. It's not a one-trick pony, it has quite an array of Seafood to offers, including Shellfish and fresh vegetables; but it's a place where the daily catches inspire the menu/ offering. All items are cooked to order; price-wise, it fluctuates and depends on the market rates, do check with them first (on the prices) before placing your orders. This is definitely one of the latest spots if you are looking for somewhere to knock back a few beers while enjoying Seafood in an outdoorsy atmosphere.

PepperSalt @ Amoy Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

For an extensive but inexpensive Western breakfast, early risers can make their way to PepperSalt at Amoy Lane, one of the streets near Hutton Lane (where Equator College is located). Established since late 2017, the humble cafe has garnered an appreciate following... the place is patronized by many morning exercisers, especially Sundays. Perhaps not for absolute taste but the comfortable-homey atmosphere and inexpensive price tags. But its never a hipstery place, the menu is pretty much breakfast-focused... featuring an array of Breakfast options, Sandwiches and a few Burger, Noodle choices for lunch. The place is kids-friendly and could cater for private birthday events if that's what you are concerned.

Jamuan Berbuka Puasa Ramadhan Buffet @ Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel Penang

Celebrate fasting month and break fast with Eastern & Oriental Hotel as the grande dame rolls out its Jamuan Berbuka Puasa Ramadhan buffet this holy month. Sarkies, one of the hotel's restaurant famous for its buffet, is featuring traditional Malay dishes in addition to its international favorites (Japanese and Italian just to name some). Exclusively for this season, the array of kampung dishes would be perfect for both hotel guests to sample a taste of Malaysia and those who yearn for a good iftar meal with familiar flavors. The Jamuan Berbuka Puasa Ramadhan buffet is available daily from 17 May to 14 June 2018 (early bird promotion- 1 guest gets to dine-in for free with every 5 full-paying adults; bookings and payment must be made before 23 May 2018).

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

Banh Mi UT- Vietnamese Sandwiches & Coffee @ Church Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Pho is one of the most famous and known Vietnamese delicacies but Banh Mi is equally popular as well. Banh Mi UT is a place that pays respect to the Vietnamese Sandwiches, the menu is Banh Mi-focused... alongside with some Vietnamese classics like Spring Rolls, Barbecued Pork Noodles/ Rice and sweet treats etc. The Vietnamese element is bold here... the kitchen is manned by a Vietnamese lady and the place carries shades of casual Vietnamese eatery but the heat-intolerant will be disappointed to find out that the place has no air-conditioners, the heat can be unbearable under the sultry warm tropical weather. Not exactly the cheapest Vietnamese eats around but if you are game for a quick fix (particularly Banh Mi), this place is worth-exploring. 

Potato Leaf Cuisine (番薯叶煮炒饭店) @ Mount Erskine, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

It's common to order vegetables and have the restaurant served to you but would you like the idea of picking your own vegetables before cooking them? Potato Leaf Cuisine is one of a kind that offers such service, diners may opt to go out to the garden next to the restaurant and pick the desired vegetables (in this case, refers to Potato Leaves only). The unusual service caught the attention of many, though the menu is rather common and indifferent from the usual Chu Char restaurants. The place has a simple layout with a range of affordably priced Chinese home-cooked dishes. The quiet, homey, air-conditioned restaurant is located along Jalan Fettes at Mount Erskine.... suitable and appropriate as a dining spot for casual family eat-out.

Holy Guacamole Mexican Restaurant & Bar @ Love Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Half Bar and half restaurant, Holy Guacamole is one of the few rare Mexican joints in Penang. Housed in one of the houses along Love Lane, it's hard to miss Holy Guacamole... the place has colorful wall-paintings and eye-catchy signage. It's a little quiet during the day time but in the evenings, the place turns into a busy, hipstery bar with live-band performance. The Mexican fare here is created with a modern twist, though some classics can be found here, there are some non-Mexican items as well. The food menu is extensive but the drinks are pretty much alcohol-focused; though mid-range pricing and great service from the servers, the food is less-authentic and has rooms for improvements.

Vogue For Virtue 2018 Charity Fashion Show @ Queensbay Mall, Penang.

Vogue For Virtue, an annual CSR program of Queensbay Mall returns this April. With the same objective in mind- making fashion charitable, the fashion-leading mall rolls out the program for the 9th consecutive year. The program consists of 2 different elements- a month-long model search and a Charity Fashion Show with Celebrities. The model-search saw a total of 200 participants this year; all funds collected from the registration of the model search will be channeled to 2 under-privileged homes.

The mock-cheque presentation was done during the Vogue for Virtue Charity Fashion Show held on 29 April 2018. The event was graced by celebrities- Serena C, Nadia Heng, Daler Yusuf, Jeffrey Cheng, Wilson Tan, Jane Teoh and Shir Chong. They were joined by local models in strutting down the runway, showcasing the latest collection of lifestyle brands such as Bonia, Topman, Burton Menswear London, Dorothy Perkins, Esprit, Forever 21, Kipling, Uniqlo, Adidas, Puma, Under Armour and New Balance.

Many Thanks to Queensbay Mall for hosting us that evening.