Penang Food For Thought

Promenade is one of the latest dining places in Bayan Baru. One of the restaurants here, Dim Sum Station (点心栈), serves Hong Kong-style dim sum (港式点心). The dining section is rather spacious and has an upscale appearance.

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Steamed Dried Scallop Dumplings (干贝海棠果, RM8.50) are a type of siew mai (烧卖). They are filled with minced pork and shrimps, making them fairly succulent. The dumplings are topped with chopped scallops for the extra savoriness.

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Meanwhile, Shanghai Juicy Meat Dumplings (上海小笼包, RM7.90) are typically eaten with ginger slivers and rice vinegar. In my personal opinion, the dough skin is too thick and this suppresses the taste of minced pork inside. I also feel that the amount of broth in the dumplings is inadequate.

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Steamed Chicken Feet (柱侯酱凤爪, RM6.50) are flavored with chu hou paste (柱侯酱), which is a savory condiment from Foshan (佛山) in Guangdong Province. Unfortunately, I feel that the seasoning is excessively salty for me. Although I do not mind eating chicken feet, this dish is just not my cup of tea.

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Steamed Char Siew Pao (蜜汁叉烧包, RM7.90) is considered one of the better items today. The steamed buns are filled with delicious barbecued pork. The pork's honey-sweetness works well with the soft bun.

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I enjoy the savory egg yolks inside the Custard Shortbread (奶皇一口酥, RM6.90). It is made from flaky pastry and is glazed with honey to produce a glossy surface.

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Another recommended item is Steamed Glutinous Rice (生炒糯米饭, RM7.50). The rice dish is traditionally prepared by frying, but more often than not, steaming is much preferred by restaurants nowadays. Besides glutinous rice, this delicacy also contains Chinese sausages (腊肠), dried shrimps (虾米), shiitake mushrooms (冬菇), peanuts and scallions.

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As for Century Egg & Shredded Chicken Porridge (鸡丝皮蛋粥, RM5.90), the rice grains have mostly disintegrated into the congee. The bowl of porridge is garnished with crispy rice vermicelli and chopped scallions. I feel that the serving size is rather small.

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Moving on to tea, Ju Pu (菊普, RM1.90 per person) consists of tea leaves of pu er (普洱) blended with chrysanthemum flowers. This drink is very popular in Hong Kong and Guangdong. Hot water refills are free. However, I feel that the staff is pretty slow or reluctant to help us on this.

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Address: 5-G-2, Promenade, Persiaran Mahsuri 1, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 011-2232-8888
Business hours: 7:30am-3:00pm
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Taste

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Presentation

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Ambience

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Hospitality

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Value

Special thanks to The 9ine By Jackie Wong for extending this food review invitation.

The 9ine By Jackie Wong occupies an old shophouse along Jalan Kek Chuan. Like neighboring shops, the restaurant has a vintage storefront with wooden doors and windows. Stepping inside, The 9ine is illuminated by dim golden lighting, presenting a mesmerizing atmosphere for casual dining.

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Drawing upon the expertise of Chef Jackie, The 9ine specializes in European cuisine with notable elements from Asia. There are à la carte menus for both brunch and dinner. Set lunch is also available on selected days. Today's preview focuses on the brunch menu, which is served between 10:00am and 5:00pm daily.

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Sitting at the drinks counter is a manual espresso machine plated with brass. Besides coffee and tea, The 9ine also has a modest collection to wines and craft beers. Meanwhile, Kréma Gangster is the restaurant's in-house brand of cold brew coffee.

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Clams & Mussels (RM23.00) is served for starters, which turns out to be my favorite dish today. Featuring plump clams and New Zealand green-lipped mussels, this delicacy is satisfying to the last morsel. The broth is infused with richness of coconut milk and a hint of spiciness from bird's eye chili.

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Wild Forest Mushroom (RM18.00) is prepared from scratch in the kitchen. One can feel the soup's pulpy consistency as it passes through the lips. Included in the creamy soup are button mushrooms and scallions. Both elements provide a succulent degree of crunchiness.

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Glazed Pork Chop (RM28.00) is prepared using sous-vide method followed by a light roasting finish. The slices of succulent pork are flavored by bulgogi sauce and crushed pistachio nuts. Serving as counterbalance are homemade pomme purée (potato purée) and grilled vegetables like capsicum, chili peppers and pineapples.

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Barramundi & Risotto (RM28.00) is another recommended dish on the brunch menu. The barramundi is pan-seared such that its skin becomes crispy. The charred fillet is served over a delectable serving of risotto. Containing apples, pineapples, carrots and asparagus, the risotto is seasoned with a light hint of spiciness.

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Today's special dish is Classic Duck Carbonara (RM25.00). The spaghetti is cooked al dente, which is the Italian's ideal degree of firmness. The pasta contains just the right amount of creamy sauce to do the job. Nevertheless, I feel that the medallions of smoked duck are still the main highlight of this dish.

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The 9ine's house blend of coffee beans is supplied by Dimattina Coffee. Prepared from espresso and steamed milk, Caffè Cappuccino (RM13.00) presents a creamy sensation on the lips. An excellent cup of coffee indeed.

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The 9ine offers fine dining dinners from time to time. Chef Jackie usually collaborates with other chefs to craft these limited-time menus. Although there are only a handful of tables at the ground floor, The 9ine has extra dining space upstairs. There is even a private room at the attic.

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Name: The 9ine By Jackie Wong
Address: 9, Jalan Kek Chuan, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 013-999-5532
Business hours: 10:00am-10:00pm, closed on Tuesdays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/the9inebyjackiewong
Coordinates: 5.41495 N, 100.32473 E
Directions: From Macalister Road (Jalan Macalister), turn to Jalan Kek Chuan opposite of Menara UMNO. The 9ine is one of the shops on the left. Street parking is available along Jalan Kek Chuan, Jalan Irving and Lorong Susu.

The people behind Spade's Burger have opened another restaurant near their i-Avenue outlet. The name of the new restaurant, Gohaniku, is a portmanteau of two Japanese words: "gohan" (ご飯) and "niku" (肉). They mean "rice" and "meat" respectively.

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Gohaniku's menu covers rice bowls with various toppings like pork, salted egg, curry and more. Also included are skewered pork and bingsu (빙수). Gohaniku uses the self-service model; customers are asked to collect their food from the pick-up window when their numbers are called.

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Umami Pork Bowl Plus (RM11.90) consists of sliced pork with sweet-savory seasoning, making the dish very appetizing indeed. On the other hand, the pork fillets are not quite as tasty. An onsen tamago (soft-boiled egg) is also served over the bowl of Japanese short-grain rice.

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Address: 1-1-8, Medan Kampung Relau 1, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: N/A
Business hours: 11:00am-9:30pm
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Taste

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Presentation

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Ambience

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Hospitality

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Value

Special thanks to Pony Tale De' Cafe for extending this food review invitation.

Pony Tale De' Cafe is a restaurant-cum-café at SPICE Canopy, sandwiched between Sushi-B'rito and Bread History. Like its neighbors, Pony Tale has an elevated platform above its kitchen to provide additional dining space.

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In effort to position itself towards corporate clientele, Pony Tale will be undergoing a rebranding exercise over the next few months. Most of its signature dishes and drinks will remain, while new ones will be introduced to suit the new theme. Today's event is meant to give a preview of the upcoming menu.

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The event commences with Chunky Spicy Mexicana Soup (RM16.80), a tomato-based stew that contains chicken and mushrooms. Flavored with herbs, the soup is moderately spicy and is quite appetizing. Also included is a slice of garlic bread. I like how this dish is presented.

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Pony Wild Wild Mushroom Soup (RM16.80) delights the palate with its pulpy consistency. Added to the delicacy are shimeji mushrooms and cream. The soup also comes with garlic bread.

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Amazing Thai Salad With French Smoked Duck (RM23.80) comprises of leafy vegetables such as Romaine lettuce, arugula and red cabbage. Nevertheless, the main highlight is the five pieces of smoked duck. Tangy Thai-style dressing brings all ingredients together.

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Sicilian Seafood Pumpkin Pot (RM38.80) is Pony Tale's most acclaimed dish. This seafood stew was inspired by a traditional recipe in Sicily, Italy. Seafood and tomato-based gravy are served in a hollowed-out pumpkin, which not only enhances the food's visual appeal, but also improves the soup's taste with its sweet flesh.

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Making its debut today is Seafood Pasta De Pumpkin (RM35.80). Also served in a pumpkin bowl, this dish takes a creamier approach to delight the palate. The spaghetti is served with a thick sauce made from cream and pumpkin purée. Meanwhile, marine creatures like mussels, calamari and shrimps impart their rich flavors.

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Pony Tale's forte in seafood is also highlighted in another pasta dish called Seafood Aglio Olio Angels Hair Spaghetti (RM29.80). The squid ink pasta is sautéed with olive oil and is cooked al dente, culminating in the perfect level of springiness. The dish comes with squids, shrimps, mussels and sun-dried tomatoes. As for presentation, a pair of chopsticks provides an Oriental touch.

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The Pony House Beef Stew (RM35.00) is cooked to a point where the beef chunks have become sufficiently tender. Accompanying the savory chunks of beef are mashed potatoes (pomme purée), garden salad and garlic bread.

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Still on the subject of red meats, the Lamb Loin (RM36.80) is seasoned with black pepper sauce. Side items are assorted vegetables, green mashed potatoes and pea sprouts. However, the aroma of pea sprouts is overpowering and may draw attention away from the lamb. In lieu of pea sprouts, I think asparagus is a safer bet.

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Tunisian cuisine is represented by Grilled Baharat Chicken (RM26.80). The chicken is seasoned with harissa, a North African spice mix with considerably strong taste that should not to be trifled with. Side dishes are French fries and water spinach. Meanwhile, a rosemary sprig lends its lovely fragrance.

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Mediterranean Sultana Chicken (RM24.80) takes advantage of the natural sweetness of raisins. The grilled chicken cutlet comes with French fries and mixed vegetables on the side. Given so many savory dishes so far, having a sweet one for a change is quite welcoming.

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Seafood Pescatore (RM29.80) features a thick slab of sea bass. The fish has mild flavor of its own, hence it relies on the tangy taste of the Italian-style tomato-based sauce. As for texture, the fillet is gently grilled to retain its delectable juiciness.

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Meanwhile for salmon lovers, the Norwegian Salmon With Classic French Dressing (RM32.80) is a sound choice. Lemon butter sauce and almond flakes are employed. Also served is a generous amount of fried potato wedges and garden salad.

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As for finger foods, the Pony Seafood Basket (RM25.80) is ideal for sharing among 2 or 3 people. Battered seafood items are fish fingers, tempura prawns and squid rings. The snack contains French fries, salad and a dipping sauce too.

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Moving on to dessert, Japanese Cotton Donut (RM12.80) is topped with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream. I love the ice cream's slushy consistency. Although the doughnut has a soft texture, I feel that its taste is somewhat mild. The doughnut comes with a complimentary cup of Americano.

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As for drinks, Chococado Espresso (RM22.80) is Pony Tale's most iconic beverage. The drink is meant to be enjoyed in 3 phases: creaminess of avocado, sweetness of ice cream and bitterness of espresso.

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The Virgin Scottish Butter Beer (RM12.80) draws inspiration from a fictional beverage in the Harry Potter universe. Meanwhile, the Greenish Pony (RM15.80) is a testament that healthy drinks can taste good too.

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Speaking of healthy drinks, Fruity Purple (RM18.80) is blended from purple carrots and ice. A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides the ideal level of sweetness.

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Last but not least, Moo On The Rocks (RM18.80) is a milkshake with an infusion of fruits. A pair of frozen espresso cubes provides a mild bitter aftertaste. I prefer the milkshake to be less sweet in order to let the coffee stand out more prominently.

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As Pony Tale's rebranding project is still under way, the final menu line-up is still up in the air. It is interesting to see how the restaurant looks like once rebranding is complete.

Name: Pony Tale De' Cafe
Address: 180-B-01-11, Setia SPICE Canopy, Jalan Tun Dr. Awang, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-611-1319
Business hours: 9:30am-10:00pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/PonyTale.my
Coordinates: 5.32889 N, 100.27897 E
Directions: Pony Tale is located at SPICE Canopy, facing Jalan Tun Dr. Awang and Pisa Corner Cafe. There are parking spaces in front of the restaurant.

Special thanks to Pizza Station for extending this food review invitation.

Pizza Station is located at the ground floor of Sunshine Farlim. Opened in 2009, the place is quite popular among local shoppers. Trusted for its consistent taste, Pizza Station has built a steady stream of regulars throughout the years.

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At Pizza Station, there are more than 20 pizza toppings to choose from. Popular toppings are chicken, beef, seafood, mushrooms and more. Vegetarian pizzas are available too. Pizzas come in 3 sizes: Personal (4 slices), Regular (6 slices) and Large (8 slices).

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For larger orders, take advantage of Pizza Station's Double Combo where customers can get twice the number of pizzas for just a few extra dollars. Meanwhile, the Super Value Meal combines pizzas, sides and drinks at discounted prices.

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BBQ Meat Galore Pizza (RM28.80 for regular size) is one of the bestsellers here. The pizza is topped with chunky chicken, chicken rolls and sausages. Tangy barbecue sauce and mozzarella cheese enhance the overall taste. The pizza is served on a thin crust which has a light crisp.

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Teriyaki Salmon Pizza is a new pizza on the menu. It contains salmon slices, mushrooms, pineapples, onions, green pepper, sesame seeds, teriyaki sauce and mozzarella cheese. The original crust is thicker so it feels doughier. This pizza goes especially well with Pizza Station's homemade hot sauce.

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Besides pizzas, Pizza Station also serves pasta, mushroom soup, buffalo wings, ramen burgers, set meals and drinks like Iced Lemon Tea (RM4.00). Neither pork nor lard is used in food preparation. Virtually all pizza ingredients, including the dough and sauces, are made from scratch.

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Pizza Station provides food delivery to selected places in Penang - as far as Tanjung Tokong and Relau. Delivery is free for orders above RM30.00. Customers may place their orders through the phone by calling (+60) 16-486 6168 or (+60) 12-568 6168.

Name: Pizza Station
Address: Sunshine Farlim, 294, Jalan Thean Teik, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 016-486-6168, 012-568-6168
Business hours: 12:00pm-10:00pm (Monday-Thursday), 11:00am-10:00pm (Friday-Sunday)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pizzastationmalaysia
Coordinates: 5.39606 N, 100.28648 E
Directions: Pizza Station is located near the front entrance of Sunshine Farlim. There are free parking spaces around the mall.

Special thanks to Squid Boy for extending this food review invitation.

The basement level of Gurney Plaza has one of the highest concentrations of food outlets in Penang. Squid Boy is one of the numerous kiosks here. Opened late last year, this snacks joint is adjacent to Tori Tori.

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As the name implies, Squid Boy sells squid-related snacks. These street snacks are highly popular in Taiwan. The signature choice is obviously the Giant Squid, which comes in 3 sizes: Mega King (RM15.50), Xtra Super (RM13.20) and Super XXL (RM11.20). Customers are able to customize the seasoning.

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Since Mega King is not available today, I opted for Xtra Super. The Giant Squid is lightly battered and deep-fried until it becomes golden brown. It is then cut into bite-size pieces for customers' convenience. As recommended by the staff, I chose bonito flakes and mayonnaise as toppings. The bonito flakes wave gently while the Giant Squid is piping hot.

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Crispy Squid (RM8.00) is a smaller type of squid. Only the squid's mantle (body) is used. Its texture is noticeably firmer but is still quite springy. If you enjoy spicy seasonings, I suggest that you ask for salt, pepper and Thai sweet chili. Like the Giant Squid, the Crispy Squid is also cut into smaller pieces for easier consumption.

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There are several versions of Bento (RM11.20). I selected Crispy Chicken today. The chicken cutlet is flavored with wasabi and honey mustard. I am surprised that both seasonings blend with each other pretty well. The combined spiciness is mild; in fact, I prefer the wasabi's pungency to be stronger.

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Squid Boy also serves Mee Sua (面线) but I have not tried the noodle dish yet. As for drinks, customers may add RM2.80 to any food item for a cup of passion fruit juice, calamansi juice or lemonade.

Name: Squid Boy
Address: 170-B1-K15, Plaza Gurney, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 012-454-0952
Business hours: 11:00am-10:00pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanDongYingSnacks
Coordinates: 5.43785 N, 100.30960 E
Directions: Squid Boy is located at the Basement level of Gurney Plaza, next to Tori Tori. Gurney Plaza has basement and multi-level parking garages.

Frank Laurent Coffee Roasters has two outlets in Penang: Udini Square and Gurney Plaza. The latter is located at Level 7, right in front of Go Noodle House. As a roastery, Frank Laurent also sources and roasts its own coffee beans.

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I ordered a cup of Mocha (RM12.00), which is essentially a shot of espresso with steamed milk and chocolate syrup. In hindsight, I should have ordered Cappuccino or Caffe Latte instead as the chocolate's sweetness masks the coffee's flavor.

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Several types of waffle are available at Frank Laurent. The Caramel Charcoal Waffle (RM19.00) is black in color because it is prepared from batter that contains bamboo charcoal. The waffle is topped with vanilla ice cream, strawberries, kiwifruits, bananas, almond flakes and caramel. In my personal opinion, I think the waffle is too dry to be enjoyed properly.

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Address: 170-07-16, Plaza Gurney, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-370-2591
Business hours: 10:00am-10:00pm
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Taste

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Presentation

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Value

Special thanks to The Light Hotel for extending this food review invitation.

Spice Brasserie is the main eatery in The Light Hotel. Located next to the lobby, the all-day dining restaurant of this 5-star hotel is furnished with glossy marble on the floor, walls and food counters. Furthermore, fancy ornaments hang gracefully from its high ceiling.

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In conjunction with National Day celebrations, The Light Hotel is offering the Authentic Claypot Fish Head Curry Set. The signature dish is the culmination of Executive Chef Halim's interpretation of famous nasi kandar recipes that he sampled over the past 6 months.

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Weighing between 0.8 and 1.2 kilograms, the head of red snapper is used to prepare the Fish Head Curry. The fish's unique texture allows it to remain firm after braising. Meanwhile, the curry is concocted from a variety of herbs and spices including tamarind. A hint of sourness makes this dish so appetizing. Also included in the curry are okra (lady's fingers), eggplants (brinjals), tomato and mint leaves.

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The Fish Head Curry (RM200.00) comes with 2 vegetable dishes and 4 plates of basmati rice, making the set meal ideal for 4 persons. From 8 August 2018 to 16 September 2018, the set meal is offered at a special price of RM130.00 only.

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The à la carte menu also includes popular dishes from Penang's nasi kandar scene. An example is Crab Curry With Mantau (RM48.00). Flower crabs do not provide as much meat as brown crabs, so their main role is to lend their rich taste to the curry. This dish comes with a plate of fried or steamed mantou. Mantou (馒头) are Chinese buns that do not contain any filling.

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As for Prawn Sambal (RM68.00), the main savoriness lies inside the heads of these large shrimps. Meanwhile, the gravy in which the shrimps are cooked is moderately spicy but also has a gentle taste of sweetness.

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The Deep-Fried Giant Squid (RM48.00) is a delicacy indeed. The mantle of the squid is slit open and then flattened in order to season it thoroughly. With springiness which is neither too rubbery nor soft, the squid is scrumptious to the last morsel.

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Next is a poultry dish, Deep-Fried Ayam Kampung (RM48.00). The fried chicken is garnished with a copious amount of fried shallots to enhance its aroma. Free-range chicken is used in this dish.

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Moving on to vegetables dishes, Stir-Fried Water Spinach (RM18.00) and Stir-Fried Winged Beans (RM18.00) are each braised with sambal (chili paste) and belacan (shrimp paste). Both dishes are moderately spicy and are delectable in their own right.

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For diners who prefer non-spicy vegetables, the Chinese-Style Mixed Vegetables (RM18.00) is a sound choice. An assortment of broccoli, carrots, baby corn and button mushrooms are cooked in light oyster sauce.

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The Light Hotel's latest promotion is available for lunch (12:00pm-2:30pm) and dinner (7:00pm-10:00pm) at Spice Brasserie. Prior reservation is highly recommended as it takes time to prepare the dishes. These dishes will not be made available in Spice Brasserie's daily buffets, but they can be served in banquets upon special request.

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Name: Spice Brasserie
Address: The Light Hotel, Lebuh Tenggiri 2, Pusat Bandar Seberang Jaya, 13700 Seberang Jaya, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-382-1111
Business hours: 6:30am-11:00pm (Sunday-Thursday), 6:30am-1:00am (Friday-Saturday)
Website: http://thelighthotelpg.com/dining
Coordinates: 5.39422 N, 100.39872 E
Directions: From Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan (North-South Expressway), take the Seberang Jaya exit and head west. Turn left just before the pedestrian bridge and drive all the way to the end. When the road splits, keep right. The Light Hotel is the first building on the left. Spice Brasserie is located next to the lobby. There are parking spaces within the hotel's compound. The parking fee is RM4.00 per entry.

Bread History has a chain of bakeries located mostly in Penang. This family business also operates Savour Bakery in Gurney Plaza. While most outlets only sell bread, the outlet in SPICE Canopy is a bakery-cum-café.

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Adjacent to Pony Tale, this Bread History outlet has two floors. The upper floor provides extra dining space for dine-in customers. The ambience is relatively cozy but the wooden floor makes the place quite noisy especially when there is a large crowd.

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The Garlic Chicken Burger (RM19.70) contains fried chicken fillet, cucumber, tomato, lettuce, cabbage and garlic sauce. The charcoal bun is reasonably soft while the dressing has a mildly spicy taste. However in my opinion, the chicken is too dry. The burger comes with curly fries and extra garlic sauce on the side.

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As for coffee, the cup of Americano (RM5.60) has a pleasant bitter aftertaste. Sugar and creamer are provided but I think they are unnecessary.

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Address: 180-B-01-10, Setia SPICE Canopy, Jalan Tun Dr. Awang, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-611-6008
Business hours: 9:30am-10:00pm
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Taste

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Presentation

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Hospitality

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Value

Macalister Mansion is a luxurious boutique hotel at Macalister Road (Jalan Macalister). Boasting a beautifully landscaped lawn, the historical English manor was meticulously restored and infused with contemporary designs. Despite its limited capacity, Macalister Mansion has several interesting restaurants including Dining Room and The Cellar - both of which I have reviewed before.

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At the west wing of the colonial-era mansion is Living Room. This refined restaurant serves breakfast, light meals, pastries, coffee and tea. The homely ambience here makes the place feels like one's own living room.

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Besides proper dining tables and chairs, Living Room also furnished with snuggly couches for a more laid-back setting. Meanwhile, a large wooden table occupies most of the back section. An entire wall of shelves, extending all way to the ceiling, is decorated with various ornaments.

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The Afternoon Tea Set (RM113.00) is served from 2:00pm to 6:00pm daily. Presented on a large wooden platter are assorted pastries like müller nougats, opera cakes, asam boi macarons, caramel cupcakes and homemade raisin scones. Meanwhile, savory items include shepherd's pies, smoked duck & arugula salads, crab meat & salted egg potato croquettes, croissants with smoked salmon & herb butter and jars of cream of cauliflower.

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The Afternoon Tea Set comes with any 2 drinks. Besides coffee, Living Room also serves exquisite teas from TWG Tea. Today's brew of Silver Moon Tea is prepared from a blend of green teas with a hint of tangy sweetness of berries.

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Overall, the pastries and savories in the Afternoon Tea Set are scrumptious to the last morsel. The price may appear costly, but this is understandable as Macalister Mansion is an upscale establishment. Indeed, the excellent ambience at Living Room makes it an ideal place to hang out especially on a slumber Sunday afternoon.

Address: 228, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-228-3888
Business hours: 8:00am-11:00pm
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Presentation

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Value

The former location of Old Street Taiwanese Delicacies (台湾老街) at 8-Row (八间) is now occupied by 8 Moralities Vegetarian Restaurant (八德素食馆). Its name is in reference to the 8 Confucian virtues as expressed in the phrase "礼义廉耻，孝悌忠信". The restaurant serves Chinese dishes which observes Buddhist vegetarianism. This means that onions and leek are avoided too.

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My main dish is Butter Abalone Mushroom Rice (奶油鲍鱼菇饭, RM8.80). The crunchy mushrooms are fried with a coating of batter, while creamy butter sauce provides flavor. Meanwhile, curry leaves and bird's eye chili serve to improve the dish's aroma.

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I also ordered a serving of Omelette Roll (蛋捲, RM12.00). The roll contains vegetarian fried meat fiber (素香酥肉发), carrot strips and cucumber strips. I love the crunchy texture of this snack. The taste is excellent too! I recommend that you give the Omelette Roll a try.

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The vegetarian restaurant prepares several drinks from scratch. For example, the drink Luo Han Guo (罗汉果, RM3.00) gets its natural sweetness from the fruit itself.

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8 Moralities Vegetarian Restaurant also serves a number of noodle and Western dishes. According to the staff, the vegetarian meat here is made from soy pulp (大豆纤维) instead of gluten (面筋). I look forward to trying these dishes next time.

Address: 2, Jalan Krian, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-226-5753
Business hours: 11:00am-9:00pm, closed on Mondays
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Taste

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Presentation

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Special thanks to Hotel Jen Penang for extending this food review invitation.

Special offer: Mention "PenangFoodForThought25%" when ordering to get 25% discount off the regular price.

The Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节) is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month on the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, the festival falls on 24 September 2018. In conjunction with this auspicious occasion, Hotel Jen Penang is rolling out 8 types of mooncakes to delight its customers.

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5 of these mooncakes adhere to classic recipes that most people know and love:
- Low Sugar White Lotus Single Yolk (低糖单黄白莲蓉)
- Pearl Of Harmony Single Yolk (黑芝麻豆馅单黄)
- Pandan Lotus Single Yolk (单黄香叶莲蓉)
- Pure Lotus Single Yolk (单黄纯莲蓉)
- Mixed Nuts (五仁)
They are accompanied by another 3 modern flavors of Hotel Jen's creation:
- Cheesy Chocolate Oreo
- Green Tea Cranberry
- Tiramisu

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Hotel Jen's mooncakes are priced at RM38.00 each. However if you order 4 pieces of any flavor (RM145.00), the mooncakes are encased in a stylish Jen Mooncake Gift Box. The maroon box has floral designs on the front and traditional Nyonya motifs on the sides. A dainty Chinese tassel is fastened to its magnetic lid.

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Inside the Jen Mooncake Gift Box is a vertical arrangement of 4 compartments that each contains a mooncake. The box's elegant design makes it very attractive to ladies because it can serve as a fancy storage box for jewelry. If you are looking for an ideal gift for this Mid-Autumn Festival, I cannot think of a better suggestion.

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The Jen Mooncake Gift Box also comes with Hotel Jen's specially designed tote bag. This unique mooncake packaging is only available at Hotel Jen Penang; other Shangri-La properties use different designs in their mooncake offers.

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To enjoy these delicacies, simply visit the mooncake counter at Hotel Jen's Lobby Lounge between 10:00am and 7:00pm daily. The counter is usually well stocked with all mooncake flavors. But just to be safe, I recommend that you place an order by phone (04-262-2622) or email (fb.hjp@hoteljen.com) before dropping by. This mooncake promotion is available from now until 24 September 2018. Note that Hotel Jen's mooncakes comply with halal requirements.

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I am proud to announce that Hotel Jen is offering a whopping 25% discount to my readers (minimum purchase of 1 box). This means that the limited edition Jen Mooncake Gift Box is only RM108.75 after discount! To indicate that you are my reader, simply write "PenangFoodForThought25%" on the order form below or mention "PenangFoodForThought25%" to the staff member at the counter.

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If this special deal is not good enough for you, Hotel Jen is having a mooncake contest too! Here are the steps to participate:
1. Like Hotel Jen's Facebook page or Instagram account. Or both, why not?
2. Purchase the Jen Mooncake Gift Box (RM108.75 after discount).
3. Take a creative photo or video with the mooncakes. Share it on your Facebook or Instagram account. Or both, why not?
4. Tag 2 friends in the post.
5. Include the hashtags #HotelJenPenang and #HJPMooncake2018 to notify Hotel Jen.

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The most creative entry wins a 2D1N room stay at Hotel Jen. There are also 2 consolation prizes; each prize is a buffet dinner voucher for 2 persons at Café Jen. Multiple entries are permitted, so let your creative juices flow! More information on the contest is available here.

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Finally if you wish to know the latest happenings and promotions at Hotel Jen Penang, please check out its website at www.hoteljen.com/penang. In case you are not a member yet, be sure to join Shangri-La's Golden Circle program for free!

Name: Lobby Lounge
Address: Hotel Jen, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-262-2622
Business hours: 10:00am-7:00pm
Website: https://www.hoteljen.com/penang
Coordinates: 5.41362 N, 100.33025 E
Directions: Hotel Jen is located at Magazine Road (Jalan Magazine), next to 1st Avenue Mall and just opposite of The Wembley. Lobby Lounge is located at the Ground Floor. The hotel provides parking in its basement levels.

Special thanks to The TOP for extending this food review invitation.

Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR) is the tallest building in Penang, dominating the skyline of George Town by a wide margin. At Level 59 of the skyscraper is TOP View Restaurant & Lounge, one of the many restaurants that are managed by The TOP. While the building's rooftop can be accessed from the Avenue Of Adventures, TOP View can only be reached using a different elevator from the Ground Floor. There is a concierge counter at the entrance.

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Unlike Coco Cabana, there is no cover charge to patronize TOP View. TOP View is perhaps best known for its Theme Buffet Dinner every Friday and Saturday. On other days of the week, the restaurant offers the Dinner Degustation Menu between 6:30pm and 10:00pm.

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Romantic tables for two are set up next to the glass windows. While dining, customers can enjoy panoramic views of George Town's night scenery. The actual restaurant setting is dimmer; extra brightness as seen here is only for the purpose of this evening's review.

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While waiting for the course meal to begin, diners are served freshly baked muesli rolls from the oven. The breads are prepared from beurre de Charentes-Poitou (French butter). As for bread spreads, I enjoy the soothing aroma of basil butter and paprika butter.

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The Chef Amuse Bouche this evening is inspired by mille-feuille. While the sweet pastry makes a good dessert, this amuse-bouche is made savory with alternating layers of cured salmon, charcoal bread and cream cheese. Topped with microgreen, dill, salmon roe and mango cream, this delicacy is pretty gratifying to my palate.

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The Asian Peking Duck Platter is inspired by the famous poultry dish from Beijing, but is presented in a do-it-yourself manner. Succulent slices of roast duck are to be wrapped in wheat tortilla, using hoisin sauce and shredded vegetables for improved taste and mouthfeel respectively. Be sure to consume the tortilla while it is warm, otherwise the appetizer will become too doughy.

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Next, Salade De Waldorf is served in deconstructed form. This is a move on the chef's part to demonstrate his plating skills. Comprising of apples, walnuts, cranberries and nutmeg slices, the waldorf salad is dressed with sweet mayonnaise. Basil leaves and charcoal crisps serve as garnishes. The salad can be consumed as it is, or reconstructed in the crispy parmesan bowl.

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I am immensely impressed with the rich taste of Seafood Bisque. The serving size is just perfect to prevent my taste buds from being surfeited. At the center is a piece of sesame charcoal toast, delightfully topped with grilled octopus and scampi tail. The shrimp is grilled well enough to keep it fairly juicy. The toast also contains green pea paste, mango cream, salmon roe, radish and microgreen.

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The Dinner Degustation Menu offers 3 choices for the main dish. The first one is Herb Crusted Rack Of Lamb. The frenched lamb ribs are served with lamb jus, red wine sauce and carrots. Also included is pomme purée (mashed potato) with truffle butter, marinated cucumber and broccoli.

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The poultry choice is Supreme Of Chicken With Jasmine Cream. Also known as suprême de volaille, the dish is made from tender chicken breast and looks similar to galantine. Flanking the chicken are shiitake mushrooms, broccoli florets and tortellini with tomato and crab fillings. Satisfying to the last morsel, this the best main dish in my opinion.

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Baby Barramundi is the seafood option for the main dish. The grilled fillet is served over pomme purée and is garnished with green pea paste and fried ginger slivers. On the side are creamy beurre blanc (white butter sauce) and clams. I think the barramundi's flesh is tougher than what I was expecting. It would be nicer if the skin were made crispier too.

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Moving on to the dessert, the Blueberry & Ricotta Cheese Gâteaux has a reasonably rich taste. Its plating incorporates blue colored tuile, cranberry sauce, red grapes and chocolate cake. In my opinion, the serving size is too small for me to enjoy the cheesecake thoroughly.

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A cup of coffee or tea marks the conclusion of dinner. Also included with the meal is a glass of soft drink or iced lemon tea.

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The Dinner Degustation Menu is priced at RM98.00 net. There is also a special menu for children. This evening's menu is available until 15 September 2018, during which it will be replaced with a new one. Other meal offers at TOP View are Executive Set Lunch, Weekend Sunriser Breakfast, Sunday Buffet Brunch and Daily English Tea Set.

Name: TOP View Restaurant & Lounge
Address: The TOP Komtar Penang, 1, Jalan Penang, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-262-5960
Business hours: 10:00am-10:00pm (Monday-Friday), 8:00am-10:00pm (Saturday-Sunday)
Website: https://thetop.com.my/top-view-restaurant-lounge
Coordinates: 5.41441 N, 100.32971 E
Directions: TOP View is located at Level 59 of The TOP Komtar Penang. The restaurant is accessible by elevator from the Ground Level, right next to Maybank. As for parking, The TOP has a multistorey parking garage.

Tamil Street (Lebuh Tamil) is a narrow road next to Chowrasta Market (Pasar Chowrasta). There is an Indian drinks stall here called Ais Tingkap. Operating since 1928, Ais Tingkap is also known as "Window Sherbet" because its drinks were originally sold through a window.

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The signature drink, Ais Tingkap (RM2.00), contains more ingredients than it appears. It is prepared from coconut water, shaved ice, rose syrup, young coconut flesh, frankincense resin (getah anggur) and basil seeds (biji selasih). Just before serving, the iced drink is given a spray of Indian herbs for the aroma.

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I think the drink is acceptable as a thirst quencher. Although frankincense resin and basil seeds are novel ingredients, I do not really like their consistency.

Address: Lebuh Tamil, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 016-400-3310
Business hours: 11:00am-7:00pm
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Special thanks to Kim Haus for extending this food review invitation.

Kim Haus is a boutique hotel at Campbell Street (Lebuh Campbell). The hotel operates a restaurant on the ground floor. Also called Kim Haus, the restaurant serves Western dishes, burgers, pasta and a handful of Asian fare. While customers can enjoy al fresco dining in front, Kim Haus has an air-conditioned dining section at the back for diners who prefer a more comfortable setting.

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Kim Haus' breakfast menu is available between 9:00am and 12:00pm. One of the recommended breakfast choices is Florentine (RM17.90), a baked dish that contains spinach, button mushrooms, shimeji mushrooms and Béchamel sauce. Savory cheese crust and poached eggs cover the creamy mixture. The meal also comes with a fresh bran roll from the bakery. The Florentine a sound choice if you enjoy the rich taste of cheese.

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Served on a large wooden board is The Full English (RM18.90). This humongous breakfast platter comprises of scrambled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, chicken sausage, potato croquette, rye bread and a generous serving of salad. The salad is elegantly sweetened with pomelo pulps.

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Nothing starts the morning with as much energy as caffeine. To this end, Kim Haus serves espresso-based coffee like Cafe Latte (RM11.90) so that everyone can get their morning fix. The coffee's creamy consistency is soothing as it trickles between my lips.

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Moving on to main dishes, the Grilled Lamb Shoulder (RM28.90) is served with mushroom brown sauce. Cooked reasonably well, the succulent lamb strikes a chord with my palate. Also included are mashed potatoes and thin slices of zucchini. A rosemary sprig serves as a garnish.

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As for pasta, Kim Haus Special Aglio Olio Chicken (RM22.90) is the chef's signature dish. Angel hair, known as "capelli d'angelo" in Italian, is thinner and softer than spaghetti. Sautéed al dente with olive oil, the pasta is seasoned with tantalizing spices that cause a mild numbness on my tongue. Overall, this dish demonstrates an impressive fusion between Italian pasta and Eastern flavors.

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Diners who have an affinity for Indian spices should go for the Traditional Chicken Masala (RM19.90). This spicy dish is served in a 3-tier tiffin carrier. Indeed, this is how food was packed before the advent of disposable plastic containers. This old-fashioned tiffin carrier certainly brings back a sense of nostalgia.

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The Traditional Chicken Masala contains chicken slices, eggplants (brinjals) and curry leaves. Seasoned with pungent spices from the subcontinent, this dish is moderately spicy by Malaysian standards. Also included are papadum (Indian crackers), acar (pickled cucumber and onion) and steamed white rice.

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As for beverages, Red Rose Lips (RM14.90) is a fruity blend of beetroot, carrots, green apples and lemon juice. This tangy drink with a foamy top is satisfying to my taste buds. Besides coffee and juice, Kim Haus also serves tea and alcoholic beverages.

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Kim Haus has its own bakery to produce fresh bread and pastries. Pork is notably absent from its menu. To cater the dietary needs of vegans, Kim Haus provides several vegetarian options too. Finally, in-house guests enjoy 10% discount on all food items and drinks excluding alcoholic beverages.

Name: Kim Haus
Address: 9 & 11, Lebuh Campbell, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 016-330-1515
Business hours: 8:00am-12:00am (Sunday-Thursday), 8:00am-1:00am (Friday-Saturday)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Kim-Haus-912505328827678
Coordinates: 5.41713 N, 100.33523 E
Directions: Driving along the one-way Campbell Street (Lebuh Campbell), Kim Haus is located on the right between the junctions with Rope Walk (Jalan Pintal Tali) and Carnarvon Street (Lebuh Carnarvon). Limited street parking is available along these roads.

Special thanks to Sushi-B'rito for extending this food review invitation.

Sushi-B'rito is located at the ground floor of SPICE Canopy, right next to Pony Tale. The restaurant serves Japanese fusion cuisine. As its menu has been streamlined for speedy preparation, the eatery is quite popular among the lunch crowd.

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Stepping inside, the restaurant gives a homely sense of coziness with a touch of modernity. The spacious dining area presents a family-friendly dining atmosphere.

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Sushi-B'rito specializes in rice burger (ライスバーガー) and sushi burrito (すしブリトー). In addition, the menu also covers mainstream Japanese dishes such as udon (うどん) and donburi (丼). The food here is prepared using fresh ingredients; all sauces and seasonings are prepared from scratch in the kitchen.

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The recommended rice burger here is Gyu Hanbagu (牛ハンバーグ, RM18.90). Made from genuine beef loin, the patty is glazed with savory beef gravy. The grilled patty is then sandwiched between two compressed rice cakes. Japanese short-grain rice is used, but unlike sushi, it is not laced with vinegar. The burger also contains seaweed (海苔), cheese, lettuce, mayonnaise, tomato and caramelized onion. Overall, the beef patty is succulent to the last morsel.

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Similar in the diameter to futomaki (太巻), Shake Batayaki (鮭のバタ焼き, RM17.90) is wrapped with seaweed because it is meant to be eaten by hand. Two types of salmon are used: butter-grilled salmon and smoked salmon. The sushi burrito is filled with vegetables and pickles too. A small amount of mint sauce provides the much-needed moisture. Overall, the snack's taste is perfectly balanced. However should customers prefer, soy sauce (醬油) and homemade sweet sauce are available too.

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Mushroom lovers should really try the Kinoko Pesto Udon (キノコペストうどん, RM14.90). The noodle dish is topped with shiitake (椎茸), shimeji (占地) and button mushrooms. Other ingredients are onsen tamago (温泉玉子), cherry tomatoes, roasted walnuts and seaweed strips. The pesto sauce has a tantalizing aroma of basil. If you appreciate the earthy taste of mushrooms and walnuts, this dish is the perfect fit for you.

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Sushi-B'rito's food is ideal for takeaway. For all main dishes, customers may get an extra side dish and a drink for only RM3.00 more. This is a no-brainer since the drink itself costs more than that. It is also crucial to emphasize that Sushi-B'rito is a halal-certified restaurant. This is noteworthy as few Japanese restaurants are willing to go to such great lengths.

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Name: Sushi-B'rito
Address: 180-B-01-12, Setia SPICE Canopy, Jalan Tun Dr. Awang, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 018-948-6676
Business hours: 11:00am-10:00pm
Website: https://www.sushi-brito.com
Coordinates: 5.32884 N, 100.27889 E
Directions: Sushi-B'rito is located at SPICE Canopy, facing Jalan Tun Dr. Awang and Pisa Corner Cafe. There are parking spaces in front of the restaurant.

Special thanks to Morganfield's for extending this food review invitation.

Morganfield's is an American themed restaurant in Queensbay Mall. It is renowned for its Sticky Bones, which is Morganfield's lingo for barbecued pork ribs. This restaurant in Queensbay Mall is currently Morganfield's sole outlet in Penang.

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The indoor section of Morganfield's has wooden floor and red brick walls, giving this place a rustic appearance reminiscent of the American South.

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Meanwhile, the al fresco section allows customers to enjoy the cool evening breeze right after sunset. A bar counter is where Morganfield's cocktails and mocktails are concocted. Smoking is permitted here, so this may not be the ideal place for customers with children.

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Following the conclusion of the 7th Anniversary promotion, Morganfield's is rolling out the All Day Set Menu. Priced at RM39.90 net, the 3-course meal consists of a starter, a main course and a dessert.

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Shown here are 3 of the 5 starter choices: Mr. Calamari, Avocado Shrimp Salad and Sautéed Eryngii Mushrooms. I am particularly fond of the juiciness of eryngii mushrooms.

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Likewise, customers can select the main dish from a menu of 7 dishes. As Morganfield's specialty, it is inexcusable not to order the Sticky Bones Spare Ribs. The ribs are available in 5 flavors; we opted for Smoked Peppercorn this time. The Sticky Bones come with two sides; our choices today are Pilaf Rice and Red Skin Mashed Potato.

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Another recommended main dish is Beer Battered Fish Fillets. Made from white perch, the fillets are coated in beer-infused batter and then fried to golden crispiness. Tartar sauce and a lemon wedge are provided for extra flavor. This dish comes with coleslaw and a generous serving of fries.

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Bacon & Prawn Aglio Olio is another choice for the main dish. The spaghetti is sautéed with garlic and chili flakes for a hint of spiciness. A poached egg in the middle gives this pasta dish a touch of creaminess.

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Today's dessert is vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup and diced fruits. According to the staff, the dessert may vary from day to day. On other days, flourless cake may be served instead.

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As for beverages, 2 new drinks are introduced in parallel with the All Day Set Menu. The Raspberry Grape Bliss is prepared from soda pop, fruit syrup, fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream. Meanwhile, the Mango Cola Freeze is made from spicy mango-flavored syrup muddled with mint leaves, and then topped with slushy frozen Coke. Each drink is priced at RM9.90 if it is ordered with the All Day Set Menu.

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The Southern Fruit Tea (RM16.90) is part of Morganfield's regular menu. Served in a tall glass, the chilled tea is flavored with fruit syrups and diced fruits. Its main taste comes from calamansi sorbet on top. Made from the actual fruit, the sorbet's tangy taste is perfect for quenching thirst.

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Morganfield's All Day Set Menu is available until 30 September 2018. This promotion is available in all 15 outlets throughout Malaysia but the pricing may be different in Kota Kinabalu and Genting Highlands.

Name: Morganfield's
Address: GF-121, Queensbay Mall, 100, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-643-5049
Business hours: 11:00am-1:00am
Website: http://www.morganfields.com
Coordinates: 5.33421 N, 100.30668 E
Directions: Morganfield's is located on the Ground Floor of Queensbay Mall, right next to Starbucks Coffee. Queensbay Mall has a multilevel parking garage and several outdoor parking spaces.

Special thanks to Nostalgia Boutique Hotel & Restaurant for extending this hotel review invitation.

Nostalgia Boutique Hotel & Restaurant (诺思竺隐) is located along the main road of Tanjung Bungah. Originally a pair of semi-detached houses, the building was extensively renovated and combined to form a large mansion. The top of this neoclassical structure bears Nostalgia's golden insignia.

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The wall that originally partitioned the building has been removed, resulting in a nearly symmetrical floor plan. At the staircase area, a fancy chandelier illuminates the glossy marble floor with golden lighting.

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There is another flight of stairs that is somewhat obscured from plain sight. It leads to a "hidden" balcony directly above the front porch. There is a large wooden table at which the "discoverers" can enjoy the cooling breeze in relative seclusion. The balcony area also houses several antique cameras and a grand piano.

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Every corner of the hotel is furnished with antiques such as pianos, pipe organs, grandfather clocks, cabinets, vases and porcelain dishware. Mostly acquired from Europe, the antique collection evokes feelings of nostalgia. Indeed, the hotel is not called "Nostalgia" for nothing.

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Nostalgia has 13 guestrooms in total. Each room has either a king-size bed or two twin beds. Room amenities include ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, ceiling fan, television, minibar, wardrobe and ornate cabinets. Towels and basic toiletries are provided.

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As a boutique hotel, Nostalgia offers a unique experience in each guestroom. Named after one of the twelve months of the year, the room has a decor that vaguely reflects the corresponding "season". The largest guestroom of all, simply called "Months", is a 2-room suite that accommodates 3 guests.

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Nostalgia has a small swimming pool right under the front porch. For the convenience of guests, there are several changing rooms nearby.

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Although Nostalgia does not have a proper gym like those in full-service hotels, it does have a stationary bicycle at the west veranda.

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The spacious children room has air conditioning and rubber floor mats. The toys here are meant to keep children occupied while their parents relax elsewhere.

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As for dining, Nostalgia has an in-house restaurant. Located beneath the children room, the air-conditioned dining hall has several marble tables surrounded by antique pianos.

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For diners who prefer a more casual setting, Nostalgia has an open-air dining area next to the swimming pool. Sheltered by a glass ceiling, the place is ideal for hosting private events such as birthday parties.

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In-house guests are served breakfast around 9:00am. Since Nostalgia has fewer than 30 guests at any given time, breakfast is served à la carte.

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The Western-style breakfast includes familiar items like ham, eggs, toast, salad and fruits. White coffee is provided.

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Meanwhile, the restaurant's main food menu comprises of Western and Asian dishes. The serving size is humongous in most cases. As for drinks, alcoholic beverages like beer are available.

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Nostalgia is currently having a "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" promotion. Customers can choose any 2 dishes from a menu of 11, and only pay for the price of 1. With prices starting from RM19.90, each dish may cost as low as RM10.00!

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Compared to most boutique hotels in George Town, Nostalgia affords a more laid-back setting as it is further away from the city center. Nevertheless, the hotel is still well connected to the city; Gurney Drive is just a 15-minute drive away.

Name: Nostalgia Boutique Hotel & Restaurant (诺思竺隐)
Address: 523D & 523E, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-890-1109
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: https://www.facebook.com/nostalgiapenang
Coordinates: 5.46616 N, 100.29124 E
Directions: Traveling westbound on Jalan Tanjung Bungah, make a U-turn after the pedestrian bridge near Dalat International School. Nostalgia is just after the pedestrian bridge.

Special thanks to Nostalgia Boutique Hotel & Restaurant for extending this food review invitation.

Nostalgia Boutique Hotel & Restaurant (诺思竺隐) is located along Jalan Tanjung Bungah. The place is within a stone's throw from Copthorne Orchid.

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Nostalgia has a spacious dining hall with air conditioning. Decorated with antiques and ornaments, the restaurant presents an opulent appearance reminiscent of an English manor.

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Should customers prefer al fresco dining, there is also an outdoor section next to the swimming pool.

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Nostalgia is currently having a "Buy One Get One Free" promotion. Customers can choose from a menu of 11 Western and Asian dishes. With menu prices starting from RM19.90, each dish may effectively cost as low as RM10.00! This promotion is only applicable to dine-in customers.

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The first dish is Maize Flakes Fish Fillet (香炸鱼柳, RM29.90). Coated in crispy crumbs, the fillet is best paired with creamy tartar sauce. The meal comes with a generous serving of potato wedges and garden salad.

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Next, the Cheezy Crispy Chicken Burger (香脆超大鸡肉汉堡, RM29.90) is a humongous meal indeed. Fried to golden perfection, the chicken cutlet is larger than the sesame seed bun itself! Like the previous dish, the burger is served with potato wedges and garden salad.

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The 8-inch Choco Durian King Pizza (巧克力榴莲比萨, RM29.90) is presented on a wooden peel. Featuring genuine durian paste, the pizza is also topped with tomatoes, cheese, chocolate sauce and mayonnaise. I enjoy the lovely texture of the pizza's crust.

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Spaghetti Alla Bolognese (番茄肉酱意面, RM19.90) is another delectable dish. The savory taste of Bolognese sauce is balanced by freshness of broccoli and cherry tomatoes. This pasta dish comes with a slice of garlic toast.

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Spicy Garlic Soft Shell Crab Rice (避风塘软壳蟹饭, RM39.90) is a delicacy of Hong Kong. The fried crab is surprisingly spicy, much to my palate's delight. This dish comes with rice, bok choy (小白菜) and fried egg. Side dishes include vegetable soup, pickles and fruits.

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I cannot recommend the Honey Glaze Roasted Pork Belly Rice (港式蜜汁叉烧饭, RM19.90) highly enough. The pork's soothing sweetness makes it succulent to the last morsel. It comes with soy egg (卤蛋), bok choy and rice. The side items that come with this dish are identical to the previous one.

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The broth of Crispy Chicken Tomato Noodle (香酥鸡排番茄汤面, RM19.90) has a gentle taste of tanginess, making it quite pleasant to my taste buds. On the side is a gigantic chicken cutlet. Most people will find it difficult to finish the meal.

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As for drinks, Soul Of Sour (酸到心里) is a concoction of soda water sweetened with lemon-flavored syrup. Served in a tall glass, the iced drink is a good thirst quencher. Its non-alcoholic nature makes it suitable for children too.

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Meanwhile for alcoholic beverages, the Snowy Beer (雪花冰啤酒, RM18.00) is a sound choice indeed. If you are hanging out with a friend, get two glasses for RM25.00 only!

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Snowy Beer comes in 5 different flavors: rose, peach, lychee, strawberry and passion fruit. Shown here are the lychee and rose versions. Topped with a frothy head, the golden beer produces a pleasant sensation as it trickles down the lips.

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At Nostalgia, bottled beer only costs RM10.00 each. Beer choices include popular regional brands like Tiger, San Miguel, Tsingtao and Singha.

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According to Nostalgia's staff, the restaurant is available for hosting private events. The presence of a swimming pool makes this place a perfect venue for children's birthday parties.

Name: Nostalgia Boutique Hotel & Restaurant (诺思竺隐)
Address: 523D & 523E, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-890-1109
Business hours: 11:00am-10:30pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/nostalgiapenang
Coordinates: 5.46607 N, 100.29119 E
Directions: Traveling westbound on Jalan Tanjung Bungah, make a U-turn after the pedestrian bridge near Dalat International School. Nostalgia is located on the left just after the pedestrian bridge.

Today's breakfast brings us to Hoong Foong Dim Sum (鸿丰港式点心) at Pusat Perniagaan USJ 21. Facing Main Place Mall, the restaurant is a combination of 3 contiguous shops. One section of the dining area has air conditioning.

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Siu Mai (烧卖, RM5.00) is commonly served in Cantonese dim sum restaurants. Made from minced pork and shrimps, the steamed dumpling is wrapped in lye-water dough.

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Ha Kao (虾饺, RM6.00) and Basley Prawn Dumpling (鲜虾粉果, RM6.00) are both filled with shrimps. The latter also contains scallions (青葱) and garlic chives (韭菜).

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Salad Prawn (沙律虾角, RM6.00) also contains shrimps but is deep-fried instead. Sweet mayonnaise is provided as the dipping sauce.

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We also ordered an Egg Tart (蛋挞, RM2.00) and a Portuguese Egg Tart (葡京蛋挞, RM2.50). The latter is dusted with cinnamon and has a caramelized crust. I love the crumbly texture of the flaky pastry.

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The pastry for Cha Siu Cake (叉烧酥, RM5.00) is pretty good. Glazed with honey, it is filled with sweet barbecued pork.

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This is followed by Lotus Bao With Egg Yolk (莲蓉包, RM2.30). It is filled with lotus paste and salted duck egg yolk.

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The final dish is Fried Carrot Cake (炒萝卜糕, RM6.00). The "cake" is actually made from daikon, not carrots. Cut into bite-size cubes, it is stir-fried with eggs, bean sprouts, garlic chives, garlic and soy sauce. I think the serving size is way too small.

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For customers who park inside Main Place Mall, Hoong Foong Dim Sum gives RM2.00 rebate for a minimum spending of RM25.00. This rebate is applicable on weekdays only.

Address: 77 & 79, Jalan USJ 21/10, Pusat Perniagaan USJ 21, 47630 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Contact: 03-8081-2653
Business hours: 7:00am-5:00pm
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Taste

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Presentation

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Ambience

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Hospitality

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Value