Penang Food For Thought

This article is part of my Christmas 2018 compilation.

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

Special offer: Mention "XMAS PENANGFOOD" when ordering to get 15% discount off the regular price of any Christmas buffet.

In preparation for the upcoming festive season, Eastin Hotel Penang is showcasing its Christmas promotion this evening. During Christmas, the hotel is having several yuletide-themed buffet sessions at Swez Brasserie, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant next to the lobby.

Of course, Christmas dinner would be incomplete without having Christmas Turkey. The plump bird is roasted to golden perfection, and then gently garnished with thyme for the enhanced aroma. Giblet gravy and cranberry sauce are provided as condiments.

Christmas Turkey is customarily enjoyed with Chestnut Stuffing. Nowadays, the stuffing is seldom "stuffed" into the bird, but is instead cooked separately. As per tradition, Chicken Meatloaf and Yorkshire Pudding are available too.

Another interesting delicacy at the carving station is Roasted Striploin. The beef is coated with crispy crust in order to keep its natural juice intact. The striploin is paired with savory mushroom sauce, grilled vegetables, baked baby potatoes and walnuts.

Among the hot dishes, I am most fascinated with the Wok-Fried Venison. Venison, or deer's meat, is tougher than beef but is arguably tastier. The slices of meat are sautéed with ginger and scallions à la Chinese cooking. I am impressed by the fact that the venison does not have the "raw" smell that many people are uncomfortable with.

Another peculiar dish this evening is Stuffed Squid. In this dish, cooked squid rings are filled with "otak-otak", a blend of fish and spices. The overall taste is mouthwatering indeed. As for the presentation, the squid rings are served over a bed of crispy egg noodles.

Seafood Bouillabaisse is a traditional stew from Provence. This French delicacy was originally created to use unsold seafood from the market. Of course, today's stew uses premium seafood ingredients like oysters, scallops and squid. The Seafood Bouillabaisse goes well with garlic bread and is highly recommended.

Moving to the salad section, diners can mix their own salads using fresh vegetables and a variety of dressings. Personally, I prefer the Italian Mushroom Salad and German Potato Salad. The Chicken Terrine and Seafood Terrine are scrumptious too.

Diners who enjoy seafood on ice can help themselves with blue crabs, shrimps, green-lipped mussels, oysters and scallops. Cocktail sauce is provided. In addition, diners can also indulge in platters of sushi and sashimi.

The presentation of fruits is pretty appealing; I appreciate the extra mile that the kitchen staff went through to take this happen. Fruits that are prepared today include papaya, honeydew, pineapple and watermelon.

At the pastry counter, the Black Forest Cake steals the spotlight with elaborate icing on top. Crushed pistachios on the side serve to provide extra crispiness. Other Christmas confections that the hotel prepared today are Christmas Cookies, Stollen, Christmas Pudding and more.

Of course, Christmas Yule Log Cake is an integral dessert in a traditional yuletide feast. The cake is meticulously decorated such that it resembles an actual Yule log. For instance, the chocolate icing is raked with a fork in order to mimic the rough texture of tree bark.

Eastin Hotel Penang serves 3 buffet sessions in total: Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day Lunch and Christmas Day Dinner. The adult price is RM88.00 net for lunch and RM128.00 net for dinner. There are discounted prices for children and senior citizens. On both evenings, a live band will be performing Christmas songs to entertain diners.

As for people who prefer to celebrate Christmas at home, the hotel is also offering take-out Christmas Turkey for RM338.00 net. This promotion is available until 26 December 2018. Orders need to be made 2 days in advance.

Name: Swez Brasserie
Address: 1, Solok Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-612-1111
Business hours: 6:00am-12:00am
Website: http://www.eastin.com/penang/dining
Coordinates: 5.33629 N, 100.30632 E
Directions: Eastin Hotel Penang is located along Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu) and is conveniently next to Queensbay Mall. Swez Brasserie an eatery next to the hotel lobby. There are parking spaces at the basement levels of the hotel.

This article is part of my Christmas 2018 compilation.

Special thanks to Royale Chulan Penang for extending this food review invitation.

This evening, Royale Chulan Penang gives a preview of its upcoming Christmas Eve Yuletide Buffet Dinner. Like the actual dinner, the preview event is held in Sri Tanjung Cafe at the Boustead Building. The centerpiece here is a large gingerbread house that resembles a snow-covered chapel.

Right off the bat, the Traditional Roast Turkey turns out to be the most impressive one that I have tasted this year. The meat is delightfully flavorful, partly due to the lovely marinade and partly thanks to mirepoix sausage and apricot stuffing. As per tradition, the turkey is served with Yorkshire pudding and cranberry sauce. Be sure to get some grilled pineapples too. Other meats at the carving station are Roast Beef Wellington and Roast Lamb Crown.

Given my affinity for cheese, it is no surprise that the Goat Cheese & Sun-Dried Tomato Pie appeals to my palate. Be advised that the strong taste of cheese may be overpowering for many people. In addition, the Smoked Duck Breast With Mango Salsa is pretty succulent too.

Cranberry Chicken Terrine and Turkey Ham are scrumptious indeed; I truly enjoy their juicy textures. Other dishes that are certain to tantalize one's taste buds are Salmon Gravlax, Octopus & Abalone Mango Salad, Artichoke Caprese Salad, Pasta Asparagus & Marinated Tomato, and Arugula Spinach & Walnut Salad.

The Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni catches my eye right away. The sausages are presented over tube-shaped pasta. Although the sausages are filled with cheese, they are fortunately not too salty.

Speaking of cheese, my favorite dish this evening goes to Spinach & Cheese Ravioli. Filled with chopped spinach and ricotta cheese, the pasta is dressed with creamy sauce. This makes the ravioli extremely gratifying. The same can be said for Spinach, Mushroom & Cheese Casserole. I am duly impressed by the appealing aroma of mushrooms.

Next, Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs are made from ground beef, bread crumbs and seasonings. The meatballs seem to go well with cranberry sauce.

The chilled seafood section covers marine delicacies like flower crabs, shrimps, bay mussels and scallops. Dipping sauces that go with seafood on ice are Thousand Island dressing, garlic aioli, tartar sauce and more.

An integral aspect of Christmas celebration is the variety of traditional Christmas pastries. Some of the popular ones are Yule Log, Stollen, Gingerbread Men and Christmas Cookies. It is also interesting to see Baked Alaska on the menu.

Other delectable treats this evening are Chocolate Almond Cake, Black Forest Cake, Opera Cake, Cranberry Apple Pie, Baked Cheesecake, Apple Strudel, Bread & Butter Pudding, Crème Caramel, French Pastries and more.

Taking a detour to a soupy dessert, I cannot recommend Poached Apples highly enough. The apples are cooked below boiling point, allowing them to infuse their tartness to the liquid without completely disintegrating. The liquid, primarily grape juice, is pleasantly sour. It is a sin not to have a second helping!

The Christmas Eve Yuletide Buffet Dinner is priced at RM120.00 net for adults. The adult price includes a party pack and a glass of wine. Meanwhile, children and senior citizens enjoy reduced prices of RM60.00 and RM80.00 respectively. In parallel, the hotel serves Christmas Eve Western Set Dinner at The Spice.

On New Year's Eve, Royale Chulan Penang is serving New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner at Sri Tanjung Cafe. This is mirrored by the New Year's Eve Western Set Dinner at The Spice. Confirmed bookings before 15 December 2018 enjoy 10% off. This discount applies to the adult price only.

Christmas serves as a reminder for us to lend a helping hand to those who are less fortunate. To this end, Royale Chulan Penang is having a "Candle Of Hope" charity event throughout the entire month of December 2018. Guests can help in spreading the Christmas cheer by buying a Christmas card for RM10.00. This year, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to The Children's Protection Society.

Name: Sri Tanjung Cafe
Address: 1 & 2, Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-259-8888
Business hours: 7:00am-10:30pm
Website: http://www.royalechulan-penang.com/dining
Coordinates: 5.41700 N, 100.34401 E
Directions: From the ferry terminal at George Town, turn right and drive along Weld Quay (Pengkalan Weld). Royale Chulan Penang is located shortly on the left, at the same block as Made in Penang Interactive 3D Museum. There is a small lane right after the hotel, which leads to the main entrance and multi-level car park. Guests who dine in Sri Tanjung Cafe can get their parking tickets validated for a flat rate of RM5.00 per entry.

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

Driving along the main road of Batu Ferringhi, it is impossible to overlook the imposing ship between Tarbush and Golden Thai. Measuring nearly 50 meters from bow to stern, this life-size replica of a full-rigged ship was constructed from wood! Well, this is the home of a famous steakhouse simply called The Ship.

The Ship has been operating for more than 30 years. Besides its succulent steaks, the restaurant is also renowned for its seafood and wines. On weekends, it is not unusual to see a long line of customers queuing up at the entrance.

The Ship was originally built with two decks of dining space. However, only the lower floor is used nowadays. In spite of that, this ship-themed restaurant is so large that the dining area can easily accommodate up to 300 diners!

While each outlet of The Ship is designed to resemble the cabin of a wooden vessel, this Batu Ferringhi branch elevates the theme to an entirely new level. At its "helm" is a mock ship's wheel and a chadburn. I noticed that the wheel faces the wrong direction with respect to the ship's bow.

Since I had steak during my previous visit, it makes perfect sense to opt for seafood today. Besides the à la carte menu, there is also a new set dinner menu every month. For this month, the meal's theme is Thanksgiving. Priced at RM72.90++, the course meal consists of an appetizer, soup, main course and dessert.

The appetizer, Escargots Bourguignonne, is often served as an hors d'oeuvre in French cuisine. Baked in Chablis garlic sauce, the snails are presented in their original shells. The escargots are fresh and juicy, and go too well with the creamy sauce. Special tongs and fork are provided to savor this exquisite delicacy.

Today's soup is Italian Minestrone, a thick vegetable soup that is blessed with tangy tomatoes. I am also delighted by the presence of conchiglie, a type of shell-shaped pasta.

Moving on to the main course, Grilled Tiger Prawns & Norwegian Salmon Steak are served with French fries, tartar sauce, corn on the cob and mini salad. The shrimps are expertly grilled with white wine, butter and paprika. This results in a lovely crunchiness that delights my palate. Meanwhile, the salmon remains fairly juicy and goes well with aromatic parsley butter.

It is interesting to note that The Ship's has its own label of chili sauce. This condiment is notably spicier than generic brands. It serves as the perfect companion for French fries.

As for the dessert, the Cheese Cake has a reasonably strong taste of cheese. It would be nice to have some strawberry sauce on the side.

Meanwhile for beverages, the Fruit Punch (RM12.90) is concocted from a mixture of fruit juices. The iced drink is served in a Hurricane glass with a watermelon wedge and orange slice on the rim.

The seafood at The Ship is indisputably fresh and satisfying. It is amazing that a restaurant that has stood the test of time still remains at the top of its game. As for customers who find Batu Ferringhi too far away, The Ship has another outlet at Jalan Sri Bahari in George Town.

Name: The Ship
Address: 69-B, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-881-2142
Business hours: 12:00pm-12:00am (Sunday-Friday), 12:00pm-1:00am (Saturday)
Website: https://www.theship.com.my
Coordinates: 5.47390 N, 100.24753 E
Directions: The Ship is located on the main road at Batu Ferringhi, sandwiched between Tarbush and Golden Thai. There are parking spaces around the restaurant.

Special thanks to The Northam All Suite Hotel for extending this hotel review invitation.

The Northam All Suite Hotel is a 4-star property along Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah. It has 142 suites in total. The Northam only occupies certain floors of the building; the remaining floors are for offices.

Thanks to its strategic location, The Northam enjoys great views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, one can even spot Seberang Perai across the strait.

The hotel lobby is located at the Ground Floor. While waiting to be checked in, guests can rest at the adjacent Lobby Lounge. There are reading materials and a television for guests to pass the time. The Lobby Lounge also serves light snacks and drinks.

The Coffee House is the hotel's all-day dining restaurant. The eatery serves Nasi Campur for lunch at very affordable prices. In addition, the Grab & Go promotion is perfect for guests who are on the move in the morning.

I am staying in the Junior Suite for this review. The suite consists of two sections: living room and bedroom. The former is furnished with rattan chairs, office desk and minibar. It also has a small powder room for visitors. The wooden floor with earth tones presents a rather rustic look.

On the other side, the bedroom has an attached bathroom with a large wardrobe. Besides a shower stall, the spacious bathroom is also fitted with a hot tub! Towels, bathrobes and basic toiletries are provided for the convenience of guests.

Breakfast is served from 6:30am every morning at the Coffee House. The Northam is renowned for its Nasi Lemak. The sambal (chili paste) presents a sharp spiciness that tantalizes the tongue. Nasi Lemak is often enjoyed with chicken curry, hard-boiled eggs, anchovies, roasted peanuts and cucumber.

Breakfast cereals are Corn Flakes, Froot Loops, Rice Krispies and Mini-Wheats. Fresh milk is provided. Other common breakfast items are chicken sausage, sliced chicken ham, baked beans, fried rice, oatmeal, salads and fruits. Meanwhile, the à la minute counter serves omelette and noodles.

Two types of porridge are provided: plain and with anchovies. Porridge condiments are anchovies, pickled mustard, fried shallots, roasted peanuts, ginger slivers and chopped scallions. Sesame oil and soy sauce are available too.

As for pastries, there are baguette, country bread and sliced white bread. Bread spreads include butter, strawberry jam, pineapple jam, peanut butter and kaya (coconut jam). Guests can use the conveyor toaster if they prefer their bread to be browned. Also available are marble butter cake, mini cupcakes and bread & butter pudding.

I am particularly impressed with the croissant and Danish pastry. Their delicate flakiness crumbles nicely in the mouth. The amount of butter used is perfect too. If you crave for these pastries, you will be pleased to know that they can be purchased through the Grab & Go promotion throughout the day.

The Northam's fitness center is located on Level 9, which is the same level as the Roof Terrace. The modest-sized gym has several pieces of exercise equipment. Clean towels are provided.

The hotel's infinity pool is also located nearby. There are several sunloungers on the wooden deck where guests can relax while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

To reserve a room at The Northam, you may visit its website to check for availability and get the best room rates.

Name: The Northam All Suite Hotel
Address: 55, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-370-1111
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: https://www.northamhotel-penang.com
Coordinates: 5.42727 N, 100.32125 E
Directions: The Northam is located on Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, right after VOUK Hotel Suites. There is a multilevel parking garage in the hotel. Parking is complimentary for in-house guests.

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

DoubleTree Resort Penang is Hilton's first and only property in Penang. This 4-star hotel is located along Miami Beach (Pantai Miami), which is roughly halfway between Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah.

The resort's main entrance features an open-air lobby with water fountains. While waiting to be checked in, guests can help themselves with light refreshments. Each guest also gets a signature DoubleTree cookie. This lovely treat comes in two flavors: chocolate chip and walnut.

Near the hotel's elevators is a large mural surrounded by rock formations. The painting is the handiwork of Gabriel Pitcher, a prominent British artist who has worked on many murals around Malaysia.

DoubleTree Resort has more than 300 guestrooms and suites. There are different categories to suit the needs of each guest. Accommodation choices range from Deluxe Room to Presidential Terrace Suite.

For this weekend getaway, I am staying in the King Premier Room, which has a balcony with an excellent view of the sea. The room is furnished with a king-size bed. Other room amenities include flat-panel television with premium channels, minibar, coffee- and tea-making utensils, electronic safe, clothes iron and more.

The ensuite bathroom has a rain shower with heated water. Also provided are complimentary toiletries courtesy of Crabtree & Evelyn. Bathrobes and bath slippers are placed in the sliding wardrobe.

DoubleTree Resort has a moderate-sized swimming pool at Level LG. Around the pool's edge are sunloungers and cabanas. One stretch is even covered with fine sand. Should guests prefer to explore Miami Beach, the resort has a pedestrian bridge that leads to the public beach.

In effort to make the hotel more welcoming to children, DoubleTree Resort has a knee-deep wading pool with a small playground in the middle. A tipping water bucket pours cooling water every few minutes. There are water jets and mists at this sandy pool too.

For families with children, the Kids Club allows young ones to be entertained and supervised. Children can be kept occupied by numerous activities throughout the day, including outdoor games and art & crafts. This child care service is complimentary for in-house guests.

TeddyVille Museum Penang is another major attraction at DoubleTree Resort. It has the largest collection of teddy bears in Malaysia. Besides displaying vintage bears, TeddyVille Museum uses teddy bears to present the history and cultural heritage of Penang. In-house guests enjoy discounted ticket prices.

Located at Level L1, the fitness center commands a good view of the swimming pool. The gym has around a dozen pieces of exercise equipment, mostly of state-of-the-art models. The fitness center is open 24 hours and requires keycard access.

The Spacation allows guests to pamper themselves with a variety of spa therapies. There are three treatment rooms including one for couples. The Spacation operates from 10:00am to 11:00pm. Prior reservation is highly recommended.

The Axis Lounge is where guests can mingle and enjoy the cooling breeze from the sea. Afternoon tea is served here. Alcoholic beverages are available too. A live band performs at the Axis Lounge every Friday and Saturday evening.

Next to Axis Lounge is The Food Store where coffee and other drinks are served. The menu also includes light snacks such as sandwiches, homemade ice cream, crackers and most importantly, DoubleTree cookies. The Food Store has several computer terminals and a coin-operated pool table to keep guests entertained.

Located next to the swimming pool is Makan Kitchen, the resort's all-day dining restaurant. Its à la carte menu covers local and international flavors. In addition, the restaurant serves buffet dinner every Friday and Saturday, and Poolside BBQ Buffet during full moon.

Makan Kitchen is also where in-house guests have breakfast. Familiar food items include French toast, pancakes, scrambled eggs, chicken sausages, beef slices, baked beans, breakfast cereals and fried noodles.

The nasi lemak counter presents aromatic rice with ingredients like sambal (chili paste), fried anchovies, hard-boiled egg, roasted peanut and cucumber slices. Chicken curry and pajeri terung (eggplant curry) are optional side dishes.

The noodle station prepares local hawker food such as curry mee. I like the delightful texture of tofu puffs. To cater guests from China, the buffet spread also includes spring rolls, Chinese buns (包子), tea eggs (茶叶蛋) and soy milk.

Roti canai, chapati and vada are available at the Indian counter. Vegetable dhal and fish curry are provided as condiments. The counter has a charcoal pit to allow guests to toast Bengali bread.

Cold cuts include smoked fish and chicken slices. Next to them is a cheese platter with nuts, raisins, grapes and dried apricots. As for health-conscious guests, there are dedicated counters for salad and fruits.

Moving on, the pastry section contains croissants, Danish pastries, muffins and marble butter cakes. Sliced bread comes with several bread spreads like peanut butter and jam. A conveyor toaster is provided.

DoubleTree Resort has an in-house convenience store for the benefit of guests who need necessities like sunscreen. The shop also sells a variety of clothing and souvenirs.

Remember to take a selfie in front of another mural outside Makan Kitchen. The mural depicts a scene at Kimberley Street (Lebuh Kimberley) in George Town. This is a perfect spot for taking group photos.

DoubleTree Resort Penang is relatively secluded compared to other hotels at Batu Ferringhi. It is an excellent choice of accommodation for guests who prefer some privacy. In addition, the resort's family-friendly orientation is a big plus for holidaymakers with young children.

Name: DoubleTree Resort By Hilton Penang
Address: 56, Jalan Low Yat, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-892-8000
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: Click here
Coordinates: 5.47799 N, 100.26925 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. Parking is complimentary for in-house guests.

Special thanks to The Spacation for extending this spa review invitation.

Looking for a good spa to treat yourself? The Spacation is the perfect choice. Located at Level L1 of DoubleTree Resort Penang, The Spacation offers a wide range of treatments ranging from traditional massages to body scrubs.

Besides individual therapies, The Spacation also offers spa packages for a more comprehensive experience. The most popular package is Buang Angin, which bundles herbal steam bath, body scrub and herbal hot press in 2 hours and 30 minutes. Customers may choose their favorite aromatic oils such as lemongrass, peppermint and ginger.

The Spacation has three treatment rooms including a private room for couples. For the convenience of guests, each room has an attached shower, sink and toilet. Disposable underwear is provided.

After the treatment, retire to the sitting room and enjoy a nice view of the sea. The post-treatment relaxation is truly satisfying, especially while sipping a hot cup of ginger tea.

Due to limited rooms at The Spacation, it is advisable to make reservations in advance. Appointments can be made by phone or email. Remember to arrive 10 minutes earlier for registration.

The Spacation has another outlet at Holiday Inn Resort Penang. Spa certificate is available for purchase at both locations. This is the perfect gift to surprise and pamper your loved ones.

Name: The Spacation
Address: 56, Jalan Low Yat, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-892-8066
Business hours: 10:00am-11:00pm
Website: http://thespacation.com
Coordinates: 5.47786 N, 100.26909 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. The Spacation is located on Level L1. Parking costs RM5.00 per entry.

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

Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya is one of the longest operating hotels in Perai. This 4-star property is located strategically near Sunway Carnival Mall and the Perai Industrial Estate. It is also adjacent to Sunway Medical Centre, which is currently under construction.

At the hotel reception, guests can help themselves with welcome drinks while waiting to be checked in. There are also reading materials and travel brochures at the sitting area. In-house guests who need a free ride to Sunway Carnival Mall can also approach the front office.

Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya has 202 guestrooms and suites in total. To suit the needs of each guest, the hotel provides 4 room categories: Deluxe Room, Premier Room, Club Room and Club Suite. The Deluxe Room comfortably accommodates 2 guests and can still fit an extra bed if needed. Note that smoking is strictly prohibited in all guestrooms and common areas.

The Club Suite is ideal for guests who appreciate the extra space. This option is particularly useful for business travelers who need a separate living room to conduct business. Shown here is the largest suite of all, Perdana Suite. It is nearly 3 times larger than a standard room!

I am staying at the Club Room this weekend. Located on the top floor, the room affords nice views of the surrounding area. Club-level guests enjoy privileges such as welcome drink, complimentary laundry service, turndown service, evening cocktail and exclusive access to the Club Lounge. There is even a pillow menu to choose from!

Directly across the bed is a flat-panel television with around two dozen channels. Next to it is a writing desk with high-speed Internet connection and USB charging ports. An electronic safe and a clothes iron are placed inside the sliding wardrobe.

In Club Rooms and Club Suites, the minibar is stocked with complimentary canned drinks that are restocked daily. Coffee, tea and snacks are provided too. I am also pleased to see Benitorr white coffee. Furthermore, a box of Ban Heang Tambun biscuits serves as a welcome gift.

The ensuite bathroom has a shower stall with heated water. Basic toiletries such as body shampoo, soap, moisturizer and dental kit are provided. There are also bathrobes and bathroom slippers in the wardrobe.

Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya does not have a swimming pool, but it makes up for that with a well-equipped fitness center. There are around a dozen pieces of exercise equipment such as treadmills, stationary bicycles and weight machines. Changing rooms are located nearby for the convenience of guests. The gym is open 24 hours a day.

Sri Cengal Ballroom consists of two partitions, which when combined, can accommodate up to 350 people in a banquet setting. Classroom- or theatre-style seating arrangements are possible too. The hotel has smaller function rooms on other floors; each room is named after a tropical wood like merbau and nyatoh.

The business center is located at the ground floor under the spiral stairs. There are two computer termnals and a printer here. The latter is useful for guests who need to print boarding passes. On top of this, Club-level guests may also use the Club Meeting Room on Level 15 for boardroom-style meetings.

PressReader is a complimentary service provided by Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya. The mobile app allows guests to read thousands of newspapers and magazines from around the world. These publications are accessible within the hotel's Wi-Fi network only, but guests may download them onto their phones for reading later.

The Club Lounge on Level 15 is exclusive to Club-level guests only. It affords a relaxing ambience for those who appreciate a more private setting. Instead of the usual Sun Cafe, Club-level guests can also opt to have breakfast at the Club Lounge.

Evening cocktail is served at the Club Lounge between 6:00pm and 8:00pm. Guests may savor a variety of tapas, cold cuts, cheeses, fruits, salads and pastries. Beer and wine are complimentary. I must also say that the espresso coffee here is pretty amazing.

Sun Cafe is hotel's primary coffeehouse. Open from 6:30am to 1:00am, this halal-certified restaurant covers a range of local and international flavors. In addition, Peranakan Buffet Dinner is currently served on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Breakfast is served at Sun Cafe from 6:30am to 10:30am. A good way to start the morning is with nasi lemak. Nasi lemak is typically eaten with sambal (chili paste), ikan bilis (anchovies), hard-boiled eggs, roasted peanuts, cucumber and chicken curry.

Two types of rice porridge are provided: plain and seafood. Congee condiments include fried anchovies, pickled mustard, roasted peanuts, fried shallots, ginger slivers and more.

Roti canai is enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Potato curry serves as the dipping sauce. In addition to this, guests can also order omelette and noodles from the à la minute counter.

Other popular breakfast food items are roasted beef, chicken meatloaf, chicken sausages, French toast, hash browns, baked beans, breakfast cereals, dim sum and more.

There is even a vegetarian counter where fried noodle, mock meat and buttered vegetables are served.

At the bread section, sliced bread can be toasted using a conveyor toaster. Bread spreads are butter, strawberry jam, orange marmalade, peanut butter and kaya (coconut jam).

Moving on, the pastry section presents freshly baked croissants, Danish pastries, muffins and multigrain bread. Meanwhile, bread and butter pudding comes with vanilla sauce.

Cut fruits include watermelon and honeydew. As for beverages, available choices are fruit cocktail, orange juice, teh tarik (pulled tea), black coffee and tea.

Next to Sun Cafe is The Lounge. The bar where alcoholic beverages like cocktails, liqour, wine and beer are served. A pool table here provides entertainment. The Lounge is only open in the evening.

Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya is one of the two hotel properties in Penang under Sunway Hotels & Resorts; the other is Sunway Hotel Georgetown at New Lane (Lorong Baru). Rooms can be booked through the hotel's website for the most attractive rates. It is also a good idea to sign up for Sunway Pals membership in order to enjoy additional perks.

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: 24 hours
Website: https://seberangjaya.sunwayhotels.com
Coordinates: 5.39561 N, 100.39810 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. Parking is free for in-house guests.

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

Sun Cafe is the all-day dining restaurant in Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya. Located at the ground floor of the hotel, it provides breakfast for in-house guests. The eatery also serves Peranakan Buffet Dinner every Friday and Saturday evening. The menu features a variety of traditional Peranakan (Nyonya) dishes, particularly popular ones from the Penang Peranakan community.

For starters, there are a variety of local salads to stimulate the taste buds. Served today are Kerabu Mangga (mango salad), Kerabu Tanghoon (glass noodle salad), Shredded Chicken With Marinated Chili & Lime, and Marinated Jelly Fish With Chili Honey Sauce. Most of these salads use local spices like cili padi (bird's eye chili) quite liberally.

Vietnamese Spring Rolls are known as "gỏi cuốn" in the native language. They consist of shredded carrots, cucumber, jicama and rice vermicelli rolled in soft rice paper. Since the ingredients themselves lack flavor, these spring rolls are often eaten with sweet chili sauce called "nước chấm". As for something more local, Nasi Ulam is a dish of rice mixed with fresh herbs and spices.

The à la minute counter serves another Nyonya specialty, Asam Laksa. The broth is prepared from mackerel and is infused with asam (tamarind), lemongrass and daun kesum (laksa leaf). As per tradition, Asam Laksa is served with thick rice noodle, cucumber, shallots, pineapples, lettuce, ginger flower and chili peppers. However, I feel that the broth needs to be richer with fish flavor.

Kapitan Chicken is yet another iconic Penang Peranakan dish. Chicken pieces are cooked in a curry that is extremely rich in coconut milk. Also included are kaffir lime leaves for the extra aroma.

As for Ayam Pongteh, pieces of chicken and potatoes are stewed with fermented soybeans and gula melaka (palm sugar). The overall taste is sweet and savory. This dish goes especially well with rice.

Taking a detour to seafood, Asam Prawns is a dish of wok-fried shrimps with tamarind juice, sugar and salt. If cooked well, the tamarind's tartness is able to penetrate the shrimps thoroughly.

As for fish, Ikan Asam Pedas is cooked in a spice mix that includes tamarind. Tamarind gives the fish a gentle hint of sourness.

If you prefer something lighter to the palate, check out the Stir Fried Eggplant. I just love the soft texture of the vegetable. The dish comes with a generous amount of minced chicken.

Moving on to desserts, Sago Gula Melaka is a pudding made from miniature sago pearls. While sago is usually translucent, it is dyed red with rose essence. Sago is also nearly tasteless on its own. This is why the pudding is customarily eaten with gula melaka and coconut milk.

Nyonya kuih is an integral element of Nyonya cuisine. Several types are served this evening. My favorite ones are Pulut Tai Tai and Kuih Lapis Pelangi. The former is dyed by the extract of butterfly-pea flowers (bunga telang).

Other kuih choices include Kuih Talam Pandan, Kuih Ketayap and Kek Gula Hangus. Should diners prefer soupy desserts, there are Bubur Pulut Hitam (black glutinous rice soup) and Bubur Kacang Hijau (mung bean soup) too.

The Peranakan Buffet Dinner at Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya is priced at RM51.70++ for adults, RM30.20++ for children and RM38.80++ for senior citizens. The buffet was supposed to run from September to October 2018, but in response to popular demand, the promotion has been extended till 22 December 2018.

Name: Sun Cafe
Address: 11, Lebuh Tenggiri 2, Pusat Bandar Seberang Jaya, 13700 Seberang Jaya, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-370-7788
Business hours: 6:30am-1:00am
Website: https://seberangjaya.sunwayhotels.com/dining/sun-cafe-penang
Coordinates: 5.39564 N, 100.39810 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. Sun Cafe is located on the ground floor. There are parking spaces within the hotel's compound. The parking fee is RM4.00 per entry.

Special thanks to Food Connection for extending this food review invitation.

Food Connection is an online food delivery service, specializing in bringing homemade food products to one's doorstep. The web-based service covers more than 600 products from 80 brands under its umbrella. Initially specializing in cookies and snacks, Food Connection has recently expanded its scope to include breakfast cereals, coffee, herbal drinks, cakes, jam, condiments, instant noodles and cooking ingredients.

To streamline the ordering process, Food Connection has introduced two new categories on its

website. Under "Homemade Chef", there is a wide range of home-based food products across Malaysia. Meanwhile, "Half Century" lists many famous brands that have stood the test of time.

Some of the popular food products offered by Food Connection are Ash's Homemade Spicy Mixed Veggies Pickles (RM19.40), Ash's Homemade Mulberry Leaf Tea With Jujube (RM22.40), Choon Guan's Klang Roasted Hainanese Coffee (RM28.00) and Nicole's Homemade XO Sauce (RM31.00). Items are shipped in special packages to ensure that they arrive in perfect condition.

In effort to reward recurring customers, Food Connection gives 5% rebate on all orders. For example if you spend RM100.00 in one order, you get RM5.00 credit for the next purchase. Shipping fee is waived for orders above RM50.00. In addition, get a mystery gift whenever your order amount exceeds RM150.00.

Food Connection provides nationwide delivery including to Singapore. This means that one can order any product from any state regardless of one's shipping address. To get more information on Food Connection and its latest offers, check out its

website or

Facebook page. For inquiries, one may contact Food Connection by phone or WhatsApp at

(+60) 12-345 6901, or simply drop an email to

ccchew@foodconnection.com.my.

Name: Food Connection
Address: 16, Jalan Medan Ipoh 9, Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
Contact: 012-345-6901
Business hours: N/A
Website: https://www.foodconnection.com.my
Coordinates: N/A
Directions: N/A

Special thanks to TeddyVille Museum Penang for extending this attraction invitation.

TeddyVille Museum Penang is a tourist attraction inside DoubleTree Resort Penang. The museum was opened in 2017, which predates the hotel itself.

Covering over 9,000 square feet, TeddyVille Museum has the largest collection of teddy bears in Malaysia. Its prized collection includes vintage pieces that date back as early as the early 20th century.

The first section of the museum showcases the evolution of teddy bears since the first one in 1902. Throughout the years, history has seen well known teddy bears like Paddington Bear, Yogi Bear and Winnie-the-Pooh.

TeddyVille Museum has everything you ever need to know about teddy bears. Each exhibit is accompanied by a detailed description. For instance, Teddy Ruxpin which debuted in 1985 is the world's first talking toy. The teddy bear's mouth moves in sync with its voice, adding a new level of realism.

The subsequent exhibits depict the rich history and culture of Penang - using teddy bears in various costumes and settings. For example, this scene shows the founding of Prince of Wales Island (Penang Island) in 1786 by Captain Francis Light (1740-1794).

Malay villages, known as "kampung", are known for communal friendliness among villagers. Traditional Malay houses are made of wood. Many of them are built on stilts as a protection against wild animals and floods.

The first wave of Chinese immigrants arrived Southeast Asia in the 15th century. Having assimilated with the local community, the Peranakan people has developed a distinct culture, costumes and cuisine from the general Chinese population today.

Indians represent the third largest ethnic community in Penang. A vast majority of them embrace Hinduism, of which Thaipusam is a major festival. In Penang, the main celebration is held at Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple near Penang Botanic Gardens. The grand procession is a sight to behold!

The northeastern district of George Town is known for immemorial shophouses and narrow, winding alleys. This section of the city has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 2008.

Familiar sights in the historical core of George Town include trishaws, bread peddlers on bicycles, and "mamak" (Indian-Muslim) stalls serving teh tarik (pulled tea). It is still possible to find an Indian barber who gives a nice neck massage after a haircut.

Toh Soon Cafe (多春茶座) is a long-time breakfast spot in George Town. Located at a small alley off Campbell Street (Lebuh Campbell), the place is very popular among locals. The shop is renowned for using a charcoal oven to toast bread.

Gurney Drive Hawker Center (Pusat Penjaja Anjung Gurney) is a popular nighttime eatery. You can find almost any Penang street food here. Popular ones are asam laksa, char koay teow, pasembur, satay, lok lok, ikan bakar, sotong kangkung and more.

Siam Road Char Koay Teow is one of the better known stalls that sell char koay teow (炒粿条). The stall is operated by an elderly man who has been cooking at this spot for several decades. He recently moved to a proper shop several doors away.

Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul is the most famous stall that sells this dessert. The stall at Lebuh Keng Kwee opens to a long line of customers every day.

Durian is considered the king of fruits in Southeast Asia. When durians are in season, people from all around the country flock to Penang to indulge in the fruit. Famous cultivars include Musang King (猫山王), Red Prawn (红虾), Hor Lor (葫芦) and D24. Durian is a very polarizing fruit: some people love durians more than anything in the world; others will not touch durians with a ten-foot pole!

The art of making batik is an age-old heritage in this country. The process begins by etching wax on a piece of cloth. When soaked in dyes, wax-covered sections of cloth are not colored. Wax is removed using hot water, and the process is repeated to create more intricate patterns. Batik clothing is considered formal attire in Malaysia.

Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) is the highest point on Penang Island. The summit can be easily reached by funicular railway. Besides the cool air, Penang Hill gives a panoramic view of the entire island. Famous attractions on Penang Hill include The Habitat, Owl Museum, Little Village, Monkey Cup Garden, Love Lock and David Brown's.

Kek Lok Si (极乐寺) is another prominent landmark in Penang. The majestic pagoda combines Chinese, Thai and Burmese architectural elements. The Buddhist temple also features a 30-meter bronze statue of Guanyin (观音), the Goddess of Mercy, in a pavilion.

Penang International Dragon Boat Festival is held at Teluk Bahang Dam every December. The dragon boat race attracts many teams across Malaysia as well as from neighboring countries. Rigged with decorative dragon heads and tails, the long boats are usually paddled by 20 people.

Penang Bridge International Marathon is one of the most iconic marathon events in Malaysia. The full marathon covers the entire length of the bridge. The current record of 2:19:49 was set in 2014.

TeddyVille Museum offers plenty of photo opportunities with life-size teddy bears. There are teddy bear representations of distinguished Penangites, namely badminton legend Lee Chong Wei, squash superstar Nicol David, the late entertainer P. Ramlee (1929-1973) and renowned shoe designer Jimmy Choo.

Towards the end of the tour, there is an interesting spot which uses optical illusion to make people look much smaller than normal. Instant photos are available for purchase. Note that TeddyVille Museum does not allow video recording.

Finally, the Beary Good Shop sells souvenirs like T-shirts, handbags, keychains and refrigerator magnets. Visitors can also purchase collectible plush toys from Steiff. Steiff's teddy bears are known for their exceptionally high quality. Made entirely by hand in Germany, no two Steiff bears are identical!

Most people would spend an hour or two inside TeddyVille Museum. The staff can provide guided tours and assist in taking photographs. But if you are fascinated with teddy bears, you are welcome to explore the museum at your own pace.

The admission price for TeddyVille Museum is RM36.00 for adults and RM29.00 for students. Children below the age of 12 enjoy special rate of RM25.00. In-house guests of DoubleTree Resort are also given discounted prices.

Name: TeddyVille Museum Penang
Address: 56, Jalan Low Yat, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-890-5345
Business hours: 9:00am-6:00pm
Website: http://teddyvillemuseum.com
Coordinates: 5.47757 N, 100.26913 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. TeddyVille Museum is located at the same floor as the hotel lobby. Parking costs RM5.00 per entry.

This article is part of my Chinese New Year 2019 compilation.

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

My first review event in 2019 is at DoubleTree Resort Penang. This evening, the hotel is showcasing its Chinese New Year buffet dinner. The theme today is "Year Of Blooming Abundance". Dinner is served at Makan Kitchen, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant.

Yee sang (鱼生) is an essential appetizer during Chinese New Year. Makan Kitchen's Prosperity Yee Sang presents a colorful mixture of smoked salmon, jellyfish, shredded vegetables, crushed peanuts and crackers. Plum sauce (酸梅) and five-spice powder (五香粉) provide additional flavors.

Next, the bread basket gathers an assortment artisan bread such as country bread, rye bread, grissini and bread rolls. As for soup, Eight Treasures Soup (八宝汤) is served this evening. The thick soup contains lots of seafood ingredients.

The buffet menu includes a variety of Chinese-style hot dishes. For instance, Braised Mushroom With Broccoli contains fat choy (发菜), a silky ingredient that resembles black hair. Fat choy is considered an auspicious dish because it is a homonym for "striking rich" (发财). Other notable dishes are Wok-Fried Prawns and Nyonya Steam Fish.

The à la minute counter is where Chinese Herbal Noodle Soup and White Curry Noodle Soup are prepared. As for roast meats, I cannot recommend the Roast Duck highly enough. It is amazingly tender and succulent.

Diners who enjoy chilled seafood can help themselves with flower crabs, shrimps, oysters and mussels on ice. Tabasco sauce and lemon wedges are provided as condiments.

The salad counter provides a variety of pre-mixed salads like Potato Salad, Tuna Niçoise Salad, Honeymelon Salad, Asparagus & Orange Salad and Marinated Baby Octopus. Of course, diners can mix their own salads should they prefer to do so.

Moving on, the Indian counter offers a variety of lovely dishes from the subcontinent. These dishes include Chicken Kurma, Indian Fish Curry, Fish Kebab, Aloo Ghobi (potatoes & cauliflower), Chickpeas Masala, Vegetable Dalcha and Vegetable Biryani Rice. Behind the counter is a tandoor oven where Tandoori Chicken and Naan are prepared.

Proceeding to the pastry section, I am impressed with elaborate decorations on the Mandarin Orange Butter Cake and Tiramisu Cake. I particularly enjoy the latter as the cake is flavored with coffee. Also worth mentioning is Osmanthus Jelly (桂花糕) that comes in cocktail glasses.

Diners who have a sweet tooth for Western confections may help themselves with dainty mignardises like Green Tea Cheesecake, Chocolate Moist Cake, Red Velvet Cake, Mini Paris Brest, Fresh Fruit Tarts and Panna Cotta.

As a family-friendly hotel, DoubleTree Resort accommodates the needs of children with a dedicated kids section. The chocolate fountain here attracts young ones with sweet aroma of cocoa. Meanwhile, barber pole candies, jelly candies, red plum candies (黄心梅) and lemon candies (柠檬饼) are presented in glass jars.

Also present in the kids section are sweet treats such as cupcakes and doughnuts. They are decorated with icing in festive Chinese New Year colors. Compliments to the pastry team for going the extra mile to make them so appealing.

DoubleTree Resort's Chinese New Year buffet dinner is served every Friday and Saturday in January and February 2019. From 4 February 2019 to 6 February 2019, Makan Kitchen will be serving a broader menu to welcome the Lunar New Year. Children and senior citizens enjoy 50% discount.

As for customers who prefer a more formal dining setting, check out DoubleTree Resort's Chinese New Year course meals. There are two options: Prosperity Package (RM1,388.00 net per table) and Classic Package (RM1,188.00 net per table). Both choices come with complimentary yee sang.

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.

This article is part of my Chinese New Year 2019 compilation.

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

Lexis Suites Penang is a 4-star hotel in Teluk Kumbar. Roselle Coffee House is the all-day dining restaurant here. For this evening's Chinese New Year buffet preview, the dining area is decorated with ornaments like cherry blossoms, ceramic koi fish, yuanbao (元宝), Chinese lanterns and mandarin oranges.

For appetizers, many people start with seafood on ice. Today's choices are scallops, bay mussels, shrimps and yabbies. Lexis Suites is known for serving exceptionally fresh seafood.

Presented over banana leaves, Baked Whole Fish is flavored with Thai-style sweet-and-spicy sauce. Sea bass is a good choice of fish as its texture is reasonably firm. The only downside to sea bass is the prevalence of fine bones.

Meanwhile for Steamed Fish Fillet, the choice of fish is grouper. The fish is served with Japanese soy sauce (醬油). The sharp taste of soy sauce accentuates the scrumptious taste of fish.

Ostrich With Spring Onion, Ginger & Szechuan Sauce is one of the more unusual dishes this evening. The meat of ostrich is firmer than chicken's, but it is succulent nevertheless. The dish is wok-fried with dried chili peppers for the fiery aroma.

Japanese dishes in today's buffet are likely inspired by the menu at Umi Japanese Restaurant downstairs. For instance, Negi Stew (ねぎ汁) is cooked with salmon head, shiitake mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, soft tofu, carrots and green onions (ねぎ). Meanwhile, Oden (おでん) is a pot of dashi broth with assorted fishcakes and hard-boiled eggs.

Baozi (包子), mantou (馒头) and dim sum (点心) are kept warm in steamer baskets. For baozi, there are different fillings such as char siew (叉烧), salted egg yolk (流沙) and red bean paste (豆沙).

Moving to salads, popular choices are Chinese Jelly Fish Salad, Thai Spicy Beef Salad, Japanese Seaweed Salad, Baby Octopus Salad, Honeydew & Sausage Salad and Rojak Buah (fruit salad). There are also fresh vegetables and dressings for diners who prefer to mix their own salads.

Of course, Chinese New Year is also a great opportunity to savor all sorts of festive tidbits. Kuih kapit (love letters), kuih bangkit (tapioca cookies) and biskut kacang (peanut cookies) are presented in glass jars. Other popular delicacies are kuih bakul (年糕), kacang tumbuk (贡糖), walnuts, chocolate coins and pumpkin seeds. As for soupy desserts, Dried Longan With Peach Gum Soup (龙眼桃胶糖水) is recommended.

Mandarin oranges are pleasant gifts during Chinese New Year because the Chinese word for mandarin oranges (柑) sounds like "sweet" (甘). Other fruits that are prepared today are pineapples, honeydew and watermelon.

Lexis Suites' Chinese New Year Reunion Buffet Dinner is served on 4 February 2019. Throughout the evening, there are a series of stage performances and lucky draws to keep the crowd entertained. To encourage early birds, the hotel is offering 20% discount off the adult price for confirmed bookings by 28 January 2019.

For customers who prefer to spend more time around the dining table, the Prosperous Steamboat Set Dinner is an alternative choice. There are 3 serving sizes: 4 pax (RM360.00), 6 pax (RM500.00), 10 pax (RM988.00). Each option comes with complimentary yee sang.

For the steamboat, customers can choose among 4 types of soup: clear chicken broth, creamy fish stock, Chinese herbal soup and tom yam soup. Steamboat ingredients include fresh seafood, meats, mushrooms, vegetables and noodles.

Lexis Suites also serves 9-course set dinner from 4 February 2019 to 19 February 2019. There are 3 menus to choose from: RM888.00, RM1,088.00 and RM1,388.00 per table of 10 people. In each case, the first course is yee sang (鱼生).

Yee sang is a colorful mixture of ingredients such as crackers, carrots, daikon and jellyfish. The dish also comes with delectable slices of salmon. Fish (鱼) is believed to be auspicious because it is a homonym for "abundance" (余).

The Prosperity Salmon Yee Sang is available for take-away too. Each set is priced at RM108.00 net. Available dates are between 4 February 2019 and 19 February 2019.

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.

This article is part of my Chinese New Year 2019 compilation.

Special thanks to Olive Tree Hotel for extending this food review invitation.

Today, Olive Tree Hotel is offering a sneak peek of its upcoming Lunar New Year Buffet Lunch. There will be two buffet sessions this year: 5 February 2019 and 6 February 2019. Like the actual lunches, today's preview event is held at Sukkah Coffee House.

Tossing yee sang (鱼生) is a long-standing tradition during Chinese New Year. It is believed that the higher one tosses, the greater success one achieves in the new year. The Olive Tree Salmon Yee Sang is a combination of colorful ingredients like raw salmon, carrots, daikon, crackers, jellyfish, peanuts and more. Interestingly, corn flakes are included too.

Hailing from Beijing, the Peking Duck (北京烤鸭) is prized for its crispy skin that is extremely flavorful. The roast duck is typically cut into thin slices and wrapped in steamed pancakes (春饼). The delicacy is also filled with cucumber, scallions and sweet bean sauce (甜面酱).

Lok Lok is a popular street food in Penang. The snack features skewered items like prawns, squid, chicken, crab sticks, fish balls and tofu skin. Food is blanched by dipping the skewers in boiling water. Several sauces are prepared to go with Lok Lok.

Wok-Fried Prawns are cooked with garlic and chili, producing an aroma that is truly tantalizing. The pungent seasoning also strikes a chord with my palate.

The Vegetarian Chai Pah has alternating slices of vegetarian meat (素肉) and taro (芋头). The dish is also garnished with shimeji mushrooms (白玉菇) and bok choy (小白菜). Despite its meatless nature, the Vegetarian Chai Pah is surprisingly delectable.

The next dish, Braised Black Mushrooms, highlights the juiciness of shiitake mushrooms (香菇). Accompanying the mushrooms are dried oysters (蚝干), broccoli and fat choy (发菜). Fat choy is thought to be auspicious because its Chinese name sounds similar to "striking rich" (发财).

If spicy food is your cup of tea, I am sure that you will be impressed with the Siamese-Style Squid. Flavored with Thai-style seasoning, the calamari rings are capable of burning a hole through your tongue!

As for something more Western, go for Roasted Country Potato With Smoked Chicken Meatloaf. Capsicum, cucumber and chives serve as garnishing.

The Oven Baked Lamb allows diners to experience North African fare. Succulent slices of lamb are served with Moroccan-style couscous and sweet red dates. Couscous is made from semolina and has a starchy texture reminiscent of rice.

Taking a detour to the salad counter, there are several interesting choices that delight one's taste buds. My personal picks are seasoned baby octopus, Szechuan black fungus and century eggs.

Assorted Chinese New Year cookies like butter cookies, peanut cookies, almond crisps and kuih bangkit (tapioca cookies) are elegantly presented in a tray. Meanwhile, strawberry puddings and fruit jellies are prepared in miniature glasses. Soupy desserts include Bee Koe Moy (黑糯米粥) and Tau Foo Fah (豆腐花). Tikoy (年糕) and egg tarts (蛋挞) are well received too.

The pastry section presents bakers' confections like Carrot Cake, Cheese Cake, Praline Cake and Chocolate Fudge Cake. The cakes are meticulously decorated in Chinese New Year colors. For instance, the Carrot Cake has the Chinese character for "prosperity" (福) written in cocoa powder. Speaking of cocoa, most children will be fascinated by the white chocolate fountain.

Olive Tree Hotel's Lunar New Year Buffet Lunch is priced at RM128.00+ per adult and RM68.00+ per child or senior citizen. The hotel offers 20% discount for confirmed bookings by 27 January 2019. In addition, the Festive Buffet Dinner is served every Saturday from 26 January 2019 to 16 February 2019. For every 3 paying adults, the 4th person's meal is on the house.

As for customers who prefer to dine in a more formal setting, the Lunar New Year Set Menu is available daily from 7 January 2019 to 28 February 2019. On Chinese New Year's Eve (4 February 2019), dinner will be held en masse in the Grand Ballroom. Olive Tree Hotel has arranged a series of traditional performances for the entire evening.

For the 8-course dinner, there are two menus to choose from: RM939.00+ and RM1,099.00+. There is a 10% surcharge from 4 February 2019 to 6 February 2019. For both menus, the first dish is the ubiquitous yee sang. In fact, the Olive Tree Salmon Yee Sang is can also be purchased separately for RM108.00+ each.

Signature dishes on the RM939.00+ menu are Steamed Meat Dumpling & Scallop In Soup (上汤带子灌汤饺), Curry Chicken Wrapped In Crispy Bun (香浓咖哩面包鸡) and Hokkien Fried Rice In Seafood & Abalone Sauce (鲍汁福建烩香饭).

Meanwhile, notable highlights on the RM1,099.00+ menu are Eight Treasure Seafood Chowder (八宝鱼唇羹), Honey Barbecue Chicken In Chef's Special Sauce (香煎蜜汁叉烧鸡排) and Steamed Tiger Garoupa With Ginger & Black Bean Sauce (姜豉蒸虎斑).

Name: Sukkah Coffee House
Address: 76, Jalan Mahsuri, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-637-7856
Business hours: 6:00am-10:00pm
Website: http://olivetreehotel.com.my/dining/sukkah
Coordinates: 5.32692 N, 100.27932 E
Directions: Olive Tree Hotel is located at Bayan Baru, just across the street from SPICE Arena. Sukkah is located at Level 1, just above a flight of elevator from the lobby. The hotel's multi-storey parking charges RM3.00 for the first hour, then RM1.00 for each subsequent hour.

This article is part of my Chinese New Year 2019 compilation.

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

This evening, The Light Hotel is giving a sneak peek of its upcoming Good Fortune CNY Reunion Buffet Dinner. The preview event is held at Spice Brasserie, while the actual dinner will be held in The Light Grand Ballroom. Erected in the lobby is the hotel's Lunar New Year centerpiece: Garden of Cherry Blossom. This festive backdrop is decorated with charming Chinese lanterns.

Diners are first greeted by an elaborate presentation of appetizers. Chicken salad and smoked duck salad start the meal off on the right foot. Meanwhile, fried finger foods include money bags (福袋), squid balls and crab claws. The top tray has a sign that spells "The Light Hotel" in Chinese characters (莱特酒店).

Pun Choy (盆菜) is a Cantonese delicacy that is traditionally served in a large wooden basin. Since Pun Choy is typically reserved for major celebrations, the dish comprises of premium ingredients such as oysters, abalones, razor clams, sea cucumber, prawns, roast duck and shiitake mushrooms. An auspicious ingredient, fat choy (发菜), is also included.

Roasted Lamb Leg and Beef Tenderloin are sliced at the carvery station. The red meats are served with orange, mushroom and rosemary sauces. As for poultry, Crispy Roasted Chicken and Thai-Style Roasted Duck are available. The accompanying chili sauce is particularly spicy.

Chicken Shawarma is cooked on a rotating vertical spit. In the spirit of Chinese New Year, the rotisserie chicken comes in three different flavors: cheese, mint and tandoori. When combined, the chicken's taste is pretty pungent.

H'ng Chili Crabs are named after Chinese Sous Chef H'ng, who is responsible for crafting many of the Chinese dishes this evening. While this dish is obviously inspired by Singapore Chili Crabs, Chef H'ng also takes some creative license to present it in his own style.

The wok-fried Chili Prawns are well received too. The plump shrimps present a feeling of crunchiness that is truly satisfying. The prawns are seasoned with sweet chili sauce.

Still in the realm of seafood, Steamed Sea Bass is one of the more popular dishes this evening. The fish's exquisite texture is complemented by flavorful Nyonya sauce.

Braised Pak Choy is cooked with egg white sauce. The combination of bok choy (小白菜) and wood ear fungus (黑木耳) is garnished with ginger slivers and wolfberries (枸杞).

Spice Brasserie is famous for its nasi kandar fare. Around 6 dishes are served this evening. For Nasi Briyani, diners have a choice of either chicken or vegetarian versions. In both cases, rice is cooked with ghee and spices, and then garnished with raisins and cashew nuts.

Other nasi kandar dishes are Mutton Curry, Onion Chicken, Fish Kurma and Egg Dalcha. Most of these dishes come with gravies. A popular style of serving nasi kandar is "banjir", in which rice is flooded with a mixture of curries.

As for diners who enjoy chilled seafood, today's fresh choices include slipper lobsters, prawns, flower crabs, scallops and green-lipped mussels.

The salad bar prepares fresh vegetables and dressings for diners to assemble their own salad plates. However, I prefer to go for exquisite delicacies like smoked salmon, seasoned jellyfish and seasoned baby octopus.

Next, the confectionery section presents a plethora of Western pastries and festive cookies. Popular Chinese New Year cookies are peanut cookies (花生饼), beehive cookies (蜂窝饼) and bahulu (鸡蛋糕).

Tangyuan (汤圆) is a warm dessert of glutinous rice balls in ginger-flavored syrup. The glutinous rice balls come in several colors. The larger ones have fillings like peanut paste and black sesame paste.

Tiger Skin Sponge Cake is the pastry chef's signature recipe. This unusual Swiss roll has wavy patterns that resemble tiger stripes. I like the sweet kaya (coconut jam) inside the cake.

Another highlight at the pastry counter is Homemade Milk Pudding. This specialty from Taiwan has a rather soft and fluffy texture. Meanwhile, the outer surface of Milk Pudding is coated with grated coconut.

Good Fortune CNY Reunion Buffet Dinner will be held at The Light Grand Ballroom on 4 February 2019 from 6:30pm to 10:00pm. Throughout the evening, diners are entertained by a dramatic performance by a 3-piece Chinese band. The band uses traditional Chinese musical instruments, namely guzheng (古筝), erhu (二胡) and dizi (笛子).

As for people who are unable to visit on that day, Spice Brasserie serves high tea and dinner in buffet settings for the next 2 days.

Meanwhile, diners who prefer a more formal setting can opt for the 8-course dinner at Flavour@3. The course dinner is available daily from 3 January 2019 to 21 February 2019.

Yee sang (鱼生) can be ordered à la carte. The Light Hotel offers 3 versions: Sliced Abalone Yee Sang (RM168.00+), Salmon Fillet Yee Sang (RM128.00+) and Fresh Fruits Yee Sang (RM108.00+). Each set is meant for 10 persons.

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: 6:00am-11:00pm (Sunday-Thursday), 6:00am-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.

This article is part of my 2018 Kota Kinabalu trip series.

Special thanks to Rasa Ria Resort & Spa for extending this food review invitation.

Naan - Flavours of India is an award-winning Indian restaurant in Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa. Specializing in North Indian cuisine, the restaurant spares no expense in using the finest spices from the subcontinent. Taking helm in the kitchen is Executive Sous Chef Shantanu Seth, whom I had the pleasure of meeting back in May 2014.

For first-time customers, Shantanu's Signature (RM207.00) is the recommended choice. The course meal, which consists of starters, several main dishes and a dessert, has been specially formulated to reflect Chef Shantanu's forte in regional Indian cuisines. Take note that the Shantanu's Signature requires a minimum of two diners.

Before the course meal begins, diners are served a basket of papadum (पापड़) to keep the appetite up. These crispy crackers are made from black gram flour. Several condiments are provided; be warned that one of them is extremely spicy!

Commencing with appetizers, Gilafi Seekh Kebab (सीख कबाब) is essentially minced lamb mixed with cheese, fresh herbs and spices. Made into cylinders, the delicacy is then grilled on skewers. Meanwhile, Chana Dal Aur Palak Ki Tikki (चना दाल आलू पालक की टिक्की) are croquettes that are made from split chickpeas (chana dal), potato (aur) and spinach (palak). Mint chutney serves as the dipping sauce.

As for the main course, we are served garlic naan, steamed basmati rice and four individual dishes. Vegetable Korma is a Mughal dish prepared from braised potato, carrots, cauliflower, peas and beans. Next, Prawn Balchão is a spicy-and-creamy seafood dish from Goa. Hailing from Kashmir is Lamb Rogan Josh (रोग़न जोश), a dish of braised lamb with tomatoes, onions, ginger and garlic. Last but not least, Dal Makhni (दाल मखनी) is a Punjabi dish that comprises of black lentils, kidney beans, tomatoes, butter, cream and cumin.

Moving on to the dessert, Gajar Ka Halwa (गाजर का हलवा) is a popular sweet pudding that is enjoyed throughout India. To prepare this dish, grated carrot is cooked with milk, cashew nuts and raisins. The pudding is then dusted with grated coconut. I appreciate the carrot's soothing sweetness in a manner that does not overwhelm the palate.

Gajar Ka Halwa goes particularly well with Naan Masala Chai Tea (RM35.00). Black tea is infused with aromatic Indian herbs and spices, making the brew gratifying sip after sip. The drink is served in a brass teacup that has been preheated. This allows the tea to stay warm and carries its aroma further.

The Pineapple Coconut Lassi (RM26.00) is a refreshing yogurt drink that is blended with pineapple juice and Monin coconut syrup. Meanwhile, Ginger Cardamom Mojito (RM39.00) is elegantly concocted from Captain Morgan dark rum, mint, lime juice, cardamom and ginger.

Name: Naan - Flavours of India
Address: Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, Pantai Dalit, 89208 Tuaran, Sabah
Contact: 08-879-7888
Business hours: 6:30pm-10:00pm
Website: Click here
Coordinates: 6.15341 N, 116.14785 E
Directions: Driving along the main road from Kota Kinabalu to Kota Belud, turn left to Jalan Norowot near Tuaran. Continue driving for another 11 kilometers until you see the signboard for Rasa Ria. Turn left and drive to the end of the road. Naan is located one floor below the Garden Wing lobby.

This article is part of my 2018 Kota Kinabalu trip series.

Special thanks to Rasa Ria Resort & Spa for extending this food review invitation.

Located at the Garden Wing of Rasa Ria, Coffee Terrace is the resort's all-day dining restaurant. This is also where most in-house guests have breakfast in the morning. The eatery has both air-conditioned and al fresco dining areas.

Our visit to Coffee Terrace this evening is to savor the Taste Of Asia Buffet Dinner. As the name implies, the menu primarily consists of Asian-style dishes. There is also an emphasis on fresh seafood and local Sabahan produce. Originally held at Tepi Laut, the buffet is temporarily moved to Coffee Terrace as Tepi Laut is undergoing renovation.

Starting with Crabs With Hot Bean Sauce, this stir-fried dish packs a fiery punch within the crabs' scrumptious meat. Another delectable dish, Fish Curry, consists of bite-size fish fillets cooked in a creamy sauce. The curry is mildly spicy by Malaysian standards.

Steamed Whole Fish is another interesting dish. The choice of fish is barramundi, whose firm texture produces a succulent mouthfeel. Light soy sauce serves to accentuate the freshness of fish.

Seafood With Fermented Bean Sauce contains an assortment of mussels, squids and crabs. The sauce balances salty and savory flavors in a delicate manner. Meanwhile, Baked Fish With Tamarind Sauce relies on the sourness of tamarind to give the fish a sharp taste.

Stuffing Crab Shell is an exquisite delicacy indeed. Crab meat is minced and seasoned, and then returned to the carapaces. The crabs are baked until they turn brown. Sweet chili sauce serves as the condiment.

As for Hot Bean Seafood, crabs and mussels are brought together with a touch of spiciness. On the other hand, Beef Rendang goes in the savory direction through liberal use of coconut milk and spices.

Balinese Duck, known in Bali as "Bebek Betutu", is an immensely popular dish. The duck is seasoned with spices such as ginger, turmeric and chili peppers, and then roasted to golden perfection.

The salad counter prepares a wide variety of salads including Minced Beef Salad, Potato Salad, Green Mango Salad, Pomelo Salad and Asian Slaw. Should diners prefer to mix their own salad ingredients, several types of leafy vegetables and dressings are provided.

Proceeding to the Japanese section, one finds sushi (寿司) with ingredients like omelette (玉子), fried tofu (稲荷) and pickled daikon (沢庵). As for sashimi (刺身), raw slices of salmon and tuna are prepared. Popular sushi condiments are wasabi (山葵), pickled ginger (ガリ), pickled cucumber (柴漬) and soy sauce (醬油) are provided.

Moving on to pastries, the bread area covers Rye Loaf, Green Tea Loaf, French Bread, Bread Rolls and more. Meanwhile, soup choices this evening are Chicken Soup, Vegetables Soup, Tom Yum Soup and Pumpkin Cream Soup.

Bakers' confections include Mango Dome Cake, Pandan Cream Cake, Chocolate Cream Cake, Pineapple Strudel, Orange Financier, Kaya Custard Swiss Rolls, Coconut Mousse, Honeydew Pudding, Fruit Jelly Cake and Mint Crème Brûlée. There are also local snacks like Kueh Lapis.

The buffet spread presents a variety of fruits such as salak (snake fruit), belimbing (star fruit), jambu air (rose apple), papaya, pineapple and passion fruit. This section reflects the abundance of fresh fruits here in Sabah.

During dinner, diners are entertained by a local dance troupe that presents cultural dances of indigenous Sabahan tribes. Dressed in traditional costumes, the performers take the opportunity to show off their prowess in blowpipe marksmanship. Towards the end of the cultural performance, the dancers also demonstrate a local folk dance called "magunatip", after which diners are welcome to participate.

The Taste Of Asia Buffet Dinner is priced at RM168.00 net per person. Children between ages 6 and 11 enjoy 50% discount. This buffet is served every Saturday from 6:30pm to 10:00pm. On other days of the week, the buffet dinner features different themes such as Mediterranean on Thursdays and Seafood on Fridays.

Name: Coffee Terrace
Address: Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, Pantai Dalit, 89208 Tuaran, Sabah
Contact: 08-879-7888
Business hours: 6:30am-10:30pm
Website: Click here
Coordinates: 6.15377 N, 116.14772 E
Directions: Driving along the main road from Kota Kinabalu to Kota Belud, turn left to Jalan Norowot near Tuaran. Continue driving for another 11 kilometers until you see the signboard for Rasa Ria. Turn left and drive to the end of the road. Coffee Terrace is located one floor below the Garden Wing lobby.

This article is part of my Chinese New Year 2019 compilation.

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

Eastin Hotel Penang is the next hotel to reveal its Chinese New Year menu. The Family Reunion Buffet Dinner will be held in the Grand Ballroom on Level 3. However for this evening's preview event, dinner is served at Swez Brasserie instead.

Fish is considered auspicious because the Chinese word for "fish" (鱼) is a homonym for "abundance" (余). This explains why Salmon Gravlax is the main attraction on the menu. The cured salmon fillet has a green coating made from coriander, kaffir lime leaves, miso paste and other spices. Gravlax is somewhat similar to sashimi but not quite as "raw".

Roast Lamb is served at the carving station. The lamb leg is marinated with Provençale-style seasonings. Black pepper sauce and mint gravy are provided as condiments. In addition, grilled vegetables and potatoes are presented on the side.

Poon Choi (盆菜) is traditionally served in a large wooden basin. This Cantonese delicacy uses premium seafood ingredients such as abalones, oysters, scallops, sea cucumber, fish maw (鱼肚) and tiger prawns.

Yook Poon (肉盘) is well received too. The platter comprises of chicken and duck, each of which comes in two flavors: roasted and char siew (叉烧). Thick plum sauce (苏梅酱) serves as the condiment for this poultry dish.

Diners who appreciate the taste of Chinese herbs should go for Braised Herbal Duck. This exquisite dish uses traditional herbs like wolfberries (枸杞), poor man's ginseng (党参) and scented Solomon's seal (玉竹).

Steamed Sea Bass Fillet is prepared à la Teochew style. Steaming is the best way to accentuate the freshness of this fish. The dish is garnished with pickled mustard (榨菜), mushrooms, tomato, ginger and coriander.

Still on the subject of fish, another noteworthy dish is Baked Salmon Fillet. What I like about the fish is its scrumptious skin. However, I feel that the garlic and herb butter is saltier than necessary.

The herb-crusted Baked Lamb Chop Provençale is succulent indeed. The lamb is garnished with an assortment of grilled vegetables. Meanwhile, the dipping sauce is served in a small cup carved from capsicum.

Moving on, the sushi platter presents a decent selection of nigiri- and maki-style sushi (寿司). Diners who love sashimi (刺身) can help themselves with raw slices of salmon and tuna. Other chilled seafood include oysters, scallops, green-lipped mussels, tiger prawns and snow crabs.

The salad counter presents a handful of raw vegetables and dressings. This allows diners to mix their own salads. In the meantime, ready-made salads are Thai spicy grilled chicken salad, young papaya salad, honeydew & sausage salad and baby octopus salad.

As for cold cuts, seafood terrine and smoked salmon stand out as the most prominent choices. People who enjoy Korean food can also savor some kimchi (김치).

Chinese New Year cookies play a vital role during this festive season. The buffet delights my palate with lovely treats like pineapple tarts (黄梨酥) and peanut cookies (花生饼). I am particularly attracted by almond cookies (杏仁饼); their unique taste is simply amazing!

Other popular Chinese New Year tidbits are bahulu (鸡蛋糕), love letters (鸡蛋卷) and sesame balls (煎堆). Complementing them are Western pastries such as Moist Chocolate Cake, which I appreciate due to its bold cocoa content.

Tangyuan (汤圆) is warm dessert of glutinous rice balls in ginger-infused syrup. Each ball contains sweet filling made from black sesame. Meanwhile, other soupy desserts this evening are Tau Fu Fa (豆腐花), Leng Chee Kang (莲子汤) and Almond Bean Curd & Longan.

During the Family Reunion Buffet Dinner, Eastin Hotel has arranged a series of performances throughout the joyous evening. As for people who are unable to join on Chinese New Year's Eve, Swez Brasserie serves buffet lunch and dinner over the next two days. Do take advantage of the hotel's early bird promotion: For every 5 paying adults, the 6th person's meals is on the house!

As for customers who wish to order yee sang (鱼生) for home consumption, Eastin Hotel offers 3 different versions: Abalone Yee Sang (RM188.00), Salmon Fillet Yee Sang (RM158.00) and Jellyfish Yee Sang (RM128.00). Yee sang is available for purchase from 22 January 2019 to 19 February 2019. Pre-ordering is highly recommended.

This article is part of my Chinese New Year 2019 compilation.

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

Golden Phoenix (金凤楼) is the Chinese restaurant in Hotel Equatorial Penang. Located one floor below The View, the restaurant has an entrance that resembles a classic Chinese inn (客栈).

The dining area is decorated with fancy ornaments like Chinese lanterns and porcelain tea sets. Further back, there are several fish tanks where seafood is kept live until preparation. Taking the helm in the kitchen is Executive Chinese Chef Lai, who has accumulated several decades of culinary experience under his belt.

For many years, Golden Phoenix has established a good reputation for its daily dim sum (点心). In conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year, the restaurant is introducing several new types of dim sum.

For example, Har Kow With Beetroot Juice (樱花鲜虾饺) is a shrimp dumpling with translucent, vinegar-laced skin. Next, Dried Scallop With Butternut Pumpkin Cake (干贝奶油瓜糕) resembles radish cake (萝卜糕) but is sweeter. Last but not least, Black Sesame Bao With Lava Salted Egg Yolk (黑芝麻流沙包) oozes yellowish paste as soon as the bun is punctured.

In addition to serving dim sum, Golden Phoenix is also offering 8-course dinner every day from 15 January 2019 to 18 February 2019. The dishes this year are specially crafted by Chef Steve, who has served in several prestigious resorts throughout his career. There are three choices in the Forever Sumptuous Set Menu. For the purpose of today's preview, Chef Steve has handpicked a combination of dishes across different menus in order to showcase his masterpieces.

Chinese reunion dinner customarily begins with a jolly tossing of yee sang (鱼生). For the Prosperity Salmon Yee Sang & Pear (三文雪梨鱼生), the appetizer comprises of a plethora of colorful ingredients including smoked salmon, jellyfish, shredded vegetables, snow pears, crackers and crushed peanuts. It is believed that tossing yee sang brings one good fortune.

The next dish, Braised Sundried Seafood With Crab Meat In Brown Sauce (红烧瑶柱蟹肉海味羹), contains premium seafood ingredients like crab meat and dried scallops. A dash of vinegar accentuates the savoriness of this delicacy. The thick soup resembles shark fin soup but does not contain any actual sharks fins.

Roasted Spring Chicken With Szechuan Hot & Spicy Sauce (吊烧麻辣幼子鸡) is the poultry dish today. The spring chicken, imported from China, requires a tedious process to prepare. The chicken is flavored with spicy Sichuanese sauce that contains dried chili peppers, shallots and the infamous Sichuan peppers (花椒). Fortunately, the sauce is not too numbing to my tongue.

Moving to seafood, Steamed Pearl Grouper With Superior Light Soya Sauce (清蒸游水龙虎斑) is a delicacy indeed. Pearl grouper is prized for its refined texture. Flavored with superior soy sauce, the fish is absolutely succulent to the last morsel. The mild taste of soy sauce allows the fish's freshness to truly shine.

Today's main highlight is Oven Baked Baby Lobster With Vegetarian Ham & Cheese (芝士烧焗龙虾仔). Juvenile Australian lobsters are used. Elegantly seasoned, the lobsters are baked with a cheesy crust that strikes a chord with my palate. Despite the amount of cheese, I am surprised that the lobsters are not surfeiting at all!

The next dish to delight my palate is Braised Dried Oysters With Japanese Mushroom & Vegetable (蚝士扒日本太白菇烩双蔬). The abalones, weighing 60 grams each, are gratifying indeed. They are accompanied by Korean dried oysters and Japanese flower mushrooms (花菇). Juicy bok choy (小白菜) serves as counterbalance to the savory ingredients.

Fragrant Rice With Chicken Sausage (腊味饭) fills my nostrils with appetizing aroma. Served with Chinese sausages (腊肠), the fried rice is also garnished with chopped scallions for aesthetic appeal.

Nian gao (年糕) is a traditional Chinese snack that is soft and sticky. It is considered auspicious to have nian gao for Chinese New Year because its Chinese name is a homonym for "higher year" (年高). For today's dessert, Deep Fried Chinese New Year's Cake With Yam & Potato (芋香金薯炸年糕), nian gao slices are sandwiched between taro and sweet potato, and then deep-fried to golden perfection. The sweetness level is ideal.

Golden Phoenix spares no expense in using premium ingredients from around the world. Like other restaurants in Hotel Equatorial Penang, Golden Phoenix does not serve pork.

Alternatively, diners can opt for buffet meals at nada lama and Kampachi.

Name: Golden Phoenix (金凤楼)
Address: Hotel Equatorial Penang, 1, Jalan Bukit Jambul, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-632-7000
Business hours: 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30pm-10:00pm (Monday-Friday), 8:00am-2:30pm, 6:30pm-10:00pm (Saturday-Sunday)
Website: https://penang.equatorial.com/dining/golden-phoenix
Coordinates: 5.33731 N, 100.28522 E
Directions: Hotel Equatorial Penang 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. Golden Phoenix is located one level below the main lobby. The hotel provides multilevel parking for RM10.00 per entry.

This article is part of my Chinese New Year 2019 compilation.

Special thanks to Royale Chulan Penang for extending this food review invitation.

Located at the ground floor of Boustead Building, Sri Tanjung Cafe is the all-day dining restaurant of Royale Chulan Penang. This evening, the hotel is showcasing its Fatt Choy Reunion Buffet Dinner. The actual dinner is supposed to be held in Sri Tanjung Cafe. But due to overwhelming response, the buffet will also be held simultaneously in The Royale Ballroom.

Tossing yee sang (鱼生) has become somewhat a must during Chinese New Year. Yee sang is often served with fish such as salmon. Fish is considered auspicious as it represents "abundance" (of wealth). Royale Chulan's Salmon Yee Sang uses colorful ingredients to spell the word "prosperity" (旺) in Chinese.

Roast Duck is one of the highlights this evening. Besides proper marinade, the duck is also given a waxy glaze to seal the moisture in. As a result, the duck's meat is tender and juicy. It goes very well with sweet-tangy plum sauce (苏梅酱).

Grilled Minute Steak is served au jus. Premium quality tenderloin is used. Cooked to medium doneness, the beef has the perfect tenderness that delights my palate. The dish is seasoned with red, green and black peppercorns. Brussels sprouts, capsicum and onions serve as garnishes.

Another scrumptious dish is Grilled Salmon Fillet. The salmon's red flesh comes with crispy skin, adding an extra level of enjoyment in the mouth. The fillet is dressed with mandarin orange sauce. The sweet and tangy taste is rather satisfying.

Stir-Fried Black Pepper Chicken is elegantly presented in an edible bowl made of taro. The chicken is served with cashew nuts, capsicum and shallots. I enjoy the fiery taste of black pepper sauce.

Served on ice are chilled seafood such as crab, scallops, bay mussels and prawns. As for cold cuts, popular ones are Seafood Terrine and Chicken Pastrami.

Marinated Spicy Baby Octopus is complemented by mango and pineapple salsa. This exquisite dish is presented in a "sailboat" made from pineapple skin.

Other notable choices at the salad bar are Smoked Duck Breast, Prosperity Kerabu Mango Jellyfish and Orange & Beetroot Salad.

Lunar Crab Salad is served in Nyonya-style "pie tee" cups. The pastry tart shells are dyed in auspicious red color, likely using beetroot juice as coloring. Consume this appetizer quickly before the cups lose their crispiness.

Chinese New Year is also an opportunity to savor a plethora of festive cookies. The choices this evening are love letters (鸡蛋卷), peanut cookies (花生饼), tapioca cookies (番婆饼), beehive cookies (蜂窝饼), almond cookies (杏仁饼), pineapple tarts (黄梨酥), bahulu (鸡蛋糕) and more.

As for Nyonya kuih, seri muka (双色糯米糕), pulut tai tai (咖椰蝶豆花糯米糕) and tapioca cake (木薯糕) are provided.

Last but not least, Western-style desserts include chocolate mousse, crème brûlée, fruit jelly, fruit trifle pudding and coconut pudding.

The Fatt Choy Reunion Buffet Dinner is priced at RM108.00 net per adult, and RM68.00 net per child or senior citizen. For those who are unable to join on Chinese New Year's Eve, Sri Tanjung Cafe is serving Prosperity High Tea on 6 February 2019. Diners are welcome to watch the lion dance performance at the hotel lobby at 10:00am.

Salmon Yee Sang is also available à la carte between 15 January 2019 and 15 February 2019. Two sizes are available: medium (for 6-8 people) and large (10-12 people). One week pre-ordering is required.

On the other hand, customers who prefer to dine in a more formal setting can opt for Royal Chulan's 8-course dinner. This promotion is available from 15 January 2019 to 19 February 2019. Diners can choose between two menus: RM888.00 net and RM998.00 net.

This article is part of my Chinese New Year 2019 compilation.

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

The Wembley is a 4-star hotel at Magazine Road (Jalan Magazine). It is the sister property of Cititel Penang. This evening, The Wembley is introducing its upcoming Chinese New Year buffet menu. The preview event is held at Wembley Cafe, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant on Level 2.

Today's meal begins with a jolly tossing of Salmon Yee Sang. Yee sang (鱼生) comprises of a colorful assortment of ingredients, each of which has symbolism pertaining to its name. For instance, salmon is used because the Chinese word for "fish" (鱼) is a homonym for "abundance" (余).

Braised Mock Shark's Fin With Crab Meat has a similar consistency as actual shark fin soup. Fortunately, no actual shark fins are used. Indeed, the soup's rich flavor comes from the broth itself. Should you prefer something creamy, go for Roasted Pumpkin Soup Scent Of Ginger. Bread rolls are provided.

Baked Fish With Chili Mayonnaise is well received this evening. Sweet-tangy sauce makes the salmon fillet quite succulent. The fish is also garnished with assorted vegetables like zucchini, capsicum and onions.

As for seafood on ice, the marine delicacies are snow crabs, slipper lobsters, crayfish, prawns, oysters, scallops and bay mussels. Lemon slices, Tabasco sauce and other dipping sauces are provided.

Diners who refer hot seafood dishes can start with the Chili Mussels. The bay mussels are pan-fried with garlic and chili peppers. They also go well with crusty bread.

I am quite impressed with Crispy Fried Prawns With Spices. Thanks to intense heat from the wok, fiery aroma is imbued into the shrimps. Other notable seafood dishes are Grilled Fish With Red Pepper Dill Sauce and Steamed Half Shell Scallops With Pickled Lettuce.

Moving on to poultry, Crispy Fried Marinated Chicken is popular among children. The chicken strips are coated in batter and deep-fried to golden crispiness. The dipping sauce is Chinese brown sauce. Its intense tanginess is satisfying indeed.

Chili Spiced Lamb Shanks are delightfully tender. Thanks to clever use of spices, the strong smell of lamb is absent. The dish is garnished with Roma tomatoes and microgreens.

Another crowd favorite is Braised Assorted Seafood & Mushrooms. Dried oysters provide most of the dish's flavor. As a mushroom lover, I am pleased to see a combination of mushrooms: oyster mushrooms, straw mushrooms and button mushrooms.

Spanish Lasagna is a creamy mixture of mushrooms, bell peppers and onions. The top crust is essentially melted cheese. If creamy food is your cup of tea, help yourself with Carbonara With Smoked Duck too!

The Japanese section presents several nigiri- and maki-type sushi (寿司). As for sashimi (刺身), there are salmon, tuna and octopus. Condiments like wasabi (山葵) and soy sauce (醬油) are provided.

Moving on to desserts, there is a wide variety Western pastries such as mousse cakes, cream cakes, fruit jellies, tartlets, macarons and pralines. Most of these confections are decorated in Chinese New Year colors. In addition, do not pass up the opportunity to savor crème brûlée at the à la minute counter!

If you are fond of Nyonya kuih, you will be pleased to sink your teeth in layer cake (九层糕), tapioca cake (木薯糕), kuih talam (达兰糕) and pulut tai tai (咖椰蝶豆花糯米糕). Furthermore, check out the Chinese New Year cookies in airtight jars.

The Wembley's Chinese New Year buffet menu is available for lunch and dinner from 28 January 2019 to 10 February 2019, except on Chinese New Year's Eve (4 February 2019) when only the Reunion Buffet Dinner is served. Early booking is highly recommended as available dates are snapped up quickly.

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.