Petit Cafe @ Macalister Road, Georgetown, Penang.

It's not common for a non-Vietnamese cafe to offer Vietnamese food but this new kid on the block has a rather unusual menu. A stone's throw distance away from YMCA along Macalister Road, Petit Cafe's menu has a Vietnamese-touch to it. Diners can find some Vietnamese delights (such as Pho, Spring Rolls) along with some French items (Quiche, Croque Monsieur just to name a few). The cafe is housed in a bungalow with free parking space and comfortable atmosphere; the service however, can be further improved. The server was less-welcoming and being unpleasant, it was a shock for us to find out that the cafe carries only one copy of menu and the server did not sound apologetic at all when she was unable to present another copy to us. She was less-accommodating to our requests and not being too hospitable as well. Service aside, the food quality met our expectations.

86 Dew Cafe @ Perak Lane, Jelutong, Penang.

Quietly tucked in a residential building off Perak Lane, 86 Dew Cafe is unlikely a place that you will discover by accident but it does not mean you should give it a pass. Though the place offers the standard cafe (Western) menu but the atmosphere is one of the coziest around... spacious yet equipped with comfortable chairs (reading materials available too). Prices are rather competitive as compared to those in Georgetown but the selection is more than good enough to please. Visit 86 Dew Cafe in the morning and you get to try the breakfast items while those visiting in the afternoon get to enjoy the Tea Time promotion. More to a casual-cozy dining spot in lieu of a place for absolute taste or occasion. 

T.E. Restaurant & Bar (Three Environment) @ Burmah Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Three Environment (otherwise known as T.E.) is serious when it says "three environments", it hosts 3 different "venues" in one place. Housed in one of the shop houses along the bustling Burmah Road (a stone's throw distance away from Penang Plaza or next to Shunka Burmah Road), T.E. welcomes its visitors with a welcoming-bright, clean dining space... where diners can devour in a variety of Thai-influenced dishes along with a few Western options; walk deeper and you will find yourself in a mini bar, though not as big as compared to some establishments in town, the atmosphere is calm and exudes minimalist-elegance. In the day time, traipse the stairs up to the second floor and you will find Vin Stylin Studio (VSS), a hair salon for the fashionista. On the restaurant menu, though it covers quite an extensive of Thai-highlights, we thought the flavors were rather subdued... 

Woo Ng Kee Restaurant (胡伍记海鲜酒家) @ Kepong, Selangor.

Woo Ng Kee Restaurant (胡伍记海鲜酒家) occupies a few shop lots and is a perennial stop for families and visitors alike. The 60-year old restaurant with an old, not-aestheticized facade has withstood the test of time and has been the communal dining spot for the folks in Kepong. Stepping in the classic Chinese restaurant feels like traveling back in time... colorful tiles, old-school furnishings, closely arranged tables and chairs but what's important is... the generation-old recipes. The proprietor is the third generation manning the restaurant and is still offering some of the signature dishes introduced back then. A family restaurant with solid menu and inexpensive price tags.

Osmanthus HK Desserts (杜记香港甜品。粥面之家) @ New Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

If you have lived in Penang long enough, you would have at least heard of this place- Osmanthus HK Desserts (杜记香港甜品) at New Lane. The long-established dessert place has since expanded its menu; from the classic Cantonese desserts to now offering mains (Rice and Noodle dishes). But the menu is not the only item upgraded, the shop was given a completely new face (refurbished) as well. Though not air-conditioned, it is now a pleasant space to enjoy a bowl of heart-warming dessert. This is one of the few places in Penang that offers a good range of traditional Chinese Tong Sui.

First in Penang- Reverse Tap Beer @ Tree Bar, G Hotel Penang.

One of the busiest and largest alfresco bars in Penang- Tree Bar offers great experience for drinkers... a cozy, open space environment with an array of delicious Beers and finger food while watching the world goes by. Amongst the wide selections of international beers, wines, traditional cocktails; the bar recently brought in Reverse Tap Beer... which systematically dispenses beer from the bottom up. Besides drinks, the bar's menu features delectable nibbles at wallet-friendly prices; with its close proximity to the shopping mall and sheltered under a heritage tree; this is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day at work or to while away the weekend.

Many Thanks to G Hotel for hosting us that evening. 

Mama Kim Sauna Mee @ Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Mama Kim Sauna Mee has been receiving overwhelming responses since its opening... folks from central region might be familiar with the name as the brand has more than 6 branches across the nation. One of the strongest pulling factors is its inexpensive price tags... with some mains cost a little less than Rm 10. It emphasizes on healthy meals cooked with natural ingredients; those who prefer bold flavors would not enjoy their clean tasting, lightly flavored dishes. While the menu is especially suitable for the health concerns, vegetarians are not forsaken either. The menu consists of quite a variety of vegetarian options. Comfortable dining atmosphere with inexpensive price tags, the place is definitely worth a visit. 

Yi Jia Cuisine (一家海鲜小厨) @ Air Hitam, Penang.

Yi Jia Cuisine is definitely one of the community restaurants in the neighborhood of Air Hitam, it's common to see school-kids or parents bringing their children for a quick dinner at the place. Like most Chinese Chu Char places, Yi Jia Cuisine is an air-conditioned restaurant that offers a pretty standard Chinese menu... featuring an array of Chinese home-cooked dishes. Prices are of standard-average but the menu lacks the exciting factor, most dishes are common and can be easily found elsewhere. Also, we found ourselves with unbearable thirst after the meal, so probably some amount of MSG was used. It can however, be an option for you if you are in the vicinity and looking for an inexpensive, casual Chinese meal.

The 9ine by Jackie Wong @ Kek Chuan Road, Georgetown, Penang.

You will find plenty of good reasons to tempt you at The 9ine by Jackie Wong, the new venture by Chef Jackie Wong offers a good Western-European menu with his own personal touches. Tucked slightly off the bustling Macalister Road, the newly opened restaurant takes over the lot of the now defunct Basil Le Bistrot. The place received minor upgrades and sophisticated enhancement, yet maintaining the old-heritage charm of the building. Brunch items are available during day time and course menu is available in the evenings (apart from the ala-carte dishes)... as well as Chef's Degustation menu; you will find plenty of beverages options here as well (including selected Wines). One of the places where you will find quality food with exceptional service without breaking your wallet.

Pacific West Hosts Get-Together Dinner @ More by Arang Coffee, Georgetown, Penang.

In conjunction with the Ramadhan month, Pacific West- one of the world's foremost Premium Frozen Seafood brand hosted a get-together dinner at the newly opened More by Arang Coffee at Livingstone Tower (previously known as Menara Zurich). In collaboration with More by Arang Coffee, attendees were served an array of Pacific West and More by Arang Coffee's specialties. The specially designed 5-course dinner featured a comprehensive introduction of Pacific West's products to understand what lies behind Pacific West's tagline- The Taste the World Loves!  

About Pacific West:

The brand has graced many major international events such as Sydney Olympic Games, Wimbledon Tennis Tournaments, Manchester United Football Club etc. Pacific West's products are now available in more than 20 countries world wide; recently, Pacific West brand has won the Best Innovative Seafood Product in Asia Halal Brands Awards 2017. 

Many Thanks to Pacific West and More by Arang Coffee for hosting us.

Vkusno Dom @ Campbell Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Far from Malaysia and close to the Arctic, it's uncommon for Penangites to have a taste of Russia but with the opening of Vkusno Dom, Penangites can now relate themselves closer to the host country of World Cup 2018. The restaurant offers homely Russian classics in a sophisticated setting, expect to see traditional Russian dishes like Borscht, Salat Olivier, Pelmenis or if you are in the mood, start with a shot of Vodka. The restaurant is manned by Russians (or perhaps Ukrainians?) so the authenticity factor is definitely there... but be prepared to bear with the strong Russian accent (if you speak English with them but that's part of the experience of course). Dishes are reasonably priced, cozy dining atmosphere and friendly servers; definitely a place to experience Russian culture if you have not already done so.

Vkusno Dom has since ceased its business operations.

Aboo Backer @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

You should check out Aboo Backer if you enjoy a freshly made, hot and crispy Roti Canai; the Indian Mamak place is tucked in one of the heritage houses along Beach Street. The place looks inviting from far, with distinctive kampung Malay decoration; before you could step in, the chances of you bumping into the friendly, chatty proprietor are high. He will greet you and later recommend you on a series of their offering... which includes Malaysians' all time favorite delicacies- Roti Canai, Roti Bakar, Nasi Kandar etc. The place is related to Hameediyah, the oldest Nasi Kandar joints in Penang and the proprietor has plans to refurbish the upper floor of this place to a Nasi Kandar museum. Aboo Backer is located at the start of Beach Street, near to Prangin Road.

Lucky Bowl Noodle House @ Lorong Selamat, Georgetown, Penang.

Have a taste of Sabah at Lucky Bowl Noodle House, a newly opened eatery at Lorong Selamat that specializes in offering Sang Nyuk Mee (生肉面), a local delicacy in Sabah. For the uninitiated, a standard Sang Nyuk Mee consists of a bowl of fresh, clean tasting meat broth with Pork Meat, Pork Balls and Innards... served with a bowl of Noodles (drenched in Dark Soy Sauce). Though the name might sound wrong (suggesting Raw Meat) but it is in fact, referring to the freshness of the meat. Lucky Bowl's menu is small with heavy Pork-element.... and if you are not a fan of Pork, skip it. 

Ristorante Porto Romano @ The Intermark, Kuala Lumpur.

There is no shortage of Italian/ Mediterranean restaurants in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city but Ristorante Porto Romano, one of the few restaurants under the group; the place is welcomed by the office workers working in the vicinity... for the quality food with inexpensive price tags (considering you are dining in a restaurant in KL city center). Though some websites online suggested that the place is a Mediterranean restaurant but both the menu and the name (Porto Romano) suggest otherwise (sounds pretty Italian to us). The menu features a wide options of Anti-Pasti, Pasta and Pizza. Great ambiance but the food was nothing out of the ordinary.

Yee Sung Kai Chok (日本横街鱼生鸡粥) @ Cintra Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Everyone loves a hot, warming bowl of Porridge, though traditionally eaten for breakfast, it makes a great light lunch or popular night snack. For a good old-fashioned bowl of Cantonese-styled Porridge, make your way to Yee Sung Kai Chok, one of the oldest Porridge specialists in Penang... since time immemorial. It used to be selling at the coffee shop right across the current place (a stall housed in the coffee shop) but has since moved into their own place, occupying the entire coffee shop. They have also revised the opening hours, expanding from dinner time to now lunch and dinner. Though the slight adjustment to the prices, this spot at Cintra Street still serves some of the best Porridges (and blanched Chicken) in town.

Golden T Cafe @ Golden Triangle, Relau, Penang.

Golden T Cafe is the latest addition to Golden Triangle at Relau, but it runs as a cafe and a bar at the same time... well at least they have made an effort to extend the business hours till late (2 am). The seating arrangement is spacious but the lighting is less-welcoming. Never-mind on the lighting, the menu is interesting with some innovative dishes; Blue Cheese Clams is one to be named. But they come with a price, most items are priced slightly above average but they commensurate with quality. More to a place with proper, heavy Western-European menu in lieu of a cafe that serves sweet treats and light bites. 

A Pie Thing @ Damansara Uptown, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Having pies as main course is not really the common practice here in Malaysia but not quite the case here in 'A Pie Thing'. The pie specialist at Petaling Jaya offers a great variety of both savory and sweet pies. Established few years ago, the brand has been known as the place to go to when it comes to pies. You will not find traditional Pie flavors here but instead, an array of creative Malaysian favorites... can be as good as snacks (for sharing) or as satisfying as a meal. For pie lovers, A Pie Thing is definitely the Pie Mecca that you would not want to miss.

G Ball- G Hotel's Business Appreciation Dinner 2018

G Ball- G Hotel's signature annual business appreciation event returned this year with a theme of 'Ghost Ball 2018'... an exclusive evening dedicated to acknowledge and expressing thanks to the hotel's business partners.

The adventurous but innovative team had the hotel's grand ballroom transformed into spooky space filled with crows and miscellaneous eerie elements. Guests of the evening dressed according to the theme; not only that there were performances, the table arrangement (long table) was well-thought through... with candles and knick-knacks setting up the mood. The evening ended with a 5-course dinner.

Many Thanks to G Hotel for hosting us that evening.

Ginza Japanese Restaurant @ Vantage Desiran Tanjung, Penang.

Tanjung Bungah/ Pulau Tikus has long been the saving grace of Japanese expats sourcing for authentic Japanese eats and Ginza Japanese Restaurant at Vantage Desiran Tanjung is one of the busiest Japanese restaurants around. This absolute gem of place is always occupied on weekends; the restaurant's substantial Japanese menu is one of the strong pulling factors. Apart from the usual Japanese restaurant fare (like Sushi, Sashimi, Nabe, Noodles, Teppanyaki), the restaurant rolls out seasonal menu. Ingredients are air-flown in fresh and stock replenishes on every Tuesday and Friday, those with exotic palate would be glad to know that the restaurant carries unusual items such as Whale, Fugu (the Chef holds relevant license to process and serve the Fish) and Horse meat either (subject to availability and seasonal offer). Prices vary from affordable to premium goods... a place suitable for any occasion set in a comfortable, classic Japanese setting.

Many Thanks to Ginza Japanese Restaurant for hosting us.