No. 5 Bistro @ Victoria Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Next to Merry Me, No. 5 Bistro is under the care of the same management as Merry Me but it offers something completely different as compared to its sister cafe. Albeit a bistro, it places great focuses on alcohols but it does provide a small Asian-influenced menu featuring snacks and a few choices of mains. The atmosphere however, veers towards a bar with dark, mysterious interior decor. Expect to pay a little premium as prices are on the higher side... playful combinations and interesting flavors; if you are game for Asian-Fusion food with a booze (and would not mind to pay a little more), give this place a try.

[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Brussels (布鲁塞尔), Belgium (比利时) 2017.

Brussels is known as the "capital of Europe" due to its status as the administrative capital of the European Union. The city is not big in size but huge in its offering. It is also a melting pot for culture from all walks of life within the European zone. For travelers, Brussels is often a great pit stop for a short stay before continuing the journey to other European countries. It's fun to explore the modern, hip side of the city yet admiring the beauty of the Gothic buildings in the heart of Brussels. Due to its strategic location between Netherlands and France, both Dutch and French are widely spoken in Belgium. The official currency if of course, Euros. 

In our recent trip to Europe, we had a brief stop at Brussels. The city left us with a deep impression that it is an old city with soaring cathedrals, guild houses and countless of historical sites to visit but if you are not a history buff, proceed straight to its culinary offering. Food aside, the city somehow gave us an impression that it is unsafe, with military soldiers wandering around, beggars asking for money and unfriendly people (not as clean as we would have expected too).

Public Transport: The Metro system links to most places in the city and it is probably the most convenient and cheapest mode of travel. We recommend using the JUMP 10 Journeys ticket, buy 10 journeys in one go for €14, more information can be found here.

La Fiesta @ Sky Avenue, Resorts World Genting Highlands, Pahang.

Set on the long-stretch of restaurants on the first floor of the lifestyle mall at Sky Avenue Genting Highlands, La Fiesta is a convivial spot filled with Spanish Hams, Tapas and Wines. Step in the restaurant and be instantly transported to Europe... the low-lit railway arch, hanging lights, wooden wine racks and a display of Spanish Hams near the entrance; suggesting diners to embrace its authentic Spanish atmosphere. Despite the heavy decoration, the food and drinks menu is serious. There are ample choices for wine lovers and even more for Spanish food aficionados. It covers a range of Tapas (including its signature Iberico) to Paellas and ends with choices of Spanish sweet treats. Albeit the serious setting, the items are competitively priced; watch out for the occasional promotions if you are on a tight budget. 

Many Thanks to Resorts World Genting for the arrangements.

Patois Kafe & Bistro @ Burmah Square, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Patois Kafe & Bistro has got to be the most curious restaurant in Penang ever, the place is usually closed and only opens during certain hours. We have made multiple attempts to visit the place but to no avail. Dining in Patois is quite an experience, the menu is small but the service is amiable. We were warmly greeted by a charming-motherly lady; she was concerned if we knew what to order (since it was our first visit), if we were comfortably seated and if the air-conditioner was blowing at the right temperature. We were certainly well-taken care of. The place is unpretentious sans the unnecessary frills, it feels exactly dining at home. Service and ambiance aside, the European-Fusion menu is standard-average with some hits and misses. Patois Kafe & Bistro is located at Service Road, off Burmah Road (right next to Chow Thye Road).

De Paella Spanish Restaurant @ Lebuh Melayu, Georgetown, Penang.

Don't be surprised if you could not locate the main entrance to De Paella, as the Spanish restaurant is housed within the two-storey pre-war heritage house along Lebuh Melayu. The restaurant's on the second floor, the first floor's occupied with a Chinese Steamboat Restaurant- Little Yong Sing Hot Pot. Push open the doors and you will welcomed by a server, if you wish to dine in De Paella, you will be escorted through the narrow path right beside the restaurant. Traipse yourself up the flight of stairs and you will find De Paella there. The soft but warm lighting seems to have set the tone perfectly but the distance between tables is too near. On the menu, it features some of the classic Spanish items like Paella, Octopus and Clams but the offerings are limited. We found most pleasure in the Paella. 

Spanish Splendor @ Swez Brasserie, Eastin Hotel Penang.

In conjunction with Penang Eastin Hotel's upcoming buffet promotion in the coming month of March, themed Spanish Splendor, the media was invited to sample some of their unique dishes that about to be offered. This themed buffet (Spanish Splendor) will be available from 1st of March until 31st of March, 2013 at Swez Brasserie (Ground Floor of Eastin Hotel, Penang.)

Prices for the buffets are as follow:

Lunch: Monday - Friday

12:00pm - 2:30pm

Rm 48++ (adult) Rm 24++ (child)

Hi-Tea: Saturday and Sunday

12:00pm - 3:00pm

Rm 55++ (adult) Rm 28++ (child)

Hi-Tea: Festive Occasions
12:00pm - 3:00pm

Rm 68++ (adult) Rm 34++ (child)

Semi Buffet Dinner: Sunday - Thursday

6:30pm - 10:00pm

From Rm48++ per person

March Credit Card Promotions:

MAYBANKAD, Standard Chartered Bank, OCBC Bank, CIMB Bank, Citibank and VISA card members, guests can enjoy 15% discount for Spanish Splendor Semi Buffet Dinner (Monday to Thursday) and Weekend Buffet Dinner (Friday and Saturday) from 6:30pm to 10:00pm.

For inquiries or reservations, kindly contact Eastin Hotel Penang, Swez Brasserie at +04- 612 1128.