KEN HUNTS FOOD

C'est La Vie is one of the new members tucked in Summerton, offering a small menu which comprises of East meets West elements; diners can feast upon flavorful options like Rice Set or Pasta dishes, to sweets like cakes. The interior decor is creative- grass flooring, comfortable couches, love locks over the wall, miniature Eiffel Tower etc. Couples or lovers can even purchase the locks and to have names written on the pad lock as well as to lock it on the wall; which symbolizes ever-lasting love. Also, another reason to visit the cafe is that it offers Buy 1 Free 1 promotion on every Saturday (only selected beverages). C'est La Vie needs to fine tune their menu, offering more attractive dishes to lure the customers' attention; nevertheless, nothing is easy, C'est Le Vie!

A recommendation from the server- Funghi Spathetti (Rm 14.90) comes in less-convincing presentation. Slices of fresh Shitake Mushroom were used, together with a handful of Garlic, Herbs, Spices and Chili Flakes. The Spaghetti was carefully cooked to al-dente, however, I was not impressed with the use of Shitake Mushroom here. I thought the flavor did not stand out as I would have hoped, Eryngii could be a better option here. Not too shabby but can be enhanced further.

Butterscotch Latte (Rm 8.90)

Green Tea Latte (Rm 8.90)

Ratings:

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

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

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

Non-Halal

Service Charge: Yes 10%

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 110-01-18, Summerton, Pesiaran Bayan Indah, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

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

Contact Number: 6017- 598 8218

C'est La Vie Facebook Page

Koay Teow Th'ng may be a common Penang fare, what about Lemon Koay Teow Th'ng? One of the frequently visited coffee houses by the local factory workers nearby the area will be Kafe Kam 88; a real hidden gem in the serene neighborhood. Delectable highlights to note are Lemon Koay Teow Th'ng, Bitter Gourd Vermicelli Noodles, Chicken Rice and Stir Fried Vermicelli Noodles with various add-ons. The humble coffee house is nestled within the residential area of Taman Sri Tunas at Lebuh Raya Mayang Pasir, Bayan Baru.

An ingenious combination- Lemon in Koay Teow Th'ng (Rm 4.50/ Large) with Sambal Belacan. Spicy, savory and sour notes all packed in a punch, it was exceptionally appetizing and refreshing with a tinge of spiciness. Taste-wise, was somewhat akin to Chinese's Hot and Sour Soup with silky smooth flat rice noodles. A very unique yet flavorsome way to enjoy Koay Teow Th'ng.

Assuage your guilt by having the invigorating Bitter Gourd Vermicelli Noodles (Rm 4.30/ Small)- minced Pork, Fish Balls, sliced Bitter Gourd and soft-boiled Egg. The broth carried a meaty-sweetness, but not overwhelmed by the bitterness. The Bitter Gourd, on the other hand, maintained its juicy crunch while the Egg Yolk imparts another layer of dimension to the dish. A light, healthy yet delectable option.

Nothing to shout over for a stall selling Char Bee Hoon/ Stir Fried Vermicelli Noodles but it stands out as diners may opt to add in various add-ons to complete their meal. The stall sells both Economy Rice and Char Bee Hoon; often seen with relentless queue of hungry patrons waiting eagerly for their turn. While it was not out-of-the-world good, it was a pretty satisfying meal, especially for the working class (like me). All these for Rm 6.30.

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: 7/10 (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

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: Lorong Mayang Pasir 5, 11950, Bayan Baru, Penang.

Business Hours: 7 am to 2 pm. Closed on Sundays.

Contact Number: N/A

Map of Lorong Mayang Pasir 5, Bandar Bayan Baru, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang

You would have missed Patsa Thai Thai Shop if you have not paid attention to the nearby shop houses... tucked within the heritage houses along Dato Keramat, a stone's throw distance away from GAMA Supermarket. Patsa Thai Thai specializes in serving Thai Boat Noodles as well as some of its proud creations. Rest-assured, authenticity is there as all the recipes are brought here by a Thai Chef, which apparently the wife to the restaurant owner. The menu is small right now but more items are to be added on to the menu in the near future. The restaurant is fully air-conditioned and has a minimalist Thai-influenced decorations.

Many Thanks to Patsa Thai Thai for hosting us that evening.

We were delighted to be introduced a Yee Sang-influenced dish, Papaya Salted Egg Salad (Rm 20)- Hard Boiled Egg, Thai Chicken Sausages, Vermicelli Noodles, Crab Sticks, Thai Salted Egg and Som Tam/ Thai Papaya Salad. It came in a substantial portion which will be good enough for two I reckon. The Som Tam needs a little fine tune, it lacked of a tinge of acidity and probably a sleek of sweetness would be great either. Flavors were a little subdued but Patsa gives its diners the freedom to choose the level of spiciness and we opted for the spiciest level (and you would not want to know the consequences).

Thai Boat Noodles (Glass Noodles/ Dry/ Rm 1.90)

Thai Boat Noodles (Vermicelli Noodles/ Soup/ Rm 1.90)

Thai Boat Noodles Special (Koay Teow/ Soup/ Rm 6.90)

Patsa has only one type of soup base available, given that the restaurant serves no Pork and no Beef, Chicken seems to be the only option left. There are three types of noodles available nevertheless, namely Glass Noodles, Koay Teow and Bee Hoon. We opted for the usual Thai Boat Noodles, both dry and soup. Dry version seems to come with a sweet Dark Soy Sauce, unusually sweeter than local ones; which said to be imported from Thailand. The Glass Noodles were imported from Thai (we were told) and they were somewhat different from what we were expecting. They were springy but not greasy, though the sauce was a little too sweet for our taste. The broth, on the other hand, was toothsome. It possessed the quintessential meaty flavors but not as herbaceous as compared to what I had in Noodle Doodle. The Thai Boat Noodles Special comes in a larger portion, with a Chicken Drumstick added. The Chicken Meat Balls are home-made but my dining partner was not impressed with the tendons found in the meat balls. On a side note, Patsa uses Kampung Chickcen/ Free Range Chicken, few hours of boiling is needed to fully accentuate the flavors.

Complimentary Snacks- Deep Fried Dumpling Skin served with home-made Chili Sauce

Additional Information:

Pork-Free/ Wifi-Available

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Address: 29C, Jalan Dato Keramat, 10150, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 5 pm to 12 am. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 6016- 476 6156

Patsa Thai Thai Facebook Page

Map of 29, Jalan Dato Keramat, Georgetown, 10150 Pulau Pinang

One of the few famous Wanton Mee specialists from Hong Kong- Tasty has set foot in Penang lately, opening the brand's first branch in Malaysia. The One Star Michelin restaurant is famous for its Wanton Mee, along with its wide variety of offerings. The large menu offers many sweet and savory dishes that ensures everyone will find something to tickle their taste buds, regardless of age. Ingredients are procured directly from Hong Kong, However, most of the dishes are priced exorbitantly, probably due to the brand name. Service was attentive and orders were served in a jiffy; a place suitable for family gathering over a simple yet delectable Cantonese meal (if you don't mind the price). "Tasty" is next to Penang On 5, level 5 of Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang.

Tasty's signature dish- House Specialty Wanton Noodles in Soup (正斗鲜虾云吞面/ Rm 16.80); al-dente noodles, Yellow Chives, Wanton/ Dumplings with flowing tails. Tasty's had all boxes ticked. The broth was flavorful, reasonably-seasoned with a mellow sweetness that underlies each slurp. Also, they are very detailed and serious about their Wanton Mee, even to the extent where Red Vinegar is available. However, we thought they need to improve on the food presentation, considering the brand has received Michelin award.

Tummy filler was Stir Fried Noodles with Pork and Bean Sprouts (银芽肉丝炒面/ Rm 24.80), though we could not agree on the name. We thought the dish was somewhat akin to Sang Har Mee but Pork and Bean Sprouts were used instead. It comes in a substantial portion which could be good enough for two small eaters. To be frank, the taste did not quite shine but we must concur that the noodles were fried to a tawny crisp. There was a contrast of chewy-crunchy texture of the noodles. The meat gravy, however, was not sufficient to complement the noodles; also, the dish was rather greasy. Some minor refinement needed.

One of the must-have items in Tasty would be Har Kaw/ Hong Kong Prawn Dumplings (晶莹鲜虾饺/ Rm 13.80/ 4 pcs), a basket of piping hot Prawn Dumplings was served to our table. The crystal dumpling skin was nicely crafted to the right thickness while the Prawn filling was toothsome. We need not to dip the dumplings in Chili Sauce (something that Penangites are accustomed to), they were reasonably seasoned and in fact, a hint of seafood sweetness can be tasted from the bouncy but not rubbery Prawns. It was a dramatic and elegant offering (at a price though).

We were not quite convinced by Tasty's version of Hong Kong Egg Tarts (港式靓蛋挞/ Rm 9.80/ 4 pcs) which came in bite-sized pieces. The freshness of the tarts was not to be challenged as they were made-to-order. However, we thought the pastry was underdone, leaving a 'powdery' and gritty texture at the bottom of the tarts. The ratio of custard filling to pastry skin was somewhat inappropriate. Just my personal preference, I would prefer the usual Egg Tarts, no, not the bite-sized pieces.

The Nibbles were priced exorbitantly at Rm 5 (Peanut/ Silver Fish) *Pretty salty*

A serving of Chinese Tea is priced at Rm 3/ person

Ratings:

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

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

Price: 5.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

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

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

Non-Halal

Service Charge: Yes 10%

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: Shop L5-01, Level 5, Gurney Paragon Mall, Pesiaran Gurney, 10250, Penang.

Business Hours: 11 am to 10 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 6019- 688 3366

Tasty Malaysia Facebook Page

As most of you would probably agree, Penang is in many ways the perfect place to savor a wide variety of International cuisine. The state has seen many openings of new restaurants lately and Restaurant Markus is definitely one of the notable ones. The Italian semi fine-dining restaurant along Cantonment Road is a humble beginning for entrepreneur Mr. Choong and Chef Markus; which explains how the restaurant got its name. The extraordinaire Chef Markus has trained and honed his culinary skills at some prestigious restaurants abroad. Restaurant Markus has a simple yet sophisticated setting, perfect for any formal or informal occasion. The comprehensive menu has more than sufficient items suitable for every palate, we were also pleased with the impeccable services provided by the eloquent staff on our visit. A place that I would love to revisit again in the near future.

Many Thanks to Restaurant Markus for hosting us that afternoon.

Squid Ink Pasta is a dime of dozen dish but Chef Markus' version with Fresh Crab Meat, Basil and White Wine Sauce (Rm 35) was beyond amazing. The seemingly simple dish was not only complex with layers of flavors but we were also amazed by the contrast in texture- al-dente Squid Ink Spaghetti with springy Crab Meat; further enlivened with the use of White Wine. A lush but delectable indulgence.

A love-hate relationship surfaced the moment I had a bite on Gnocchi al Gorgonzola (Rm 35), exceptionally toothsome dough dumplings evenly coated with the rich and creamy Gorgonzola sauce. The salinity of the Blue Cheese was perfectly balanced, complementing Gnocchi perfectly. Chef Markus added a nice twist to the dish by introducing some crushed Pistachio and crispy slivers of Parma Ham; enhanced with the chock-full of Herbs. The dish is, however, best to be shared by a few.

Oscietra Caviar with Poached Egg and Taleggio Cheese Fondue, Parsley Oil (Rm 54) was quite a let down unfortunately. The Egg Yolk was not cooked to the right consistency- one overcooked while the other one was alright. It was supposed to be slightly runny while maintaining the shape. The Caviar and Parma Ham jeweled on top, however, added a delightful touch to the Eggs.

A not so commonly seen dish- Sous Vide Poek Belly in Morel Mushroom with Spring Vegetables and Pureed Mashed Potato (Rm 50); the Pork Belly was juicy and tender, further complemented by the tangy compote. The Mashed was amazing- reasonably seasoned with a silky smooth texture. However, we thought the dish lacked of a "wow" factor to stand out. It might be a good choice for pork lovers nevertheless.

The Chef wrapped the meal with a sweet note, we were first served with Cioccolato (Rm 22) made of Valrhona Chocolate and served with Haagen Daaz Vanilla Ice Cream. The Chocolate Lava was well-executed, beautiful and steady flow of Chocolate was oozing out at the slightest prick. A flawless dessert that touches one's heart.

The lunch ended on a decadent high with Chef's Tiramisu (Rm 25), velvety smooth Mascarpone Cream with a discernible boozy Amaretto Liquer; the interplay between sweet, bitter and boozy was exceptional. Sink your fangs in the silky smooth dessert and you will be surprised that the liquid Coffee will ooze out in a glimpse of an eye, leaving a multi-layered taste lingering in the tongue.

Complimentary Focaccia Bread with Balsamic-Olive Oil

Additional Information:

Non-Halal/ Wifi-available

Service Charge: Yes 10%

Government Tax: Yes 6%

Address: 37 F, Jalan Cantonment, 10250, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Business Hours: 12 pm to 2:30 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.

Contact Number: 604- 226 1443

Email: restaurant.markus@gmail.com

Website: http://www.restaurantmarkus.com/

Restaurant Markus Facebook Page

Map of Bank Of China (Malaysia) Berhad @ Penang

Penang has no shortage of breakfast/ brunch places but it is not common to see restaurants/ hotels offering semi-buffet breakfast, at unbeatable prices. The Cinnamon, a casual dining establishment housed within the heritage boutique hotel in the heartland of Georgetown- Hotel Penaga at Hutton Lane; offers a comprehensive range breakfast items (ala-carte) along with sides (buffet-style). At the price of Rm 24.90+, diners can opt to choose 5 items on the menu (as main) and get unlimited refills on the buffet items, including home-made loaves, cereals, coffee/tea, greens, yogurt, croissants, fruits or cakes. The restaurant has a retro Nyonya-influenced interior decor, evidently seen from the Peranakan Tiles, Windows and Dining Tables/ Chairs. The semi-buffet Breakfast is available daily, especially suitable for diners with big appetites or someone who wishes to go for variety over quality.

For the main, we opted for Egg Mollet, Salmon Gravlax, Sausages, sauteed Mushroom and cooked Spinach. Egg Mollet possessed the texture somewhere in between Soft Boiled Egg and Hard Boiled Egg, not exactly runny but still flowing-soft. It was a pity that Salmon Gravlax turned into Smoked Salmon, it did not fit the name- Gravlax. Also, cooked Spinach was a tad salty to my liking. The Sausages, were good nevertheless.

Up next, we had Scrambled Egg, Beef Bacon, Grilled Chicken Breast, caramelized Onions, Apples and Banana as well as Ratatouille. The Scrambled Egg was nicely done, fluffy-soft and not overcooked but my partner in crime would prefer it to be slightly under cooked; for the runnier and smoother texture. Caramelized Onions, Apples and Banana was somewhat unique, the concoction added a nice tinge of caramelized sweetness to the dish.

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

Parking: 7/10 (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: Yes 10%

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: Jalan Hutton, 10050, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 7 am to 11 pm. Opens Daily. Breakfast Semi-Buffet is available from 7 am to 10 am/ 10:30 am on Weekends.

Contact Number: 604- 261 1891

The Cinnamon Facebook Page

Mansion Twenty sounds like a mysterious empty place in need of excitements but in actual fact, Mansion Twenty is a lively space filled with dynamic music, good food and lush alcohols. The newly opened Bar cum Restaurant at Green Hall Road has attracted a huge crowd over the Chinese New Year holiday; the al-fresco dining area has a relaxed vibe, especially suitable for weekend gatherings or catching up with friends; the air-conditioned restaurant, on the other hand, displays a classy and elegant setting suitable for romantic occasions. The menu is limited, with a few choices on Pasta, Poultry, Salad and Seafood. The bill did not come in cheap, so I don't see this place becoming a place for casual outing but towards occasional celebrations instead.

A pleasant starter, Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken (Rm 21.90) struck our palate with its multi-dimensional flavors. Apart from the usual Caesar Salad dressing, M20 played a nice twist by adding a touch of Hot Mustard, giving the greens a gentle heat. Grilled Chicken was well-executed- tender and well-seasoned, complementing the salad perfectly. My only wish was the portion was larger.

We had Aglio Olio Mushroom (Rm 18.90) for main, al-dente cooked Spaghetti was given a quick toss with fresh Mushrooms- Shimeiji, Shitake and Button Mushrooms, together with the quintessential Garlic, Chilies and Herbs. It was pretty decent considering the hearty portion of Pasta packs a flavorful punch as well as the delightful earthiness accentuated from the Mushrooms.

Pasta Champignon (Rm 26.90) was another dish we had, Angel Hair Pasta evenly coated with Cream Sauce, served with Mushrooms and Grilled Chicken. Unfortunately, the taste of Grilled Chicken did not shine here. It was more to an "add-on" thing instead of having the flavors blended in. It lacked of the tinge of smokiness, uniquely to Bacon. Also, we thought the dish lacked of dimension and can be monotonous for one to finish it entirely. Not bad but I am not sure if I will order it again.

Complimentary Toasted Buttered Baguette

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

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

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

Non-Halal/ No Wifi

Service Charge: Yes 10%

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 29, Jalan Green Hall, 10200, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 11 am to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 604- 262 6020

Mansion Twenty Facebook Page

Map of 29, Jalan Green Hall, Georgetown, 10200 Pulau Pinang

Partake in one of the most remarkable food events- Goût de France this March, at the prestigious fine-dining restaurant 1885 housed in the grande dame of the town- Eastern and Oriental Hotel Penang. Goût de France, also known as Good France Project, is one of the most significant food events for French food connoisseurs. More than 150 countries involved, there will be a total number of 1,300 restaurants world-wide participating in this meaningful event. The Good France Project is based on the concept that on the same evening, throughout the world, Chefs of every kind will celebrate the excellence of French Cuisine. 1885 is proud to be one of the two chosen restaurants in Malaysia (the only restaurant in Penang) to initiate the gastronomy event. Have a taste of France by joining the dinner on 19th of March 2015 as extraordinaire Chef Michel will showcase his meticulously designed 7-course Degustation Menu displaying an array of contemporary French dishes. The carefully choreographed courses follow each other like the sequences like a dance, leaving one contented but not full to the brim.

"The one-off event is not to make money", says Mr. Rainfroy, the Hotel Manager of Eastern and Oriental Hotel Penang. The main objective of the event is to celebrate and honor the merits of French cuisine; on top of that, 10% of the total revenue goes to charity. The dinner is priced at Rm 158++ per person (without alcohol). As for those who wish to have a sip on their premium labels, a top up of Rm 142++ is required. Wines are carefully paired with each course and they are sponsored by Mr. Michael from The Wine Shop.

Goût de France 7-course Degustation menu at 1885

Date: 19th of March 2015

Time: 7 pm to 10: 30 pm

Price: Rm 158++ per person/ Rm 300++ (without alcohol)/ person (with alcohol)

Limited seats available, for reservation and enquiries, kindly contact +604- 222 2000

Many Thanks to E&O Hotel for hosting us that evening.

Chef Michel surprised us with his Amuse Bouche- Snail and Garlic Cream Gougère, a Snail sheathed under the choux pastry and served with the alluring Garlic-Mushroom sauce. The herbaceous cream sauce enhanced instead of overshadowing the dish; it was a delicate start.

[Wine Pairing: Cattier Brut Icone NV Champagne France]

A continuation from the triumph start, we had Seabass Tartar and Smoked Mackerel, Cucumber- Green Apple and Celery Jelly, Mint Dill Salad. We were amazed by the absence of "fishy" flavor in the Seabass Tartar and openly welcomed the refreshing touch- Cucumber and Celery Jelly. Everything was precisely measured.

[Wine Pairing: Cattier Brut Icone NV Champagne France]

Appetizer was Warm Vegetables Tart with Mushroom Duxelle scented Truffle, Tomato Confit, Wild Arugula and Black Olive Oil. We caught in a whiff of the earthy Truffle scent when it was presented to our table, the well-executed woody Mushroom goes perfectly well with the tawny-crispy Tart, further complemented by the crunchy Arugula and appetizing-acidic Tomato Confit.

[Wine Pairing: De Beauregard Ducourt Blanc Entre-Duez-Mers France]

Small in size but big in flavor, the Entrée- Sea Trilogy, Tomato- Red Capsicum Jam, Crispy Black Ink Cheese Tuile and Fresh Herbs was beyond amazing. The slightly seared Tuna Tataki was perfectly cooked to my liking. The Scallop was not shabby either, jeweled with a generous amount of Salmon Roe, the briny pops of seafood essence added a sweet-savory touch to the slightly resilient voluptuous Scallop. The star item on the plate, however, belongs to crustacean roll crowned with crispy-savory Black Ink Cheese Tuile. An Entrée full of surprises and different layer of dimensions.

[Wine Pairing: De Beauregard Ducourt Blanc Entre-Duez-Mers France]

The evening reached its peak when the Main Entrée- Beef Tournedos with Seasonal Vegetables, Potato Mousseline Meat Jus and diced Foie Gras was served to our table. The juicy, succulent, pinkish hunk of Red Meat was lip-smacking! It was so tender that it melted in my mouth instantly! Foie Gras makes a good pair to the meat, I did not pay attention to the sides, the meat was too good that I lost my concentration on others.

[Wine Pairing: De Beauregard Ducourt Bord Rough Bordeaux France]

Cheese lovers will be delighted to see the beautiful display of Assorted Cheeses (Comté, Brie, Reblochon and Blue Cheese) served with Walnuts and Bread, a course specially designed to go with the premium labels.

[Wine Pairing: De Beauregard Ducourt Bord Rough Bordeaux France]

Chef Michel wrapped up the meal with a sweet note, Macademia Strudel Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Cremeux, Orange Bitter Mousse and Yuzu Sherbet scored high for chocolate lovers. The well-balanced velvety smooth Chocolate Cremeux packs a heavy chocolate-punch but a nice twist was added to the sweet dessert- a premium cognac, Grand Marnier. The sweet Chocolate softens the liqueur while the cognac smoothens the Chocolate by adding a gentle boozy touch. Yuzu Sherbet was, nevertheless, a tangy-refreshing end to the meal.

[Grand Marnier]

Additional Information:

Pork-Free
Wifi-Available
Service Charge: Yes 10%
Government Tax: Yes 6%

Address: 10, Lebuh Farquhar, Georgetown, Penang.

Contact: 604- 222 2000
Website: http://www.eohotels.com/

Eastern & Oriental Hotel's Facebook Page

A leisure evening at a restaurant, swirling a glass of wine would be a nice thing to do, especially after an exhausted day at work. Many budget-watchers are skeptical to order a glass of wine, particularly due to the expensive price tags; however, a 4-course dinner with a glass of wine, all these are possible with a mere Rm 33 at Hutton Mansion Wine Haus. A new management took over an abandoned space at Hutton Lane, reviving the area into a restaurant with a small lodging house. The wine house procures a myriad brands of wines around the world but what attracts us the most would be their extremely affordable set dinner. Daily Set Dinner starts from Rm 33, where diners can choose ONE main from a choice of seven and complete the meal with Salad, Soup, Dessert as well as a glass of complimentary wine. Set Dinner menu changes once a month, please refer to their Facebook Page for the latest menu. Hutton Mansion Wine Haus can be found at the entrance to Lorong Amoy at Hutton Lane.

There were 7 options available but we opted for Spaghetti Ala Marinara (Rm 38); al-dentely cooked Spaghetti evenly tossed in zingy Tomato sauce and topped with loads of Seafood. The Prawns (deveined) and Squid were amazingly bouncy, flavors were balanced with traces of Garlic and Onions.

Poultry lovers could go for their Hutton Mansion Chicken (Rm 35), a Chicken-Roulade-alike dish that gives a satisfyingly meaty texture, served with a tangy-appetizing sauce. The side was carefully executed as well, the Mashed Potato added with julienned Carrot has bits of Ham added; a multi-dimensional dish with layers of flavors and texture. The serving portion, however, may be a little small for some.

Beetroot Salad with Balsamic Dressing

Wild Mushroom Soup

Every order of Set Dinner comes with a plate of Salad and a bowl of Wild Mushroom Soup. The Salad was simple and straight-forward, Beet Root laid over a bed of Fresh Greens and dressed with Balsamic-Olive Oil dressing. Mushroom Soup, on the other hand, was delectable. It was thick and rich, with a heavy earthy flavor extracted from fresh Mushrooms. A few crunchy Croutons were added to complete the Soup.

Home-made Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream

From left- Emiliana Merlot, Nova Pink Moscato and Zonin Pinot Grigio

We ended the meal with a sweet surprise from the restaurant- Home-made Brownie served with Vanilla Ice Cream. We love the contrast, warm Brownie with cold Ice Cream, not exactly a substantial portion but good enough to end the meal. A glass of complimentary House Wine will be served with every order of Set Dinner (normal price will be Rm 15/ glass).

We had an extra order of Red Wine Poached Pear (Rm 13) but the dessert needs to be fine-tuned. The Pear was sweet but the boozy flavor did not manage to blend in. Also, the texture was not right either, it was crunchy-juicy as though the Pear was not cooked, probably just submerged and soaked in Red Wine. The dessert, however, is priced competitively.

Ratings:

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

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

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

Non-Halal/ Wifi Available

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: No. 149, Jalan Hutton, 10050, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 6 pm to 12 am. Closed on Sundays.

Contact Number: 604- 226 1322/ 6012- 566 1172

Email: huttonmansionwinehaus@gmail.com

Hutton Mansion Wine Haus Facebook Page

Map of 149, Jalan Hutton, Georgetown, 10050 Pulau Pinang

The reconstructed and refurbished building of the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) is finally ready and a new spade of tenants have moved in the century-old building. One of the notable ones would be none other than The Chambers, a hotel with a restaurant nestled within. The entrance to the restaurant can be found on Penang Street, instead of Light Street or King Street. Traipse yourself up to the second floor and you will arrive at a seemingly quiet and curious place. The restaurant has a classy setting- Chinese decoration with Chandelier, in shades of wooden beam. Traces of antique cabinets, chairs, even Mahjong table can also be seen. On the menu, it gives diners an idea that The Chambers proffers modern fusion dishes, with a Nyonya touch, evidently seen from dishes like Tu Tor Th'ng/ Pig Stomach Soup, Joo Hoo Char/ Stir Fried Cuttlefish with Jicama etc. On the top floor, there's an al-fresco dining area overlooking Padang Kota Lama, and is especially suitable for gatherings on evenings.

We were introduced to Chef Jo's special- Stewed Oxtail with Dark Beer and Tomatoes served on Mashed (Rm 28), one of the signature dishes at The Chambers. The presentation was somewhat different to what I was expecting. I was anticipating the entire deboned Stewed Oxtail to serve on a bed of Mashed but it turned out to be bits of Stewed Oxtail instead of one whole piece. The flavors were good, sweetness from the Vege and Red Meat, boozy unique aroma from the Beer; well-balanced with Spices and Herbs. The Mashed was delectable and it worked perfectly well with the Stewed Oxtail, dovetailing each other perfectly. If I were to nitpick, I would prefer Chef to brighten the peppery flavor of the dish, giving the dish a more layered dimension.

We were more than excited to try one of the famous dishes from Hong Kong- "Kon Chau Ngau Hor"/ Stir Fried Flat Rice Noodles with Beef (Rm 18.90). It comes in a hearty portion, evenly coated with a dark Brown hue. Inevitably greasy but the Hor Fun possessed the quintessential "wok hei" and was reasonably seasoned. Beef slices were tender and they were very generous with the serving. However, we were not quite impressed with the "messy" Lettuce-Tomato presentation.

Pumpkin lovers will be amazed by Roasted Pumpkin Ginger Cream Soup (Rm 10), a sleek of Pumpkin-sweetness underlies every sip on the rich and thick concoction. Together on the serving was two slices of fresh and fluffy Sourdough. However, we thought the pungent characteristics of Ginger were rather soft and quiet, as though it never existed. Still a good starter to kick off the meal nevertheless.

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

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

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

Non-Halal

Service Charge: Yes 10%

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Additional Information: 2nd Floor, No. 2, Penang Street, 10200, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 11 am to 3 pm; 6 pm to 10 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 604- 262 5568

Website: www.thechambers.com.my

The Chambers Facebook Page

Map of 2, Penang St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang

End the day by chilling out at the newly refurbished bar- Nadaba of Hotel Equatorial Penang where one gets to sit by the pool side, enjoy phenomenal sunset view and listen to live jazz band music (available on Thursdays to Saturdays only). The pool side bar has quite an impressive array of alcoholic drinks, from the conventional beers, wines to specially made cocktails; there will be something for everyone. As one of the opening promotions, Nadaba set to roll out its Sunset Teasers; priced at Rm 48 nett, each order of Sunset Teaser comes with two glasses of alcohol (Beers/ Wines) and a three-tier tray containing local nibbles and delectable snacks. Sunset Teaser is available daily from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Many Thanks to Equatorial Hotel Penang for hosting us that evening.

Sunset Teaser for Two White:

Two glasses of House Pour White Wine
Brie Cheese with Crackers
Octopus in Pie Tee Cup
Roasted pepper and Bocconcini Bruschetta with Anchovies
Potato Skin
Peanuts
Muruku
Nacho Chips

Sunset Teaser for Two Red:

Two glasses of House Pour Red Wine
Camembert Cheese with Crackers
BBQ Beef Meat Balls
Caesar Salad Crudites with Poached Shrimps
Potato Skin
Peanuts
Muruku
Nacho Chips

Sunset Teaser for Two Beers:

Two glasses of half pint Carlsberg Draft Beer
Chicken Lollipop with Spicy Sauce
Spinach Mussel Mornay
Beef Salami Cornets stuffed with Sun-dried Tomato Cream Cheese
Potato Skin
Peanuts
Muruku
Nacho Chips

There are a total of 3 selections, choose from Beer, Red Wine or White Wine. Each set of Sunset Teaser is carefully paired with nibbles and snacks. Budget-conscious customers will be glad to know that each order of Sunset Teaser is selling at a very affordable price- Rm 48 nett. Amongst the nibbles sampled, I would personally prefer Red with Beef Balls. As expected, the combination works. The Beef Balls were well-executed- firm, meaty, further enhanced with a touch of Herbs and Spices. They carried a sleek of sweetness and caramelized outer layer, a mouthful of that meat followed by a sip of well-breathed Red Wine defines the word "a heaven-made match". Nothing to shout over for the local nibbles at the bottom of the tray but considering each set costs Rm 48 nett, it is still a worth-the-value order nonetheless.

Additional Information:

Nadaba opens daily from 11 am to 12 am.

Service Charge: Yes 10%

Government Tax: 6%

Address: 1, Jalan Bukit Jambul, 11900, Bayan Baru, Penang.

Contact Number: 604- 632 7188

Hotel Equatorial Penang Facebook Page

Despite the roaring food and beverage scene in Penang, one still finds it hard to find a good Dim Sum restaurant; somewhere not too expensive and extremely consistent on the quality. Chaw Choon Dim Sum Restaurant, one of the most renowned Dim Sum specialists at Butterworth, has been drawing enormous crowd to the restaurant. It was our first visit and we were delighted to see such an extensive range of Dim Sum dishes, from the common Cantonese delights to the less common localized-delicacies, all well and reasonably priced. The outlet at Ong Yi How, off Raja Uda is a new branch opened in early 2012. As much as we were impressed with the variety, we thought that it would be better if they could serve their food piping hot instead of room temperature. It was impossible to tell the cost of every single dish but the three of us had quite a number of dishes; with Chinese Tea, the total damage was just a mere Rm 41.60. A similar meal at the island would easily cost more than Rm 50. Air ventilation was good and aplenty of tables available; a good place to enjoy a family breakfast.

Egg Tarts

Steamed Fish Balls

Yong Tau Foo/ Stuffed Chili with Fish Paste

Deep Fried Seaweed Roll

Deep Fried Prawn Rolls

Chee Cheong Fun/ Steamed Rice Rolls with Shrimps

Har Kaw/ Steamed Prawn Dumplings

Siew Mai/ Steamed Pork Dumplings

Steamed Pork Ribs

Blanched Squid

Tasty highlights to note were their Special Egg Tarts, the pastry was appropriately done, the ratio of pastry skin to custard filling was accurately measured. Steamed Fish Balls were equally good either, bouncy but not hard to the bite, nor it was slouchy. Seafood lovers are not forsaken. Blanched Squid was also available on our visit-perfectly cooked to the right doneness, pleasingly chewy and it goes perfectly well with their sweet Chili sauce. Deep Fried Seaweed Rolls and Chee Cheong Fun, however, did not shine to us. The former one was rather bland and nothing to shout over; while the latter dish lacked of filling. It would be better if they could throw in more Shrimps, for a more satisfying bite. Other notable dishes were Blanched Chicken, Steamed Glutinous Rice, Sweet and Sour Fish etc.

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: 6.5/10 (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: 6970, Jalan Ong Yi How, Off Raja Uda, 12300, Butterworth, Penang.

Business Hours: 6 am to 1 pm. Closed on alternate Wednesdays.

Contact Number: 016- 452 2880

The cafe society in Penang keeps evolving, one of the latest addition to the Penang cafe scene will be Constant Gardener Coffee- tucked within the newly refurbished building of The Chinese Chambers of Commerce along Penang Street. The welcoming snug little cafe was at its soft-launch stage on our visit, their furniture was not fully ready... nor the signage. We saw quite a number of familiar faces there, cafe operators from some well-known cafes not only in Penang but KL too. The baristas in Constant Gardener Coffee know their coffee well, they have been experimenting a few blends, my partner in crime seemed to enjoy their coffee, on both visits (on separate dates). The cafe does not serve main, just an array of desserts sourced from somewhere but it is undoubtedly a great place for coffee and to mingle with peers, especially suitable for coffee connoisseurs.

A familiar presentation, we suspected their Caramel Apple Tart (Rm 13) was sourced from Patisserie Equateur. A thinly sliced Caramelized Apple beautifully laid on top of a Tart and sheathed under a custard-filling. The filling was toothsome, rich with milky, vanilla flavor; further enlivened with the tangy Apple. The nutty Tart was, however, too hard to our liking.

White Coffee (Rm 11)

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)

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

Price: 7/10 (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: Ground floor of Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce Building, 9, Lebuh Light, 10200, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 9 am to 7 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: N/A

Constant Gardener Coffee Facebook Page

Map of Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce

Originated from Thailand and first in Malaysia, Kanemochi has set foot in Penang, opening a kiosk at Lang Hoose. Unlike the conventional Mochi, the brand is famous for its Ice Cream Mochi- flavored Ice Cream encased in a chewy-resilient Japanese Rice Cake. There are aplenty flavors available in Kanemochi, some highlights to note are Milk Tea, Green Tea, Yogurt, Milk, Tropical Lime, Melon etc. Great to buy as gifts or to try them out for novelty sake; not quite the thing that you would yearn or crave on a regular basis.

Ice Cream lovers can appease all their cravings here at Kanemochi, I would personally recommend their Kane Combo Set (Rm 7.90) which consists of one Ice Cream Mochi and a scoop of their premium Ice Cream. We picked their Yogurt flavored Mochi with Mango Ice Cream. The Ice Cream was lovely, not too sweet and jam-packed with Mango flavor. One type of topping is allowed under this combo set and we had Corn Flakes. In fact, we thought the Mango Ice Cream outshined the Mochi; nevertheless, we would like to recommend Mango Ice Cream with Tropical Lime flavored Mochi, for a more refreshing and tangy flavor.

Tropical Lime Flavor [Top], Milk Flavor [Bottom]

Blueberry Flavor [Top], Green Tea Flavor [Bottom]

We decided to try more flavors, we had an additional order of 4 pieces in a set for Rm 14.50. We had high expectations on Green Tea flavored Mochi but the flavor did not shine, as though it was not strong enough to be discerned. Blueberry was okay but I thought it was quite sweet, sweeter than others. Tropical Lime, on the other hand, received unanimous votes as the best flavor of all. It possessed a hint of refreshing zesty aroma with a tinge of acidity which balanced out the sweetness. A kind reminder: eat the Mochi lest it reverts into a wet, sticky dough.

Ratings:

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

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

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

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)

Pork-Free

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 269, Beach Street, 10300, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 10 am to 10: 30 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: N/A

Kanemochi Malaysia Facebook Page

Map of 269, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang

Set your taste buds alight as Swez Brasserie of Eastin Hotel Penang is about to spice up your days with its Songkran Sawadee Pee Mai Buffet Lunch. The Thai buffet lunch sees a wonderful assortment of Thai nibbles, snacks, appetizers, mains and desserts and will be available on 1st of April 2015 to 30th of April 2015. Tasty highlights to note in the buffet are Yam Talay (Spicy Seafood Salad), Yam Hua Plee Sai Goong (Spicy Salad with Shrimp and Glass Noodles), Tom Yam Goong (Thai Spicy Prawn Soup), Sangkaya (Pumpkin Custard) and Tab Tim Krob (Water Chestnut-Jackfruit Coconut Cream Dessert) etc.

Lunch (Songkran Sawadee Pee Mai): Monday - Friday

12:00pm - 2:30pm

Rm 62+ (adult) Rm 31+ (child)

50% discount of Senior Citizen, aged 60 and above.

Many Thanks to Eastin Hotel Penang for hosting us that evening.

Yam Hua Plee Sai Goong- Banana Flower Spicy Salad with Glass Noodles

Lab Gai- Spicy Minced Chicken Salad with Roasted Rice and Chili Powder

Yam Talay- Spicy Seafood Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lime Spicy Dressing

Ignite your palate with the array of spicy, sweet and sour Starters. The restaurant scored well this round with its Starters, all were beyond amazing. Banana Flower Spicy Salad with Glass Noodles was one of the dishes that left me the deepest impression. We looked down on the dish at first but we were then proven wrong. The Glass Noodles were well-prepared, springy but not wirey-hard; well-equipped with flavors. It hit our palate with strong chili kick, the expertly-used Herbs and Spices complemented the dish well. Another lip-numbingly hot dish was Spicy Minced Chicken Salad. It has the right flavors- savory, hot with a gentle acidic tilt; enhanced with thinly julienned Kaffir Lime Leaves. The dish is best enjoyed with fresh Lettuce. These Starters, however, are to attempt with care, especially the heat-intolerant.

Tom Yam Goong- Spicy Prawn Soup with Lemongrass and Galangal Lime Juice

Geang Juide Mara Sai Gai- Clear Spicy Soup

We were deeply amazed with the avalanche of flavors from the Starters but the culinary team of Swez Brasserie continues to impress us with its Tom Yam Goong. They were very generous with the Shrimps- they were used to fully accentuate the flavors of the crustacean and the broth was the key to success. We were stroke by a strong jolt of sourness followed by a fair whack of heat and a mellow seafood-sweetness. The soup packs a punch with robust flavors. If I were to nitpick, I would prefer the Lemongrass flavor to be slightly more noticeable. Geang Juide Mara Sai Gai, is another not-so-spicy soup offered by the restaurant.

Geang Keaw Whan Gai- Green Curry Chicken with Eggplants and Basil

Phad Preaw Whan Talay- Crispy Seafood with Sweet & Sour Sauce

Tao Hoo Lod Phad Khuenchaiy- Stir Fried Tofu with Celery and Oyster Sauce

Pla Kapong Phad Khuenchaiy- Stir Fried Snapper with Celery & Oyster Sauce

Phat Khi Mao Kai- Stir Fried Spicy Minced Chicken with Basil

Aplenty of mains available on our visit but not all of them were good. Some dishes lacked of the Thai-elements which I thought they may not fit for the theme. For example, Green Curry Chicken was a disappointingly-average dish. It was a little diluted, the curry needs to be thicker and possessed the Green Curry aroma and sweetness. Stir-Fried Tofu was okay but the dish gave me an impression that it was a Chinese dish instead of Thai-influenced dish. Crispy Seafood with Sweet and Sour Sauce, on the other hand, was decent. The deep fried Shrimps, Squids and Fish were well coated with Sweet and Sour Sauce. The dish that took the spotlight was Stir Fried Spicy Minced Chicken with Basil. It possessed the quintessential flavors with generous amount of Garlic and Onions added; best way to savor the dish is to wrap in fresh Lettuce.

Kao Neaw Mamuang- Mango Sticky Rice

Tab Tim Krob- Water Chestnut with Jackfruit in Coconut Syrup

Sakhuu Piak Maphrao Awn- Sago Pudding with young Coconut Flesh

Packthong Sangkaya- Steamed Egg Custard in Pumpkin

Adding further enjoyment to the buffet spread will be a delicious showcase of Thai desserts. Quell the sultry heat with Tab Tim Krob, one of the most welcomed Thai desserts in Malaysia. Swez Brasserie's rendition of Tab Tim Krob was thicker and creamier, made toothsome by the crunchy Chestnut and sweet Jackfruit. Equally good will be Sangkaya- steamed Egg Custard encased in a Pumpkin. The smooth, rich and creamy texture of the dessert is suitable for every age group. It was not saccharine sweet but with a mellow of Pumpkin-sweetness. Other desserts like Mango Sticky Rice, Sago Pudding are also available.

Many thanks to the culinary team of Swez Brasserie of Eastin Hotel Penang for preparing all the wonderful dishes.

Additional Information:

Halal
Service Charge: 10%
Address: Swez Brasserie Eastin Hotel Penang. 1, Solok Bayan Indah, Queensbay, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Contact Number: 604- 612 1128

Website: http://www.eastinhotel-penang.com/

Eastin Hotel Penang Facebook Page

Market Lane Cafe settled in a sequestered spot right smack in Georgetown- Lorong Pasar, a narrow, quiet alley between Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Steward Lane and Chulia Lane. We saw some familiar faces in Market Lane Cafe, probably from some cafes nearby. The snug cafe has limited seating, maybe a total of 5 tables, so its not a place suitable for big group gatherings. The cafe has a small modern Asian menu, featuring some of their proud creations. Prices are slightly higher as compared to its contenders but they are justifiable with the generous portion. There are some hits and misses but as the place is fairly new and the menu is constantly improving, the place is still worth a second visit.

A refreshing start, Spicy Seafood Salad (Rm 18) caught my immediate attention while glancing through their menu. I was anticipating a spicy, tangy, refreshing appetizer but my wish was not answered. The hearty Salad consists of Japanese Cucumber, Lettuce, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Parsley, Thai Basil, Shrimps and Squids. It was dressed in a zingy Lime Salad dressing but the spiciness was too soft to be discerned. It has a peppery hint but overshadowed by the acidity of the Lime. The addition of Cauliflower did not manage to convince me but we like the speckles of Parsley and Thai basil. Not only that the heat was absent, we thought a sleek of sweetness and saltiness would add some marks to the dish too. The Salad, however, might be a great option for weight-watchers.

Chicken Rendang with toasted Bread (Rm18) was somewhat over-priced, a whole Chicken Thigh (Rendang) served with three pieces of toasted wholemeal Bread. The Chicken was extremely tender, the meat was flaking apart at just the nudge of a fork. The Rendang sauce, on the other hand, was veering towards the sweeter side. Not too shabby but Market Lane Cafe needs to provide more element(s) to justify the price.

A ubiquitous dish found in cafes- Spicy Olio Pasta (Rm 20) comes in a huge portion, possibly sufficient for two small eaters. Do not look down on the smithereens of Chili flakes, they imparted a spicy heat to the dish. Flavors were okay but we thought the Spaghetti could be more al-dente, they were slightly overcooked but not slouchy. Additionally, we were not quite pleased with the greasiness of the dish; some refinements required.

Flat White Rm 10

Ratings:

Taste: 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)

Service: 6.5/10 (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: 34C, Lorong Pasar, 10200, Georgetown, Penang.

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

Contact Number: 6011- 1220 9698

Market Lane Cafe Facebook Page

Map of Lorong Pasar, Georgetown, 10200 Pulau Pinang

Restaurants serving Western-European dishes are a dime of dozen in Penang but EU Cuisine is one that you really should not miss. Tucked inside one of the heritage houses along Rangoon Road, EU Cuisine is the latest venture by Chef Selina and partner Vinnie. As the name might have hinted you a little, EU Cuisine specializes in serving European dishes, that being said, it does not specialize in one country but a mixed of the entire continent. The wholehearted restaurant deserves more recognition, it serves their food in a healthier way where they make prepare their food and sauces from scratch. The restaurant is still expanding their menu but there should be sufficient choices to please everyone. The fully air-conditioned restaurant has ample seating area with comfortable chairs; a place that is especially suitable for family gathering. EU Cuisine can be found right opposite to Wong Chau Jun (王昭君) restaurant on the same road.

Many Thanks to EU Cuisine for hosting us that afternoon.

Lamb Shank (Rm 35.90) in its unadulterated best, EU Cuisine dishes out their Lamb Shank in a whole instead of tearing them down into bite-sized pieces. The well-braised beauty was served on a bed of Mashed Potato and drenched in Chef's home-made Raisin-sauce. EU Cuisine's rendition of Lamb Shank is slightly more unique than its contenders. The meat was fall-apart tender and well-seasoned with flavors. The Raisin-sauce has an indelible sweetness but it dovetailed perfectly with the meat. The Mashed, on the other hand, was well-executed as well. Carrots were added to the Mashed Potato, to impart a vegetable-sweetness to the carbs. The Lamb Shank comes in a hearty portion, which makes it a value-for-money order.

Diners have an option to choose between Soup or Salad for every set lunch ordered. No lackluster in serving Soup, Chef prepares her Cream of Potato and Leek Soup fresh everyday. Unlike the ubiquitous Cream of Mushroom Soup, Potato and Leek Soup gives me an impression that the restaurant is more sincere and serious about their food. It was creamy, thick and rich with a faint aroma of Bacon. The addition of Bacon imparts a mellow of smokiness into the soup, adding a porky accent to every sip.

Set Lunch- Fish Fillet with home-made Tomato Sauce (Rm 17.90); a thick slab of deep fried Tilapia served with their home-made Tomato sauce. The flesh was firm and no, not even a hint of fishiness was detected. The highlight of this dish was their tangy home-made Tomato Sauce. It carried a hint of Celery instead of the lack-of-dimension acidic Tomato sauce. It was veering to the sweeter side but it worked well with the fish. A healthier side to complement the meal, Roasted Sweet Potatoes were served as side instead of the conventional Potato Fries. Excellent value for a Rm 17.90-set lunch.

A complimentary Iced Peach Tea, Coffee OR Tea will be served for every Set Lunch ordered.

Additional Information:

Non-Halal

Service Charge: Yes 6%

Address: 86, Rangoon Road, 10400, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 12 pm to 3 pm; 6 pm to 10 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.

Contact Number: 604- 228 5128

EU Cuisine Facebook Page

Map of 86, Jalan Rangoon, Georgetown, 10400 Pulau Pinang

Eggette (鸡蛋仔) is an ubiquitous snack that can be found almost every corner of Hong Kong but it is certainly an uncommon thing here in Penang. At an off-the-map, newly set up commercial-residential property at Relau, named Golden Triangle; one may find this unusual snack in an unassuming shop. Opened for less than 2 weeks, HK Triplemilk is manned by a couple from Hong Kong. Eggette is one of their specialties but they do have Frozen Yogurt, Hong Kong styled Breakfast and Milk Tea on the menu. Prices are reasonable considering the cozy, cafe-like ambiance. A place worth dropping by if you are in the vicinity.

We wanted to try their Froyo-Eggette (Rm 12.90) combination but it was not available. Left with no options, we decided to go for Eggette (Rm 5.90/ ala-carte). As expected, it was made to order on the spot and was served to our table piping hot. We were caught in a whiff of eggy-aroma before we found the tawny-beauty on our table. It was simply too futile to resist the Eggette; it was crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. A few bites into the egg-based Waffle and we found ourselves addicted to it. However, the Eggette is best consumed lest it turns into a piece of soggy-soft pastry.

Ratings:

Taste: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good) *Referring to the Eggette ONLY*

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

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

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

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

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 29-1-63, Golden Triangle, Jalan Paya Terubong, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Business Hours: 8 am to 3 pm; 6 pm to 10 pm on Weekdays; 12 pm to 10 pm on Weekends. Closed on Tuesdays.

Contact Number: 6017- 967 1105

HK Triplemilk Facebook Page

Cheesecake lovers would be jolly happy with the opening of a famous Japanese Cotton Cheesecake joint- Uncle Tetsu Cheesecake. The Japanese brand has recently opened a new branch at Summerton- first branch in Penang and third in Malaysia. Fresh dairies sourced from Australia seem to be the key for the brand's success. Long queues are forming in Penang, despite the first opening day for this new branch at Summerton. My wait was approximately 1.5 hours but no, we could not afford to wait. We paid and came back after some time to collect our orders (disclaimer: unlike some bloggers in Penang, I did not glamorously announce my identity and did my photo-shooting quietly. I waited patiently just like anyone else.). The branch has a simple setting, no tables nor chairs; just a pick-and-go kiosk with a huge displaying fridge. Freshness is assured as the cakes are made-to-order (expect at least a 20-minute wait). While we did like the moist, light and ultra-soft texture, we did not think the wait was worthwhile.

Signature Japanese Cotton Cheesecake (Rm 21 nett/ each) was the only option left on our visit; others were being reserved. Every single piece of the Cheesecake was jam-packed with buttery-milky aroma; it was not cheesy at all. Probably that explains why the name- light Cheesecake. It does possess a fluffy, soft, souffle, cloud-like texture with a sleek of sweetness. It was extremely moist as well, probably a little too over to my liking. It did meet my expectations but I was not blown away by the taste. Rm 21 may seem a little high-priced but we thought it was pretty fair considering the substantial size (16 cm). Good for novelty sake but I would probably not queue for more than 10 minutes for the cake.

Ratings:

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

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

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

Ambiance: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

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

Service Charge: No

Pork-Free

Additional Information:

Address: 110-01-05, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Business Hours: 11 am to 9 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 6012- 234 5479

Uncle Tetsu Cheesecake Malaysia Facebook Page

Website: http://www.uncletetsu.com.my/index.php

1885 of Eastern and Oriental Hotel welcomes a guest Chef from London- Chef Mark Jarvis, a Chef with great culinary knowledge who has sharpen his culinary skills at many world-renown prestigious restaurants. He intends to bring the flavors of London and to share with the lucky diners in 1885. His new, painstakingly crafted menu features contemporary, playful dishes where many surprises and possibilities can be further explored. I was one of the fortunate ones to be invited for their new menu preview tasting session for the media, therefore, portion shown in the photos was of tasting portion .

Many Thanks to E&O Hotel for hosting us that afternoon.

To start, Chef Mark presented us with an aesthetically pleasing dish- Escargot served with Crusted Parsley Garlic Butter (Rm 67.65). Baked land Snails beautifully covered with a generous amount of garishly green Parsley-Garlic Butter. We had ours served with their fresh, fluffy-soft Rolls and we were glad that they worked well together. If I were to nitpick, I would prefer them not to be that greasy and buttery. It could be a little heavy for a start.

Up next was Rougie Foie Gras served with spiced Mango Chutney and Orange scented Brioche (Rm 109.60). The Foie Gras was first cooked with 70 degree celcius, pressed and wrapped with Nori/ Seaweed. Trained taste buds are required to appreciate this dish. I did not quite enjoy the gamey smell, which I thought it was quite strong. Fortunately, the spiced Mango Chutney was pleasingly appetizing and introduced a new layer of dimension to the dish.

Premium Grade Tuna Loin with White Truffle Oil Emulsion with Soy Sauce (Rm 97.95), a tartare-like dish, was a hit amongst us. The freshness of the Tuna Loin speaks for itself. The seafood-sweetness was easily discerned, further enhanced with the use of premium Soy Sauce, White Truffle Oil and French Chives. A dish not to be missed by Chef Mark.

Poultry lovers would probably be more than happy to hear about Foie Gras stuffed Spring Chicken served with Young Corn, Morrel and Madeira Sauce (Rm 120.10). A classic combination for roasts, Chef Mark uses Madeira Sauce, a wine demi-glace sauce to go with the meat. It has a few layers of texture, first was the meaty, beautifully caramelized Chicken while the inner part was a soft, melt-in-the-mouth Goose fat liver. It was not a straight-forward dish, the seemingly simple dish was complex with layers of flavors; partly due to Chef Mark's rendition on Madeira Sauce.

The climatic main- Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek with Onion Cream and Dark Soy Glaze (Rm 117.75). The meticulously braised Wagyu Beef was so tender that it was flaking apart at just the nudge of a fork. The sides, however, overshadowed the premium Beef. The charmingly caramelized Onions were so sweet and crunchy and they took over the center spotlight. Also, the salinity of the Dark Soy Glaze surfaced towards the end, it would be perfect if Chef could slightly soften the saltiness.

Chef Mark wrapped up the meal with his Coconut Parfait (Rm 22.15)- Malibu Parfait, Coconut Joconde Biscuit and Pineapple Chutney. The light, velvety smooth, boozy Parfait was infused with Malibu, placed on top of an Coconut Sponge (Coconut Joconde Biscuit) but the real draw was the Pineapple Chutney, which added a refreshing tropical sweet essence to the dessert. A unique yet carefully paired combination.