Humble Beginnings @ Straits Quay, Penang.

"Mille Crepe- Twenty layers of crepes with a delightful combination of fresh cream and vanilla custard between each layer. The topmost layer is caramelized to give it a nice smoky sugary flavor. Everything is hand-made and hand-layered: a true labor of love"    - Humble Beginnings.

I believe the Mille Crepe Cake fever has been here for quite long and finally, one of the pioneers (other than Nadeje) has finally landed Penang (with their own shop). Opened on last Sunday, Humble Beginnings has its first outlet in Penang opened in Straits Quay, right beside Fruuze Frozen Yogurt and Paparich Cafe. As they have just began their business few days ago, choices were rather limited and I was told that they will bring in more flavors in the near future. As for those who wish to order one whole cake, you may order online via their website (Citibank Card users may receive discounts up to 20%- terms and conditions applied). Prices are okay considering they are serving every single customer (dine-in) a cup of plain water (with some lemon juice), I would also like to advice my readers not to take-away and try to have it fresh by dine-in as it tends to affect the texture and smoothness of the cream. As choices and seats are limited, I would advice you to go as early as possible to avoid any disappointments.

My Stay at Venus Boutique Hotel @ Malacca

I had a pleasant stay at Venus Boutique Hotel during my visit to Malacca, recommended by one of my friends, an editor of one of Malacca's famous websites- Melaka3.com. Venus Boutique Hotel is located in the bustling heart of Malacca, walking distance to one of Malacca's largest shopping complex- Mahkota Parade and walking distance to few of Malacca's famous tourist attractions such as Jonker Walk, Stadthuys, Christ Church, Kota Famosa etc. You can find a lot of eateries and night market nearby the hotel too. Venus Boutique Hotel offers great supporting services to tourists as well as reasonable and affordable room rates. One of the major drawbacks of this hotel might be they do not offer any breakfast services but fear not, you can find any other delicious and affordable breakfast meals in any corners of Malacca.

Kindori Japanese Ice Cream @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Kindori Japanese Ice Cream is a new kiosk opened in New Wing of Gurney Plaza last week, located at third floor of the New Wing, Kindori is right in front of Parkson supermarket. Kindori offers quality Japanese Ice Cream which said to be low fat, low calories, low sugar, high in calcium, protein and vitamin. As for the ice cream itself, it is made of 100% fresh milk but how does this make it low fat? Don't get it wrong, Kindori's Ice Cream has lower calories as compared to other brands' ice creams but not those Yogurt Ice Creams instead. Customers are allowed to pick their preferred fresh fruits from their display counter (the fruits will be frozen at -40 Degree Celsius to preserve its freshness) and the selected fruits will be blended with their ice cream but do note that some of the rather "odd" flavors are produced using flavored powders. Customers are also encouraged to tell them their preference upon placing their orders (sweetness etc). There are only two sizes available which are by Cup (RM 6.90) and Cone (Rm 7.90), but do note that prices vary depending the flavors that you have selected. A price list and menu have been attached with this blog post, please find them at the bottom of this post.

BOH Tea Plantation/Center @ Sungai Palas, Cameron Highlands.

So for those of you who are following me on my Kenhuntfood Facebook Page, you would have known that I've traveled down to Cameron Highlands for the past few days. It has been quite some time since my last visit to Cameron Highlands, during the planning stage for the trip, I've found that this place was rather attractive and interesting to me. Hence, I've decided to include this place as part of my itinerary. Located at Sungai Palas, North of Brinchang (a town in Cameron Highlands), BOH Tea's farm is known to be one of the largest tea farms in Malaysia, as well as the largest Black Tea producer in Malaysia. The road to BOH Tea Plantation at Sungai Palas was narrow and winding, do beware of cars coming from the opposite direction. It is recommendable to hire a local taxi to drive you there. My thought on this place will be: the place worth the visit for its fresh air, eye-opening experience on the tea plantation as well as the breath-taking scenery and good ambiance.

Norway and Norwegian Consumer Goods Exhibition @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Organized by the Royal Norwegian Embassy (based in Kuala Lumpur), the Norway and Norwegian Consumer Goods Exhibition aims to let the public see the best of Norway via some of the best shots by Norwegian photographers, together with some exhibitors like Tine Norway, Trapia Sdn. Bhd., Jordan and Jotun displaying a range of products that originate from Norway or from Norwegian expertise. I was one of the lucky bloggers whom being invited to this event last evening (Thurs, 1st of November, 2012) at Ground floor of Gurney Plaza, right in front of Top Man/ Top Shop. If you have missed it, worry not, the exhibition lasts until this Sunday (4th of November, 2012). Below are/were some of the highlights of the night and the exhibition:

Hui Lau Shan (许留山) Hong Kong Desserts @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Ever since I've came back from Perth, I've noticed about the recent mushrooming of Hong Kong dessert eateries in Penang, Tong Pak Fu and now, Hui Lau Shan. Many should be familiar with the name Hui Lau Shan, and basically you can find them everywhere in Hong Kong. They are known to sell some of the best mango desserts in town. Since I was outdated for quite some time, I've decided to pay them a visit to check out their menu. The Hui Lau Shan at Gurney Plaza is located at third floor, right beside Meet Fresh and Daiso. I wasn't too fancy about all these Hong Kong desserts, especially Hui Lau Shan as my previous visit to their outlet at Hong Kong (Mong Kok area) earlier ago this year wasn't that good, I find the desserts were rather "boring" as most of them were fresh fruits and further complemented by mango juice. Prices are steep considering the extra charges (6% Government Tax and 10% Service Charge)... out of curiosity, I've checked out two items on their menu list.......

Tong Pak Fu (糖百府) @ Burmah Road, Penang.

Located in the bustling heart of Georgetown, it shouldn't be too new for our fellow hardcore dessert fans in Penang as it has been quite some time since the opening of Tong Pak Fu, one of the famous Hong Kong dessert eateries. Tong Pak Fu in Penang offers most of the items offered in other places, they do have a wide array of desserts for dessert lovers to choose, from the tropical fruits like mangoes and durians, until the Asian traditional desserts like Sesame paste dessert and Red Bean soup etc. The service was a bit slow and not too efficient during my visit, parking might be a problem during peak hours. I'd say the price is slightly on the higher side but it would be worth if it satisfies your crave wouldn't it?

Four Seasons Roasting Duck Restaurant (北苑海鲜酒家) @ Northbridge, WA.

Open as a "Yum Cha" outlet which serves Dim Sum in the morning, Four Seasons Roasting Duck Restaurant actually serves delicate and mouth-watering Roast Duck, Pork Ribs, Chicken etc on the afternoon and night time. We were not intended to visit this restaurant, we were heading to the rumored Good Fortune Roast Duck House (it's good they said) which strategically located at Chinatown of Perth- Northbridge. It was not our lucky day that the restaurant was closed (should have done some research first before I headed down to town), immediately, we searched for another alternative and we came across this restaurant, which located further down of the road (it requires a 5-minute walk). With disappointments, we went into this restaurant and to ease our hunger and craving for Roasted Duck.

Ichiban Ramen (一番拉面) @ AEON Seberang Prai, Penang.

I am not a frequent patron at AEON Seberang Prai/ Bandar Perda (Bukit Mertajam) due to its location but if I ever get to travel to Bukit Mertajam, I'll be sure to make it one of my destinations. We were there wondering what to eat for our lunch and we stumbled upon this restaurant which located at first floor of AEON Bandar Perda, right beside S&J souvenir shop and Sushi Queen. Ichiban Ramen has more than 9 outlets in Malaysia and this is their only outlet in Penang. As the restaurant's name suggested, Ichiban Ramen offers some of their most exquisite ramen and related Japanese dishes. Surprisingly, the place is always empty (I have no idea why either but their Ramen were okay to me). Price-wise, slightly pricier due to the Service Charge and Government Tax.

Took Bae Kee 2-Korean Restaurant @ Perth, WA.

Amazed by the long queue, out of curiosity, I've decided to check this place out during my night walk at Northbridge area. It was rather fascinating that we were asked to wait for at least 30 minutes before they could arrange a table for us. After you have placed your "reservation" with the staff, you are free to leave and they will call you shortly after the tables are available (phone numbers are required during reservation). The restaurant was rather small and there will not be much spaces to move around between tables. It seems like their business was very good where they had to open another new restaurant here in Perth, named Took Bae Kee 2. They do offer a wide range of Korean food like Hot Pot, Barbecue, rice sets and even some delicate delicacies. Service was no doubt attentive, price was considerably reasonable. I have yet to try on their Barbecue dishes but from the comments I've read over the internet, it seems like they are worth of trying. 

Red Chilies Wok Restaurant (红辣椒川粤风味馆) @ Madras Lane, Penang.

Authentic Sze Chuan cuisines are mushrooming recently in Penang, probably due to we Penangites prefer spicier and hotter food. As most of us are aware that Sze Chuan cuisine (四川菜) are very spicy/hot and oily, therefore, it might not be easily accepted by all. The pungency and spiciness are results from the great amount of Garlic/ Dried Chilies/ Sze Chuan Peppercorn (花椒) etc. You will definitely find some authentic Sze Chuan dishes in Red Chilies Wok Restaurant, aside from spicy Sze Chuan dishes, they do offer some Cantonese (粤菜) dishes as well. To find Red Chilies Wok Restaurant, locate "Bata" Shoe outlet at Macalister Road and make your turn into Madras Lane, you will find Red Chilies Wok Restaurant on your left side immediately (opposite to Copra Cafe). Most of their dishes are reasonably priced and serving portion was quite big too. Be sure that you can take spicy and oily food before you have your attempt on their authentic Sze Chuan dishes here, but do come and challenge yourself if you think that you are not afraid of spicy food.

iPho' Vietnamese Cuisine @ Fremantle, WA.

While I am very keen in digging out more decent food in Western Australia (but I can't really do this too frequently due to currency gap), I've came across this Vietnamese restaurant which situated at Fremantle, WA. From the famous Fremantle Markets, walk towards DOME and to the famous San Churos restaurant,  you should be able to see iPho's from San Churos. As mentioned, iPho' specializes in serving Vietnamese food and Vietnamese Beef Pho/Noodles is one of the most famous dishes among all Vietnamese dishes. Apart from the Pho/ Noodles, they do offer some other delicate entrees, salads, and some rice dishes as well. Price-wise, I'd say it was reasonable but the services provided to us were superb, they will eventually teach/guide you with the correct method of enjoying a bowl of Vietnamese Pho. 

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.

Dosukoi Japanese Ramen @ Fremantle, Perth, Western Australia.

Hidden in one of the eateries in the crowded Fremantle market, Dosukoi is rather famous amongst the locals and tourists and since I am relatively new to this place, my friend brought me here to savor one of the highly ranked Japanese Ramen- Dosukoi Japanese Ramen. The place has been introduced and reviewed by quite a lot of people/ media, so you can expect the place will be very crowded during peak hour/seasons. I was also told that, patrons/ customers are willing to wait for up to 1.5 hours just for a bowl of this Ramen. We considered ourselves lucky since we had to wait 15 minutes only, customers are required to pay and have your order placed first, the lady owner will then ask for your phone number and they will text you saying your ramen/ orders are ready. Limited seats available in this place but since they are pretty organized with placing/ accepting customers' orders, so need not to worry too much about that. Do ask the locals about "Fremantle Ramen" and I am pretty sure that they will direct you to this place. Find stall number 7 in Fremantle market, try to avoid lunch hour, do come earlier if you don't want to wait too long for the queue. Prices are relatively cheap by Perth's standards and the portion served was pretty big too.