The Twelve Cups @ Beach Street, Penang.

With the recent hype of the Mille Crepe cake which the word "Crepe" originated from French, meaning to stack few layers of the thin pancake and spread with flavored cream. I have been receiving plenty of complaints regarding Humble Beginnings due to its below-par quality, I have decided to hunt for another eatery/cafe which offers similar product and I have came across this place, The Twelve Cups. The Twelve Cups is a newly opened cafeteria which located at The Whiteaways Arcade, Beach Street (few door steps away from Standard Chartered Bank and opposite to Am Bank/ Maybank). Apart from the palatable Mille Crepe cakes, The Twelve Cups offers distinct and freshly brewed coffee. Price-wise, I'd say reasonable as the prices listed are nett and service was attentive. It has a very good and homely ambiance too, you can even find a couple of comfortable couches towards the end of the place. The only cons would be the parking, do avoid peak hours as the area is always packed with cars.

Khun De Thai Restaurant @ Jelutong, Penang.

If you have been following my blog for the past one year, you would have read my review on this restaurant before, so I was invited to this restaurant (along with some bloggers) for a review again recently and we get to sample some of their signature dishes. Khun De Thai is a humble Thai restaurant located in the bustling street of Jalan Teh Ewe Lim, from Green Lane/ Jalan Masjid Negeri, drive into Jalan Teh Ewe Lim (you will find Lam Wah Ee hospital on your right hand side), drive straight until you reach a traffic light, drive pass that traffic light and pay attention to your left hand side. You should able to find Khun De Thai restaurant shortly. As the name of the restaurant suggested, the place serves Thai food with affordable prices. There are quite a lot of choices to choose from, where Thai food lovers might find it an interesting place to dine in. The only problem is that they have limited parking (can only fit in up to 3 cars right in front of their restaurant), otherwise, you would have to find yourself a parking space at the road side.

Manila Place @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

**This place has since ceased its operations. The same management is now operating Pit Stop Cafe*. 

If you are pondering on where to get yourself a decent place to enjoy your lovely weekend breakfast, Manila Place at Gurney Plaza Penang might be an option for you. Located at new wing of Gurney Plaza (Ground Floor), right next to Dragon-I. Manila Place offers quality Western Cuisine as well as a very homely ambiance for their customers to dine in. As for this blog entry, I will have my focus on their Breakfast menu instead. Customers are more than welcome to choose their own favorite breakfast OR they can opt for the pre-fixed breakfast set listed on their menu. As for me, I had an enjoyable brunch with my family during the past weekend and I reckon I'll definitely come back for more (mainly due to their good value Breakfast set)!

Stick ARTS Ice Cream @ 1st Avenue Mall, Penang.

I was rather amused by the colorful ice cream when I first passed by the place, as well as the kiosk's name- Stick ARTS. Out of curiosity, I've decided to check it out, so this kiosk was opened at 8th floor of 1st Avenue Mall earlier ago, it sells hand-made ice cream serve with wood stick and come with 3 base of Yogurt, Gelato and Sorbets (ingredients imported from Italy and no artificial coloring used). My overall verdict on their ice cream will be: Prices on the slightly steeper side and the taste wasn't too unique to me, nothing much worth of mentioning. I was told that there will be 2 sizes available but there was only 1 size available during my visit, which was the Large ones, priced at Rm 6.90 each.

Million Loh Mee @ Farlim, Penang.

Loh Mee, direct translation would be Braised Noodles, a type of noodles topped with thick and flavorful gravy/broth. I am very particular when it comes to Loh Mee, it is either the broth is too watery or too thick to my liking, or the broth is too bland etc. I am a regular at one of the famous Loh Mee stalls in Jelutong area but now, I've found another place (which offers Loh Mee) which believe to be on par with it. Located at the shop houses at Farlim, Million Loh Mee not only serves Loh Mee, they do serve Koay Teow Th'ng, Pig's Trotter in Sweetened Vinegar and some Dim Sum dishes. Prices are very affordable and there are ample parking spaces available nearby.

Nadeje Cafe @ Mahkota Parade, Malacca.

I suppose many will agree with me that Nadeje is one of the must-visit when it comes to Malacca, the Mille Crepe cakes found in Nadeje is so famous that every single foodie should at least heard of it. Nadeje was one of the first/pioneer when it comes to Mille Crepe Cake, established since the year 2006, Nadeje prides itself with their freshly hand made Mille Crepe. There are three outlets in total but due to its strategic location at Mahkota Parade (one of the largest shopping malls in Malacca), we've decided to pay them a visit here. The name- Mille Crepe cake has received its name from the French, meaning layering. It is not easy to make a Mille Crepe cake as one would have to spread cream layer over layer. I've actually tried Nadeje before few months back during my visit to Malacca, however, due to time constraint, we couldn't actually savor the cake in the restaurant and have opted to take away instead. The taste was a total disaster and differ from my experience this time. Hence, I would recommend my readers to dine in instead of take away as it affects the taste and the texture.

Sakana Japanese Restaurant @ Penang Road, Penang.

I remember few months back when I was skype-ing with my parents back in Perth, they've told me about this new Japanese eatery opened in Penang Road and it was full with customers. Since I am back now and I've decided to spare some time out to hunt this place down. Sakana is a Japanese restaurant which situated at Penang Road, beside Mydin and opposite to the Bazaar. Similar to Sakae Sushi and Sushi King, Sakana has erected a Kaiser Belt for its customers' convenience. The seating of the restaurant is rather narrow and can only fit 4 person at most (under one table), they actually advised us to sit right in front of the Kaiser Belt since there were 5 of us. With high expectation on this restaurant, it turns out to be disappointment........

Hoe Kee Chicken Rice (和记鸡饭团) @ Jonker, Malacca.

Fellow visitors whom visited Jonker at Malacca were like recommending this place over the world of internet, and I was keen to find out which place is worth of paying a visit and I've came across this place. The place was very easy to located, simply find San Shu Gong (三叔公), one of the most famous local delicacy/souvenir shops in Jonker Walk, Malacca (nearby Stadthuys), Hoe Kee Chicken Rice is located right beside San Shu Gong. We were quite early that day during our visit but we were asked to follow the queue and it took us around 10 minutes to get our table. Things became worst when we came out from the restaurant, the queue was at least 4 times longer than what we had experienced, so getting there earlier (around 11-11:30am) might be a tip for you if you wish to avoid the queue. Anyway, one of Malacca's signature dishes would be the roundly-shaped Chicken Rice Ball, nothing special just that they are special in terms of their shape. Prices vary depending on your orders.

Christmas Buffet Celebration @ Swez Brasserie, Eastin Hotel, Penang.

"Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle All The Way ~" so apparently November is coming to an end, which means.... Christmas is just around the corner! Have you thought of where to celebrate this meaningful holiday with your friends or family? Eastin Hotel Penang has something to offer during this festive season and I was some of the lucky food bloggers to be invited to sample some of their selected dishes.

Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner

 24th December, 2012; 6:30pm to 10pm.
Rm 138++ (adult); Rm 69++ (child).
*Enjoy a free glass of sparkling wine or mocktail and party pack.*
*Early Bird Special- Receive a complimentary bottle of wine with a minimum reservation of 5 person for payment made before 18th of December, 2012.*

Christmas Day Hi-Tea
25th December, 2012; 12pm to 3pm.
Rm 68++ (adult); Rm 34++ (child).

Christmas Day Buffet Dinner
25th December, 2012; 6:30pm to 10pm.
Rm 80++ (adult); Rm 40++ (child).

There will be live Christmas caroling (by Eastin Carolers) as well as the "Christmas Trio" making their appearance, the "Christmas Trio" features Candy Cane Man, Elf and Snowman, attractive lucky draw prizes such as Venessa Diamonds pearl necklace and hotel stays can be won through some of the fun games provided.

The Meet & Greet Sessions with Christmas Trio:

15, 22, 23, & 25 December 2012, 1:45pm to 2:15pm.

22, 24 & 25 December 2012, 8:15pm to 8:45pm..

Bee Won Korean Food @ Times Square, Penang.

Previously operated in Royal Hotel Penang, Bee Won Korean Restaurant has ceased its operation due to some personal issues and now re-opened their business in Time Gallery, Times Square, Penang. Time Gallery is another name for Times Square's food court which situated at first floor of Times Square. Bee Won Korean Food is now operating at one of the kiosks inside Time Gallery but still under the same management. Vicky Kim, The lady owner of Bee Won Korean Food is a typical Korean, though choices are limited now, but the prices are greatly reduced as compared to before. They do offer some other dishes which can be found in those Korean restaurants too namely Stir Fried Korean Rice Cake, Korean Seafood Pancake, Korean Steamed Egg and Korean Steamed Hot Pot Tofu etc and most of them are reasonably priced, affordable to the public.

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: