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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.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Invited: The Pork-fect Chicago Rib House @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.



I have always been a fan of Chicago Rib House, when i say that i mean way back before the launch of their new menu in which they raised the food prices and also i have previously reviewed this western restaurant twice, check it out (link here). Now, they are launching a brand new menu again and it was a sheer delight for me to be one of the bloggers who were invited to their "Porkfection" tasting session. My hair stiffened as a result of the rippling artificial spider web, bloody creepy "alien" heads hanging freely from the ceiling and others which altogether helped the restaurant to attain a spooky Halloween, no, "Horroween" atmosphere.




My jaw dropped when they distributed their new, creative, vibrant coloured newspaper-like menu which features a wide spectrum of delicacies ranging from Starter, Main Entrée to Dessert. No doubt, this is the best menu i have ever seen, simple, elegant and intriguing. Other than alcoholic cocktails, martinis, beers, wines and non-alcoholic mocktails, Chicago Rib House does offer a vast selection of Mojito, one of the most famous rum-based highballs and each Mojito is freshly prepared.



From left to right: Ocean Mojito, Banana Berry, Beach Fiesta, Pine Slussy, Mai Tai, Apple Mojito, Long Island Iced Tea, Peach Lynch.


The first starter was Cheese Nachos (RM17.90) in which a hearty blend of shredded chicken, chopped spring onions, fresh tomato cubes and layers of mixed cheese was toppled onto the golden crispy tortilla chips. Besides, the chips were served along with salsa and ranch dressing. Either of the dips formed a perfect union along with the chips, creating a flavoursome appetizer.



Next, we were presented with a plateful of Hot Buffalo Wings, Potato Skins and Pork Chili Corn Carne along with similar salsa and sour cream dips - it was the Trio Sampler (RM32.90). The Buffalo Wings made me put aside the thoughts of embarrassment and chomped them directly with my fingers in front of all the bloggers as well as restaurant patrons, well, i guess this is what we call finger-licking good! Potato skins wise, they were palatable with an enticing cheesy aroma.


Time for some tasty and healthy experience, one of their latest salad creations is the Oriental Wedge Salad (RM15.90), comprising of fresh Iceberg lettuce dressed in their special lime and peanut dressing, not forgetting the tomatoes and mandarin oranges which have been thrown in. The combination was an odd one but surprisingly, it turned up to be pretty mouth-watering.


Finally, we are talking about the mains. The Grilled Bourbon Chicken (RM27.90) was no small in portion with its two well-grilled deboned chicken breast. Taste wise, the tenderness of the meat coped really well with CRB's signature bourbon sauce and the half-melted mixed cheese, the sweet plus scorch flavours just exploded in my mouth, fantastic!


Well, is the 8oz Pork Tenderloin (RM32.90) consist of two grilled-to-porkfection pork tenderloin weighted approximately 224 grams (1 oz = 28.3495 g)? Who cares as long as it is ambrosial with the nectarous flavours coming out from the dry homemade apple cinnamon sauce coupling with the dense, springy pork texture. Thumbs up!


The fettuccine was cooked to an al dente texture before being mixed with bell peppers, red onions, minced pork and topped with parmesan cheese, it was the Southwestern Chili Pasta (RM22.90) which tasted positively extraordinary. The whole thing was meant to be dry and it left me yearning for more.


Here came one of the signature dishes of CRB - the BBQ Pork Ribs in Original Sauce (Half Rack RM32.90/ Full Rack RM53.90). The meaty areas were tender and off the bone easily. I know it may sound cliché but seriously, the ribs were simply awesome!


For your information, all eyes were on the BBQ Pork Ribs in Flaming Kansas City Sauce (Half Rack RM38.90/ Full Rack RM59.90) as one of the restaurant crew poured a shot of bourbon over the ribs and fired it up. The ribs were smouldering while the dreamy aroma singed my nose hairs before filling my lungs with flavours. Obviously, it was better than the BBQ Pork Ribs in Original Sauce in terms of marination, seasoning. Do you know that their ribs are slow-roasted in hickory wood to give them the amazing tenderness and unique flavours that have made them world-famous? Now you do. Their succulent and meaty pork ribs which are served with your choice of two side dishes are undoubtedly "s-pork-tacular"! Recommended.



Last but not least, a large scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream coupled with a small, dense moist chocolate cake to form the Brownie Royale (RM12.90). You could feel and taste the soft, damp rich chocolate cake texture as well as crunchy almond texture simultaneously. It is the perfect thing to end your meal.


Below i attached images of the scanned menu.





Address:
GP-170-G-43, Gurney Plaza
Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Penang.

Operation hours:
10AM to late evening daily

Contact no.:
04 - 2290763

Fax no.:
04 - 2290985

Facebook:
[click here]




Sunday, October 9, 2011

Kochabi Ice Cream @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.


Sudah potong? I can't agree more that ice cream potong or more commonly known as ice potong is no longer ubiquitous. The traditional hard ice cream bears the half-English, half-Malay name as a result of how it is made. Potong simply can be defined as cut and an ice potong is actually extracted out from a big block of flavoured coloured edible ice by means of cutting before being eventually stuck with a stick. Nowadays, ice potong's are nowhere to be found other than the small, narrow and cold Kochabi Ice Cream kiosk brimming with electric-powered refrigerators which is located at the lower ground floor of Gurney Plaza, opposite of Memory Lane and next to Shihlin. For your information, Kochabi is a Chinese term (古早味) which means the traditional taste of the old times. Established in 2002 and with a modern factory in Simpang Ampat, Kochabi not only has the monopoly on ice potong's but also manufacture natural fruit-flavoured soft ice cream, without any preservative.

Tell you what, i am working for them now, promoting their ice cream at the Gurney Plaza kiosk and that is the minor reason why i am making this review. The major reason is of course i don't have time neither to splurge on mouth-watering food nor feel the romantic restaurant atmosphere. To date, the Kochabi ice potong series contains 10 different flavoured ones: red bean, yam, cempedak, durian, mint, corn, strawberry, green gram, soya bean as well as orange and the best part is the RM1 price tag. Where could you find ice potong easily and with a price of RM1? True to form, the all-time best seller award goes to red bean which is a hearty blend of azuki beans, water, coconut milk etc. Mint is good, green gram is alright and i strongly recommend the aromatic, lip-smacking yummy cempedak flavour. They do sell this traditional stick ice cream in packages such as Personal Pack (RM3 - five shorter, thinner sticks of strawberry, red bean, vanilla, corn and orange flavours), Family Pack (RM8 - a total of 24 cubes of cut ice potong of cempedak, red bean, durian, corn, yam and mint flavours, like the one always given in Chinese wedding dinner) and Multipack (RM10 - 10 sticks of each flavour, including orange). They are having a promotion in which you will get a free soya bean-flavoured ice potong with any purchase of 10 sticks of ice cream. Do take note that orange one only comes with the packages and is not for sale alone.



Soft ice cream wise, they do only have yam, cempedak, durian, corn and vanilla but disappointingly, i have never tried any of them. There are two options, cup (RM2 - bigger scoop of ice cream, mixing of two flavours is allowed) or cone (RM1.50 - smaller scoop of ice cream, no mixing of flavours).


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