Chez Nous Cafe @ Seck Chuan Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

*Chez Nous Cafe has since ceased its business operation.*

Tucked within one of the heritage houses in the heart of Georgetown, Chez Nous Cafe is a humble and no-frills cafe manned by a very friendly Belgian couple- Philippe and Liz. Using Turquoise color as the theme, Chez Nous Cafe should be easily located, simply turn into Lorong Seck Chuan and you should be able to find Chez Nous with its attractive and eye-catching exterior. Menu is rather limited and simplistic but quality is assured; do keep an eye on their Facebook page for the constantly-rotating menu. Service was impeccable, do check with the friendly couple should you are unsure of what to order and I am sure they are able to provide you the perfect recommendations. 

Nona Bali Restaurant @ Sungai Pinang, Jelutong, Penang.

Finding authentic Balinese eats has never been easy in Penang but with the opening of Nona Bali, Penangites can now have an easy access to some authentic Balinese dishes. This is indeed, an interesting and delightful addition to the food scene in Penang. Walking into the restaurant is like going through a portal where it is possible to feel transported to Bali especially with the Balinese Dolls decorating the shelves and Balinese Drawings adorning the walls. Their menu could be overly simple and limited for some but they are definitely offering some of their best to the diners. Prices are on the higher side for their Ala-Carte dishes but their Set Lunch is definitely worth every single penny. However, I thought the place worth a second visit probably more for novelty instead. Nona Bali Restaurant is located at IJM Jelutong Promenade, where the Ubah Bird was previously held. 

Budan's Brew Coffeebar @ Argus Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

*Relocated to Pulau Tikus*

Budan's Brew Coffeebar is definitely a delightful addition to Penang's cafe scene- cozy ambiance with relaxed vibe; freshly brewed coffee with simple but delectable snacks/ food and friendly staff. Step into the cafe and you will be greeted by the strong but comforting wind, as though the cafe is equipped with a natural air-conditioner but beware, one may easily fall asleep in the cafe! Their menu is simple but earnest with a couple of Breakfast/ Brunch choices and daily fresh bakes. While their ambiance does impress me but what gets me excited were the wallet-friendly price tags, especially with the soft-opening promotion. I do see this place a charming spot to enjoy their range of lovely snacks and breakfast set, as well as to have a cup of their carefully brewed coffee. It can be a little tricky to find this place, from Farquhar Street moving towards Penang Road, turn into Love Lane and make a left turn to the first junction (into Argus Lane); you should be able to find this place somewhere in the middle of those heritage houses. 

Apollow Coffee House (阿波罗饮食中心) @ Apollo Market, Butterworth, Penang.

Apollo Market is one of the largest wet markets in the state (of Penang), for those who are unfamiliar with the market, you might find yourself in trouble when it comes to getting yourself a decent breakfast from the myriad hawker stalls. Apollow Coffee House, a humble Hawker-Coffee House tucked within the market, has a couple of worth-trying dishes. It should be quite easy to spot the Coffee House, simply locate the new "roof" erected by the state government and Apollow Coffee House should be right next to it. Also, a note to my readers, most of the hawker stalls there will be closed after noon, hence, it will be ideal to visit them for breakfast or early brunch. 

Five27 @ Chulia Court, Chulia Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Previously located at Straits Quay, Five27 has relocated to Chulia Court along the bustling Chulia Street and has reopened its door on the 26th of January 2014. Five27 continues to tantalize Penangites' taste buds with its revamped menu, maintaining some of the "regulars' favorites" as well as new and carefully designed dishes. Stepping into the cafe is like stepping into a time portal, its retro design with a touch of Nyonya style is a reminiscent of the olden days. The fully air-conditioned restaurant cum bar is a perfect place for any of your friends or family occasions, there is an al-freso dining area too if you would prefer a more outdoorsy ambiance. Ample parking lots available behind the restaurant, from Chulia Street, turn into Carnavon Street and turn right into a small alley, you should be able to see the signboard indicating the car park from there (Rm 3 per car per entrance but fully redeemable for every Rm 30 spent in Five27).

Traipse yourself up to the second floor and you will be greeted by a bar, offering extensive range of alcohols; and there will be live band performances on every Friday and Saturday evenings too. Their Red/ White Sangria (Rm 18/ glass, Rm 45/ half-liter, Rm 75 per liter) is a must-try item.   

Many Thanks to Five27 for extending the invitation. 

U Desserts (優甜品) @ Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang.

*U Desserts at Raja Uda has since closed down*

With more than 5 outlets in Southern Malaysia and 7 outlets country-wide, a renowned chain dessert cafe has finally set foot here in Penang. Tucked within the shop houses right opposite to Chung Ling Butterworth along Jalan Ong Yi How, U Desserts pride themselves by offering some inexpensive but delectable sweet treats. You might need to spend a little more time in picking your choice as their extensive menu has myriad of sweet treats await you. Ambiance was simple but comfortable although the service could be more attentive. An ideal place to satiate your cravings for desserts! 

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. 

Zest Bar & Cafe @ Glow By Zinc, Macalister Road, Georgetown, Penang.

While most of us are trying to save ourselves a penny by cutting our dining costs, many businesses are coming out with wallet-friendly dining set meals to attract and vie for business. One of the more attractive ones will be none other than Zest Cafe's Weekly Set Lunch. One can now enjoy quality food (3-course Set Lunch) with cozy ambiance and impeccable service without putting a dent on the wallet. Priced reasonably at Rm 15+/ set, Zest Cafe's Weekly Set Lunch includes a complimentary Iced Lemon Tea, an Entree, a Main and a Dessert. The only limitation will be the menu is fixed and the changes to the dishes are not possible. 

Zest Cafe is nestled within the building, traipse yourself up to the second floor and you will be greeted by a brightly-lit and fully air-conditioned cafe, with a great view of the bustling Macalister Road. A great place to spend an afternoon with your business associates or friends and family. There are, of course, many other available choices on their ala-carte menu but the worth-the-value Set Lunch caught my attention and I was tempted to try it out. Their spread of Pastries and Cakes are worth-checking out at the display fridge too. For the uninitiated, Glow By Zinc is a newly opened hotel along Macalister Road, facing the junction to Abu Siti Lane and Red Rock Hotel. 

Asiatique Kitchen & Lounge @ Vantage Desiran Tanjung, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Be thrilled with an exciting journey of flavors and senses at Asiatique Kitchen & Lounge as you will be greeted with some meticulously designed and thoughtfully chosen combinations here. Call it quirky, frisky or creative, one may expect the unexpected here at Asiatique, dishes like Chendul Panna Cotta, Sarsi Poached Pear or Coconut Cream Carbonara are definitely some of the worth-mentioning dishes. The very talented culinary team of Asiatique is constantly coming up with new creations, for a more updated version of menu, do hop over at their Facebook Page for more information. 

Genuine service from the eloquent staff, minimalist and simple interior decor, the fully air-conditioned restaurant is a perfect dining place for both family or any other occasions. This Australian-Fusion restaurant is located at Vantage Desiran, a newly built commercial shop houses right beside Tesco Tanjung Pinang.

Many Thanks to Asiatique for extending the invitation. 

Kantan Cafe/ Kafe (簡単) @ Campbell Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Tucked within one of the heritage houses, Kantan Cafe/ Kafe (簡単) is the third cafe opened along Campbell Street. The cafe's predecessor is Macaron Cafe, previously located on level 6 of Gurney Plaza Penang. Under the same management but with new revamped menu, Kantan Cafe/ Kafe (簡単) rolls out their simple series of freshly baked Bagels, Pizzas and some in-house Pastries and Cakes. As compared to many of its competitors, their menu is quite extensive with many reasonably priced choices covering Mains, Snacks, Desserts and Beverages. Despite fully air-conditioned, the place can be a little too dark for gathering though. Kantan Cafe/ Kafe (簡単) can be found few shops away from Moustache Houze and Sugar Honey along the same road. 

By The Sea Cafe (沿海地带生活馆) @ Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang.

*By The Sea Cafe has since relocated to a new location.*

I am always on the look out of new cafes with interesting concept or delectable dishes and my recent quest has led me here at "By The Sea Cafe". As the name would imply, "By The Sea Cafe" is truly a fascinating cafe to explore, the owner has turned the entire cafe into an "in-house" seaside/ beach with parasols, beach sands and some sea shells. Stepping into the cafe is like stepping into a real beach. As a foodie, I must concur that apart of food quality, ambiance/ service/ presentation of food do play an important role sometimes. While I was not quite impressed with the food here (in which I believed most of them are outsourced items), their catchy interior decor was an eye-opening experience; a charming environment to retreat and recharge with your loved ones too. By The Sea Cafe (沿海地带生活馆) is located at Jalan Ong Yi How, a stone's throw distance from Maybank and directly opposite to CIMB Bank along the road. 

Toys Cafe @ Bishop Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Toys lovers/ collectors would definitely love to have this place in mind- stepping into the cafe is like stepping into a toy museum. Toys Cafe is a newly opened humble little cafe located at the bustling road of Bishop Street, the cafe owner himself is an ardent fan of toy figures and has many collection over the years; all the displaying toys are part of his collection. Toys Cafe does not have much to offer currently, just a few simple types of Cakes and few choices of their fresh brews. Nevertheless, the air-conditioned and wifi-available cafe is ideal to spend some time chilling out with friends or to have a closer look at the collection of toys. 

Patisserie Equateur (赤道法式烘焙) @ Butterworth, Penang.

A heaven for dessert lovers: Patisserie Equateur (赤道法式烘焙) is a delightful addition to the ubiquitous food area of Raja Uda. Using only thoughtfully chosen ingredients, the cafe is a charming spot to enjoy their range of well-executed luscious desserts and to have a cup of Coffee or Tea to rewind and retreat. Pastries and Cakes will be freshly made daily, hence, choices are rather limited but there will surely be some to satiate your cravings for desserts. The reputation of the cafe is burgeoning and it should be quite apparent from the crowd and regular patrons constantly going back to the place. To find Patisserie Equateur (赤道法式烘焙), simply turn into the junction adjacent to Chung Ling Butterworth (of Jalan Ong Yi How) and drive for a minute, the cafe should be located on your right; a stone's throw away from Econsave of Jalan Ong Yi How. 

Penang Curry Mee @ Lorong Seratus Tahun, Georgetown, Penang.

I've always wanted to visit this place where many raved about. Its hidden location makes the place a little inconspicuous, regular patrons who are able to make their way here are generally those in the know. Situated at Lorong Seratus Tahun, junction to Nanning Road, this Curry Mee stall housed under Khuan Pin Cafe has been in business for many years and has gathered many regulars since then. There are only two types of food available here- Curry Mee or Shrimp Crackers (Fried Fritters)/ Loh Bak. Prices are on the higher side but the quality pales when in comparison to others; definitely not the best in town. 

Teo Chew and Canton Food Delight (美香味广潮风味小厨) @ Chai Leng Park, Perai, Penang.

Unknown to many, the ubiquitous food district of Chai Leng Park at Perai, mainland of Penang state, has many hidden gems yet to be discovered by foodies and Teow Chew and Canton Food Delight is one of my recent discoveries. Deboned Chicken, Roasted Pork/ Duck, Prawn Wanton/ Dumplings, Hor Fun and Wanton Noodles are some their specialties; it has 2 branches at Chai Leng Park and 1 at Bukit Mertajam. Prices are wallet-friendly and arguably cheaper than most eateries (offering the same products) in Penang island; worry not for the heat-intolerant as the place is fully equipped with air-conditioners, a comfortable dining experience is guaranteed. Choices are aplenty and there will surely be some to satisfy everyone's palate, this is definitely one of the recommended places to visit if you are in the vicinity!