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Invited: Bora Bora by Sunset @ Batu Ferringhi, Penang.

The bistro equipped with greenery, thatching, dim lights, DJ platform, Shisha bar, pool table, beers, antique and vintage decorations to give it a lively Bali nightlife-like ambiance.

Xuan Xin Steamboat @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Lok Lok does not make any hygienic sense? Well, this should not be an issue with the introduction of air-conditioned Lok Lok-oriented restaurant, Xuan Xin Steamboat.

I Mum Mum Restaurant @ Pengkalan Weld, Penang.

My visit ended up in disappointment as i had high expectations on the restaurant after going through a few reviews but they were written two years ago.

Strawberry Forever @ Sungai Pinang, Penang.

Strawberry Forever is actually a strawberry-themed dessert cafe which is based in Hong Kong but has now extended their business by opening their 3rd outlet at Penang's shoreline.

Brunch Buffet at Spice Market Cafe @ Rasa Sayang Resort.

The diversity in food offered reflects the cultural diversity in this multiracial country. The buffet theme is changed once a week.

Cheese Fondue at De Title Dining Cabin @ Lorong Selamat.

The cheese was mouth-watering with a mix of sweetness, sourness and saltiness as well as rich creaminess, strong tanginess but it was full of a strong trace of Mayonnaise.

Hot Bowl Nyonya Delights @ Abu Siti Lane, Penang.

Just because of White Curry Mee, the owner of Hot Bowl not only appeared in numerous local newspapers but was also featured in 8TV Ho Chak programme.

Face to Face Noodles House @ Penang Times Square, Penang.

Great news for noodle lovers: Now you can enjoy bowl of hot noodles in a cool hygienic air conditioned surrounding. Face to Face Noodles House has officially opened their 16th outlet.

Revisiting Delicious Cafe @ Straits Quay, Penang.

You see, large crowds and long waiting list are normal, even on weekdays. In this particular review, i am squeezing in my past three revisitings which all ended up happy and satisfied.

Invited: Grand Opening of Dragon9ine @ Belissa Row, Penang.

Dragon9ine (traditional Chinese: 九龍餐廳) is one of the latest modern Chinese-based restaurant that hits the town. I, along with the other bloggers were treated to an exquisite fine dining experience.

Oh Sushi @ Straits Quay, Penang.

I found the restaurant exterior design less attractive because the side facing the car park has nothing but a white wall and a main door which is made of glass and wood planks.

Kok Beng Chicken Rice @ Taiping, Perak.

4 years ago, Guang Ming Daily in association with NTV7 aired a TV show in which top 10 Malaysian Hainanese Chicken Rice are being picked and honourably Kok Beng's was one of them.

Amelie Cafe @ Armenian Street, Penang.

Amelie Cafe which is situated on this old road right next to Cheah Kongsi was once a very hot topic as a result of its uniquity and of course, has caught eyes of numerous bloggers.

Invited Review: D'Dapor Express @ Lebuh Union, Penang.

D'Dapor Express is a spacious modern Halal air-conditioned WiFi-available restaurant with classic style interior in which photographs of old Penang streets and buildings filled up the walls.

New Mizi Bistro @ Tesco Tanjung Pinang, Penang.

Mizi Bistro made its name with its very first outlet at New World Park. The first outlet might be small but in my experience, it is congested every time i walk pass it.

PappaRich @ Straits Quay, Penang.

PappaRich is a franchised Hainanese kopitiam-styled cafe which was initially established in 2005. The cafe concept is similar with Old Town Cafe, serving a multitude of local delicacies, beverages and bread.

Invited: Dinner With Chef Chen Hong @ Golden Thai.

It was a real honour to have dinner with Chef Chen Hong, to have such close contact with him and to share his food experience from all parts of the Earth. He is so friendly and he is irreplaceable.

Invited Review : De Title Dining Cabin @ Lorong Selamat.

Somewhere in the middle of the road, there is a heritage building which is painted in very distinctive lilac colour. You name it and they will make it.

Lao Sher Tea House @ Burma Road, Penang.

The tea house is situated opposite of the Public Specialist Centre and it is a member of Penang Heritage Trust. Judging from the exterior design, you will only expect it is nothing else but a tea house.

Blue Reef @ Straits Quay, Penang.

Blue Reef first made its name at Casa Permai 2, Tanjung Bungah before sealing a move to the latest seaside complex mall, Straits Quay. Two days ago, i have finally stepped into this restaurant along with my other half.

Caffe Strada @ Krystal Point, Penang.

Strada Caffe or Caffe Strada has been on my hunting list for a long while due to its strategic location and its attractive exterior. It is situated at Krystal Point, neighbouring La Mei Zi, Domino's Pizza, Korea Palace etc.

Charlie Brown Cafe Soft Opening @ Straits Quay, Penang.

Charlie Brown with his troop of friends invaded Penang island. The first Charlie Brown Cafe in Malaysia has officially opened and i was there during the opening.

Revisiting Charlie Brown Cafe @ Straits Quay, Penang.

The soft opening of Charlie Brown Cafe was not a smooth and they promised will continue to improve. Due to a good feedback from my friend, i have decided to visit the cafe once more and made a revaluation.

Chicago Rib House 1st Anniv Promo @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Chicago Rib House was originally located at Autocity for a year plus before eventually moving to Gurney Plaza. Time flies and now, they are celebrating its one year old birthday by launching a promotion.

Delicious Cafe @ Straits Quay, Penang.

Overall, every extra penny deserves its value. I found the prices quite reasonable for such truly scrumptious homemade food in such lovely dining environment.

Swez Brasserie Semi Buffet Dinner @ Eastin Hotel Penang.

It was my other half's 19th birthday and i brought her to Swez Brasserie which is located on level 1 of Eastin Hotel Penang after a deep survey.

Xuan Xin Restaurant @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

The place is normally crowded during weekends as it serves as a perfect spot for a harmony family dining.The square foot of the restaurant is believed to be 10 times larger than that of its sister outlet.

Sushi Feasta at Sakae Sushi @ Queensbay Mall, Penang.

For your information, Sakae Sushi has launched their Red Fiesta Week, they are offering a free red plate sushi for each red plate sushi that you have purchased.I have grabbed six of them, how about you?

James Foo Western Food @ Fettes Park, Penang.

The family started their business humbly, from sub stall to otheir own outlet. Their success is seen and proven by the official opening of their brand new outlet.

Sweet-i Tong Sui House @ Sungai Dua, Penang.

Five years ago, they started their Tong Sui stall business by the roadside. They finally managed to move into a terraced house from a humble make-shift stall.

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt @ Bayan Bay, Penang.

Now, Penangites don't have to travel all the way to Island Plaza for the Froyo. Tutti Frutti has officially opened a new outlet at Bayan Bay, just opposite of Queensbay Mall.

5-Course Lunch at Santorini Cafe @ Burma Road, Penang.

I never know the existence of this cafe as it is shadowed by Chew Tian Yang Aquarium twenty four seven. Totally out of my expectation, the food was very distinct in its own way.

April Grill Catch @ Manhattan Fish Market, Queensbay Mall.

How long have you queued for this? The temporary price tag made the Fish N' Chips super worth trying but the taste is not worth for standing there, waiting for an hour.

Xuan Xin Ramen Kitchen @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

I have been here a few times and all those visits resulted in super satisfaction, excluding the recent one, the one i am writing about it now.

Darren Invades Kampar!

My family and i traveled all way down from Penang to KL, we dropped by at Kampar to have our lunch. With my brother's previous 2 years living experience in Kampar, we managed to try out the finest local food there.

Mizi Bistro @ New World Park, Penang.

I have tasted the Classic Three Combo and the famous Seafood Kebab. Kindly click on the title above to read the full review.

Plus 2 Restaurant @ Sungai Dua, Penang.

This was my second visit to this restaurant which is famous for its Marmite Chicken. Of course, the reputed dish was served on my table. Kindly click the title above to take a look at this delicious thingy!

Fried Rice at Goodall Cafe @ Gottlieb Road, Penang.

The fried rice there may be famous among Ping Hwa students. It is well known for its very yummy green sambal which copes well the fried rice. No more nonsenses, click on the title above to take a look at it!

Roti Bakar Kopitiam @ Ivory Plaza, Penang.

Reviews regarding deep fried crab meat rolls, seafood ginger milk bee hoon and rice. Kindly click on the title above to read the full review.

Ceri Food and Beverage Outlet @ Dato Keramat, Penang.

Roti Canai, topped with spicy curry, is slotted into my mouth. Kindly click on the title above to read the full review.

Wah Meng Cafe @ Ayer Itam Market, Penang.

One of the best claypot noodles in Penang. Roti Tissue is another must dish. Kindly click on the title above to get the full review.

Mee Goreng and Mee Rebus @ Sungai Pinang, Penang.

My all-time favourite mee goreng. Guess what? The stall does have a history of at least 40 years. Click on the title above to check it out.

Zim Sum Restaurant @ Anson Road, Penang.

I just had a wonderful yum cha time along with my family. Hong Kong Chee Cheung Fun and Dim Sum were some gread add-ons. Kindly hit the title above to read the full review.

Seven Bistro @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

A friend's belated birthday treat. Have tried out the infamous Spanish Grilled Chicken and Spicy Clams Spaghetti. Kindly hit the title above to read the full review..

Xuan Xin Ramen Kitchen @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Reviews regarding deep fried eel, soup Ramen and fried seafood Ramen. Kindly click on the title above to read the full review.

Bar-B-Q Plaza @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Reviews on peculiar Mongolian and Japanese style barbecue. Kindly click on the title above to read the full review.

Chicago Rib House @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

I wrote about bacon and chicken burger, grilled blackened catch and Brownie Ice Cream. Kindly hit the title above to read the full review.

Tao-Cuisine @ Autocity, Juru.

I had Japanese Ala-Carte Buffet on my birthday. Kindly hit the title above to read the full review.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Sakae Sushi @ Queensbay Mall, Penang.


If you are finding Japanese food in which the price won't make you jump out of your skin, Sakae Sushi is perhaps the ideal choice.
Sakae serves more authentic Japanese food if compared with Sushi King.
Besides, the prices are quite fair and i will never go back to Sushi King after encountering with Sakae.

The service crew there was very well-trained.
We have asked for two glasses of cold water and they were served in a blink of an eye.
The place is large and can accommodate a large number of customers and yet the service efficiency is so high, unlike Sakae Sushi at Gurney Plaza.
There were waiters walking here and there, on standby to offer their service.

To utilise vouchers that i own, my other half and i did the maths, minimising our expenditure.
We have shared some Sushi before we went for our main courses.
This Spicy Salmon Hand Roll cost us RM1.90 only.
Some Sushi rice, spicy salmon and vegetables were stuffed inside the seaweed cone.
From the aspect of taste, i would say that it was only so-so.
The seaweed was very springy and chewy.
I prefer simple Spicy Salmon Sushi which shares the same price tag.



We tried our luck, trying out some special Sushi there which we have never had and it turned out to be a good bet.
Our selections were the Sakae Blossom and Soft Shell Crab Sushi which both are priced at RM5.90.
The soft shell crab were crispy and warm, but it tasted plain when i ate it alone.
There was some cheese and Sushi rice beneath it, enveloping by bits of unidentified vegetables.
The vegetables offered a sandy texture and it tasted bitter.
Just consume the crab along with the rice and cheese, you will be amazed.



Speaking of the Sakae Blossom, it tasted very special.
Fresh salmon was used to wrap the salmon roe, also known as Ikura.
The thin slice of salmon was very fresh and i could feel the popping of Ikura inside of my mouth, giving out a sweet liquid.
Thumbs up for both the appearance and deliciousness!



Kimuchi Ramen (RM12.90) is one of the recommendations in their menu.
The orangish nuclear spicy and sour soup was pretty mouthwatering.
The portion was alright and the Ramen was quite smooth and firm.
Slices of deep fried chicken the soup were given.
The chicken fillets were still very solid although they were already dipped in the soup when the ramen was served.
It will be fantastic to have the Ramen in cold weather.




In accordance with their menu, Chicken Shiogayaki Donburi (RM12.90) is one of Sakae's best sellers.
The taste of gravy was identical to 豆浆鱼, i am not sure if this is the correct name.
You will have to stir the rice and gravy or else it will be a little salty.
Overall, it was yummy but i did not adore it as i don't sense any Japanese food style element in it.
Like i said, it was similar to something i had everyday during my childhood.


Address : 2F-49 Queensbay Mall
Contact no. : 604-6430015
Fax no. : 604-6430016

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Darren Invades Kampar!


The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.
This is one of the facts of life that can't be defied.
First of all, congratulations to my brother who wore a mortar board and stepped onto the stage in front of hundreds of others dressed in identical caps last weekend.
Such honorable moment must be spectated.
My family and i traveled all way down from Penang to the capital of our country and in between, we drop by at Kampar to settle some graduation suit issues and of course, to have our lunch!
With my brother's previous 2 years living experience in Kampar, we managed to try out the finest local food there.
And, Sin Yong Kee was my brother's recommendation.
I have no idea how to travel there, all i know is that it is located in the new town.



Some of the food there may look alike with Penang ones but the tastes are different.
Surprisingly, some of them are even better than those we could find here.
This was what i have never seen in Penang.
If you are a vegetarian, this may be right up your alley.
I saw a mountain of minced vegetables, bean curds, peanuts and fritters which completely blanket the white rice beneath them.
The taste was pretty special and out of my expectation, it was yummy.
I could feel the sweetness of the curds and vegetables which occur simultaneously.
The hard and buttery peanuts created a special texture.
You will never know your next bite will be soft or hard or even chewy.
A bowl of green soup was served along.
It was like the diluted and not spicy version of green curry.
All of us except my brother felt that its taste was strange and yucky.
We were supposed to mix the green liquid with the whole thing.
According to my brother, it is known as 擂茶 (RM4.00) by the locals.
It is believed that it may cure flu, aid in releasing body heat.



Next, it was the Dry Curry Mee with Lean Pork which was priced at RM4.00.
The mee there was totally nonidentical to those in Penang.
It is more like rice noodle, thicker and has a larger diameter.
From the aspect of taste, it is smoother and i felt that those used in Penang contain more preservatives.
Speaking of this curry mee, the curry was not spicy but it was saturated.
The combination of the mee and the heavy curry taste was awesome.
Besides, a generous amount of lean pork was served.


If i am not mistaken, this dish is given the name 炒蛤糕 and 糕 simply means Kway Teow in Kampar.
This is the Kampar version of Char Kway Teow.
It only cost RM4 and the quantity was large.
Furthermore, an impressive number of prawns and clams were given.
Moderate scorch burning smell smoked the dark brown coloured Kway Teow and Mee.
The sambal was not a great add on but the Kway Teow was delectable.
Who says Penang is the only place who has tasty Char Kway Teow?
But still, Penang has the best one.



Guess what?
This Claypot Chicken Rice has only a price tag of RM4.
Where the heck you could find such cheap price in Penang?
Unfortunately, it was a little bit salty and the taste was just so-so.



The nasi lemak there was recommended by my brother.
I took some white rice, an egg, a piece of chicken and some sambal ikan bilis.
That totaled up my bill to RM5 which is reasonable.
The main highlight of the dish was the spicy gravy.
The aroma was trapped in the curry and once it fused with your taste buds, you could feel the blasting of the spices.



The Sizzling Hot Plate Noodle (RM3.80) was fine, got nothing special except the mee.
I really like the texture of the fatter mee there.



We were do disappointed of this Rojak (RM4.00).
The dressing was supposed to be very thick and toffee-like in texture.
Sadly, the sauce was so watery and tasted very plain.
In addition, the price was not cheap though.
The fruits were not fresh and the only yummy thing was the fritters.



No specific name was given for this porridge (RM4.00) as it did not only contain fish, but also fish balls, crab sticks etc.
The taste of this thick, starchy thingy was normal good.
There was nothing special to be emphasised on.


Last but not least, it was the Dry Pan Mee (RM4.00) which looks and tastes similar to Penang ones.
I don't know what was the black thing on the top of the mee but i am sure that it was edible.
The gravy was very concentrated and you might get thirsty easily after consuming it.
Overall, the taste was okay.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

5-Course Lunch at Santorini Cafe @ Burma Road, Penang.


Seriously, i never know the existence of this cafe as it is shadowed by the biggest pet shop in South East Asia, Chew Tian Yang Aquarium twenty four seven.
The first time i have heard its name was via Ezivoucher which is a specialist group in publishing promising money-saving deals for Malaysians.
During that period, Santorini Cafe and Ezivoucher were cooperating, launching an offer.
I was deeply attracted to the sweet and extraordinary name, Santorini and since the offer was unimaginably worth it, i bought my other half and myself a voucher each.

Santorini is actually a volcanic island situated in the southern Aegean Sea and it is one of the two only locations in Europe to feature a hot desert climate.
Besides, the island is pretty famous for its breath-taking sceneries and that may explain why and how the owner named the cafe, possible?
Santorini cafe is just next to the Chew Tian Yang Aquarium and Little Cottage along Burma Road.
Customers are allowed to park at the cafe compound and for those who park their rides at the aquarium or New World Park car park, kindly show your parking ticket in order to get a refund of RM1.
In a single bill, at most 2 parking tickets will be refunded.

The exterior and interior design are based on the bright sky and the blue sea.
However, the cafe is floored with brown-coloured classic floor tiles with floral pattern on them.
The cafe does have a relaxing ambiance and serves scrumptious food.
My other half told me that if i need inspiration in blogging, this is the perfect place for you.
Did you spot me in one of the pictures below?










For voucher usage, an appointment must be made a day earlier.
Guess what? My other half and i enjoyed our 5-course lunch at a bargain price of only RM8.
We kicked off with the appetizer, homemade potato salad.
They really got the potatoes cooked very well.
The steamed unskinned sweet potatoes were so soft until i could crush them with my tongue.
Japanese mayonnaise was topped onto the potatoes in order to create a slightly sourly sweet taste.




There were two beverage options, unsweetened coffee or tea.
I have got no comment regarding the drinks.


Here came our fresh mushroom soup which warmed up our stomach.
This soup was not-so-creamy but it was thick.
It was so delectable and it may be compared to Mizi's.
But it could be better if the flavour is more intense.



The service crew got our stuffs served right when we want them.
They were quite observant huh?
Finally, our main courses were served.
I have asked for chicken while my other half's choice was fish.
First, we will look into her selection.
A piece of grilled fish fillet was served along with salad and fries.
I have no idea what the orangish sauce above the fillet was but it tasted acerbic.
The fish was superbly grilled, crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside.
The only thing i disliked is the excessive sauce which 'lemonized' the fish, making it tasted sour.
However, the whole combination was out of the ordinary and the taste was still acceptable.



My piece of grilled chicken was topped with a reddish sauce which i could not identify it.
The sauce was spicy and my other half claimed that it is Tom Yam sauce.
Well, taste is the only thing matters.
From the bottom of my heart, the chef could be a grill master.
My piece of chicken was simply a masterpiece.
Grilled chicken with Tom Yam or whatever spicy sauce, i have never tried that before.
It was extremely special and of course it was mouth-watering!



At last, our desserts were here.
Scoop of rainbow ice cream reminded me of my childhood.
They should at least wrinkle chocolate rice on the ice cream.
But with such cheap price, what do you expect?


Totally out of my expectation, the food was very distinct in its own way.
I did not take a clear look at menu, i just sat down, provide my voucher code and i was done.
Hence, i am not able to upload information regarding the prices.
The only thing that i knew is that they do offer set lunch at a i-don't-know price.
Anyway, they do own a blog, please don't hesitate to contact them for any enquiry, click here!
You may also pay their facebook page a visit.

Address : 94, Burma Road, 10500Penang.
Contact no: 04 - 2292776 OR 016-4416039
Operation Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (11.00am - 3.00pm | 5.00pm - 10.30pm)



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