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.

Hwajing Travel & Tours (华京旅游) offers Royal Afternoon Tea to Travelers on Star Cruise Libra

Cruise holidays can be a definition of luxury- be surrounded by sparkling waters, hugged by the warm sunlight and offered the chance to explore new port-cities everyday; the experience of ocean cruise can be an extremely memorable one. For a short and luxurious getaway with the family, do consider taking a 4 Day 3 Night cruise from Penang to Krabi and Phuket (Thailand). There are many ways to make your money spent worth-while; explore the in-cruise activities such as Karaoke, Gym, Movie Theater, Massage Pool, Swimming Pool, Bar, Restaurants and even mini Golf Center. Regardless of your age, there are something suitable for you. The 10-storey high Star Cruises Libra houses 718 rooms and could accommodate up to 1,436 passengers. Passengers will also be pampered to unlimited-refillable buffet treat in its in-cruise restaurants... with one operating 24 hours a day! 

The on-board price for per passenger starts from Rm 1,200 onwards (excluding taxes and applicable charges). Exclusively for Hwajing Travel & Tours' customers, any booking (on Star Cruises Libra's 4 Day 3 Night Cruise to Krabi-Phuket) with the travel agency shall entitle to a Royal Afternoon Tea treat on Star Cruises Libra.

Many Thanks to Hwajing Travel & Tours and Star Cruises for hosting us. 

Afternoon Tea Set @ Macalister Mansion, Penang.

Prepare to pour and pick up those dainty savories and sweets while relaxing yourself in a refined cozy ambiance. Macalister Mansion, a luxury colonial mansion in the bustling heart of Georgetown; has turned into an iconic boutique hotel in Penang since it first swung the doors opened 3 years back. The English Mansion has a comfortable space dedicated to serve a range of delicate sweet, savory and the downright tasty; one can opt to go for their Afternoon Tea Set or simply pick their preferred choices at the display fridge. Furnished with sophisticated Western artworks and elements, that sets an elegant tone to the patrons. It may be the perfect spot for Afternoon Tea if the place is not fully occupied, it may be a little cramped otherwise. The timeless Afternoon Tea Set comprises of beautifully crafted Quiches and Bagels served on a wooden tray, accompanied with mouth-watering sweet treats and a fine-selection of TWG Tea.

Crispy Chocolate Fondue Doughnut and Tiramisu Lolipop

Basil, Le Bistrot @ Kek Chuan Road, Georgetown, Penang.

**Basil has ceased its business operations since then.**

Basil, Le Bistrot... a newly opened restaurant cum cafe tucked within the heritage houses along Kek Chuan Road, opposite to Dolce Dessert Cafe, is a subsidiary to the Valerie Group, which owns a bakery at the Lower Ground Floor of Gurney Plaza. Slightly different from Valerie, Basil, Le Bistrot seeks to serve up more than just bread and pastries. The owner wishes to serve a wide range of delicate Western dishes at very affordable prices; with a couple of playful and frisky dishes. The contemporary design of the restaurant exudes a pleasing sense of tranquility with its own personal touch- the exposed pipes and light-bulbs hanging in the air. Seating is rather limited at the moment, though they have plans in expanding the dining area upstairs; advance reservation is highly recommended should you are planning to visit the place in a large group. 

Eté Café @ Lebuh Carnavon, Georgetown, Penang.

** Eté Café has since moved to a new location, the new address is: 25, Lorong Carnavon, 10100, Georgetown, Penang. **

Eté Café, a quiet yet humble cafe well hidden beside the bustling road of Georgetown. It took us some efforts before we were able to locate this cafe, to find Eté Café, simply locate the Police Station at Lebuh Carnavon, this place is facing the Police Station and the T Junction of Pesara Claimant. Eté Café serves no mains but only desserts, they are famous of their home-made Macaroons as well as French Pastries and freshly brewed Coffees. However, most of their desserts are highly priced; Macaroons being the best seller, will be sold like hot cakes, unfortunately, we were not able to get ourselves some during our visit. Despite I have no complaints for the service, the lack of air-conditioning can be frustrating for the heat-intolerant and the cafe can be quite warm during afternoon. I will see myself coming back for their Macaroons but probably more for novelty.

Golden Crust @ Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

There is this small but cozy restaurant in Tanjung Bungah, which is stone-throw distance from the morning wet market and Tuesday night market located. It is facing to the Rapid Bus Terminal at Tanjung Bungah either. Golden Crust offers some of the most exquisite Gourmet Pies, Tarts and even Quiches. They do have another branch/kiosk/booth opened in Gurney Plaza either, I had my visit on Tuesday, which was the weekly Night Market/ Pasar Malam being held, it was rather packed and customers just came in on and off, whether to take away or to have a quick bite. As for me, I've had a wonderful meet-up session with my friends, the place is suitable for chit-chatting or usual meet ups too. Price-wise, I find it affordable and worth the value, drinks are pretty economical too. Ample parking spaces available during usual time, but beware of the Tuesday night market as finding parking can be pretty tricky during that time. The seating is rather limited in this cafe as it only accommodate up to six or seven person, you may call for reservation first to avoid disappointment.

42° La Bohéme @ Sri Bahari Road, Penang.

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

In the bustling heart of Georgetown area, there is this humble little French Bakery/Pastries opened few years ago, which serves authentic French pastries and desserts. The whole place is being operated a couple of husband (Mathieu) and wife (Huvi); 42° La Bohéme only opens at afternoon (from 10:30am to 6pm), making it a perfect place for afternoon tea and a light lunch/meal. This place has a homely ambiance too, wooden tables and classic chairs. Some magazines and antiques were spotted around the corner of the restaurant as well. You can find plenty of the French specialties here too, namely Pizzas, Quiches and Galettes. If you are someone who are always looking for something light, there are always a various choices of salads for you too. As for pastries, there were not a lot of choices during our visit, some of the notable ones are Apple Tarts, Pear Tarts, Pain Au Chocolat, Croissant etc. We did see some Crème brûlée in the fridge as well. Price-wise, I find most of them reasonable considering the huge portion we are getting but the price for the beverages will be on the steeper side tho they are still acceptable (prices are net). Service was a bit slow during our visit, probably due to there were just two of them working, so you have to bear with that if you are visiting during peak hours (particularly lunch hour). My overall experience on the food was very good, I will definitely come back for other dishes as well.