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Sigi's Bar & Grill

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Special thanks to Golden Sands Resort for extending this food review invitation.

Sigi's Bar & Grill is one of the two main eateries of Golden Sands Resort; the other is Garden Cafe. The beachfront restaurant affords scenic views of the sea, not to mention the perpetual oceanic breeze that comes with al fresco dining. Nevertheless, indoor dining is also possible at Sigi's.
This year is Golden Sands Resort's Oktoberfest debut. Held in the evening of 17 October 2018, the beer garden (biergarten) outside Sigi's is filled with rows of wooden tables and benches. Paying homage to Bavarian culture, the restaurant's crew members are dressed in traditional lederhosen and dirndl costumes for the occasion.
Starting at the carving station, Brathendl is customarily served during Oktoberfest. The spit-roasted whole chicken goes well with Dijon mustard and honey mustard. I think the former may be too pungent for most Malaysians.
Next, schnitzel was originally an Austrian dish but it is now popular in neighboring countries like Germany. The Crispy Chicken Schnitzel is thinned by pounding it with a meat tenderizer. The cutlet is then breaded and fried to give it a light crisp on the surface.

I am also infatuated with the exquisite German sausages this evening. Shown here are Veal Bratwurst and Beef Garlic Banger, both succulent to the last morsel. Also served is a popular street food called Currywurst. Currywurst is seasoned with spicy ketchup and is often enjoyed with French fries and mayonnaise.
The grilling station prepares more delicacies from the Deutschland, including the ever-popular Chicken Bratwurst and Wiener Würstchen (Vienna sausage). Each type of sausage is gratifying in its own right; I cannot remember the last time I enjoyed sausages so much.
Bratkartoffeln, commonly known as German Fries, is a dish of pan-fried potato slices cooked with turkey bacon, onions and scallions. Bratkartoffeln is often served alongside schnitzel or bratwurst.
Sauerkraut is another iconic German dish thanks to its distinctive sour taste. Before the advent of refrigeration, fermenting cabbage was the only way to preserve it through winter. In modern times, sauerkraut is typically eaten as a side dish.
Spätzle literally means "little sparrows". It consists of small pieces of dough made from eggs and flour. The Käsespätzle (cheese & herbs spätzle) is soft and creamy, delighting my cheese-loving palate.

Goulash is the national dish of Hungary. Originally eaten by shepherds, this savory stew has become popular throughout Central Europe. The Rindergulasch (beef goulash) contains beef chunks, potatoes, carrots, paprika and other spices.
Obatzda is a traditional Bavarian dish that is often served in beer gardens. The cheese delicacy is prepared from Camembert, butter, beer and paprika. Obatzda is typically eaten with crackers and pretzels.
As for salads, there are Kartoffelsalat (German potato salad), Rote Beete Salat (beetroot salad), Krautsalat (coleslaw) and Caesar Salad. I also enjoy the assorted cold cuts and cheese platter.
Kaiserschmarrn is a dish of Austrian origin. Its name translates to "Emperor's mess". This refers to the fact that the fried pancake is shredded before being served. The pancake batter consists of flour, eggs, butter and sugar. Icing sugar is sprinkled on top for extra sweetness. Kaiserschmarrn is commonly enjoyed with apple sauce.
Also hailing from Austria is Apple Strudel (apfelstrudel). Made from layered pastry, the strudel contains sweet apple filling and dusted with icing sugar. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes this pastry the perfect dessert this evening.
Other sweet confections include Black Forest Cake (schwarzwälder kirschtorte), Pretzels (brezeln), Cheesecakes (käsekuchen), Cream Puffs (windbeutel), Fruit Tartlets and Petits Fours.

A beer garden is not be complete without an endless flow of beer. To this end, Bavarian beers such as Erdinger Weißbier, Erdinger Dunkel and Löwenbräu Original are poured by the bottle. As for souvenirs, guests may purchase commemorative beer steins for RM15.00 only.
Live music is an integral part of Oktoberfest celebration. Entertaining the crowd throughout the night is Frankenräuber, a 5-piece band from Germany. The evening is filled with catchy folk songs from the heartland of Bavaria and neighboring countries. The highlight of Frankenräuber's performance is with a 5-meter long alphorn. This musical instrument has become almost synonymous with the Alps.
Name: Sigi's Bar & Grill
Address: Golden Sands Resort, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-886-1852
Business hours: 11:00am-12:00am
Website: Click here
Coordinates: 5.47751 N, 100.25162 E
Directions: Driving from George Town and upon arriving Batu Ferringhi, Golden Sands Resort is located on the right at the first traffic junction. Sigi's Bar & Grill is located towards the far side of the resort, after the pools and facing the beach.

Sunway Hotel

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This article is part of my Christmas 2018 compilation.

Special thanks to Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya for extending this food review invitation.

Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya is the first hotel in Penang to give a preview of its Christmas meals this year. The festive dishes that the 4-star hotel is presenting today only represents a subset of the actual buffet spread.
Starting at the carving station, the main highlight is Country Style Roasted Turkey. This poultry dish is served with roasted baby potatoes and condiments like cranberry sauce, mustard and mint sauce. On the other hand, diners who prefer red meats can satiate their cravings with the Roasted Whole Lamb.
Roasted Fillet Mignon is derived from the tenderloin, making it among the finest cuts of meat from the cattle. Cut into thin slices, the beef is juicy and succulent throughout. This dish is served with black pepper gravy, mashed potato and edible flowers.
The Pan-Fried Salmon uses Japanese-style teriyaki sauce, which is sweet and savory in taste. While the fish is certainly fresh, I feel that the sauce is way too strong for me. Fortunately, the salmon is topped with shredded vegetables to reduce the sauce's intensity.
For a taste of Tex-Mex fare, check out the Baked Chicken Fajitas. Rolled in flour tortilla are grilled chicken strips and shredded vegetables. The fajitas are served with thick tomato purée.
Next, Pilaf Rice is cooked with chicken broth to present an appetizing flavor. The use of long-grain basmati rice prevents it from becoming too surfeiting. As for soup, the Apple Pumpkin Soup comes with diced apples, caramelized onion and pine nuts. The soup is satisfying indeed.
My craving for cheese is satisfied by the cheese platter. Today's selection of cheeses is camembert, feta, Swiss and cheddar. The cheeses go well with fresh grapes, raisins, nuts and crackers.
Terrine is a French-style forcemeat that resembles galantine. This evening's Liver Terrine goes well with fig chutney. The serving of Smoked Salmon Carpaccio is equally exquisite. The thin slices of fish look similar to Japanese sashimi.
Some of the appetizing salads here are Chicken & Apple Salad, French Bean & Turkey Ham Salad, Beet Root Salad With Orange & Vidalia Onion and Crabmeat & Shrimp Cocktail With Capsicum Aioli.
The pastry section presents iconic festive confections such as the Yule Log. Made from Swiss rolls, the traditional dessert is decorated to look like an actual Yule log. For instance, the surface is covered with chocolate cream and icing sugar to mimic tree bark and snow respectively.
Next, Christmas Stollen is a traditional cake-like bread from Dresden, Germany. It contains candied fruits, nuts and spices. The top surface is dusted with icing sugar to resemble snow. The city of Dresden celebrates Stollenfest every year. During the festival, a large Christmas Stollen is paraded through the streets and is then distributed to the crowd.
Moving on, the Spiced Apple Cake contains thin slices of apple flavored with cinnamon. I personally think that the cake is too sweet for me. I prefer to let the apple's natural sweetness take the center stage.
Other pastries this evening include Christmas Cookies, Christmas Pudding, Cranberries & Orange Bread Pudding, Fruits Cake, Ginger Tiramisu, Fruits Crumble, Chocolate Éclairs and Cream Puffs.
Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya's yuletide dinner is served on Christmas Eve (24 December 2018) and New Year's Eve (31 December 2018). A similar dinner is also offered at Sunway Hotel Georgetown on Christmas Eve.
The buffet is priced at RM100.00 and RM60.00 net for adults and children respectively. In-house guests, Sunway Pals members and Maybank card holders enjoy 20% discount.
Name: Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya
Address: 11, Lebuh Tenggiri 2, Pusat Bandar Seberang Jaya, 13700 Seberang Jaya, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-370-7788
Business hours: 6:30pm-10:30pm
Website: https://seberangjaya.sunwayhotels.com
Coordinates: 5.39579 N, 100.39788 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. Sunway Hotel is further down on the right. There are parking spaces within the hotel's compound. The parking fee is RM4.00 per entry.

Yunnan Vermicelli

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Special thanks to Yunnan Vermicelli for extending this food review invitation.

Genting Cafe (云顶餐室) is perhaps the most popular hawker center at Island Glades. The eatery is packed with customers throughout the day. There are more than a dozen stalls here, selling a variety of hawker dishes from noodles to pastries.
Yunnan Vermicelli (云南过桥米线) is one of the busier stalls here. It specializes in Yunnan-style noodle dishes such as Guo Qiao Mi Xian (过桥米线). The proprietor was originally operating in Farlim but moved here about one year ago.
Wine Chicken (月婆粉, RM7.50) is the latest and bestselling dish on the menu. Using soup prepared from skipjack tuna (柴鱼), the misua noodle (面线) dish contains several pieces of chicken and a fried egg. The fried egg is supposed to include ginger, but ginger has been omitted because its pungency is not so well received by locals.
The most appealing element of Wine Chicken is Fujian glutinous rice wine (福建糯米酒). The sweet wine drastically improves the soup's rich taste, yet does not cause noticeable dryness on the tongue. In addition, a small amount of Shaoxing wine (绍兴酒) is also added in order to give the noodle dish a tantalizing aroma.
Similar to Pork Knuckles & Ginger Stew (猪脚醋), Wine Chicken is traditionally consumed as a remedy for women who are undergoing postnatal recovery. In fact, it is not uncommon for nearby residents to preorder this dish for the entire month!

Name: Yunnan Vermicelli (云南过桥米线)
Address: 2O, Lorong Delima 6, Taman Island Glades, 11700 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 017-560-5108
Business hours: 7:00pm-4:00pm, closed on Wednesdays
Website: N/A
Coordinates: 5.38297 N, 100.30397 E
Directions: Genting Cafe (云顶餐室) is located at the corner of Lorong Delima 6 and Lorong Delima 3. Yunnan Vermicelli is one of the stalls inside the hawker center. There are parking spaces along Lorong Delima 6.

Viva Victoria

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Special thanks to Viva Victoria for extending this food review invitation.

Located along Victoria Street (Lebuh Victoria), Viva Victoria is within a stone's throw from Kedai Makanan Dan Minuman CF. Combining a restaurant, a bistro and a bar, Viva Victoria serves a wide range of cuisines ranging from local Malaysian fare to home recipes of Europe and the Americas.
Stepping into the eatery, one is immediately mesmerized by its welcoming ambience. Dining tables are covered with dainty tablecloths, while potted plants hang gracefully from the ceiling. In addition, the soothing background music presents a rather laid-back atmosphere on this lazy Sunday afternoon.
Upon being seated, customers are served a basket of papadum to keep their appetites up. The Indian crackers have extremely light crispiness, making them addictive down to last morsel. Papadum goes well with raita, a cooling dipping sauce made from yogurt and mint.
The Truffle Mushroom Cappuccino (RM4.00) is highly recommended. Served in a demitasse cup, the emulsion is rich and satisfying indeed. The soup is made from actual mushrooms, reflecting the kitchen's philosophy that good food should always be prepared from scratch.
Next, the serving of Garlic Mushrooms (RM10.00) consists of portobello mushrooms sautéed with butter and garlic. Besides the tantalizing aroma, the mushrooms' savoriness is immensely gratifying. The dish comes with two pieces of toasted garlic bread.
Moving on to main dishes, Duck Confit (RM40.00) is inspired by the titular French dish of salt-cured duck. However in this case, the duck's saltiness has been substantially toned down to suit the local palate. The crispy duck leg is topped with Dutch-style sour red cabbage (koolsla) and tangy star anise orange sauce. Homemade mashed potato and roasted vegetables are served on the side.
The Grilled Rack Of Lamb (RM69.00) is not something to be trifled with. The four Frenched lamb ribs are seared with nice grill marks on the surface. In spite of that, the flesh manages to remain delightfully tender and juicy. The lamb is flavored with paprika and Argentine chimichurri verde. The latter is a green sauce made from parsley, garlic and olive oil.
Beef Rendang (RM39.00) was originally a Minangkabau recipe, but this dish has entered the mainstream Malay cookbooks. Using premium sirloin, the beef is seasoned with a variety of spices and coconut milk. The mixture is slow-cooked for several hours until most of the liquid has boiled away. The result is a dish that is bursting with scrumptious savory flavors.
Viva Victoria has a modest range of drinks such as coffee, juice and beer and wine. For instance, the cup of Café Latte (RM12.00) is prepared from espresso and steamed milk. I appreciate the creamy consistency that the coffee imparts as it trickles through my lips.
Despite its simplicity, the Iced Lemon Tea is pretty appealing too. The fine balance between sweet and sour tastes does a great job in quenching thirst. In effort to minimize environmental impact, Viva Victoria uses paper straws instead of plastic ones.
According to the staff, other signature dishes here are 24-Hour Lamb Shank, Mee Jawa, Ukrainian Pierogis, Lamb Moussaka and Indian Pizza. Vegan options are available too. Viva Victoria does not serve pork. Meanwhile, the eatery has extra space upstairs for hosting private events.
Name: Viva Victoria
Address: 169, Lebuh Victoria, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-261-0000
Business hours: 12:00pm-12:00am
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Viva-Victoria-475240706204387
Coordinates: 5.41357 N, 100.33863 E
Directions: Viva Victoria is located at Victoria Street (Lebuh Victoria), between the intersections with Armenian Street Ghaut (Gat Lebuh Armenian) and Gat Lebuh Acheh. Street parking is available along the abovementioned roads.

Italiannies

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Special thanks to Italiannies for extending this food review invitation.

Italiannies is a casual dining restaurant in Queensbay Mall. As its name implies, the eatery serves classic Italian fare such as pizzas and pastas. Italiannies has recently revised its menu, so my visit today is to savor a handful of the new dishes.
Furnished with comfortable booth-style dining tables, Italiannies presents a family-friendly dining atmosphere. The place is also conducive for having business meals. A doorway at the dining area leads to Fridays, which operates under the same management.
Freshly baked bread is served almost as soon as customers are seated. As per tradition, bread is typically taken with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
The Spinach & Artichoke Formaggio (RM23.55) is a blend of parmesan cheese with spinach, mushrooms and artichokes. Served in a skillet, the dish is topped with marinated tomatoes, crispy spinach and fried garlic. Toasted garlic bread is provided on the side. The strong taste of cheese makes this dish quite appealing. In fact, "formaggio" is the Italian word for "cheese".
The Salmon & Spinach Fettuccine (RM34.25) strikes a chord with my palate. The pasta has a springy texture that blends well with creamy parmesan sauce. However, the main appeal is the juicy salmon fillet. The pasta dish also contains crispy spinach, oven-dried cherry tomatoes and black sesame seeds.
As for pizzas, the Big Daddy (RM38.50) uses a thin crust that presents a degree of chewiness. Pizza toppings include applewood smoked beef bacon, pepperoni, beef meatballs, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes and cheese. Meanwhile, creamy pecorino sauce and balsamic glaze prevent the pizza from becoming too dry. This large pizza is just right for two persons.
The Fisherman's Platter (RM34.25) is perfect for sharing around the table. Each piece of calamari, shrimp or fish finger is coated with light batter, and deep-then fried to golden perfection. Three dipping sauces are provided: marinara sauce, chipotle aioli and honey mustard. Also included are sweet potato fries and sautéed vegetables with garlic.
As for dessert, Crème Brulee (RM17.05) is one of the bestsellers. The vanilla-flavored custard is covered with a transparent layer of caramelized sugar. Icing sugar around the cup's circumference provides aesthetic appeal. I personally feel that custard to sweeter than necessary; it is better to let the taste of cream and eggs take the center stage.
Italians are known for their affinity for coffee. To this end, Italiannies has several espresso-based coffee drinks for diners to get their caffeine fixes. For instance, Cappuccino (RM8.50) is prepared from two shots of espresso, steamed milk and a thick layer of milk foam.
Meanwhile for cold drinks, Coolers (RM10.70) come in one of four flavors: green apple, peach, strawberry or passion fruit. As for Fruit Shake (RM12.45), strawberry and mango versions are interesting choices.
As a family-friendly restaurant, Italiannies has a special menu for children aged 12 and below. The kid's meal is complimentary with any order from the à la carte menu. Besides this restaurant in Queensbay Mall, Italiannies has another outlet in The Curve, Petaling Jaya.
Name: Italiannies
Address: GF-129, Queensbay Mall, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-611-9211
Business hours: 10:30am-11:00pm
Website: http://www.italiannies.com.my
Coordinates: 5.33449 N, 100.30670 E
Directions: Italiannies is located on the Ground Floor of Queensbay Mall, next to Fridays near the north entrance. Queensbay Mall has a multilevel parking garage and several outdoor parking spaces.

BBQ In Love Cafe

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Special thanks to BBQ In Love Cafe for extending this food review invitation.

BBQ In Love Cafe (BBQ In 사랑 Cafe) is an interesting eatery along the main road of Raja Uda. Although it primarily serves Korean cuisine, the restaurant also has elements of Japanese and Western cooking.
Customers can be seated at regular dining tables, or opt for low tables on an elevated platform. Traditional Korean dresses (한복) are provided for selfie purposes. In addition, the restaurant has two special booths that afford a degree of intimacy.
Today's meal begins with a round of Walmae Makgeolli (월매막걸리, RM22.00). Makgeolli is a rice wine with milky consistency. The bottle should be shaken properly before opening as the wine contains chalky sediment. With a low alcohol content, the wine is ideal for casual drinkers. Makgeolli is usually consumed as an apértif in order to stimulate the appetite.
Korean Fried Chicken (양념치킨, RM8.90) is a snack that was popularized by the Korean drama "My Love From The Star" (별에서온그대). Unlike its American counterpart, Korean Fried Chicken is fried twice in order to produce a crunchier crisp. After frying, the chicken is brushed with sweet-and-spicy sauce. I think it is not necessary to add crushed peanuts as the fried chicken is sufficiently crunchy.
Cheese Big Scallops (RM14.00) is one of the bestselling snacks in this restaurant. Each serving contains two large scallops, each covered with cheese and then baked until slightly browned. The strong taste of cheese makes the scallops go well with alcohol.
Moving on to Korean barbecue, the serving of Bulgogi Beef (불고기, RM38.00) uses premium Australian beef tenderloin. The juicy slices of beef are satisfying indeed. Bulgogi Beef is usually wrapped with lettuce and garlic. Ssamjang (쌈장) is also available upon request. Customers have the option of grilling the meat at their own tables if they prefer so.
The Korean Army Stew (부대찌개, RM49.00) comes with a platter of raw ingredients such as pork slices, meatballs, crab sticks, Korean dumplings (만두), Korean rice cakes (가래떡), tofu, shiitake mushrooms, shimeji mushrooms, enoki mushrooms and lettuce. Each food item is cooked by dipping it into a boiling pot of kimchi stew (김치찌개).
Next, Korean Rice Cake (떡볶이, RM19.00) uses elongated Korean rice cakes that are quite chewy. The rice cakes are stir-fried with spicy chili paste (고추장), fish cakes, boiled eggs and scallions. The taste is quite addictive.
Each à la carte dish comes with three different side dishes called "banchan" (반찬). Popular varieties of banchan are cabbage kimchi (배추김치) and julienned Korean radish (무생채).
BBQ In Love Cafe has recently added several Western dishes too. For instance, Smoked Duck (RM25.90) is served with either teriyaki sauce or brown sauce. Each Western dish comes with French fries, garden salad and a scoop of ice cream.
After the meal, it is tempting to open another bottle of wine as an excuse to cleanse the palate. Plum Wine (매실주, RM48.00) is a popular choice among ethnic Koreans. As soon as the bottle is opened, floral aroma permeates the nose. As the wine is sipped, it presents fruity sweetness with a subtle hint of acidic aftertaste. The plums inside the wine bottle can be eaten in the end.
Even though BBQ In Love Cafe is a Korean restaurant, it covers a wide range of dishes to accommodate the taste buds of most people. As for the ambience, the dining area is particularly appealing to the younger crowd. It is also worthwhile to note that the restaurant is a suitable venue for private parties.
Name: BBQ In Love Cafe (BBQ In 사랑 Cafe)
Address: 7105, Jalan Raja Uda, 12300 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-324-8492
Business hours: 11:30am-3:00pm, 6:00pm-11:00pm (Monday-Friday), 11:30am-11:00pm (Saturday-Sunday)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/bbqinlovecafe
Coordinates: 5.42133 N, 100.38094 E
Directions: From Jalan Permatang Pauh, turn right into Jalan Raja Uda. Drive northbound for approximately 800 meters. BBQ In Love Cafe is located at a row of shops on the left just before Petronas gas station. There are plenty of car park spaces around the restaurant.

Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight

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Special thanks to Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight for extending this food review invitation.

Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight (香雲素食坊) is one of the few vegetarian shops in Penang that also have elements of a café. Unlike traditional vegetarian restaurants, Xiang Yun assimilates the cooking styles of mainstream dishes but present them in a vegetarian approach.
Xiang Yun is located at Level 1 of Vantage Desiran Tanjung, right above Chef Nyonya. The serene ambience here makes it a comfortable place for having quiet meals. In addition, the eatery has two small rooms to cater customers who prefer private dining.
Starting with a Western dish, Salsa Cutlet (莎莎余柳扒, RM18.90) features several pieces of mock fish cutlets. Made from soy pulp (大豆纤维), the cutlets have a unique texture that resembles actual fish. Meanwhile, the tomato gravy carries a hint of sweetness that is not overpowering. Crinkle-cut French fries and coleslaw are served on the side.
As for noodles, Milky Bee Hoon Soup (耐酸酱米粉, RM11.90) is an excellent choice. The soup's creaminess comes from soy milk, not dairy milk. Infused with herbs like lemongrass, the soup has a pleasant taste that does not feel surfeiting at all. At the top are two mock fish slices.
The Dumpling Soup (水饺汤, RM6.90) is ideal for customers who prefer light meals. The meatless dumplings are filled with jicama, mushrooms and water chestnut. Rather surprisingly, the dumplings are delectable to the last morsel. This is further proof that vegetarian food can taste good too.
Xiang Yun is having the Coffee & Cake Promotion throughout the entire day. A cup of coffee and a slice of cake only costs RM14.90 net. Today's cake is Strawberry Cheesecake. It is interesting to know that the cake does not contain eggs. Instead, it is packed with cheese in order to achieve the desired creaminess.
The restaurant serves a variety of espresso-based drinks such as Cappuccino (RM7.90), Mocha (RM8.90) and Salted Caramel Latte (RM8.90). Should customers prefer vegan drinks, dairy milk can be replaced with soy milk for RM1.00 more.
Should customers prefer cold drinks, Matcha (RM10.90) and Strawberry Milkshake (RM10.90) are among the popular choices.
Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight not only caters lifelong vegetarians, but is also popular among the health-conscious public. To cater the dining crowd from Bayan Lepas, Xiang Yun has another air-conditioned restaurant at Bayan Point. Both outlets share similar menus. Meanwhile, the original stall at Kompleks Lebuh Nipah has been operating continuously for almost 10 years.
Name: Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight (香雲素食坊)
Address: A-1-8, Jalan Tanjung Tokong, 10470 Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 016-496-8085
Business hours: 11:00am-9:00pm, closed on Tuesdays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/XiangYunVegetarianDelight
Coordinates: 5.45521 N, 100.30768 E
Directions: Vantage Desiran Tanjung as a commercial block on the right side of Jalan Tanjung Tokong from George Town's direction, after Island Plaza but before Tesco. Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight located above Chef Nyonya. There are parking spaces in front of and behind the row of shops.

C'est Si Bon

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Special thanks to VOUK Hotel Suites for extending this food review invitation.

VOUK Hotel Suites is a 4-star hotel along Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, sharing the same building as Mansion One. Thanks to its close proximity to Gleneagles Penang, VOUK Hotel Suites is a popular choice of accommodation for the medical tourism sector.
VOUK Hotel Suites has two main restaurants: C'est Si Bon Restaurant and Hardwicke House. The former serves as the hotel's primary coffeehouse. This is also where in-house guests are served breakfast every morning.
Starting November 2018, C'est Si Bon is introducing a new buffet theme called "Let's Get Fat! Fat-bulous Buffet Dinner". This latest menu presents a combination of local and international flavors in a playful manner. The buffet is served every Friday and Saturday from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
C'est Si Bon's open kitchen allows food to be grilled in front of customers' eyes. The grilled meats here include beef, lamb and chicken. Meanwhile, seafood choices are salmon, slipper lobsters and squid. Chicken satay is available too.
The carvery is where succulent slices of roast beef, roast lamb and roast chicken are served. The meats are served au jus and with mint sauce.
À la minute dishes include Lor Mee (卤面), Bolognese Spaghetti and Shawarma. My personal favorite is Char Koay Teow (炒粿条). This stir-fried noodle dish is prepared with a touch of toastiness. Although the dish is quite spicy, the amount of chili can be toned down as Char Koay Teow is cooked to order.
As for hot dishes, popular ones are Chicken Marmite, Yam Duck and Beef Stew. Diners who have an affection for seafood can go for Assam Fish, Prawn Har Loke Style and Seafood Pot Pie. Note that the actual dishes may vary from day to day.
Chilled seafood is prominently presented on a canoe. Served on the boat are marine delicacies like scallops, shrimps, mussels and oysters. Tabasco sauce and lemon wedges are provided.
The cold cuts section offers exquisite delicacies namely smoked duck, smoked chicken, smoked salmon and salmon gravlax. Also prepared are chicken ham, baloney, meatloaf, salad, bread rolls and cheeses.
Customers who are fond of Japanese food can help themselves with an assortment of sushi (寿司). Sushi is typically enjoyed with condiments like wasabi (山葵), pickled ginger (ガリ) and soy sauce (醬油). Other Japanese dishes include sashimi (刺身), unagi (うなぎ), seasoned jellyfish (中華クラゲ), seasoned seaweed (中華ワカメ) and edamame (枝豆).
Moving on to desserts, diners may indulge in sweet treats like butter cakes, cheesecakes, tiramisu, chocolate brownies, chocolate mousses, crème caramel, fruit jellies and Nyonya kuih. Furthermore, the chocolate fountain appeals to most people especially children.
As for waffles, customers may choose sweet toppings such as chocolate and peanut butter, or savory ones like tuna. Unfortunately, I feel that the waffle is too dry for comfort. In my opinion, I think the batter should be improved so that it feels lighter and airier.
I am impressed that the ice cream is presented in such an attractive manner. There are four flavors to choose from: mint, vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Popular toppings like chocolate sauce, crushed peanuts and rainbow sprinkles are provided.
C'est Si Bon Restaurant's Let's Get Fat! Fat-bulous Buffet Dinner is priced at RM68.00 net for adults, and RM58.00 net for children and senior citizens. For an additional RM30.00, adults can enjoy a free flow of beer and wine throughout the entire evening.
Name: C'est Si Bon Restaurant
Address: 57-G-3, Mansion One, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-370-8333
Business hours: 6:30am-11:00pm
Website: https://www.voukhotelsuites.com.my/facilities
Coordinates: 5.42743 N, 100.32081 E
Directions: VOUK Hotel Suites is located on Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, right before The Northam and across the road from Gurney Beach Food Gallery. C'est Si Bon Restaurant is located at Level 2 of the main building. Parking is available in front of Hardwicke House. Dine-in customers enjoy complimentary parking; parking tickets can be validated at the restaurant.


Cloud Dreaming

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Special thanks to Cloud Dreaming for extending this food review invitation.

Cloud Dreaming is a vegan restaurant at Lebuh Tye Sin, George Town. The eatery is under the same management as Sushi Kitchen. While Sushi Kitchen specializes in Japanese cuisine, Cloud Dreaming focuses on Western dishes like burgers, sandwiches, pasta, soup, salad and cakes.
Cloud Dreaming presents a homely ambience for family dining. A feeing of warmth emanates from its lovely furnishing, while dreamcatchers on the wall give an alluring aura of charm. Numerous potted plants hang from the ventilation shaft, putting one at ease with Mother Nature.
Yippy Sun Soup (RM15.00) is a good way to build appetite from the start. The coulis is blended from carrots, potatoes and cauliflower, and is cooked with a concoction of herbs and spices. Thanks to the natural sweetness of fresh vegetables, the soup is tasty to the last drop. It is accompanied by baguette slices spread with garlic margarine.
Cloud Dreaming Magic Energii Mushroom Burger (RM19.00) is the restaurant's bestselling dish. The burger contains grilled eryngii (oyster) and enoki mushrooms. Vegan mayonnaise is used as dressing. The burger also comes with fries on the side. To ensure freshness, the burger bun is baked in-house. In fact, customers may swap for charcoal bun for RM3.00 more.
Classic Homemade Salsa Bolognese (RM17.00) is a vegetarian take on the traditional Italian dish. The sauce is blended from fresh tomatoes upon ordering, but not prepared ahead of time. This results in a rich sauce with natural flavors of the fruit. The choice of pasta is angel hair (capelli d'angelo), which is cooked al dente to retain its springiness.
Tempeh is an Indonesian soy-based food that is made from fermented soybeans. There are three choices of seasoning: salt (RM10.00), garlic (RM12.00) and curry (RM15.00). The curry version packs a punch of pungency in the mouth. In order to retain chewiness of tempeh, it is recommended to have it cut into bite-size cubes instead of thin slices.
Cloud Dreaming bakes vegan pastries in-house every day. One of the most popular treats is Apple Vanilla (RM12.00). Two layers of cake act as a sandwich for caramelized apples and vegan cream. The vanilla-flavored cake contains organic flaxseeds. It is sweetened with brown sugar in order not to overwhelm the palate.
Cloud Dreaming's recipes reflect its philosophy of using fresh ingredients to bring out the best flavors of food. The vegan restaurant refrains from using any animal products such as milk, eggs and honey. For customers who do not take onions and garlic, these ingredients can be omitted upon request.
Cloud Dreaming not only appeals to lifelong vegetarians, but also to mainstream diners who seek a healthier way of life. Customers who enjoy its pastries can also place orders for whole cakes. Finally, the restaurant is also spacious enough to hold private events.

Name: Cloud Dreaming
Address: 15, Lebuh Tye Sin, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-251-9932
Business hours: 11:30am-3:30pm, 6:00pm-10:00pm, closed on Tuesdays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Cloud-Dreaming-Western-Vegan-Restaurant-150177142278002
Coordinates: 5.40982 N, 100.33085 E
Directions: Cloud Dreaming is a shop along Lebuh Tye Sin, between the junctions with Jalan C.Y. Choy and Lebuh Mcnair. Street parking is available along Lebuh Tye Sin and nearby roads.

Le Périgord

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Special thanks to Le Périgord for extending this food review invitation.

Le Périgord is a French restaurant along Burmah Road (Jalan Burma). The eatery is named after a former province of France, which is renowned for its truffles, wines and foie gras.
Although Le Périgord presents a semi-fine dining atmosphere, the restaurant also suitable for family dining. Red brick walls that surround the dining hall gives the place a rather rustic appearance.
Le Périgord primarily serves classic French cuisine. Each dish is meticulously crafted with an element of human touch. This is why the kitchen refuses to dabble in modern cooking techniques in the likes of sous-vide.
Kurobuta Steak (RM58.00) is perhaps the most impressive dish during this visit. The pork chop uses Black Berkshire pig, a special breed of swine prized for its tender flesh. The combination of lean and fatty flesh makes the pork succulent indeed. This exquisite dish is served with mango sauce, caramelized apples, mashed potatoes and assorted vegetables.
The next dish is Le Périgord Signature Lamb Rack (RM88.00). The frenched lamb ribs are flavored with red wine sauce and lamb jus. Served alongside is a mouthwatering piece of portobello mushroom. Also included are mashed potatoes infused with truffle oil.
Duck Confit (RM78.00), also known as "confit de canard", is considered one of the finest dishes in French cuisine. Dry-aged duck thigh is poached in its own fat for several hours until the flesh becomes meltingly tender. The delicacy is then flavored with a special concoction of orange sauce. Vegetables and oven roasted potatoes are provided on the side.
Pasta lovers with an affinity for spiciness may consider having the Seafood Aglio-Olio (RM35.00). Sautéed in olive oil, al dente spaghetti is seasoned with garlic and chili flakes. This simple yet satisfying pasta dish comes with green-lipped mussels, shrimps and clams.
Chicken & Mushroom Linguine (RM35.00) is another recommended choice. Unlike the previous dish, the pasta is served with a creamy sauce made from fresh cream. Contributing to savoriness are bite-size chicken breast and portobello mushrooms.
Besides serving walk-in customers, Le Périgord can also cater for private events such as birthday parties. Covering the area of two shops, the place can easily accommodate more than 100 people at a time. From time to time, Le Périgord also conducts cooking classes to share culinary secrets with the public.
Name: Le Périgord
Address: 253G-1-7, Jalan Burma, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 012-919-9885
Business hours: 11:30am-3:00pm, 5:30pm-10:00pm (Tuesday-Friday), 10:30am-3:00pm, 5:30pm-10:00pm (Saturday-Sunday), closed on Mondays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/leperigordpulautikus
Coordinates: 5.42825 N, 100.31436 E
Directions: Drive along Burmah Road (Jalan Burma) from Pulau Tikus direction. After the junction with Codrington Highway (Lebuhraya Codrington), turn right as you see Burmahtel. Le Périgord is located at the end of this row of shops (Wisma Soon). It is exactly opposite of Petron gas station. Street parking is available along this service road.

PGC Garden Terrace

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Special thanks to Penang Golf Club for extending this food review invitation.

Penang Golf Club (PGC) is the only 18-hole golf course on Penang Island. The country club is located at Bukit Jambul, right next to Hotel Equatorial Penang.
The main restaurant inside Penang Golf Club is Sakurajima Japanese & Chinese Restaurant. The restaurant is open to the public. Parking is free of charge too. In addition, PGC members get 15% discount off the total bill.
Every day from 11:30am to 8:30pm (except on Sundays), Penang Golf Club serves nasi kandar at the PGC Garden Terrace. Located just outside Sakurajima, this outdoor location is covered with artificial turf.
Popular nasi kandar dishes here are kambing kurma (mutton curry, RM7.50), ayam kari (chicken curry, RM7.00), ayam goreng rempah (spicy fried chicken, RM6.00), hati ayam (chicken liver, RM1.00), sambal udang (spicy prawns, RM8.00), sotong kari (squid curry, RM6.80) and kepala ikan (fish head, RM5.50).
The drinks menu is pretty varied too. For instance, White Coffee Cendol Cincau Gula Melaka (RM7.00) and 3-Layer Milk Tea With Gula Melaka (RM6.00) are popular choices. As for desserts, go for Ice Kacang With Ice Cream (RM8.00). Ice cream flavors are vanilla, chocolate and strawberry.
Overall, the food at PGC Garden Terrace is reasonably priced compared to nasi kandar stalls elsewhere. Meanwhile, customers who prefer air conditioning can enjoy their meals in the comfort of Sakurajima at no extra charge.

Name: PGC Garden Terrace
Address: 2, Jalan Bukit Jambul, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-644-2255
Business hours: 11:30am-8:30pm, closed on Sundays
Website: http://www.penanggolfclub.com.my
Coordinates: 5.33607 N, 100.28374 E
Directions: Penang Golf Club (PGC) is located near the intersection of Persiaran Bukit Jambul and Lebuh Bukit Jambul. Jalan Bukit Jambul is a small offshoot from Persiaran Bukit Jambul near this intersection. PGC Garden Terrace is located inside the country club. Admission and parking are free of charge.

Wembley Cafe

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This article is part of my Christmas 2018 compilation.

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

The Wembley is a prominent hotel along Magazine Road (Jalan Magazine) in George Town. This evening, the 4-star hotel is giving a preview of the upcoming Christmas menu. Themed "Christmas Winter Wonderland", the buffet is served at Wembley Cafe on Level 2.
As per tradition, the yuletide meal centers on Roast Turkey. The delicacy is served with giblet gravy and cranberry sauce. I personally prefer the former as a savory condiment works better with poultry. Meanwhile, the equally succulent stuffing is made from turkey, chicken, chestnuts, herbs and spices.
The Asian tapas section presents light snacks such as meatballs, otak-otak, oyster omelette (蚵煎) and satay. For something even lighter to keep the appetite up, get some crispy crackers like keropok and papadum.
Seafood on ice covers marine delicacies such as snow crabs, shrimps, green-lipped mussels, bay mussels, oysters and scallops. In addition, diners who love Japanese food can help themselves with assorted sushi (寿司) and sashimi (刺身).
Tempura (天麩羅) is served at the à la minute counter. The choices are shrimps, mushrooms, eggplants, sweet potatoes and more. The main appeal of tempura is the crispy batter. Be sure to consume tempura while it is still hot from the fryer.
As for red meat, the dish of Sliced Lamb Leg is garnished with Lebanese fattoush salad. Another recommended choice is Smoked Beef Medallions. The accompanying sauce is prepared from chestnuts and tarragon.
I am quite satisfied with the dish of Mussels With Citrus Cilantro Mayonnaise & Ebiko. The green-lipped mussels are baked with mayonnaise-based sauce, and then garnished with shrimp roe to give a mild touch of saltiness. Other notable seafood dishes are Gratinated Oysters, Almond Crusted Salmon and Sea Bass With Nyonya Curry.
Diners who prefer something local can go for Penang Char Koay Teow (槟城炒粿条), Wok-Fried Clams With Tauchu, Inchi Kabin, Nyonya Chap Chai and Wok-Fried Mantis Prawns.
Christmas pastry is a welcoming sight during this festive season. For instance, Christmas Stollen is a traditional German bread that contains candied fruit and nuts. In my opinion, the Christmas Stollen is too sweet for comfort. Other iconic Christmas treats are Yule Log and Gingerbread House.
Another noteworthy mention at the pastry section is Bread Pudding. Sweetened with raisins and cherries, the pudding is best enjoyed with vanilla sauce. In addition, Christmas Panettone is a sweet bread loaf from Milan.
Customers who have a sweet tooth will be delighted by the plethora of confectionery such as fruitcake, red velvet cake, strawberry mousse cake, gingerbread, tiramisu, cupcakes and meringue tarts.
I am most attracted by the ganache-filled chocolate truffles and macarons. Although overlooked by many people, the butter cookies are surprisingly delectable too. Finally, it is a pleasure to conclude the hearty meal with chocolate fondue and ice cream.
The Wembley has several buffet sessions before and during Christmas. But if you have to choose one, go for the Mystical White Wonderland Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner. Sit back and immerse yourself in Christmas hymns from carolers throughout the evening.
There are also several buffet sessions on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve, The Wembley is throwing a costume party at the Lobby Lounge while waiting for midnight to strike.
Name: Wembley Cafe
Address: 183, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-259-8123
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: https://www.stgileshotels.com/hotels/malaysia/penang/stgiles-wembley/wembley-cafe
Coordinates: 5.41311 N, 100.32989 E
Directions: The Wembley is located at Magazine Road (Jalan Magazine), just opposite of Hotel Jen and 1st Avenue Mall. Wembley Cafe is located at Level 2 of the hotel. There is a multilevel parking garage at the hotel. Patrons to Wembley Cafe can get their parking tickets validated for a flat rate of RM6.00 per entry.

Main Street Cafe

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This article is part of my Christmas 2018 compilation.

Special thanks to Cititel Penang for extending this food review invitation.

Cititel Penang, the sister property of The Wembley, is next in line to showcase its Christmas-themed buffet. The meal is held at Main Street Cafe, right next to Zhonghua Gourmet Restaurant. In the festive spirit of Christmas, the restaurant has put up a mock fireplace at the entrance.
Starting at the carvery, Roast Turkey and Roast Lamb Leg steal the spotlight right off the bat. The meats are cooked to perfection, making them truly tender and juicy. Also appealing are chestnut stuffings made from chicken and turkey. The stuffings are baked in an oven and then browned on a grill. Giblet gravy and cranberry sauce serve as condiments.
Next, Braised Red Cabbage looks strikingly similar to German rotkraut. The tartness of apples lends flavor to the cabbage. However, I feel that the sharp taste may be overpowering for some people.
Chicken Katsu consists of deep-fried chicken cutlets with crispy breading. The cutlets are sliced and garnished elegantly. This poultry dish goes well with thick tonkatsu sauce.
Wok-fried Prawn is one of the local favorites. The shrimps are coated with savory paste made from salted egg yolks, while curry leaves contribute their appetizing aroma. Other interesting Asian dishes include Beef Teriyaki and Yaki Tori.
The salad bar provides fresh produce such as mesclun mix, broccoli, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, carrots and cucumbers. The kitchen has also prepared a handful of dressings including French, Thousand Island and vinaigrette. Diners who appreciate the Mediterranean style of healthy eating can add olive oil and balsamic vinegar too.
At the chilled seafood section, there are marine delicacies such as oysters, scallops, bay mussels and shrimps. Lemon wedges are particularly important especially for raw oysters.
Moving on to Japanese food, the assortment of sushi (寿司) mostly consists of nigiri (握り) and maki (巻き) types. Sushi is customarily eaten with condiments like wasabi (山葵), soy sauce (醬油) and pickled ginger (ガリ). As for sashimi (刺身), raw slices of salmon, tuna, butterfish and octopus allow diners to eat to their heart's content.
Christmas pastries are an integral aspect of yuletide meals. The centerpiece display is the gingerbread house, which is ostentatiously decorated with candy and icing.
Other traditional confectioneries are Yule Log, Christmas Stollen, Christmas Pudding and Fruitcake.
Diners may also give in to sugar cravings with sweet treats like red velvet cake, cheesecake, gingerbread man, éclairs, apple tarts, brownies and cookies.
The mere sight of glazed doughnuts and macarons is simply irresistible! Also present this evening are green tea mousse, tiramisu and crème brûlée in shot glasses, whereas omochi (お餅) is presented on porcelain spoons. Finally, the chocolate fondue is perfect for cocoa lovers.
Cititel Penang is offering 4 Christmas-themed buffet meals starting 23 December 2018. There are special prices for children and senior citizens. To bring the festive mood to life, Christmas carols will be performed on Christmas Eve from 8:45pm.
Furthermore, Cititel Penang is also serving more buffet sessions around New Year. To stretch your dollar, consider joining the Magical's New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner; for every 5 paying adults, the 6th person's meal is on the house!
Name: Main Street Cafe
Address: 66, Jalan Penang, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-291-1128
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: http://www.cititelpenang.com/en/dining.html
Coordinates: 5.42156 N, 100.33247 E
Directions: Cititel Penang is a 16-floor building at Penang Road (Jalan Penang). Main Street Cafe is located at the far end from the main entrance. To park, drive past the lobby and up the ramp to Level 2. Parking is charged at RM4.00 per entry.

Kota

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Special thanks to Kota Dine & Coffee for extending this food review invitation.

Fort Cornwallis (Kota Cornwallis) is an imposing fort at the heart of George Town's historic district. The military fortification served as the administrative center of Prince of Wales Island (Penang Island) during the British colonial era. It was named after Charles Cornwallis (1738-1805), the Governor-General of Bengal at the time.
Kota Dine & Coffee is an upscale restaurant inside Fort Cornwallis. The air-conditioned eatery serves local (especially Nyonya) cuisine with a twist of modern influences. A life size statue of Captain Francis Light (1740-1794) greets customers at the restaurant's entrance.
Today's meal begins with Kota's Pie Tee (RM18.00), a popular Peranakan (Nyonya) snack that uses crispy tart shells. The shells are filled with a savory mixture of shredded sole fish, jicama (sengkuang) and carrots. This appetizer comes with scrambled egg, sambal belacan (spicy shrimp paste) and lime.
Next, Otak-Otak Nyonya Fish Custard (RM18.00) is a seafood cake made from fish, squid and scallop. Although seasoned with spices, this delicacy is mildly spicy by Malaysian standards. The word "otak-otak" means "brains" in Malay, which is in reference to its soft texture.
The meal proceeds to Nyonya Lemak Salad (RM18.00), which features a pumpkin bowl with grilled pumpkin and vegetables inside. Thick turmeric dressing serves as dipping sauce. I am also impressed with the unique taste of seaweed tofu. Other salad ingredients are cherry tomatoes, ginger flower, lemongrass and mint leaves.
Kapitan Chicken Burger (RM22.00) integrates the traditional Nyonya-style chicken curry into a modern snack. Besides the chicken patty, burger also contains cheddar cheese, caramelized onion and lettuce. I appreciate the chewy texture of the burger bun. This dish comes with a basket of curly fries.
Moving on, Kota's Chicken Satay (RM22.00) is kept warm over burning charcoal. Sweet-and-spicy peanut sauce is provided. Skewers of pressed rice, cherry tomatoes, shallots and cucumber also take advantage of the dipping sauce. For the satay, I think the taste of turmeric ought to be more prominent.
The next dish is Barramundi Nyonya Sauce (RM28.00). The slice of steamed fish is reasonably firm in texture. It is elegantly flavored with the spicy-sweetness of Nyonya chili sauce. Shimeji mushrooms and okra (lady's fingers) are served on the side. The dish is accompanied by a serving of brown rice that contains black beans, corn kernels, garlic chips and fried leek.
Lamb Shank Curry (RM53.00) is perhaps one of the best dishes at Kota. Cooked in Indian-style curry, the lamb is delightfully tender off the bone. The lamb is rightly paired with a serving of Indian-style basmati rice with ghee, spices and fried leek.
Another recommended dish is Kota Cannonball Chicken Rice (RM25.00). The grilled chicken is beautifully seasoned with honey-sweet sauce, striking a chord with my palate. Between the red chili sauce and green chili sauce, the former seems to work better for me. Meanwhile, the spherical rice balls resemble the ones served at Jonker Walk, Malacca.
To cater to vegetarians, Kota has crafted a handful of meatless dishes. For example, Fried Brown Rice (RM25.00) is served with imitation lamb, scrambled egg, black beans, diced carrot and corn kernels.
The beverage menu includes three iced drinks that are based on calamansi-flavored soda. Firstly, Signature (RM16.00) is concocted from lemongrass, mint leaves and ginger flower. Next, the tangy Sunrise (RM16.00) is prepared from passion fruit, mango, orange and mint leaves, while Sunset (RM16.00) contains a refreshing mixture of watermelon, lychee and mint leaves.
All in all, Kota presents traditional Nyonya dishes in a creative approach. Furthermore, the food presentation here is absolutely commendable; I appreciate the fact that the restaurant uses such refined porcelain tableware!
Admission to Fort Cornwallis is RM10.00 for Malaysian citizens. The ticket price can be deducted from the total bill subjected to minimum spending of RM20.00 per person. It is noteworthy to mention that the restaurant has received halal certification, making it a fine choice of dining to the general public.

Name: Kota Dine & Coffee
Address: Kota Cornwallis, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-371-4929
Business hours: 10:30am-10:30pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/KotaDineAndCoffee
Coordinates: 5.42068 N, 100.34418 E
Directions: Fort Cornwallis (Kota Cornwallis) is located opposite the Penang State Assembly Building (Bangunan Dewan Undangan Negeri) on Light Street (Lebuh Light). There are two entrances to the fort: at the east and west walls. Street parking is available around the esplanade at Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah and Jalan Padang Kota Lama. Kota Dine & Coffee is located near the east gate and behind the amphitheater.

Roselle

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This article is part of my Christmas 2018 compilation.

Special thanks to Lexis Suites Penang for extending this food review invitation.

Roselle Coffee House is the all-day dining restaurant in Lexis Suites Penang. Like many sections of the hotel, the dining area is furnished with marble floor and marble walls to present an opulent appearance.
This evening, Lexis Suites is offering a sneak peek of the upcoming Festive Christmas Buffet. The meal will be held at Hibiscus Grand Ballroom on Christmas Eve, and at Roselle Coffee House on Christmas Day.
First and foremost, Roast Turkey is essential in traditional Christmas feasts. The turkey is served with Yorkshire pudding (which goes well with vanilla ice cream), roasted baby potatoes, sautéed vegetables and rotkraut. As per tradition, turkey condiments are giblet and cranberry sauces. On the actual days, Roast Lamb Leg is available too.
While most restaurants only prepare one or two types of stuffing, Lexis Suites goes an extra mile with four! Stuffing flavors are chestnut & apple, duck & mushroom, turkey & sage and mushroom. Each type is interesting in its own way. They are certainly the highlight this evening.
Another delectable delicacy is Pan-Fried Smoked Duck Breast. The dish is garnished with oranges and pomegranates. Also recommended are Grilled Spicy Sausages which come with barbecue gravy.
As for seafood, go for the Baked Creamy Seafood Stew. Baked under a cheesy layer of crust is a savory stew of squid, mussels and shrimps. Meanwhile, the Poached Sea Bass is served with fresh dill and saffron butter sauce. It is not easy to cook this dish as the fish's texture is very sensitive to heat.
Next, Brussels Sprouts is topped with turkey ham and almond flakes. This vegetable dish serves as a counterbalance to the meaty dishes so far.
Moving on to Asian dishes, Fragrant Prawns are coated with nutmeg mayonnaise. The honey-sweet taste tantalizes my palate.
The bread section contains roughly ten different types of artisan bread. Examples are country bread, multigrain bread, baguette, focaccia and bread rolls. In the spirit of Christmas, there are gingerbread men too.
Accompanying the breads is a variety of cheeses such as Cheddar, Camembert, Swiss, Edam and Brie. Walnuts, grapes, raisins and crackers are available too. Diners who fancy cold cuts can help themselves with Smoked Salmon, Smoked Duck, Chicken Slices, Salami and Vegetable Terrine.
The fruit section presents a centerpiece that is carved in the likeness of a carnival's carousel. Available fruits are jackfruit (nangka), pitaya (dragon fruit), honeydew, papaya and watermelon.
The pastry section presents yuletide treats such as Christmas Yule Log, Stollen and Christmas Cookies. There are also confections like Chocolate Brownies, Cheesecake, Éclairs and Petits Fours. Other treats to delight your sweet tooth are Floating Island, Bread & Butter Pudding, Chocolate Fountain and Ice Cream.
On Christmas Eve, the diners will be entertained by a live band to evoke a festive mood. Lucky draws will be held too. In addition, Santa Claus will also make an appearance to give out candies to well-behaved children.
Shortly after Christmas, Lexis Suites is having a New Year Fiesta Countdown Party on New Year's Eve. The buffet dinner will be followed by an after-party at the Sky Terrace. Attendees can expect to be entertained by a live band, magic show and games with prizes.
Name: Roselle Coffee House
Address: 28, Jalan Teluk Kumbar, 11920 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-628-2888
Business hours: 6:30am-11:00pm
Website: https://www.lexissuitespenang.com/en/dining/overview/roselle-coffee-house
Coordinates: 5.28691 N, 100.23244 E
Directions: From Bayan Lepas, drive along Jalan Teluk Kumbar towards the intersection with Jalan Gertak Sanggul. Lexis Suites Penang is the tall building on the left just before the intersection. As the only building more than 3 floors in Teluk Kumbar, it is impossible to overlook this hotel. Roselle is located at the Mezzanine Floor, just above the lobby atrium.


Farquhar Mansion

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Special thanks to Farquhar Mansion for extending this food review invitation.

Farquhar Mansion is a fine dining restaurant near Eastern & Oriental Hotel. The upscale, two-storey building was restored from a colonial-era mansion. While the ground floor is where most diners are seated, the upper level is exclusively reserved for members only.
Farquhar Mansion specializes in contemporary French cuisine. Today's visit is to review the latest rendition of the Ultimate Chef's Tasting Menu. While waiting for the meal to begin, diners are served multigrain bread rolls with aromatic truffle butter.
The amuse-bouche is presented over a bed of roasted coffee beans. The first of the 2-piece appetizer is Bonito Arancini. The deep-fried rice ball is filled with skipjack tuna, eel and mozzarella cheese. Next to it is a Potato Soufflé that contains pickled cucumber and dill. The crispy croquette is garnished with paprika aioli and microgreens.
Aubergine Oreo consists of garlic cream cheese sandwiched between pieces of eggplant and prune chutney. This delicacy is meant to be dipped in ten don shooter. The latter's foamy consistency is achieved through the use of an espuma.
The next dish, Tropicana, is centered on sweet mango custard. Serving as companions are pecan nuts, ginger crisp, glazed Roma tomato, dried pineapple and grated coconut soil. The overall sweetness is quite pleasant to the palate.
Chicken Roulade is rolled with mushrooms and nuts, and then served with thick, savory fungi purée. The roulade's outer layer consists of jelly-like skin. Two succulent morels are served on the side. Popcorn is also present but I feel that it is disconnected from the rest of this dish.
Duo Foie Gras is an exquisite French delicacy. The goose liver must be seared gently in order to preserve its delicate texture. It is served with a slice of charred brioche and Granny Smith apple sauce. The buttery flavor of foie gras makes it gratifying indeed.
Taking a detour to the marine kingdom, the Ocean represents a seafood ensemble of grouper, abalone, clam and sea cucumber. The plating also incorporates slices of white radish and ginger jam.
Angus Beef Loin is cooked to medium rare, which is the ideal doneness for premium beef. The steak is served au jus and with black garlic aioli. On the side is a tartlet filled with slow-cooked beef cheeks. Also featured is a crispy slab of homemade tofu.
Moving on to the dessert, the Chestnut Mousse is presented over a bed of almond crumble. However, I am more fascinated by the presence of miniature coffee pearls. Also present are brown bread and vanilla sauce.
The 8-course Ultimate Chef's Tasting Menu is priced at RM278.00++. The menu may be revised as the season progresses in order to take advantage of the freshest produce. To cater vegetarians, Farquhar Mansion also offers the Chef's Tasting Vegetarian Menu for RM178.00++.
Name: Farquhar Mansion Fine Dining & Lounge
Address: 33, Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 019-528-8933
Business hours: 12:00pm-1:00am
Website: http://www.farquharmansion.com
Coordinates: 5.42309 N, 100.33472 E
Directions: Driving eastward along Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, follow the road as it curves left to Lebuh Farquhar. Mission Place is located on the right. Farquhar Mansion is the main building in the compound. There are parking spaces within its compound.

Regiustea

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Regiustea is known for its iced tea with cheese foam on top. The brand has 2 outlets in Penang: Queensbay Mall and Icon City. The former is located at Level 3, a short distance from Queens Hall.
The latest drink here is Harimau Pearl Milk Tea (虎斑珍珠奶茶, RM11.90). The bubble tea is sweetened with brown sugar in a manner that resembles stripes of a tiger. It also contains boiled tapioca pearls. Somehow I feel that the drink is too sweet for comfort.
Meanwhile, Crème Brulee (法式焦糖布雷, RM5.90) is a vanilla-flavored custard with a layer of caramelized sugar on top. I also feel that the level of sweetness is overpowering.

Address: 3F-26, Queensbay Mall, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-506-2718
Business hours: 10:00am-10:00pm
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Xiang Wei Desserts

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Xiang Wei Desserts (香味甜品) is a small family business from Alor Setar. It has a small outlet at Level 2 of Prangin Mall. The shop is somewhat hidden from view. Xiang Wei Desserts shares the place with a nail salon called The Nails Cafe.
Xiang Wei Desserts specializes in chilled douhua. The dessert is made from Canadian soybeans and does not contain gypsum powder. With a soft and silky texture, the pudding is quite enjoyable. Besides the original (RM3.50) version, it is also available in brown sugar, red bean and butterfly-pea flower flavors.
As for beverages, the Signature Brown Sugar Pearl Milk Tea (RM5.50) is an iced drink with gula melaka (palm sugar) and translucent tapioca pearls. It is advisable to shake the cup thoroughly before inserting a straw.
Address: 33-2-17, Prangin Mall, Jalan Dr. Lim Chwee Leong, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Contact: 017-422-4110
Business hours: 11:00am-8:00pm, closed on Wednesdays
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Golden Sands Resort

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Special thanks to Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La for extending this hotel review invitation.

Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La is a 4-star hotel at Batu Ferringhi. Operating under the Shangri-La's brand of hospitality, Golden Sands Resort is situated adjacent to Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa. It also shares many amenities with its sister property. Compared to Rasa Sayang, Golden Sands Resort presents a more casual setting as it caters to families with children.
Golden Sands Resort has nearly 400 guestrooms and suites throughout 7 floors. The main building curves around an expansive tropical garden that is extensively landscaped with lush greenery. Another advantage that the resort enjoys is the easy access to the famed Batu Ferringhi beach.
The main check-in counter is located at the hotel's main entrance. A refreshing glass of calamansi juice is served as the welcome drink. For quicker check in, Golden Circle members may approach the personalized counter at the Cool Lounge. This is also where early check-in and late check-out guests can relax in the comfort of air conditioning. There are shower facilities for guests to use while waiting.
Golden Sands Resort has 4 room categories: Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Executive Seaview Room and Executive Suite. The one that I am staying this weekend is the Executive Seaview Room. Furnished with a king-size bed, the room is reasonably spacious for 2 persons.
The Executive Seaview Room has a private balcony which faces the hotel's swimming pools. The view is particularly mesmerizing especially when the weather is good. A pair of beach chairs allows guests to sit back and enjoy the cool breeze from the sea.
The ensuite bathroom has a marble countertop with double sinks, and a shower stall with heated water. Toiletries and clean towels are provided. I am amused by the fact that the bathroom is specially designed to allow guests to watch television from within. A glass panel is strategically positioned to allow unobstructed view of the television screen. The bathroom is also equipped with piped-in sound system with adjustable volume control.
For entertainment, the room is furnished with a flat panel television with premium channels. Next to the television is an office desk with complimentary stationery and high speed Internet access. Other room amenities include a wardrobe, clothes iron, safe, minibar, electric water boiler and hair dryer. It is interesting to note that the resort has an in-house water bottling facility. Glass bottles are used in order to minimize plastic waste.
Regardless how long one's stay is, there is no shortage of recreational activities in the resort. Between the hotel's main building and the beach are two lagoon-shaped swimming pools as well as several smaller ones. The space between and around them are dotted with coconut palm trees, cabanas and sunloungers.
The swimming pools are remarkably clean and well maintained. Acknowledging the fact that the afternoon sun can be too intense at times, one of the larger swimming pools is partially sheltered by shade sails. For safety reasons, children and adult sections of the swimming pools are clearly delineated. Lifeguards are posted during the pools' open hours from 7:00am to 8:00pm.
As a family-friendly place, Golden Sands Resort prides itself on its fun-filled Splash Zone. This mini water park is equipped with water jets and mists, which provide a great way to cool down during a hot afternoon. For a more exhilarating experience, wait under the large tipping water bucket which spills every 3 minutes. Also worth checking out are two water slides (one measuring 30 meters in length) and an oversized hydro massage bathtub called Whirlpool!
Moving to dry land, the in-house fitness center has over a dozen pieces of exercise equipment. The gym also provides a clear view of the pools. Clean towels and drinking water are available. Outdoor recreational facilities include a 9-hole golf course, several tennis courts and a landscaped track for Ninebot/Segway.
Like other Shangri-La properties, Golden Sands Resort is capable of keeping guests occupied with plenty of recreational activities. Throughout the day, there are organized events like water volleyball, beach soccer, tai chi, pétanque, golf putting, jungle walk, snake shows and cooking classes just to name a few. Some of these activities are chargeable or require advance booking.
As for the more laid-back guests who prefer to bask in the sun, the poolside area has plenty of sunloungers and attap-thatched cabanas. For a better view, there are more sunloungers on the green lawn facing the beach. Coconut palm trees provide random pockets of shade which shift with the rejuvenating breeze.
Drinks and light snacks can be ordered from the Poolside Bar. It is not necessary to walk over; guests can summon a waiter at the push of a button. Available drinks are beer, wine, cocktails and even fresh coconuts.
Ice Kacang is the perfect treat on a sunny day. The shaved ice is sweetened with rose syrup, gula melaka (palm sugar) and evaporated milk. This slushy dessert also contains red beans, attap chee (nipa palm fruit), sweet corn, jelly, dried nutmeg, raisins and crushed peanuts. A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides the finishing touch.
In collaboration with Tropical Spice Garden, the resort has set up a Spice & Herb Garden next to Sigi's. This walk-through garden showcases live specimens of tropical plants that are traditionally used in Asian cuisines. Notable examples are pepper, curry leaf, cinnamon, ginger, kaffir lime, cat's whiskers (misai kucing) and Indonesian bay leaf (daun salam).
The adjacent Batu Ferringhi beach is open to the public. There are numerous small-time operators that offer pleasure excursions, water sports and massage services. These vendors operate independently from the resort, so guests are asked to exercise caution.
As part of Shangri-La's corporate social responsibility, Rasa Sayang and Golden Sands Resort jointly established Sanctuary, a turtle conservation project. In this project, turtle eggs that are recovered from the wild are buried here in safety until they hatch. Guests of both resorts are welcomed to visit the Turtle Eco Centre and learn more about these magnificent creatures.
Sandy the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is the official mascot of Golden Sands Resort. At 9:30am every morning, Sandy makes an appearance at the hotel lobby to greet guests who are having breakfast at the Garden Cafe. She is especially friendly with children!
The Gift Shop at the lobby sells all sorts of merchandise such as clothing, beach supplies and souvenirs. Baby Sandy plush toys are available for sale too. Part of the proceeds will be channeled to turtle conservation efforts. There are more shops at the Shopping Arcade, including ones that cover boutique, tailor, jeweler and beauty salon services.
In effort to appeal to children, Golden Sands Resort has an in-house Adventure Zone, a large indoor playground next to the tennis courts. The family entertainment center is specially designed with exciting drop slides and children-friendly games. Furthermore, parents may leave their children under the supervision of Cool Zone Kids Club. This convenience is complimentary for in-house guests and is suitable for children between ages 5 and 12. Meals are provided.
Speaking of meals, Garden Cafe is the resort's all-day dining restaurant. Located next to the hotel lobby, this al fresco eatery serves buffet dinner every evening except on Sundays. From Monday to Thursday, the "So You Can Feast"International Buffet Dinner allows two adults to dine for the price of one (RM98.00 net). Also for every paying adult, each child below 6 years old eats for free!
The Garden Cafe is sufficiently large to accommodate more than 200 diners. U-shaped food counters allow guests to reach food more easily. The open-air setting also allows guests to take advantage of the refreshing breeze that flows perpetually from the sea.
The Terrace is an extended dining section of Garden Cafe. Launched earlier this year, The Terrace has a ceiling that consists of glass panels, allowing sunlight to filter through during daytime. Open windows on the side present a scenic view during sunset.
The Garden Cafe is also where breakfast is served every morning. It is advisable to arrive before the main crowd (preferably before 8:30am) in order to enjoy breakfast at a leisure pace. The breakfast menu covers a wide variety of local dishes such as Nasi Lemak, Belacan Fried Rice, Dim Sum and Roti Canai. There are also several food counters that serve à la minute dishes like porridge and noodles.
The egg counter is where egg dishes are prepared. I personally enjoy a nice omelette. The omelette is filled with ham, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, scallions and chili peppers.
Also included are waffles, pancakes and French toast. They can be enjoyed with sweet condiments like maple syrup, honey, chocolate sauce and chocolate sprinkles. Other familiar breakfast items include streaky beef bacon, salami, chicken sausages, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, hash browns, breakfast cereals, cheese, muesli, yogurt and more.
The bread basket contains a fine selection of artisan bread. Sliced white and brown bread are available too. Bread spreads are butter, strawberry jam, apricot jam, orange marmalade, peanut butter, kaya (coconut jam) and Marmite (yeast extract). A conveyor toaster is provided.
Other pastries include chocolate cakes, butter cakes, croissants, Danish pastries, muffins, doughnuts and bread rolls. As for drinks, there are espresso coffee, Zesta tea and a number of fruit juices.
Sigi's Bar & Grill is the resort's beachside grillhouse. The kitchen is equipped with barbecue grills and a wood-fire pizza oven. A drinks bar where alcoholic beverages are concocted. The Sunday Sunset Grill is held here every Sunday evening.
The indoor dining section of Sigi's is bisected by an elongated pond. Diners who prefer al fresco dining can also choose to be seated outdoors. Meanwhile, the Private Sundeck is the perfect venue for small private gatherings. As a beachside restaurant, Sigi's affords captivating views of the sea, especially when the golden sun sets over the evening sea.
The Cool Lounge is yet another place for guests to relax and mingle. Open from 9:00am to 10:00pm, it also serves as a transit lounge for early check-in and late check-out guests. Reading materials, board games and Internet terminals are provided. Cool Lounge does not serve drinks nowadays, but guests can easily place their orders at the Lobby Lounge nearby.
Golden Sands Resort does not have its own spa center nor fine dining restaurant. However, guests may request for a short ride on a golf cart to Rasa Sayang to enjoy these facilities. In addition, the management provides free shuttle services between Golden Sands Resort and Hotel Jen Penang in George Town. Guests from the latter property may use the pool facilities here.
Golden Sands Resort has plenty of amenities to make a memorable family vacation a reality. Indeed, the resort presents a class of luxury beyond a typical 4-star hotel. A stay at Golden Sands Resort is not just a "stay" per se, but is an experience of the impeccable Shangri-La hospitality. Would-be guests can book through the hotel's website to enjoy the best room rates. It is advisable to sign up for Golden Circle membership for free. Golden Circle members are rewarded with loyalty points whenever they spend in any Shangri-La property.
Name: Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La 
Address: Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-886-1911
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/penang/goldensandsresort
Coordinates: 5.47656 N, 100.25132 E
Directions: Driving from George Town and upon arriving Batu Ferringhi, Golden Sands Resort is located on the right at the first traffic junction. Parking is complimentary for in-house and dine-in guests.

Makan Kitchen

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This article is part of my Christmas 2018 compilation.

Special thanks to DoubleTree Resort By Hilton Penang for extending this food review invitation.

Makan Kitchen is the main restaurant of DoubleTree Resort Penang. Located at Level LG of the 4-star hotel, Makan Kitchen serves a variety of local dishes as well as international flavors. This eatery also provides breakfast for the hotel's in-house guests.
The dining section of Makan Kitchen is reminiscent of a local hawker center. Tiffin carriers decorate many tiled food counters to create a nostalgic feeling. Meanwhile, the open kitchen on the side is where à la minute dishes are prepared.
For 6 months between October 2018 and March 2019, Makan Kitchen offers the Poolside BBQ Buffet every full moon. This month, full moon falls on November 22nd. As to the reason behind having the buffet during full moon, I speculate this is because the night sky is brighter.
As the name implies, the Poolside BBQ Buffet is held next to the hotel's swimming pool. Dining tables are arranged on the pool's sandy "shore", giving diners the illusion of an actual beach. The scenery is quite mesmerizing after sunset. The al fresco setting also takes advantage of the cooling breeze from the sea.
A charcoal-fired grilling station is where barbecued meats are prepared upon diners' request. Popular meat choices are Paprika Beef Minute Steak, Cajun-Marinated Lamb Cutlets and Cinnamon Chicken Thigh. As for seafood, marine delicacies are Tom Yam Tiger Prawns, Tandoori-Marinated Squid, Citrus-Marinated Green Mussels and Hokkaido Scallops.
The salad bar offers a handful of interesting dishes to complement barbecue. The salads this evening are Tuna Niçoise Salad, Feta Cheese Salad, Pea Sprouts Salad and Fruit Salad.
The Poolside BBQ Buffet is priced at RM99.00 net for adults. Children (aged 6 to 12) and senior citizens (above 60 years) enjoy half price. In addition, each child dines for free when he or she is accompanied by a paying adult.

In preparation for the upcoming Christmas festival, DoubleTree Resort is proud to give a sneak peek of its yuletide-themed buffets. The festive menu is themed "Sugar, Spice & All Things Nice". Once again, children and senior citizens get 50% discount off the regular adult price.
Starting at the carving station, the Roast Lamb is served with Yorkshire puddings, jacket potatoes and grilled tomatoes. As per tradition, the lamb also comes with mushroom and cranberry sauces. The actual menu includes Roast Turkey too.
Another commendation dish is Baked Sea Bass. Although mild in flavor, the fish is truly succulent. Meanwhile, lemon slices serve to give the sea bass a touch of citrus tanginess.
Seafood Chowder is available in two versions: cream- and tomato-based. While both types are pleasant, I personally prefer the former as it preserves the delectable taste of shrimps and mussels.
Sweet & Sour Fish is a popular Asian dish. Fish fillets are coated with batter, and then stir-fried with sweet-and-tangy sauce. Bell peppers and onions are added for the extra crunchiness.
As for Seafood Fried Rice, I am delighted to see a generous amount of shrimps in it. Try to consume this dish while it is still hot from the wok. This is when the rice's aroma and taste are at the zenith. Despite is simplicity, the Seafood Fried Rice appeals to my palate.
Hailing from the Middle East, the Eggplant Moussaka is another interesting dish indeed. Similar to lasagna in appearance, Eggplant Moussaka is made from layers of eggplant and tomato-based meat sauce. A layer of cheese crust covers the top.
Moving on to confections, Apple Strudel is prepared from a pastry jacket with sweet apple filling inside. It is also dusted with icing sugar for aesthetic appeal. Other festive pastries during Christmas season are Stollen, Panettone, Christmas Cookies and Fruitcake.
A week after Christmas, DoubleTree Resort is hosting a New Year's Eve Party on 31 December 2018. During the buffet dinner, the atmosphere is kept lively by a DJ and live band performance. There are also magic shows to keep children occupied. Early birds with confirmed bookings before 15 December 2018 enjoy 10% discount.
Name: Makan Kitchen
Address: 56, Jalan Low Yat, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-892-8000
Business hours: 6:30am-10:30pm
Website: Click here
Coordinates: 5.47781 N, 100.26905 E
Directions: DoubleTree Resort By Hilton Penang is located halfway between Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi. The hotel is on the left when driving from the former. Makan Kitchen is located one level below the hotel lobby. Parking costs RM5.00 per entry.

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