Chilli Mee 辣椒面 By Hideout Cafe @ I-Avenue, Bukit Jambul, Penang.

A new venture by Hideout Cafe, the name Chilli Mee 辣椒面 gives an exact idea on what the place is offering. The new addition can be found at i-Avenue (Bukit Jambul), the food menu is simple but focused- offering only Pan Mee and a rice dish (with sides of course). The forte is of course, the Pan Mee... nothing fancy and pretentious; but a cozy, comfortable place to get your usual fix. If you must know, the place is fully air-conditioned. 

Fei Brew Cafe @ Bayan Point, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

If you are happy and supportive of the plant-based trend in the restaurant scene, you would be glad to find out that there is a new vegetarian cafe at Bayan Baru area. Within walking distance from Xiang Yun Vegetarian Restaurant at Bukit Jambul; Fei Brew Cafe which situated on the first floor of a row of shop houses... offers a secrecy but cozy space for coffee lovers. The interior decor presents a minimalist sort of elegance, with some indoor plants brightening up the place. The variety for mains is rather limited but if you are game for desserts, they do offer a few decent choices. Pretty affordable prices and great, relaxing atmosphere; a visit-worthy cafe in the neighborhood. 

Home Cafe @ Alora Hotel, Bukit Jambul, Penang.

Folks staying at Parit Buntar should not be new to the name- Home Cafe... a cafe setup by a retired air-stewardess. The cafe has been receiving positive responses from netizens and now, it has finally opened a branch in Penang. Housed in Alora Hotel, the cafe occupies a prominent corner lot of the building. Push the door open and you will notice that there's a kid's corner with toys on the left... move further and you will see the modern cafe setting with a touch of industrial vibe. The cafe is pretty spacious and the ordering system is well-organized. On the menu, it has a lot to offer... ranging from local delights to Western-Oriental dishes or Thai-influenced snacks/ desserts. The prices however, are pretty high considering the common, ubiquitous dishes; a simple family meal here may put a dent on your wallet.

Gohaniku by Spade's Burger @ i-Avenue, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Spade's Burger, a renowned Penang brand known for artisan Burgers, has recently launched a new venture.... Gohaniku which is a combination of Japanese "Gohan" (Rice) and "Yakiniku" (Grilled Meat). Gohaniku has a tagline which spells out... "Meat, Rice and Everything Nice", so expect to see an array of Rice dishes topped with meat. Pork lovers would be excited to know that the place offers a great variety of Pork options with only a couple of Chicken choices; look for other places if you are neither a fan of Chicken nor Pork. Prices are surprisingly wallet-friendly with generous portion; nothing spectacular on the interior decor but more to fast-food concept where you place the order and wait for your turn to collect the food (usually within minutes). Apart from the Japanese-influenced Rice Bowls, there are some with local twist (such as Nasi Lemak, Salted Egg variants).

Omakase- The Autumnal Pleasure by Kampachi Japanese Restaurant @ Equatorial Hotel Penang.

An Omakase Japanese meal literally means dishes carefully selected by the Chef, the norm is that the Chef will serve the most delicate dishes using the finest and freshest ingredients that he/she could source. The dining experience will take you on an extraordinary gourmet journey and it is not only the most traditional way to enjoy Japanese meal but the most posh and luxurious as well. One of the standard setters in Malaysia and a great player in the Japanese food industry- Kampachi Restaurant rolls out its seasonal Omakase offer... just in time for diners to experience the Autumnal delights in Japan. The 7-course Omakase dinner requires an advance reservation (ideally 3-4 days) and is priced at Rm 250 nett per person. The menu items typically focus on the in-season offer and consist of dishes prepared from the freshest ingredients presented in their most natural states. All ingredients are air-flown and imported from Japan.

Many Thanks to Hotel Equatorial Penang and Kampachi for hosting us that evening.

Marios Italian Cuisine @ Bukit Jambul, Penang.

Marios Italian Cuisine touts to package one of the most magnificent table-side views of Bukit Jambul together with their Italian-offering. The newly opened Italian restaurant sits on top the Bukit Jambul hill and offers a breath-taking panoramic view of the bustling Bayan Lepas/ Bayan Baru town. This hidden gem is tucked away from the main road of Jalan Bukit Jambul (not the slope heading to Equatorial Hotel Penang) and housed in one of the mammoth-sized bungalows (a stone's throw distance away from the Bukit Jambul recreation hill). Step in the bungalow and you will be welcomed by the intimate setting with huge see-through glasses offering spectacular greenery and hill-view; the homey ambiance suggests it could be an ideal place for evening chill. On the menu, Marios boasts over a huge selection of Italian eats- from Appetizers, Salad to Pasta, Pizza, Grills to Desserts.... at unexpected wallet-friendly price tags. Making advance reservation is recommended to secure the extra romantic-value spot. 

Chop Chin Hin Hardware Cafe (振兴号) @ Alora Hotel, Bukit Jambul, Penang.

Ever since B-Suite Hotel (at Bukit Jambul) re-branded (or restructured) to Alora Hotel, the newly refurnished hotel welcomes a few restaurants. The hotel is now under the portfolio of Chin Hin Group and we were not surprised why Chop Chin Hin Hardware Cafe was introduced. We expected heavy industrial elements to be seen in the cafe but there nary of them. While some items on the menu do carry the "hardware" name but they have got no actual correlation between the items offered and the name. The menu is small and could only offer some basic Sandwiches, Cakes and Waffles. Ambiance's calm with a restful vibe suitable for casual meet-ups or business meetings. Service was great with the staff paying greatest attention to details. A contrary to what we have experienced at Franco, the restaurant next door. Chop Chin Hin Hardware Cafe is an in-house cafe housed within Alora Hotel Penang (right next to Franco). 

Cha Yen Cafe @ i-Avenue, Bukit Jambul, Penang.

Cha Yen Cafe's humble beginnings started at Armenian Street, an unpretentious stall selling the popular Thai Milk Tea- Cha Yen. They have since expanded their business operations all over the state and recently, a proper cafe entirely owned by the brand. The menu is small and most of the items are not as exciting as some of the establishments in town (unfortunately). The only possible item that caught our attention was their Roti Bakar with Thai-styled Coconut Custard and Coconut Ice Cream. Apart from these snacks, the mains carry a nary of Thai element. If you are keen to explore for your own, they can be found at i-Avenue (a few doors away from Eastern Wishes). 

Franco @ Alora Hotel, Bukit Jambul, Penang.

Many would associate Miam Miam with Franco, an established franchise brand in Malaysia... but that is inevitable. The menu shows some form of similarities. With that being said, the first restaurant named under the brand- Franco has finally opened its doors to the public few days ago. The restaurant is housed within Alora Hotel (previously B-suite Hotel) at Bukit Jambul (right next to i-Avenue). The setting's cool and hipstery... with organized hanging light bulbs and comforting couches dedicated for group diners. The service on the other hand, was off-putting. Not only that we had to wait for an hour before the orders were served (there were only 2 tables on our visit), the cantankerous server rudely confiscated the menu after seeing me photographing some of the pages. Servers were confused and not well-trained, orders were wrongly submitted and many items were not available on our visit. On the taste, we were not quite impressed either. We wondered if the meal did not go well because we did not order the right dishes or the fact that most of the items there were not up to par. 

Rakkii Izakaya @ Icon city, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Arriving late for lunch at Icon City might get you into trouble as most restaurants are closed after 2:30 pm, though they will reopen for dinner at 6 pm. Rakkii Izakaya seems deceivingly quiet from outside, had we not entered the place to check it out, we would not know that they serve Set Lunch.  The name "Izakaya" gives an impression that the place opens in the evening and serves light snacks to go with the alcohols; in fact, Rakkii Izakaya is a Japanese-Fusion restaurant that serves full-fledged menu covering Appetizers, Ramen, Mains (Japanese Rice dishes) and even desserts. The setting is spacious and the decors are Japanese-influenced with a huge bar counter displaying various Japanese-Sake bottles. The menu may put you off with hefty prices but as far as quality is concerned, they are quite good at it. 

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. 

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).

Sunset at Nadaba @ Hotel Equatorial Penang.

End the day by chilling out at the newly refurbished bar- Nadaba of Hotel Equatorial Penang where one gets to sit by the pool side, enjoy phenomenal sunset view and listen to live jazz band music (available on Thursdays to Saturdays only). The pool side bar has quite an impressive array of alcoholic drinks, from the conventional beers, wines to specially made cocktails; there will be something for everyone. As one of the opening promotions, Nadaba set to roll out its Sunset Teasers; priced at Rm 48 nett, each order of Sunset Teaser comes with two glasses of alcohol (Beers/ Wines) and a three-tier tray containing local nibbles and delectable snacks. Sunset Teaser is available daily from 5 pm to 8 pm. 

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

Weekend Surf & Turf BBQ Buffet Dinner @ Nada Lama, Hotel Equatorial Penang.

The previous restaurant- Coffee Garden located on Lower Ground floor of Hotel Equatorial Penang has gone through a major makeover and has since, given a new and fresh look. The just-refurbished restaurant is now known as Nada Lama which translates to "Yesterday's Melody". Inspired by its Colonial and Peranakan origin, the restaurant takes on a modern Peranakan interior decor- simple, spacious and elegant. The harmonised colors excude a casual and relaxed atmosphere. At present, Nada Lame offers a few types of buffet themes at the restaurant:

1) Daily Buffet Breakfast

Time: 6 am to 10: 30 am. 

Price: Rm 52++ (Adult)/ Rm 29++ (Children)

2) Buffet Lunch

Time: 12 pm to 2:30 pm. Every Monday to Saturday.

Price: Rm 65++ (Adult)/ Rm 35++ (Children)

3) International Buffet Dinner

Time: 6:30 pm to 10 pm. Every Sunday to Thursday.

Price: Rm 85++ (Adult)/ Rm 45++ (Children)

4) Surf and Turf BBQ Buffet Dinner

Time: 6:30 pm to 10 pm. Fridays and Saturdays ONLY. (10% discount for CIMB Bank Card Holders)

Price: Rm 98++ (Adult)/ Rm 52++ (Children)

5) Sunday Buffet Lunch

Time: 12 pm to 2:30 pm.

Price: Rm 78++ (Adult)/ Rm 42++ (Children)

*The hotel management reserves the right to change the buffet themes without prior notice, kindly call to confirm.*

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

Barista @ Vistana Hotel, Bukit Jambul, Penang.

Barista at Vistana Hotel defies the conventional way of how hotels serve food; it seeks to offer a quick grab-and-bite concept. It does not only limit to the hotel guests but the general public is more than welcome to savor their food as well. What Barista really offers is convenience, the little kiosk opens for 24/7 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and can be an ideal place for a quick recharge and have a sip on their freshly brewed cup of Joe. Budget-conscious customers will be glad to know that all the prices stated are inclusive of Service Charge and Government Tax; nett prices in other words.The menu and prices are standardized across all Baristas at all Vistana Hotels (Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kuantan). Barista at Vistana Hotel Penang can be found on the left of the reception and a stone's throw distance away from the main entrance to the hotel. 

Many Thanks to Vistana Hotel Penang for extending the invitation.

Rebranding Launch Ceremony of Vistana Hotel Penang

Another grand milestone achieved by YTL Corporation Berhad. To welcome the Tourism Malaysia's Visit Malaysia Year 2014, the rebranding launch of the hotel was a well-timed event for the occasion. The transformation and refurbishments of Vistana Hotel Penang at Bukit Jambul have given the hotel a completely refreshed look, which is in equation with the brand's new ethos of "Vibrance, Verve and Value". A modern and comfortable ambiance coupled with great services at competitive prices are what they are looking into right now. The event was held at the Grand Ballroom of Vistana Hotel Penang, at 14th of February 2014. 

Many Thanks to YTL Corporation Berhad for extending the invitation. 

G-Xiang (奇香港式风味云吞面) @ Taman Lip Sin, Penang.

** This place has since ceased its operation.**

Being an ardent fan of noodles, I have been constantly looking for some decent Wanton Noodles and Shrimp Roe Noodles (虾子面), coincidentally, this place was introduced by a friend of mine- Sunflower. Located at Taman Lip Sin, where Sunshine Lip Sin and Red Tea Garden Dim Sum are situated. G-Xiang is facing the main road and should be quite obvious if you were to enter to Sunshine Lip Sin using the main entrance. Wanton Noodles and Shrimp Roe Noodles are some of their signature dishes, their menu is simple and earnest, offering their best dishes to diners. Despite the foods were not mind-blowing, but they do give me some standard satisfactions, I thought the prices are reasonable too; with ample parking spaces available at the basement of the building, I'd coming back for more! 

All You Can Eat Dim Sum Semi-Buffet @ Golden Phoenix, Equatorial Hotel Penang.

With the year 2013 is coming to an end and approximately 5 weeks away from the year-end school holiday, organizing family gathering is inevitable. If you are looking for a classy place for a family-get-together or friends-meet up session, especially when you are an ardent fan of Dim Sum, you might want to consider Golden Phoenix at Equatorial Hotel Penang. Situated at the peak of Bukit Jambul, Golden Phoenix (of Equatorial Hotel Penang) is somewhere relatively quieter from the buzz of town and it's a place where you can satiate your cravings for Dim Sum. Priced at Rm42++ (Adult) and Rm 23++ (Child), diners will be offered All You Can Eat Dim Sum Semi Buffet (Promotion period starts from 1st of October until 30th of November 2013) where diners can enjoy as much Dim Sum dishes as possible, followed by some "Buffet" dishes (Mains and Desserts etc). While the menu is not extensive but there are more than sufficient choices to please every diner. 

*Many thanks to Debra (PR Manager of Equatorial Hotel Penang) and Hanson Li (Assistant F&B Manager of Equatorial Hotel Penang) for extending the invitation.*

All You Can Eat Dim Sum Semi-Buffet Lunch (Pork Free):

1st October 2013 until 30th November 2013

12pm to 2:30pm

Rm 42++ (Adult) and Rm 23++ (Child) *Prices are subject to 10% Service Charge & Prevailing Government Tax*

Excluding Weekends & Public Holidays

For reservation, please call +604 632 7166

Lor Pak Gou/ Pan-Fried Carrot Cake (美味萝卜糕)

Sin Har Fu Pei Guen/ Deep-Fried Beancurd Skin with Shrimps (鲜虾鲜竹卷)

Hou Mei Yuen Pan Mee (好味园) @ Bukit Jambul, Penang.

Housed within some medium-low cost apartment at Bukit Jambul, adjacent to Vistana Hotel Penang, there's a rather famous Pan Mee hidden under the trees. Hou Mei Yuen Pan Mee has been there over the past decade, I've started eating their Pan Mee since I was in primary school (more than 10 years ago anyway). The place is often loaded with patrons during lunch hour, particularly factory workers working around Bayan Baru area. For those who are very close to me, you would have known that I'm a regular at this place where basically I will visit Hou Mei Yuen at least once in a week. Reason? Their chili paste. I'm aware that people are complaining about the inconsistency about the noodles. Yes, I couldn't agree more. It's the chili paste that keeps me coming back for more; also, do avoid peak hours like lunch hour (12pm to 1:30pm) unless you want to wait for hours or you want your noodles to be over-cooked. Both soup and dry version of Pan Mee are available at Hou Mei Yuen. 

Hai Koay Teow Th'ng (海粿条汤) @ Relau, Penang.

I was informed by my colleague about this little shop here, I have actually passed by for a few times but I just could not find a slot to give it a shot. Hai Koay Teow Th’ng is situated right opposite to PISA/SPICE (Penang International Sports Arena), on the way to Relau and Paya Terubong/ Balik Pulau route. There is a stretch of new shop houses sitting same row as Public Bank (opposite to PISA/SPICE) and you can find Hai Koay Teow Th’ng is one of them. From the banner, Hai Koay Teow Th’ng has opened its first outlet in Golden Lake Hawker Center in Relau and has moved into this air-conditioned shop since then. Apart from Koay Teow Th’ng, they do have some other side dishes worth of trying. Parking can be a problem during peak hours but do take note of their business hour as they will start their business at 3pm until 12am. It could be a very good place for a light supper though.