KEN HUNTS FOOD

The Cream & Fudge Factory is a new Ice Cream Parlour that joins the clamouring crowd at the al-fresco area between Gurney Plaza and G Hotel. It is certainly a delightful addition to the mall as shoppers get to stretch their shopping legs while enjoying a scoop of icy cold Ice Cream to counter the sweltering tropical heat in Penang. It does not have a glamorous set up, just like any Ice Cream parlour in the malls- a simple displaying fridge with a couple of tables and some chairs. With 16 flavors in total, one could take some time to decide on what to order (though they do not come cheap), a place where Ice Cream aficionados would not want to miss.

Triple Scoop (Rm 19.90) with a plain Waffle Bowl (Rm 1) for the two of us to share. We opted for Mint, Green Tea and Chocolate. The Green Tea was lovely, the flavor was bold but not too vegetal and the sweetness was perfectly balanced. Mint, on the other hand, was slightly sweeter than Green Tea but still within my acceptable range, it possessed an "artificial" flavor which I was not fond of. Chocolate was creamily lip-smacking but I thought it could be more chocolaty. The Waffle was great, not too sweet and the crispy texture was well-maintained; however, we thought the portion was somewhat inappropriate. It was too small to contain the three 100 gram-scoop Ice Cream. Nonetheless, we were quite pleased with the creamy, rich, not-too-sweet, Gelato-like chewy texture. This is definitely one of the few brands (of Ice Cream) that I would not mind trying again.

Ratings:

Taste: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 6/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Pork-Free

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: G04, G Hotel, Pesiaran Gurney, 10250, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 11 am to 11 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: N/A

The Cream & Fudge Factory Facebook Page

The fast-deveoping town- Bukit Mertajam has seen many new eateries sprung up lately; Qian Wei La is one of the few eateries that received huge attention from the crowd recently. The aforementioned establishment is a newly opened Steamboat restaurant; it has the right setting- clean, brightly-lit, air-conditioned, good ventilation system, built-in induction cooker and ample parking space. They may not have extensive choices but good enough to satiate your Steamboat craving, as well as your lust to BBQ Meat. Steamboat sets are available as low as Rm 18 nett. A great place for your communal dining experience with your friends and family members. Qian Wei La can be found right opposite to "Taman Gemilang" food court (新时代), near Jalan Song Ban Kheng, Bukit Mertajam.

Many Thanks to Qian Wei La for hosting us that afternoon.

Steamboat Set B (Rm 38- serving for 2-4 person)

Minced Pork (Rm 5.50)

Dual Soup Base- Pork Bone Broth and Spicy Hot Pot (Rm 15)

Every order of Set comes with a complimentary "Clear Soup" base but we opted for the Dual Soup version (Rm 15). Simmered and cooked for many hours, evidently seen from the milky white hue of the Pork Bone Broth, it carried a sleek of meat-sweetness, probably enhanced with the use of dried Jujube/ Red Dates. Their Sze Chuan-influenced Spicy Broth did not really hit me, I thought the flavors were a little subdued. Nevermind on that, throw in a scoop or two of their home-made Sze Chuan Chili Paste and it changes everything! The Chili Paste will blow your mind with its numbingly hot sensation (from Sze Chuan Peppercorns), with an agreeable amount of saltiness. Qian Wei La's recipe of Peanut Sauce is not to be overlooked either. Akin to Peanut Butter Jam, their creamy-savory Peanut sauce goes well with any meat; the lady owner added her own personal touch to the Peanut sauce by leaving bits of crushed Peanuts within the sauce.

Steamboat ingredient-wise, was pretty standard but at unbeatable prices of course. Nonetheless, one of the dishes stood out. Instead of just serving minced Meat (Pork) in a huge patty, Qian Wei La shaped them into gigantic Meat Balls.

Barbecue Pork Belly (Rm 21)

Fresh Lettuce (Rm 3/ serving)

Korean-influenced Barbecue Chicken (Rm 18)

Barbecue Pork Ribs (Rm 25)

Carnivores will be delighted to know that Qian Wei La offers an array of Barbecue Meat- Chicken (Rm 18), Pork Belly (Rm 21) and Pork Ribs (Rm 25). All being carefully marinated with their Korean-influenced home-made sauce, perfectly balanced with sweet and spicy notes. Simply chuck the meat and the vegetables on the grill pan prepared for the hassle-free experience. Fresh Lettuce does not come in free, at Rm 3 per plate. However, we'd recommend wrapping the meat with fresh Lettuce, for a juicier and more satisfying bite.

Additional Information:

Non-Halal/ Wifi-available

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Address: 113, Jalan Perniagaan Gemilang 1, Pusat Perniagaan Gemilang, 14000, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Business Hours: 2 pm to 11:30 pm. Closed on every Tuesday (opens if Tuesday is a Public Holiday)

Contact Number: 604- 548 9209

Qian Wei La Facebook Page

Map of Jln Perniagaan Gemilang 1, Pusat Perniagaan Gemilang, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Penang

Many would drive past this old rustic Coffee House along Hutton Lane, not knowing its one of the Coffee Houses frequently visited by the Millionaires and Billionaires in Penang. Step in Kong Thai Lai and you will be enveloped in a time portal, instantly teleporting you back to those older days. The Coffee House is beautifully preserved; guests seemed to enjoy their cup of Joe quietly reading newspaper while some happily discussed on the current issues happening in the country. Time appears to be slowed down in that space. One of the few places that is still preserving the unique Penang-retro vibe. Kong Thai Lai Coffee House is a stone's throw distance away from the multi-storey car park along Hutton Lane, opposite to Eden Restaurant.

A simple yet delectable combination- Kaya Butter Toast (Rm 1.60) with Soft Boiled Eggs (Rm 1.60/ 2 Eggs). Kong Thai Lai uses its own home-made Kaya (Pandan scented Coconut Jam) on their Toast, together with a generous spread of Butter, the marriage between the two components was absolutely lovely; best washed down with a cup of Haianese Black Coffee and to go with some fresh Soft Boiled Eggs. Easy on the pocket, delicious in the mouth and filling in the tummy.

Ratings:

Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 7.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Ambiance: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Parking: 5.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Pork-Free

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 6, Jalan Hutton, 10050, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. Closed on Sundays.

Contact Number: N/A

Map of Jalan Hutton, Georgetown, 10050 Pulau Pinang

Welcome the weekend by treating yourself to a sumptuous meal at one of the new hotels in the heartland of Georgetown- The Royale Bintang. Spaces are very limited in the colonial building but the management managed to have a pool built right beside a restaurant on second floor; and right now, the hotel is rolling out their first Friday Evening Poolside Barbecue Buffet Dinner. Choices are aplenty though not as extensive as some establishments in town but this particular buffet theme is definitely well-designed for meat lovers.

Friday Night Poolside Barbecue Buffet Dinner:

Price: Rm 83+ (adults); Rm 40+ (senior citizen and children).

Time: 7 pm to 10 pm; available on every Friday. *available until the end of March 2015*

Venue: Poolside on Level 2

Many Thanks to Royale Bintang for hosting us that evening.

Grilled Satay and Seafod Skewers

Minute Beef Tenderloin

Chicken Tandoori

Carnivores will be glad to see the wide range of barbecued meat available. Minute Beef Tenderloin took the center spotlight- tender, juicy and delicately marinated. Beef Satay was awesome either- deftly seasoned and grilled to perfection, though a little sweet but it goes flawlessly with their home-made Peanut sauce and assorted Satay condiments. Chicken Tandoori, on the other hand, was somewhat dry and rough to my liking but a miracle touch of Lemon Juice lighten the dish up. I had mine with plenty of greens. Other meat available include Lamb Chop and Seafood Skewers.

Thai Chicken Salad with Lemongrass

Pakoras with Mint Yogurt Dip

Hummus

Stuffed Tofu with Sweet Chili Sauce

Entrees may not be too impressive but they were more than good enough to complement the meat. We did not get to sample all but to balance up the meal, we loaded our plates with plenty of fresh greens and Grilled Capsicum to go with the barbecued meat. The Hummus was okay, though not as flavorful as I thought it would be.

Mee Goreng Mamak Style

Inche Kabin

Assorted Sausages

Char Koay Teow

Buttered Mixed Vegetables

Spaghetti Seafood Napolinata

For a balanced diet, go for their fresh greens or Buttered Mixed Vegetables; their Assorted Sausages were nicely done either, beautifully drenched in their home-made Black Pepper sauce with chopped Capsicum and Onions added. Equally good was the Spaghetti Seafood Napolinata, though a little dry and hard on the texture, the Napolinata sauce was toothsome. It had a medley of sweet, sour and savory notes within, complementing the Pasta perfectly. We did not get to try the Char Koay Teow but when we walked past the action stall, we were caught in a whiff of delightful aroma. Other dishes include Chicen Fried Rice, Pan Fried Potatoes with Ratatouille etc.

Cheese Cake

Chocolate Mousse

Assorted Kuih-Muih

Churros

Sago served with Palm Sugar and Coconut Milk

Creme Caramel

End your meal with the array of desserts beautifully displayed at the counter; amongst the desserts we sampled, Cheese Cake and Chocolate Mousse left me with the deepest impression. The former cake was creamily rich but perfectly balanced in sweetness while the latter one was chocolaty with a velvety smooth texture. Also not to be missed will be their Bread and Butter Pudding served with Vanilla Sauce, it struck us with the fluffy-soft texture and the mellow buttery flavor; best part, it was not saccharine sweet. Other desserts, however, were mediocre.

Additional Information:

Pork-Free

Service Charge: Yes 10%

Government Tax: No

Address: No. 1 & 2, Pengkalan Weld, 10300, Georgetown, Penang.

Contact Number: 604- 259 8888

The Royale Bintang Facebook Page

Map of 1, Pengkalan Weld, Georgetown, 10300 Pulau Pinang

Chow Thye Road, a short slip road off the bustling Burmah Road in the heart of Penang, has been drawing a lot of traffic lately thanks to the cafes and restaurants there. An Aussie-influenced Cafe- Yella Fork, is one of the latest members to join in. The Chef (who is one of the partners of Yella Fork) has honed her culinary skills in Melbourne, brought some of her proud creations back (their signature Chicken Pie is one of them). Painted in Yellow, the entire cafe cum restaurant exudes a very warm and pleasant atmosphere; same goes to their hospitable attention to guests. Budget watchers will be glad to know that their dishes are reasonably priced. One of the great places to get quality solid food at a well-subsidized price.

One of their best-sellers, Pie In The Sky (Rm 15) was lovely. Unlike the usual Pies that we can find here in Penang, Yella Fork's comes with a crispy and flaky pastry skin; creamy-herbaceous Chicken filling. It was served to us piping hot, together with some home-made Salsa-Tomato sauce as well as some Rockets as sides. I did not understand why the Salsa sauce until I took a bite, together with the Pie. It was a match made in heaven; the gentle acidity cuts through the creaminess of the filling, granting it a more refreshing bite. The Rockets, on the other hand, were dressed with their home-made Balsamic dressing, completed with julienned Carrots and Onions.

Pork lovers might wish to go for Pork It Right (Rm 14.50)- a Thai-influenced dish with Roasted Pork, Spaghetti and diced Capsicum. Somewhat akin to Aglio Olio, probably a slightly sweeter version, the noodles were imbued with a delightful Pork-Lard flavor. If you must know, the Roasted Pork was not crispy, instead, a chewy-resilient texture. Something different than those conventional Pasta dishes.

Another pasta dish, Rasta Beefsta (Rm 14.50) paled in comparison with Pork It Right. The Pasta was given a quick stir in their Bolognese-likeTomato sauce, Beef and diced Carrots. The Spaghetti was a little overcooked (not too slouchy), I thought it could be a little more al-dente. Also, the texture of meat was somewhat rough to my liking, I would prefer a more tender and juicier bite. Carrots, on the other hand, were slightly undercooked, the vege-sweetness was not as intense as I would have hoped.

Ratings:

Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good) * 8/10 for the Pie*

Service: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Parking: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 27A, Jalan Chow Thye, 10050, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 11 am to 10 pm. Closed on every Sunday.

Contact Number: 604- 228 8910

Yella Fork Facebook Page

Map of 27, Jalan Chow Thye, Georgetown, 10050 Pulau Pinang

An extended member of the Sekeping Retreat group, Sekeping Victoria is the group's first "branch" in Penang. The Sekeping brand is famous for its rustic-forestry retreat; similarly, Sekeping Victoria is designed for those who are looking for a quiet escape from the fast and busy city life. Ironically, Sekeping Victoria is located in the heartland of Georgetown- Victoria Street, off the bustling Weld Quay and Beach Street. We were astonished by the rustic interior design, it was an eye-opening experience. Guests can relax and calm their minds amidst trees in this artsy space. Minimal changes were done to this heritage house, Sekeping tries to maintain everything just as it was. Having a relaxing afternoon here is truly a unique experience as compared to those conventional cafes; Sekeping Victoria is also a picturesque place perfect for portraitures. In case you are wondering, a night stay at the rooms (two rooms together) here costs Rm 650 for four person, additional Rm 50 for every additional guest.

One of the brunch dishes that stood out to me- Charred Eggy Bread with Strawberries (Rm 7). A French Toast-influenced dish, English Muffin was used instead, evenly coated with Eggs and baked till perfection, with a caramelized top; drizzled with their homemade Pear Reduction and completed with fresh Strawberries. It was a surprise to me when I was told that Pear Reduction was used instead of the usual Honey. It did not possess any traces of Pear, probably not strong enough to stand out but the Muffin was toothsome. The Strawberries cut through the sweetness a little by introducing a sleek of acidity. I am sure it goes well with a cup of Joe to kick start the day.

Weight-watchers may go for their Lotus Root with Mesculin Salad and Citrus Dressing (Rm 12.50), a very simple, direct but delectable combination. Raw Lotus Root was somewhat new to me, it surprised me with its juicy crunch which goes very well with the rest. It was not monotonous, Chef played a nice twist by adding a touch of Honey, which added a mellow sweetness to the tangy Citrus dressing.

Ratings:

Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 7.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Parking: 5.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Ambiance: 8/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Pork-Free/ Wifi-available

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 164 A & 164 B, Lebuh Victoria, 10300, Georgetown, Penang. *Right next to Ming Xiang Tai Confectionary along Lebuh Victoria*

Business Hours: 9 am to 9 pm. Closed on alternate Tuesdays.

Contact Number: 604- 261 3707

Sekeping Retreats Facebook Page

The Ginza Japanese Restaurant group has extended their business to Penang lately, occupying a few shoplots in the new Vantage Desiran Tanjung. The place is highly visible and noticeable from far due to the bright and striking signage. Ginza has a very extensive and comprehensive menu (too extensive that it took us more than 10 minutes to pick what we want to order), covering Sushi, Sashimi, Oden, Udon, Tempura, Teppanyaki, Bento Sets or even Omakase (exotic dishes like Fugu are available too). Prices are on the higher side; on the service, there are rooms for improvements. We were rather disappointed with the lackluster service from the crew, it took them more than 10 minutes before they could serve us a small scoop of Ice Cream. Some hits and misses here and there but considering the place is fairly new, it's worth a second look.

Ginza Japanese Restaurant is well-known for its quality Sushi. Thus, we set out for their Salmon Nigiri (Rm 3.80) and Tai Nigiri (Rm 3.80), both came in with a thickly sliced Fish- fresh and absolutely satisfying.

My partner in crime, a huge fan of Unagi, goes for the Unagi Kabayaki Set (Rm 39.80). The Unagi was deftly grilled with the alluring fats seeping through; however, the sauce was somewhat too sweet to his liking. The Chawan Mushi was toothsome, velvety smooth with the quintessential flavors. Not too bad but we thought they could be more generous with the Grilled Unagi.

One of their signature Bento Sets- Azabu Set (Rm 64.80) comes with many small dishes; namely Sashimi (assorted), Chashu Aburiyaki, Vegetable Tempura, Dobun Mushi (Seafood Broth served in a Tea Pot), Pickles, Salad, Rice and Ice Cream. The Sashimi was good, appropriately sliced to the right thickness- absolutely fresh and succulent. The Chashu Aburiyaki is one of their proudest creations, my experience? Decent, it was melt-in-the-mouth tender with juicy sweet bite but still, not mind-blowingly good. We were surprised of the absence of Rice or Noodles in the set; good for small eaters or otherwise for those with a bigger appetite.

An uncommon dish in Japanese Restaurants- Yaki Onigiri Chazuke (Rm 12.80), a simple Japanese dish by soaking Onigiri in Japanese Green Tea and Dashi stock. The Onigiri was lightly grilled to a tawny crisp on the outer layer and soaked in Green Tea- Dashi stock; completed with shredded Seaweed. The Green Tea flavor was there but rather pallid; the stock was over-seasoned- a tad salty to my liking. There was no filling inside the Onigiri, just rice; which I thought the dish was somewhat overpriced. Quite a disappointment.

Tempura Udon (Rm 22.80) was simple and straight-forward. The Udon was somewhat average, smooth but not the al-dente type that I was looking for; same goes to their Tempura, nothing spectacular to shout over.

Kappa Maki (Rm 5.80)

Ratings:

Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good) *7.5/10 for Sushi*

Price: 6.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Service: 5.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Non-Halal

Service Charge: Yes 10%

Government Tax: Yes 6%

Additional Information:

Address: B-3-3A, Jalan Desiran Tanjung, 10470, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Business Hours: 12 pm to 3 pm; 6 pm to 10:30 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 604- 890 9918

If you have passed by Lim Chong Eu Expressway in recent weeks, you would have noticed that there is a seemingly curious, dark eye-catchy building sitting right beside Gat Lebuh Macallum. It occupies an immense space, providing customers ample of parking spaces right in front of the cafe. The name is Macallum Connoisseurs, not only a cafe but a coffee academy as well. The exposed light bulbs, high-ceilinged container-like Cafe has shades of gray; exuding an industrial vibe. Brunch menu and desserts are available but Mains will be added to the menu very soon. Not exactly a cozy cafe but a good place for casual brunch or quick meet up.

Only brunch menu was available on my visit, Salad Bagel (Rm 13) either comes with Cheese Scrambled Egg or Grilled Mushrooms. I opted for the latter option, however, they served the wrong order to my table. Fast enough, they offered me another plate of Grilled Mushroom after realizing the mistake. I gladly accepted their offer (yes, I get to try both options, not sure if this is a good news for them). A bed of julienned Purple Cabbage and fresh Rockets will be served, together with their home-made Vinaigrette; as well as a warm-crusty Bagel smeared with sweet herbed Mayonnaise. The Cheese Scrambled Egg was okay, the Egg was well-cooked to the right doneness (neither overcooked nor undercooked) but the Cheese was a lackluster. Instead of melting the Cheese into the Egg, they blanketed the Egg with a sliver of Baked Cheese. It was not cheesy enough and the Cheese had not done much in its aid. Grilled Mushrooms, on the other hand, were absolutely lovely. They were juicy, fresh and beautifully cooked and imbued with a delightful aroma of the dried Herbs; slices of Capsicum were added too. The combination was woody, juicy and sweet; definitely a better option than Cheese Scrambled Egg. Eat the Bagel lest it turns into a hard and dry bread, the light spread of Mayonnaise was good enough to give the bread a hint of sweetness; good value for such a hearty portion.

Mocha (Iced/ Rm 11)

Ratings:

Taste: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good) *based on ONE dish only*

Service: 8/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 7.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Parking: 8/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Ambiance: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Pork-Free

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: No. 1, Gat Lebuh Macallum, 10300, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 9 am to 12 am. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: N/A

Macallum Connoisseurs Facebook Page

Map of 1, Gat Lebuh Macallum, Georgetown, 10300 Pulau Pinang

A new museum in town- Colonial Penang Museum with old artefacts is about to open its doors to the public soon but a cafe housed within the small annex right beside the main building is ready to serve its customers. Step in the cafe and you will be instantly teleported to a forest-like space in shades of wooden beam, including its tables and chairs. The open-air cafe can be very warm under the sultry weather, especially with the absence of air-conditioners. It can be a picturesque place to enjoy a light meal in the serene neighborhood but we thought the seats could be more comfortable; unlikely to be the place that you would like to hang out for long hours. The cafe serves a small menu, comprising Waffles and some simple Cakes outsourced from other cake houses. Colonial Penang Museum can be found in one of the bungalows along Jalan D. S. Ramanathan, previously known as Scott Road.

An outsourced cake from a top-notch cake house- Patisserie Equateur , Mont Blanc (Rm 16) did not disappoint us with its layers of surprises. The name Mont Blanc derives its name from snow-capped mountain, done with squiggles of sweeten and pureed Chestnut; Patisserie Equateur added its own touch by sandwiching a tangy jelly-like Mango pudding and a generous cut of Dark Chocolate; served on top of a Chocolate-biscuit base. Sweetness was perfectly balanced and the flavors were carefully calibrated but I thought it could be rather filling for one to finish it entirely on his/her own.

For a change, try their Peanut Banana Waffles (Rm 9), thin-crispy home-made Waffles jeweled with squiggles of Peanut Buter and served with Banana as well as a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. Unlike the usual dense and heavy Waffles that you can find elsewhere, Museum Cafe's comes in a light, crispy and fluffy version. Taste-wise, it was rather straight-forward but what we disliked most was the lake of Chocolate Syrup drowning the Ice Cream and Banana. The syrup makes the duo disconcertingly sweet for us.

Mocha (Rm 9)

Ratings:

Taste: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Parking: 8.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Pork-Free

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 7, Jalan D. S. Ramanathan (formerly known as Scott Road), 10350, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 9 am to 6 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 016- 428 7561

Colonial Museum Penang Facebook Page

The thought of finding a good Dim Sum restaurant has been a daunting task for me, though the ageless traditional goodies can be really easy to find in the state. The art of enjoying Dim Sum lies at the comfortable space for a relaxed conversation, have a good sip of tea as well as savoring on the countless delicate nibbles. Sticks and Spoon, a Dim Sum restaurant that operates in the form of Oriental cafe, has whimsical yet classic interior decor- exposed pipes, light bulbs as well as some Chinese New Year decor. The menu may not be very extensive but sufficient enough to please everyone. Mains such as Steamed Rice, Noodles are also available. Prices are wallet-friendly, the place is clinically clean well equipped with air-conditioners and ample parking available; Sticks and Spoon is especially apt for business, family and any other related occasions. The restaurant is housed within Elit Avenue, same row as St. Presso under the same building.

Many Thanks to Sticks and Spoon for hosting us that day.

A quintessential order, Sticks and Spoon's has a slightly different variation when it comes to Xiu Mai. Yu Dan Xiu Mai/ (Pork and Fish Paste Dumplings/ Rm 4.50- 3 pcs) could be a dream come true to me. Being a huge fan of Fish Paste, I was very pleased to see these dumplings on our table. Gently sliced Meat (Pork) generously filled with Fish Paste were steamed to perfection, jeweled with a touch of Shrimp Roe. The briny pops of ocean essence added another layer of dimension to the dumplings, not only making them more presentable but potentially, more flavorsome as well.

Lau Sar Pau (Salted Egg Custard Buns/ Rm 6- 3 pcs) would make any bun-devotees weak in the knee. The buns have a paper-thin skin, the custard filling starts to ooze out as long as the skin being torn off. The Salted Egg Custard filling was well-executed; it possessed a balanced medley of salty and sweet notes, beautifully complementing the bread-like skin. The multi-layered flavors lingered in our mouth, leaving us wanting for more.

Another worth-savoring dish at Sticks and Spoon- Xiu Long Bao (Shanghai Dumplings/ Rm 5.50- 3pcs), saturated sweet meat filling with broth encased in a dumpling skin. The soupy filling passed the test- reasonably seasoned with pleasant meat broth flowing out at the slightest prick; best enjoyed while the dumplings are piping hot, lest the skin turned into a rough and chewy piece of flour. The filling was satisfying, nevertheless, we thought the skin could be thinner and smoother. No, I am not complaining for that price though.

Braised Beef Brisket (Rm 5.50) is definitely not a common affair in Dim Sum restaurant; Sticks and Spoon's was okay- tender with a sweet aroma from the Herbs; but not as good as I would have hoped. I would prefer cut with more tendon attached and some Daikon Radish would be great too.

An item not to be missed by Beef lovers, Home-made Beef Balls (Rm 5.50) struck my palate with its beefy flavor, bouncy texture while the Coriander imparts a subtle herbaceous aroma. A delightful substitution to the conventional Fish Balls.

Save some space for desserts, Osmanthus Jelly with Goji Berries (Rm 4.50), invigoratingly delectable at a chewy-resilient texture. Honey was used instead of usual sugar, thus, it may appear to be veering towards the sweeter side for some.

Additional Information:

Non-Halal/ Wifi-available

Service Charge: Yes 10%

Government Tax: No

Address: 1-1-3A, Elit Avenue, Jalan Mayang Pasir 3, 11950, Bayan Baru, Penang.

Business Hours: 11 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 10 pm on Weekdays; 8 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 10 pm on Weekends and Public Holidays. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 604- 611 5657

Sticks and Spoon Facebook Page

Map of Jalan Mayang Pasir 3, Bandar Bayan Baru, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang

One of the famous Curry Mees in town- Tua Pui Curry Mee has since moved to a new location- Kimberley Street from Weld Quay. Tua Pui Curry Mee occupies a shop right now, the stall is now tucked within one of the houses along Kimberley Street. Tua Pui Curry Mee is famed for its array of toppings that you can add onto your bowl of heart-warming Curry Mee. Curry Chicken, Curry Squid, Curry Chicken Feet and Fish Balls are some of the ingredients that you can potentially choose from. However, everything comes with a price, the additional add-ons do not come cheap. Tua Pui Curry Mee is a stone's throw distance away from the junction of Carnarvon Street and Kimberley Street, facing Lorong Ngah Aboo.

A very heavy breakfast, I had my Curry Mee (Large- Rm 4.50) topped with loads of toppings- a couple of Fish Balls, some Curry Chicken; all for Rm 8.30. Original version comes with the common fare- fresh Cockles, coagulated Pork Blood, Tofu Puffs and Cuttlefish (note: no prawns). Portion was smaller than expected, though I went for large one. The broth was creamier/ lemak than usual, with a sleek of mellow but discernible sweetnes; the extra touch of Chili Paste had not done much in its aid, probably overpowered by the Curry Chicken. The Curry Chicken, on the other hand, was disappointingly average. They were tender and certainly not hard to the bite but pretty much the standard Curry Chicken that you can find elsewhere. Slightly overpriced for that portion in my opinion, good for those with big appetite nevertheless.

Ratings:

Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 6.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Parking: 5.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 23, Lebuh Kimberley, 10100, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 8 am to 5 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.

Contact Number: N/A

Map of 23, Lebuh Kimberley, Georgetown, 10100 Pulau Pinang

In case you are interested, I was invited by the production team of NTV 7 a couple months back, to film on a food program named Foodie Blogger. Followers of NTV 7 should not be new to the program, it features many hidden gems and interesting eats in every corner of Malaysia. The program invites food bloggers, together with the host- famous celebrity Ernest Chong in the quest on searching good food.

It will be a 30-minute short Special Chinese New Year edition, to be aired on the first day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar (19th of February 2015) at 11 am. In this particular episode, Malaccan blogger- Constance Ann and me (Ken) will be introducing two places (in Malacca and Penang) especially suitable to satisfy your growling stomach in this Chinese New Year.

Up north in Penang, I will be introducing Zi Zai Restaurant's famous Poon Choy and a few signature dishes of theirs.

On the Left- Ken, Chef Tan and Ernest.

If you wish to have a taste on their Poon Choy (available for take away), below are the details:

Address: 1239-G, Jalan Paya Terubong, 11060, Paya Terubong, Penang.

Business Hours: 6 pm to 10:30 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.

Contact Number: 604- 826 5713

Price: Rm 338 nett for small Poon Choy (good enough for 5-6 pax); Rm 458 nett for large Poon Choy (good enough for 10-11 pax)

GPS Coordinates: 5.387212, 100.274013

A few distinguished mural paints across the historical Georgetown has created a trend of wall paintings in Penang; many business owners trying to catch up with the trend and to vie for attention, particularly in the Food and Beverage industry. Anthony, the owner of Elmural Cafe, features many well-known mural paints in his cafe; turning it into a unique "mural art gallery". It does not feature mural paints in Penang only, but other states as well. Elmural Cafe specializes in Pork dishes as well as Ice Creams; the food has got nothing to do with murals. The cafe can be found at Cintra Street, a stone's throw distance away from De Tai Tong Dim Sum on the same street.

Many Thanks to Elmural Cafe for hosting us that evening.

An easy option to start with- Leftover Pork Salad (Rm 10), beautifully caramelized Pork slices were dished out laying on a bed of greens, dressed with Goma Sauce/ Japanese Sesame Dressing. The Pork was okay but we would prefer a slightly different cut, particularly those without bones. It would be easier for diners to dig in the salad without worrying to spit out the bones. Nevertheless, a good option for those who wish to assuage their guilt by having something light.

Soup of the Day (Rm 7.90)- Wild Mushroom Soup was toothsome. It was thick, creamy, aromatic and reasonably seasoned. The earthiness of the Mushroom stands out, not overpowered by the Cream. It would be perfect to go with a slice or two of toasted Garlic Baguette but unfortunately, Croutons were served instead of Garlic Toast.

One of the main dishes that took the center spotlight of the evening- Lamb Chop (Rm 22.70) impressed us with its succulent, fork-tender and juicy texture. The Lamb Chop was well-marinated and the sauce was nicely done to the great season. It has a hint of fruitiness instead of the conventional Brown Sauce. The side of French Fries was a lackluster, I would certainly prefer something like home-made Mashed Potatoes instead of the ubiquitous Fries.

Pork Steak in Hot Chipotle Sauce (Rm 27)

Pork Ribs charred with Maltose Glazing (Rm 32.90)

We get to sample two Pork dishes that evening, the first option- Pork Steak in Chipotle Sauce (Rm 27) paled in comparison with the latter choice. It exhibited heavy pork notes and some of us thought that the Steak could be more tender. The Chipotle sauce had not done much in its aid, as though the flavor was a little subdued and unable to stand out to us. The latter choice could be a better alternative. The sweet and savory Ribs were nicely grilled to perfection (though some of us thought the marination was a little heavy, thus, bolder flavors) but we could tell the sincerity in the sides, at least some effort was made to look different.

Calamansi Sorbet with Darjeeling Tea (Rm 10.50)

Elmural Cafe sources its Ice Cream/ Sorbet from Kuala Lumpur, funky and playful flavors are available. From bottom left, we had Chocolate Chili, Yogurt, Green Tea, Oreo Cookie and Teh Tarik Ice Creams (Rm 7.80 one scoop/ Rm 13.90 for two scoops). The flavor that stood out to us was Yogurt, it has a balanced medley of sweet and sour notes. Another great option to enjoy the chilled dessert is to serve it with Tea. An Affogato-inspired dessert- Calamansi Sorbet with Darjeeling Tea (Rm 10.50) truly fits the definition of refreshing. The scoop of fresh and saliva-stimulating Calamansi Sorbet was then jeweled with a slice of fresh Lime. The alkalinity (tannin) of the Darjeeling Tea softens the acidity of the Sorbet, seeking a balance point between the two extreme tastes.

Cream Apple Juice (Rm 6.50)

Additional Information:

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Address: 83, Cintra Street, 10100, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 11: 30 am to 3 pm; 6 pm to 10 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.

Contact Number: 604- 262 0933

Elmural Cafe Facebook Page

Map of 83, Lebuh Cintra, Georgetown, 10200 Pulau Pinang

Talk about Chicken Rice and many Penangites will be fired up. One of the proud Chicken Rice establishments from Ipoh has extended their business up north lately, opening a branch in the fast-developing area- Alma, Bukit Mertajam. It sets higher standard and signals an intense competition amongst its competitors. The new branch offers similar menu, including Ipoh's Koay Teow. Prices are reasonable but we thought the service could be better, both serving speed and hygiene. It took them nearly 45 minutes to dish out our orders and most of the eating utensils were very greasy; plenty of room for improvement. To find Onn Kee Chicken Rice at Alma, locate Tesco/ AEON Mall, the place is right beside Tesco or opposite to AEON Mall; housed in one of the shop houses nearby.

Onn Kee's signature Deboned Chicken (Half Bird- Rm 18) seems to be smaller in portion compared to its main branch in Ipoh but both shared one common similarity- greasy. The Chicken, however, was smooth and succulent, nothing less was expected from Onn Kee. We'd recommend their tangy home-made Garlic-Chili sauce as condiment to go with the Chicken.

One of the best complements to Chicken Rice- Blanched Bean Sprounts (Large- Rm 7); simple but delectably juicy though not as sweet as compared to those I had in Ipoh.

Chicken Rice could be the tummy-filler but for a change, we had Ipoh Koay Teow (Dry/ Rm 2/ Small) instead. Drenched in Dark Soy Sauce, the smooth and luscious Koay Teow was toothsome. Unlike the normal Koay Teow, theirs comes with a slightly chewier texture as well as a more satisfying bite.

Ratings:

Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 6.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Parking: 8/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 7, Medan Seri Impian 3, Pusat Perniagaan Seri Impian, 14000, Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Business Hours: 11 am to 9:30 pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 6012- 431 7086

Alcohol devotees can have a drink at this newly opened Tapas Bar, tucked in one of the rustic heritage houses along Muntri Street. The three-week old Bar has a sister restaurant in front, named Plates, which will open its door to the public in early March 2015. Inch, an abbreviation of Indo China, gives a hint that it serves a wonderful assortment South East Asian light meals. The management wishes to preserve the heritage building and to add a splash of their creativity; the bar's retro vibes are then boosted by the colored wooden furniture and hanging light bulbs. The bar has quite an extensive list of alcoholic drinks, ranging from the commonly found Beers to Inch's very own creations, carefully curated to complement the nibbles and light dishes. Inch can be found at Muntri Street, opposite to Purrfect Cafe and a stone's throw distance away from Mish Mash.

Many Thanks to Inch for hosting us that evening.

Neua Satey (Rm 16/ 3 sticks)- Beef Skewers marinated in Coconut Milk, Curry Powder and Coriander Roots, charcoal-grilled and served with home-made Peanut Sauce.

Kai Yang (Rm 16/ 3 sticks)- Chicken Thigh skewers marinated in Garlic, Pepper Coriander Roots, charcoal-grilled and served with Jim Jaew.

Carnivores will be delighted to know that Inch serves good meat skewers. Neua Satey/ Beef Skewers were a little rough on the texture but their home-made Peanut sauce was good, at least a notch better than those we can find elsewhere. Kai Yang, the Chicken Skewers, on the other hand, were toothsome. Jim Jaew, the quintessential Thai dipping sauce for grilled meat was served but it lacked of a tinge of acidic tilt. The Chicken Thigh was perfectly grilled to the right texture, tender and succulent. Perfect complement to Inch's wide range of alcoholic drinks.

Kung Chae Nam Pla (Rm 12)- raw Prawns with sliced Garlic, Mint, Coriander in Ginger and Lime dressing, the key to this dish was the freshness of the Prawns. Inch passed the test, the raw Garlic was able to bring out the seafood-sweetness of the crustacean; not really my favorite but could be otherwise for raw fish lovers.

For nibbles, try their Yum Peanut (Rm 4)- toasted Peanut snack with diced Lime, Ginger, Scallions and Bird's Eye Chilies, a slightly different variation than the conventional way of enjoying peanuts. Also not to be missed will be Yum Kung Heang (Rm 6)- dried Shrimp snack with diced Lime, Ginger, Mint, Coriander, Shallots, Bird's Eye Chilies; both seem similar yet different in its own way.

Salmon Chae Nam Pla (Rm 16)- raw Salmon with sliced Garlic, Mint, Coriander in Ginger and Lime dressing; unadulterated thickly sliced Salmon with a touch of their tangy piquant dressing; not outstanding but definitely a solid attempt.

Larb Kai (Rm 14)- chopped Chicken Salad with Shallots, Mint, Coriander, Thai Herbs, Smoked Rice Powder and Lime fresh sauce; provides a refreshing yet satisfying bite. It was a little salty on its own but works perfectly with alcohol. Steamed Rice is available for those who prefer to have it as dinner.

Our evening ended with a sweet note, Pandan Creme Brulee (Rm 10) was inevitably sweet but we were glad that the Pandan flavor stood out, beautifully complementing the dessert. However, we would prefer the dessert to be slightly more caramelized, for a stronger yet distinctive burnt aroma.

A simple but delectable Thai dessert, Sang-Khaya Fuak Tong (Rm 14)- steamed Pumpkin and Duck Egg with Palm Sugar Custard, Chef Eddie did a great job here by adding his personal touch- sweet Egg slices. Sweetness of Sang Khaya was pallid but it possessed the quintessential egg-custard aroma, it was smooth and melt-in-the-mouth soft. The painstakingly made Egg slices added a touch of sweetness to the dessert, the ratio of Sugar to Egg must be meticulous and accurately measured to get the right texture and sweetness.

Lemongrass Kaffir Gintonication (Rm 25)- Bombay Sapphire Gin Infusion with Tonic Water

Additional Information:

Pork-Free/ Wifi=available

Service Charge: Yes 10%

Government Tax: 6%
Address: 44, Lebuh Muntri, 10200, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 5 pm to 12 am on Sun to Thurs; 5 pm to 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Closed on every Tuesday.

Contact Number: 604- 261 1693

Inch Facebook Page

Map of 44, Jalan Muntri, Georgetown, 10200 Pulau Pinang

A new urban playground for adults and kids- Jump Street Trampoline Park has recently launched the brand's latest park in Penang few weeks back (10th of January 2015 if you must know), settled in the vacant and quiet D' Piazza Mall at Bayan Baru. Jump Street Trampoline Park features interconnected trampolines which allow jumpers to experience the joy of jumping and hopping from one end to another. Many exciting activities can be done there to unleash your excessive energy. Jump Cafe, on the other hand, is a one-stop in house cafe that supplies food and drinks for jumpers; however, the cafe welcomes walk-in customers as well (you need not to pay for the entrance ticket). Both light and sizable meals are available here, at inexpensive price tags. Not really a good place for hang outs but a great place to experience the energetic vibe and to enjoy a wholesome meal as well as a decent cup of Joe.

Waist-watchers will be glad to know that Jump Cafe serves good Barley-Grain Salad (Rm 8), the hearty portion will be perfect for a light meal. Fresh greens, toasted Cashew Nuts, well-ripened Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber and Barley were given a quick toss, evenly coated with their own appetizing tangy dressing. A mouthful of the salad has different layers of texture- crunchy, juicy, chewy and nutty. You may also refill your Carbohydrates with the three slices of Garlic Toast. The fiber-packed Salad was truly stomach-satisfying and visually-gratifying.

Heavier options include Baked Egg Boat (Rm 13), ground Beef sitting on a Baguette-raft with a Sunny Side Up and melted Cheese; some Tortilla Chips sprinkled with Cheese Powder were served as sides. However, we were puzzled with the peculiar greasy stain on the plate, we wondered why were the chips so greasy. We skipped the chips. The Egg Boat, nonetheless, did not disappoint us with its avalanche of flavors. The beef was reasonably seasoned with a gentle chili heat gradually kicks in, the Sunny Side Up was nicely done, with Yolk oozing out with a narrow slit. The Baguette was brilliant, perfectly toast to a tawny crisp but well preserving its fluffy-soft state inside, the bread goes perfectly well with the meat filling and Cheese.

Pandan Latte (Rm 9)

Iced Basil Lemonade (Rm 6) *On the House*

Ratings:

Taste: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 8/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Non-Halal/ Wifi-Available

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: D' Atrium of D' Piazza Mall, 70-1-08, Jalan Mahsuri, 11900, Bayan Baru, Penang.

Business Hours: 10 am to 9 pm on every Monday to Wednesday; 10 am to 11 pm on Thursdays; 10 am to 12 am on Fridays; 9 am to 12 am on Saturdays; 9 am to 9 pm on Sundays.

Jump Street Asia Facebook Page

Shortly after turning into Kimberley Street from Carnavon Street, you will find a curious Koay Teow Th'ng stall surrounded by regular patrons as early as 8 in the morning. Tucked beside a small corner of Lorong Ngah Aboo, a small alley beside Kimberley Street; the Duck Meat Koay Teow Th'ng has been in business for many years and has since garnered an apperciate following. Some tables and chairs are available, neatly placed by the road side. The price, however, seems to be slightly higher than most Koay Teow Th'ngs in town.

A bowl of tummy-warming Duck Meat Koay Teow Th'ng (Rm 5/ Large), luscious smooth Flat Rice Noodles beautifully swimming in the clear, sweet meaty broth. However, the measly "topping" was rather a disappointment. It was nothing but some thinly sliced Duck and Pork meat with a couple of Fish Balls. The broth was decent- sweet and seasoned with an agreeable amount of flavor. Not bad but not entirely great either.

A nice addition to your bowl of Koay Teow Th'ng, go for their Duck Webbed Feet (Rm 5). They have played a twist of change here, the broth has a significant amount of Angelica Root/ Dang Gui added. The herbaceous flavor was strong, making the broth delectable yet unique in its own way. Beautifully cooked till fall-apart tender, little effort was necessary to enjoy them. Perfect for feet-aficionados.

Ratings:

Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 6/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Ambiance: 5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Parking: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: Junction of Lorong Ngah Aboo and Lebuh Kimberley, 10100, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 7:30 am to 11:30am. Closed on Mondays.

Contact Number: N/A

Map of Lorong Ngah Aboo, Georgetown, 10100 Pulau Pinang

Another great place for Vietnamese street food devotees to visit will be this newly opened, unassuming and no-frills coffee house along Jalan Sungai Pinang (facing Chevrolet Showroom). It opens in the evening, an army of Vietnamese worker from the nearby factory will flock in the coffee house religiously for dinner. The place is manned by a few Vietnamese, with one staff speaks indistinctly in Mandarin. Menu is small but comprises of many uncommon Vietnamese eats at unbelievably low prices. Nothing much on the interior decor but rather, a snug place with a few tables and chairs for the Vietnamese workers to get a quick fix. One of the few places that you can find cheap and good Vietnamese eats in Penang.

I am constantly in the look for Banh Mi/ Vietnamese Sandwich (Rm 3) but my effort was to no avail. Fortunately, Vietnamese Classic Sandwich Cafe serves Banh Mi; Baguettes are custom-ordered to their own standards- crusty on the outside and unusually thin and soft inside. Chicken, Pork and Fish Cake are available (for filling) and we opted for Fish Cake. They were thinly sliced and stuffed together with fresh vegetables as well as their sweet and sour home-made dressing, absolutely toothsome. I have the urge to go back for this again, step aside Subway!

Vietnamese Chee Cheong Fun (Rm 3) for the sake of my curiosity, it turns out that they were ordinary Chee Cheong Fun served with Vietnamese Sweet and Sour dipping sauce as well as Hoisin Sauce. A generous amount of deep fried Shallots were also served on top of the Rice Rolls. Nothing spectacular but definitely worth the value for such a portion.

Main was Duck Meat Soup with Vermicelli Noodles (Rm 5), the soup was jam-packed with the meaty flavor from the Duck (though some will define it as gamy) while the Vermicelli Noodles were carefully cooked till the right texture- not slouchy nor hard to the bite. Carnivores will be excited to see the generous serving of meat in this bowl of meat-wholesomeness. Eat it together with their marinated Garlic and Chilies for another different experience, the sour-spicy kick enhances the flavor instead of over-shadowing it. Try to believe.

One of the quintessential orders in Vietnamese restaurants- Guo Cuon/ Vietnamese Spring Roll (Rm 1.50 each). They were neatly wrapped with fresh vegetables and Shrimp, simple but delectable.

Home-made Yogurt (Rm 2)

Ratings:

Taste: 8/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 8/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Parking: 3/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 10, Jalan Sungai Pinang, 10150, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 5 pm to 10 pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Contact Number: N/A

Map of 10, Jalan Sungai Pinang, Georgetown, 10150 Pulau Pinang

Sandwiches will never go out of fashion, evidently seen from the myriad of sandwich specialist in town. One of the biggest contenders in the "industry" has invaded Penang lately, opening its first branch of the brand at the new commercial building- Summerton. The name- Quiznos Sub, one of the world's leading Sandwich specialists, is synonymous with exceptional quality and consistently good sandwiches as well as pizzas. The chain Sandwich specialist has a standardized menu nationwide but the brand is especially well known for its sandwiches. The sandwich joint operates in a "fast-food" strategy- orders will be served in a jiffy; while we were certainly impressed with the outstanding quality of the sandwiches, we thought the prices are on the higher side; not a casual sandwich that we can afford to eat in a regular basis.

We were deeply amazed by Baja Chicken (Rm 14.90/ Regular) sandwiched in their signature home-made Rosemary Parmesan Bread. The Chicken slices were tender and succulent, further enhanced with the sweet and savory combination (Cheese and Barbecue Sauce). Do not look down on the fresh Parsley/ Coriander, the Herb pushes the sandwich to another level by introducing a delightful vegetal-herbaceous aroma. Quiznos' Rosemary Parmesan Bread was no lackluster either, akin to Vietnamese Banh Mi, the bread was crusty and crispy on the outside but surprisingly fluffy-soft on the inside. Everything seems to be carefully curated.

Another proud creation of Quiznos- Zesty Steak Pizza (Rm 14.90/ Regular). Thin, crispy crust generously spread with sweet Honey Mustard and topped with Beef slices as well as melted Cheese. The overall flavor was good, the texture was great either but we did not find it mind-blowingly good; probably I am not a huge fan of the sweet combination with Pizza and Beef. Rm 14.90 for four measly pieces, not worth the value.

Ratings:

Taste: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 6.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Pork-Free

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 110-01-19, Summerton, Pesiaran Bayan Indah, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Business Hours: 10 am to 12 am on every Sunday to Thursday; 10 am to 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Contact Number: 6016- 229 0176

Quiznos Sub Facebook Page

A fabulous way to end the weekend is to reward ourselves with plenty of good food but waking up early seems impossible for the younger generation, thus, the brunch culture seems to be the trend right now. One of my recent brunch meet ups with friend was at this newly opened restaurant- Rustic, a sister restaurant of Violet House at Batu Ferringhi. The restaurant proffers a wide variety of Brunch items, as well as their all day long Ala-Carte orders, at very reasonable prices. The setting was simple, spacious yet classy in its own way, no frivolous decorations nor any traces of ostentation; a lovely and comfortable space for your dining pleasure. Rustic is located at one corner lot of Vantage Desiran Tanjung, few doors away from Pizza Hut.

*Kindly note that Brunch menu is only available on weekends, from 9 am to 3 pm.*

Rustic presented their French Toast (Rm 12) in a classy, aesthetic way; two thick beauties neatly stacked and served with a dollop of Whipped Cream; side was an Overnight Oat-like dish, with julienned Green Apple and dried Cranberries. However, the French Toast was not as good as it seems. It was fluffy-soft with crispy edges but it lacked of a "X" factor; probably a touch of Cinnamon Sugar would push the Toast to a higher level. Also, Rustic needs to change another brand for their Maple Syrup, the unique fragrance of Maple Syrup was pale and weak; not as aromatic as we would have hoped. But no, I am not complaining for that price though.

The brunch-deprived can go for their Rustic's Big Breakfast (Rm 24), it comes with some Bacon, Hash Browns, a Sunny Side Up, a foot-long Chicken Sausage, Baked Beans and some fresh greens. The Sunny Side Up was carefully cooked to the right doneness- the Yolk was still runny while the White was thoroughly cooked. Hash Browns were fried to a tawny crisp. The Sausage was equally delectable- firm, meaty and reasonably seasoned; perfect to go with some Mustard.

We were impressed with Rustic's Aglio Olio Pasta from the Ala-Carte menu (Rm 14), it possessed powerfully evocative flavors; it was simple yet palatable. Chef added a nice twist to the Pasta- Sun Dried Tomatoes, Shimeiji Mushroom and generous amount of finely chopped Garlic. It was hot, garlicky, peppery; all packed in one punch; the addition of fresh Rockets adds a juicy crunch to the al-dente Pasta. A value for money order.