Cicerellos Fish N Chips @ Fremantle, Perth, Western Australia.

In case you are not aware of, kindly refer to About Me column to know more on my current location. So Fremantle is known as one of the best places in Perth that offers fresh and affordable seafood (such as Oysters, Scallops, Mussels, Squids etc) and one of the most famous places amongst tourists and locals is this Cicerellos Fish N Chips (there are two outlets in total, one being Fremantle's and the other one is located at Mandurah). Claimed to be the first amongst equal in Western Australia, Ken had decided to have an impromptu visit to check their famous Fish N Chips out. Its very easy to locate Cicerellos, from Bus Station or Train Station, walk towards the esplanade area, where you will find deep blue sea behind some shop houses/ restaurants where Cicerellos is one of them. The place will normally be loaded with crowd (particularly tourists) especially during weekends, but the restaurant has sufficient seats and tables to accommodate the crowd, they do host private functions as well and the place is available for reservation. Price-wise, I find it okay by Australia (WA) standards and the quality will be guaranteed. 

Tarbush Restaurant @ Batu Feringghi, Penang.

If you are finding something exquisite enough to suit your taste buds, you should at least give this restaurant a try. Finding Arabic and Lebanese cuisine has never been easy in Penang, one of the more well-known ones is being Tarbush Restaurant. Tarbush Restaurant has four branches in Malaysia in total, being Penang's branch situated at Batu Feringghi (right beside The Ship Western Food). Tarbush Restaurant has a lot to offer its customers, namely salads, main course (seafood, beef, chicken or even lamb), soups, and a variety of desserts/ beverages. Quoted from Tarbush Restaurant's website:

" TARBUSH's dedication to using only the freshest and finest ingredients and incessant passion of a man's love for authentic and fine Middle Eastern cuisine has undoubtedly rendered TARBUSH's incredible success and growth for all these years. "

Overall verdict: The foods were actually okay to my liking but they lacked of the authenticity. The heavily use of spices and herbs is essential in Lebanese cuisine, but unfortunately, we don't taste the strong aroma of those herbs. Price-wise, expensive for most dishes, despite of their big portion for most dishes, I still find most of them over-priced, especially with the additional 10% service charge and 6% government tax. There is a need for improvements on their services too, with many of the waiters/waitresses do not understand English, the process of ordering/ acquiring information was very troublesome for us (thank GOD the manager was kind and understands English). As for parking, one can simply park its car right in front of the restaurant, there were ample parking spaces available, but do beware of the night market happening every night there, make sure you do not reach the restaurant too late, else, you might face problems finding the parking.

CAB Western Food @ Air Itam, Penang.

I was really surprised to see that long queues were outside of this restaurant during weekends, to ease my curiosity, I've decided to check it out some day. Coincidentally, with some of my classmates, together we explored this place earlier ago. I was shocked to see that their menu and interior design of the restaurant are very similar to James Foo Western Food, not only as such, most of their dishes listed on the menu are pretty similar those those offered in James Foo Western Food too. I was skeptical right after looking at their menu, anyway, we do go on with our plans and decided to have our dinner there. CAB Western Food is situated at Air Itam, where Air Itam's Pizza Hut and KFC situated at (facing the main road), in fact, they are few doors away from CAB Western Food (Farlim Night Market/ Pasar Malam situated at there too). However, please beware of the long-queue during weekend nights. Price-wise, was okay only considering the portion and the food quality, as for service, there are still rooms of improvements as obviously most of their workers are not motivated (it took them more than 30 minutes to serve me my order). Ample parking spaces nearby the restaurant, but please beware of the directions as there are a lot of one-way street at that area. It was rather a disappointing dinner as my order served was not as shown in their picture displayed and the food quality was not impressive either (more information will be disclosed below on the specific dish).

Lok Lok @ Padang Brown Hawker Center, Penang.

I've been visiting this Lok Lok stall very frequently since young, I am a big fan of fish balls and seafood, but I don't really drink the steamboat soup whenever I had steamboat. Hence, Lok Lok is a very good choice for me. This stall operates since noon until evening, and it has more than 30 types of Lok Lok choices for you to choose from. Price-wise, was okay, I would not say its cheap nor its expensive, just average Lok Lok price. To go to Padang Brown Hawker Center, locate the Police Station at Jalan Dato Keramat, turn left (you are heading to Jalan Dato Keramat/Georgetown/Komtar) into Perak Road (beside the Rumah Kelab). There are still other very delicious food in the hawker center too, namely Fried Oyster, Char Koay Teow, Tom Yam Bee Hoon, Yong Tau Foo and Pasembur, but my main focus of this post will be on the Lok Lok. Service provided was attentive, the Indonesian maid will constantly refill the food and the sauce.

Petaling Street Famous Porridge @ Kuala Lumpur

During our previous visit to Malacca for the event-- A Date With Bloggers 2012, we actually stopped by at Kuala Lumpur for the transit. We arrived there too early for the LRT to operate and hence, we have decided to hunt for some food for our early breakfast. Criz from Crizfood.com suggested that we search around the Petaling Street area since its just a stone-throw distance away from Pudu Bus Terminal. The place should not be too hard to locate as the whole Petaling Street will basically be very quiet and dark except this stall. Ambiance-wise, please do not expect too much as this place is a market area, and you should expect it to be that range.

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.

Weld Quay (Tree Shade) Seafood @ Weld Quay, Penang.

As the name suggested, this eatery has a huge tree resting inside, in fact, its right in front of the main entrance to the restaurant. This place should not be too unfamiliar for Penangites as it has been operating at the same place for many years. Weld Quay Seafood is facing the main road of Penang Jetty/ Ferry Terminal. The place is often filled with people as well, especially during weekends or festive seasons. I've been hearing a lot of good compliments about their affordable prices and the freshness of the seafood. Upon entering the place, their fresh-caught seafood and vegetables will be displayed on the little kiosk set up there, staff will be taking orders at there as well. One can simply choose what they desired and straight away ask for quotation and place their orders there. The customer flow was very heavy and we had to ask three times for the bill. The person in charge was too busy and I don't even have a chance to ask her for the individual price. Total damage was Rm 54, including drinks and white rice for four. It will be a bit troublesome to find parking at that area, but you can always find some parking at the road next to it, tho some walking might be required. Price-wise, was affordable for most dishes, but try to ask for price quotation first before you place your order if you are on a tight budget. Their fast-service was something impressive as well, so need not to worry on the time it takes to serve the food.

Tian Ding Xiang (天鼎香) @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

I have never tried/visited any of the newly opened restaurants on 5th and 6th floor of Gurney Plaza after the extension/renovation. Despite the fact that there are a lot of interesting new restaurants opened there, this restaurant (Tian Ding Xiang) caught my attention, mainly due to their outrageous long queue of customers during weekends and their creative yet unique dishes offered. Strategically located at 6th floor of Gurney Plaza, Tian Ding Xiang is a Chinese restaurant that offers unique and delicate Chinese dishes, with some fusion dishes available. This place is always crowded with people especially during weekends or special events/occasions. One of the most appealing dishes/soups that I find was their Black Chicken with Shark's Bones (鲨鱼骨炖乌鸡汤), I wish to try this out but unfortunately, it was not available on the day I visited. If you are having a family lunch/dinner, this might be a very suitable place for you as they have a wide variety of Chinese dishes with reasonable prices (extra marks for them for charging 5% service charge ONLY--no government tax). I would say that there is a need of improvements on their service (probably due to lack of staff).

Famous Bowl (旺盅宝) @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Previously Xuan Xin Lok Lok Steamboat Restaurant, it has now turned into this brand new restaurant-Famous Bowl (managed by Xuan Xin Sdn. Bhd.). Famous Bowl is located at the same place as Xuan Xin Lok Lok Steamboat restaurant does earlier ago, which is on the 7th floor of Gurney Plaza, Penang (behind SenQ and beside Next Stop). As the name suggested, Famous Bowl had most of its dishes served in a bowl, instead of plates, which here, referring to rice/noodle dishes. Famous Bowl categorizes most of their dishes (Chinese cuisine/dishes) into few categories, namely "Hong Kong Famous", "China Famous", "Taiwan Famous", "Local Famous", "Thai Famous" and their "Famous Double-Boiled Soup". Most of the prices ranging from Rm 8.80 to Rm 16.80, which I find them pretty economical due to their portions. However, their beverages are rather pricey (mineral water costs Rm2.50). Improvements on service needed, the waiter whom served me seemed to be very impatient from the questions I've asked. 

It's Yooogurt Cafe @ 1st Avenue Mall, Penang.

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

Frozen Yogurt has been one of the latest healthy-food trend in Penang, with one outlet mushrooming right after another, it's no longer that hard to find one of these anymore, in fact, there are two kiosks selling frozen yogurt at 1st Avenue Mall itself. Located at the lower ground floor of 1st Avenue Mall Penang, It's Yooogurt offers one of the most affordable frozen yogurt in Penang. Similarly to other frozen yogurt outlets, they do provide their customers with some additional toppings as well and the price will be depending on the weight of your frozen yogurt, which is 100g for Rm5.50. If you are visiting them during weekends, then you will entitled to a 5% discount. Everything will be self-service. 

Sweet-i Dessert House (甜在心糖水屋) @ Lip Sin, Penang.

Sweet-i is always my favorite dessert house when it comes to home-made and healthy desserts, but due to some of their rental issues, they were moving around and now, they have finally stabilized and have their new outlet opened in Taman Lip Sin (opposite to the empty land next to Phor Tay Secondary school). Sweet-i serves their home-made desserts in a healthier way, as in all of their desserts are less-sweetened. In case you might be interested, they were previously located at Sungai Dua, opposite to Tesco Extra. They have moved into their new outlet few weeks ago. They do have some special desserts every day, if you wish to receive more of their latest/updated news, you might follow their Facebook page (will be provided below). Price-wise, I'd consider that as cheap considering their huge portion. Service will be very attentive since they have increased/hired a few staff. They will be offering some other non-dessert but healthy dishes as well, like their Herbal Soup (please check with them personally on the availability if you wish to savor this healthy Herbal Soup). Ample parking spaces around the area, you might park right in front of their place too. I strongly recommend those who have a sweet-tooth to try their desserts out, you will definitely enjoy all these homely and down to earth desserts. For the medicinal effects of certain desserts, you may ask them and I am sure that they will be very happy and proud to tell you that.

Sweet Heaven Dessert House (蚂蚁窝) @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Ever since I've tasted Eggette (鸡蛋仔) at Hong Kong earlier ago, I've fallen in love with this light and crunchy snack, especially the texture of crispy and brings a hint of sweetness. Its not easy to find one in Penang, especially the Hong Kong style. Coincidentally, I've seen a dessert house offering one few months ago, but I could not visit due to the location. Situated at those new business shop houses at Bukit Mertajam (same area as Stone Age Cafe and same row as Tong Pak Fu Bukit Mertajam), Sweet Heaven Dessert House offers a wide variety desserts, be it warm desserts or refreshing cold desserts but my recommendation will be on their Eggette. To go to Sweet Heaven Dessert House, from Autocity Juru, drive for five minutes to Bukit Mertajam/ Alma/ Kulim direction (via Seven Village Koay Teow Th'ng/ a.k.a. Qit-Long at Bukit Tengah/ nearby shop houses/ housing residents), you will find a very small roundabout towards the end of the traffic light which you will also find a lot of newly built business shop houses right in front of you, turn left and you should find Sweet Heaven Dessert House on your right hand side. Price-wise, was very reasonable and will definitely be a good value in return. Ample parking spaces available around the area as well.

Peranakan/ Nyonya Cuisine @ Swez Brasserie, Eastin Hotel, Penang.

So what's happening in Penang recently ? If you are a buffet lover/hunter, then you might be interested to read more on this blog post. In the month of July, 2012 (1/7/2012 to 31/7/2012), Eastin Hotel Penang will be offering promotions on their Peranakan Cuisine, an array of authentic and palatable Peranakan themed dishes will be offered. In conjunction with this promotion of theirs, some bloggers along with magazines editors and reporters were invited to sample some of their dishes which will be offered during the promotion. The Peranakan cuisine will be available during lunch, hi-tea, and dinner; prices are as follows:

Lunch: Monday - Friday

12pm to 2:30pm

Rm 48++ (adult), Rm 24++ (children)

Hi-Tea: Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays

12pm to 3pm

Rm 55++ (adult), Rm 28++ (children)

Hi-Tea: Festive Occasions (7th July 2012-- Georgetown World Heritage Day)

12pm to 3pm

Rm 68++ (adult), Rm 34++ (children)

Semi-Buffet Dinner: Monday - Thursday (2-19th July 2012)

6:30pm to 10pm

From Rm 48++ per person

Swez Brasserie Cafe is just located at Ground floor of Eastin Hotel Penang, right beside the main hotel lobby. They do have a lot of promotions going on too, as for their buffet, the theme changes every month, you may refer to their website or follow their Facebook page for the latest/ most updated theme of the month. 

July Credit Card Promotions:

MAYBANKARD, VISA, CIMB, and UOB card members, guests can enjoy a 15% discount for Peranakan Cuisine Semi Buffet Dinner (Monday to Thursday), Weekend Buffet Dinner (Friday to Sunday) and Ramadan Buffet Dinner (Daily) from 6:30pm to 10pm. Besides, MAYBANKARD card members can enjoy the exclusive Buy 4 Free 1 promotion for Peranakan Cuisine Hi-Tea (Saturday & Sunday) and Weekend Buffet Dinner (Friday to Sunday) too.

Western Diner's @ The CEO, Penang.

While having my second visit back to Formosa Taiwanese Cuisine, I realized there is this newly opened restaurant that serves western food. and it has came to my attention that they are offering set lunch at affordable prices, where one can choose from the wide selection of dishes offered. Western Diner's is located at The CEO, a building next to Vistana Hotel, Bukit Jambul. Set lunch will only be served on weekdays and set dinners are available daily. There are a lot to choose from their menu, they even have local cuisine for set lunch too, however, my experience at Western Diner's was rather a disappointment, mainly due to their service. We had placed our orders earlier ago, some of us waited for more than half an hour, the staff approached us telling us that he took the wrong orders and suggested we take his suggested order, else, we have to wait for quite some time. It was very unprofessional to ask their customers to choose according to their suggested orders and I was not too happy with this. Price-wise, was just okay considering most of their portion was rather small.

Kong Bee Lee (广美利) Noodle Station (Pan Mee) @ Taman Kheng Tian, Penang.

Pan Mee has always been one of my all time favorites, reason was due to the springiness of the noodles and the sweetness incorporated into the soup from one of the main ingredients- anchovies. Simplicity is the best right ? Anyway, Kong Bee Lee Noodle Station is a newly opened restaurant situated at Jalan Van Praagh, Taman Kheng Tian (Old Town Perak Road is just a stone-throw distance away), it offers a wide variety of Pan Mee at very economical prices, some of the more notable and unique ones are Curry Chicken Pan Mee, Dumplings Pan Mee, Black Pepper Pan Mee and their signature Pan Mee- Fried Pork Pan Mee. Kong Bee Lee was previously a food stall located near to Pulau Tikus wet market, I was also being told that all of their noodles do not contain Lye-water (碱水). Price-wise, I would say that most of the noodles here are pretty cheap and reasonably priced. Ample parking spaces will be available at the area (although some walking might be required) but please beware of the Night Market/Pasar Malam which will be held at this area on every Friday night. The entire area will be flooded with regular night market patrons, hence, finding parkings will be very troublesome.