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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.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

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




Late January 2011, we kissed the fabulous beachfront joint, Sunset Bistro which had been doing a roaring business for the past 15 years goodbye just because of an arson attack. The fire not only brought down the bistro but also roasted an adorable parrot named Tiger alive (i grabbed his pic from the net). However, the owner of the bistro, Miss Melynda Soon bent on making a comeback by means of relocating, refurbishing and rebuilding which altogether resulted in the reborn of Sunset Bistro with the new name, Bora Bora by Sunset in the end of May. This new bistro is hidden in the 2 Ferringhi Streetwalk Bazaar, facing the soft golden sand and clear blue sea. I will be using Tarbush Restaurant as a landmark here and upon seeing its large, tall standing neon light billboard, the sheltered concrete-floored bazaar should be in sight now. Just walk past every stalls, to the very end of the bazaar and you will find Bora Bora by Sunset.


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. In addition to the lovely Reggae background music or sometimes broadcasting of sports events, you will find the bistro a perfect intimate venue for a romantic dining experience with its private, more dimly lighted corners. Outdoor seats are also available at wood decks overlooking the beach and sea. You will have a clear view of the heart-stilling intoxicating sunset at around 7pm if the weather is good.






















What's coming up in October is their set dinner promotion in which you will get a starter (Bora Bora Papadum with Salsa Sauce OR Wild Mushroom Soup), a main course (Spaghetti Fettucine with Chicken and Wild Mushroom Ragu OR Vietnamese Noodle Soup with Beef/Chicken and Prawns OR Grilled White Fish with Citrus Lemon Butter Sauce OR Stir Fried Beef or Chicken served with Rice, Salad, Papadum and Egg), a scoop of ice cream as well as a drink (Ice Peach Tea OR Ice Lemon Tea) for a bargain of RM36 nett, what a steal! Credits to Criz for designing this ad.


With the invitation to review the promotional set dinner, I finally got to plunge into the thick of the buzz around the bistro's quick rise to fame. Do take note that the bistro does serve non-alcoholic beverages.
Banana yogurt drink.


Kiwi & vanilla ice blended.


Ice peach tea & lemon tea.


The Wild Mushroom Soup was mouth-watering with its enticing aroma of cooked mushrooms and flawless creaminess. However, it could definitely be better if it was less salty.


Papadum, a giant round crackery thing is actually is a thin, crisp Indian cracker that you can get at any Indian restaurants including Mamak stalls. In other words, serving Papadums are pretty common here but what if i say Papadums with homemade Salsa sauce? It sounds mind-blowing and so do the odd combination. The sauce formed a perfect union with the Papadums, creating a lip-smacking good appetizer. Highly recommended!


Fettuccine is actually a flat thick form of pasta. In my case, the Fettuccine was cooked to an awesome springy, velvety texture before being cooked in a white rich yummy wild mushroom sauce. Other than that, a juicy grilled chicken breast was served along and it simply sparked up the pasta with its black pepper as well as spice flavours. The Spaghetti Fettucine with Chicken and Wild Mushroom Ragu is undoubtedly the odd one out among the main dishes.


As you can see, a generous amount of fresh shrimps and meat (beef or chicken, your pick) was given and the portion was considered big. The Koay Teow was soaked in a starchy slightly spicy gravy which had an egg's taste. Taste wise, it was palatable especially the tender beef but i personally felt that the soup was not enough.


Unlike ubiquitous restaurants which use cheaper, convenient Dory fish fillets, Bora Bora by Sunset uses white fish which is thicker. Two pieces of white fish fillets were very well-grilled with lemon butter sauce before being presented along with cubes of baked potatoes plus salad. The Grilled White Fish with Citrus Lemon Butter Sauce turned out to be delectable but it could be even better if the fish odor was removed.


Last but not least, the normal tasting Stir Fried Beef or Chicken served with Rice, Salad, Papadum and Egg was quite Malaysian. A combination of white rice, stir fried meat, salad, Papadum and egg? It can easily feed one heavy eater. For your information, their signature Salsa sauce is also offered in this main.


Don't you agree that a bit of dessert is always the perfect way to end a meal? A scoop of ice cream with some dressings is included in the set dinner.


The rating below is made based on this set dinner promotion.


Address:
Lot 415, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Penang
[google map]

Operation hours:
Sunday to Thursday 12pm - 1am
Friday, Saturday and Eve of Public Holiday 12pm - 3am
Happy hours 4pm - 7pm

Contact no.:
012 - 553 1313 (Miss Melynda Soon)

Facebook:
[click here]



Friday, September 23, 2011

Xuan Xin Steamboat @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.




Lok Lok is a Penang's ubiquitous famous hawker food in which the seller musters innumerable steamboat ingredients and threads them onto wooden sticks. It is like ordinary steamboat where you cook the raw or half-cooked food yourself by dipping it in a hot boiling liquid. However, Lok Lok does not make any hygienic sense as everyone is dipping their sticks into the same pot or even sauces. This should not be an issue with the introduction of air-conditioned Lok Lok-oriented restaurant, Xuan Xin Steamboat by Xuan Xin group which already owns Xuan Xin Restaurant, Xuan Xin Ramen Kitchen as well as Xuan Xin Buffet Steamboat.


The new sister restaurant is located on the 7th floor of Gurney Plaza,next to SenQ and it features an ample seating to suit both intimate dining and larger groups. To maintain freshness, the ingredients are kept in electric powered cold storage while a few items such as fried rice, noodles and entrées are always fresh from the kitchen. The Lok Lok ingredients are charged accordingly to their respective colour sets (the price for each stick: Yellow RM1, Green RM1.50, Blue RM2, Grey RM2.50, Red RM3, Black RM6, Gold RM10). Soup base wise, they only offer 3 varieties, namely, Chicken (RM3), Tom Yam (RM5) and Szechuan Spicy (RM5) with an option to savour two of them at a time (Chicken + Tom Yam/ Szechuan Spicy RM6, Tom Yam + Szechuan Spicy RM8).







With the vouchers purchased from Ezivoucher, i was entitled to five green, five blue sticks plus two pieces of Hong Kong Shrimp Paste Chicken Wings per voucher. I faced dilemma of choosing my sticks from the wide spectrum of ingredients provided. The green stickered ingredients available are sandwich, Italy chicken ball, fish ball, filament stick, chikuwa, vegetable nugget, lobster flavoured ball, vegetable fish ball, dim sum fish ball, fish cake, chicken cocktail, mixed ball, seafood bean curd, quail egg, century egg, assorted stuffed vegetable, small white fish ball, beef ball,pork dumpling, crab claw, braised pork ear, pork ball, bamboo clam, cuttlefish, Pandan chicken, shrimp, straw mushroom, button mushroom, deep fried pork roll, crab cocktail, San Kan, corn, Japanese tofu, black mushroom, Jellyfish, fish fillet, chicken, Broccoli, Nai Pak, Seaweed, pork luncheon meat, pork ham, curry pork belly, Satay pork belly, hot & spicy pork belly, sweet & sour pork belly, Satay beef, curry beef, sweet & sour beef while century egg (small), pork maw, pork chitterlings, roasted pork belly, soy sauce pork belly, pork blood cube, conch, squid, Satay chicken, black pepper chicken, hot & spicy chicken, curry chicken, sweet & sour chicken, curry venison, sweet & sour venison, Taiwanese sausage, dried cuttlefish, Satay fish fillet, curry fish fillet, curry squid, hot & spicy fish fillet as well as dried pork are blue stickered ones.

It is your choice whether to hot pot cook or to have your food barbequed by the helper. Some of the ingredients available are well-marinated for barbeque purposes, i recommend fish fillet, dried cuttlefish, roasted pork belly, dried pork, beef and gamey venison. The seafoods were pretty fresh indeed subtracting the shrimps which tasted not natural with a texture like they have been 'processed'. Unlike Lok Lok, you actually could savour the soup along with the ingredients. The Tom Yam soup base was very normal and it just tasted like paste was used while the chicken soup base was delicate with an enticing sweetness. There is a metal container where you put your finished sticks into. The personnel will do the maths once you ask for the bill. For your information, the numbered clips on the container are to mark your plate of ingredients awaiting to barbequed.









For me, other than freshness of the ingredients, sauce determines whether a Lok Lok stall is hero or zero. Xuan Xin Steamboat offers a total of five condiments: sweet chili sauce, Thai chili sauce, garlic chili paste, Satay sauce and a mix of sweet chili sauce and dark soy sauce. I have to underline the awesomeness of these condiments, they just simply went well with everything!


The worst part is that i got six Hong Kong Shrimp Paste Chicken Wings (RM6.50 for each two wings) to share with my other half, that was a lot, wasn't it? The chicken was like a not crispy version of deepfried chicken. We eventually got bored and brought them home.


On top of the vouchers used, i still have to fish out a total of RM10.55 for my mixed soups, an extra green stick resulting from miscalculation and two glasses of plain water (RM0.80 each) adding 10% service charge, 6% government tax. Do take note that the rating below is made based on the vouchers.


Address:
170-07-09, Plaza Gurney,
Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Penang

Operation hours:
11am - 10pm daily

Contact no.:
04 - 226 0830

Website:
[click here]

Facebook:
[click here]



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