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

The bistro equipped with greenery, thatching, dim lights, DJ platform, Shisha bar, pool table, beers, antique and vintage decorations to give it a lively Bali nightlife-like ambiance.

Xuan Xin Steamboat @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Lok Lok does not make any hygienic sense? Well, this should not be an issue with the introduction of air-conditioned Lok Lok-oriented restaurant, Xuan Xin Steamboat.

I Mum Mum Restaurant @ Pengkalan Weld, Penang.

My visit ended up in disappointment as i had high expectations on the restaurant after going through a few reviews but they were written two years ago.

Strawberry Forever @ Sungai Pinang, Penang.

Strawberry Forever is actually a strawberry-themed dessert cafe which is based in Hong Kong but has now extended their business by opening their 3rd outlet at Penang's shoreline.

Brunch Buffet at Spice Market Cafe @ Rasa Sayang Resort.

The diversity in food offered reflects the cultural diversity in this multiracial country. The buffet theme is changed once a week.

Cheese Fondue at De Title Dining Cabin @ Lorong Selamat.

The cheese was mouth-watering with a mix of sweetness, sourness and saltiness as well as rich creaminess, strong tanginess but it was full of a strong trace of Mayonnaise.

Hot Bowl Nyonya Delights @ Abu Siti Lane, Penang.

Just because of White Curry Mee, the owner of Hot Bowl not only appeared in numerous local newspapers but was also featured in 8TV Ho Chak programme.

Face to Face Noodles House @ Penang Times Square, Penang.

Great news for noodle lovers: Now you can enjoy bowl of hot noodles in a cool hygienic air conditioned surrounding. Face to Face Noodles House has officially opened their 16th outlet.

Revisiting Delicious Cafe @ Straits Quay, Penang.

You see, large crowds and long waiting list are normal, even on weekdays. In this particular review, i am squeezing in my past three revisitings which all ended up happy and satisfied.

Invited: Grand Opening of Dragon9ine @ Belissa Row, Penang.

Dragon9ine (traditional Chinese: 九龍餐廳) is one of the latest modern Chinese-based restaurant that hits the town. I, along with the other bloggers were treated to an exquisite fine dining experience.

Oh Sushi @ Straits Quay, Penang.

I found the restaurant exterior design less attractive because the side facing the car park has nothing but a white wall and a main door which is made of glass and wood planks.

Kok Beng Chicken Rice @ Taiping, Perak.

4 years ago, Guang Ming Daily in association with NTV7 aired a TV show in which top 10 Malaysian Hainanese Chicken Rice are being picked and honourably Kok Beng's was one of them.

Amelie Cafe @ Armenian Street, Penang.

Amelie Cafe which is situated on this old road right next to Cheah Kongsi was once a very hot topic as a result of its uniquity and of course, has caught eyes of numerous bloggers.

Invited Review: D'Dapor Express @ Lebuh Union, Penang.

D'Dapor Express is a spacious modern Halal air-conditioned WiFi-available restaurant with classic style interior in which photographs of old Penang streets and buildings filled up the walls.

New Mizi Bistro @ Tesco Tanjung Pinang, Penang.

Mizi Bistro made its name with its very first outlet at New World Park. The first outlet might be small but in my experience, it is congested every time i walk pass it.

PappaRich @ Straits Quay, Penang.

PappaRich is a franchised Hainanese kopitiam-styled cafe which was initially established in 2005. The cafe concept is similar with Old Town Cafe, serving a multitude of local delicacies, beverages and bread.

Invited: Dinner With Chef Chen Hong @ Golden Thai.

It was a real honour to have dinner with Chef Chen Hong, to have such close contact with him and to share his food experience from all parts of the Earth. He is so friendly and he is irreplaceable.

Invited Review : De Title Dining Cabin @ Lorong Selamat.

Somewhere in the middle of the road, there is a heritage building which is painted in very distinctive lilac colour. You name it and they will make it.

Lao Sher Tea House @ Burma Road, Penang.

The tea house is situated opposite of the Public Specialist Centre and it is a member of Penang Heritage Trust. Judging from the exterior design, you will only expect it is nothing else but a tea house.

Blue Reef @ Straits Quay, Penang.

Blue Reef first made its name at Casa Permai 2, Tanjung Bungah before sealing a move to the latest seaside complex mall, Straits Quay. Two days ago, i have finally stepped into this restaurant along with my other half.

Caffe Strada @ Krystal Point, Penang.

Strada Caffe or Caffe Strada has been on my hunting list for a long while due to its strategic location and its attractive exterior. It is situated at Krystal Point, neighbouring La Mei Zi, Domino's Pizza, Korea Palace etc.

Charlie Brown Cafe Soft Opening @ Straits Quay, Penang.

Charlie Brown with his troop of friends invaded Penang island. The first Charlie Brown Cafe in Malaysia has officially opened and i was there during the opening.

Revisiting Charlie Brown Cafe @ Straits Quay, Penang.

The soft opening of Charlie Brown Cafe was not a smooth and they promised will continue to improve. Due to a good feedback from my friend, i have decided to visit the cafe once more and made a revaluation.

Chicago Rib House 1st Anniv Promo @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Chicago Rib House was originally located at Autocity for a year plus before eventually moving to Gurney Plaza. Time flies and now, they are celebrating its one year old birthday by launching a promotion.

Delicious Cafe @ Straits Quay, Penang.

Overall, every extra penny deserves its value. I found the prices quite reasonable for such truly scrumptious homemade food in such lovely dining environment.

Swez Brasserie Semi Buffet Dinner @ Eastin Hotel Penang.

It was my other half's 19th birthday and i brought her to Swez Brasserie which is located on level 1 of Eastin Hotel Penang after a deep survey.

Xuan Xin Restaurant @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

The place is normally crowded during weekends as it serves as a perfect spot for a harmony family dining.The square foot of the restaurant is believed to be 10 times larger than that of its sister outlet.

Sushi Feasta at Sakae Sushi @ Queensbay Mall, Penang.

For your information, Sakae Sushi has launched their Red Fiesta Week, they are offering a free red plate sushi for each red plate sushi that you have purchased.I have grabbed six of them, how about you?

James Foo Western Food @ Fettes Park, Penang.

The family started their business humbly, from sub stall to otheir own outlet. Their success is seen and proven by the official opening of their brand new outlet.

Sweet-i Tong Sui House @ Sungai Dua, Penang.

Five years ago, they started their Tong Sui stall business by the roadside. They finally managed to move into a terraced house from a humble make-shift stall.

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt @ Bayan Bay, Penang.

Now, Penangites don't have to travel all the way to Island Plaza for the Froyo. Tutti Frutti has officially opened a new outlet at Bayan Bay, just opposite of Queensbay Mall.

5-Course Lunch at Santorini Cafe @ Burma Road, Penang.

I never know the existence of this cafe as it is shadowed by Chew Tian Yang Aquarium twenty four seven. Totally out of my expectation, the food was very distinct in its own way.

April Grill Catch @ Manhattan Fish Market, Queensbay Mall.

How long have you queued for this? The temporary price tag made the Fish N' Chips super worth trying but the taste is not worth for standing there, waiting for an hour.

Xuan Xin Ramen Kitchen @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

I have been here a few times and all those visits resulted in super satisfaction, excluding the recent one, the one i am writing about it now.

Darren Invades Kampar!

My family and i traveled all way down from Penang to KL, we dropped by at Kampar to have our lunch. With my brother's previous 2 years living experience in Kampar, we managed to try out the finest local food there.

Mizi Bistro @ New World Park, Penang.

I have tasted the Classic Three Combo and the famous Seafood Kebab. Kindly click on the title above to read the full review.

Plus 2 Restaurant @ Sungai Dua, Penang.

This was my second visit to this restaurant which is famous for its Marmite Chicken. Of course, the reputed dish was served on my table. Kindly click the title above to take a look at this delicious thingy!

Fried Rice at Goodall Cafe @ Gottlieb Road, Penang.

The fried rice there may be famous among Ping Hwa students. It is well known for its very yummy green sambal which copes well the fried rice. No more nonsenses, click on the title above to take a look at it!

Roti Bakar Kopitiam @ Ivory Plaza, Penang.

Reviews regarding deep fried crab meat rolls, seafood ginger milk bee hoon and rice. Kindly click on the title above to read the full review.

Ceri Food and Beverage Outlet @ Dato Keramat, Penang.

Roti Canai, topped with spicy curry, is slotted into my mouth. Kindly click on the title above to read the full review.

Wah Meng Cafe @ Ayer Itam Market, Penang.

One of the best claypot noodles in Penang. Roti Tissue is another must dish. Kindly click on the title above to get the full review.

Mee Goreng and Mee Rebus @ Sungai Pinang, Penang.

My all-time favourite mee goreng. Guess what? The stall does have a history of at least 40 years. Click on the title above to check it out.

Zim Sum Restaurant @ Anson Road, Penang.

I just had a wonderful yum cha time along with my family. Hong Kong Chee Cheung Fun and Dim Sum were some gread add-ons. Kindly hit the title above to read the full review.

Seven Bistro @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

A friend's belated birthday treat. Have tried out the infamous Spanish Grilled Chicken and Spicy Clams Spaghetti. Kindly hit the title above to read the full review..

Xuan Xin Ramen Kitchen @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Reviews regarding deep fried eel, soup Ramen and fried seafood Ramen. Kindly click on the title above to read the full review.

Bar-B-Q Plaza @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Reviews on peculiar Mongolian and Japanese style barbecue. Kindly click on the title above to read the full review.

Chicago Rib House @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

I wrote about bacon and chicken burger, grilled blackened catch and Brownie Ice Cream. Kindly hit the title above to read the full review.

Tao-Cuisine @ Autocity, Juru.

I had Japanese Ala-Carte Buffet on my birthday. Kindly hit the title above to read the full review.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Invited Review: D'Dapor Express @ Lebuh Union, Penang.




As the proverb says, "good wine needs no bush".
It is true and that is why there are hawker stalls, mamak stalls etc which extended throughout pavements or even roads.
However, for dining sensation, criteria such as environment and cleanliness have to be taken into account.
For your information, the refurbished two-storey shop block, Logan's Building which is situated along Beach Street and Union Street now contains several eateries like D'Dapor.
Locating the white historic building can't be more easier, on the way from Lebuh Pantai to the Georgetown Immigration Office, take the left turning just before Standard Chartered Bank and mission accomplished.
D'Dapor Express is a spacious modern Halal air-conditioned WiFi-available restaurant with classic style interior in which photographs of old Penang streets and buildings filled up the walls.
Besides that, antiques e.g. porcelain vases, bird cages and notably two old fashioned vintage bicycles are being displayed here.







A big thank you to Ezivoucher which functions as an agent to endeavour to bring super saver deals to the public for inviting a small clan of food bloggers including me to a food reviewing section at D'Dapor Express.
There was supposed to be 10 food bloggers but somehow only four of us showed up, how disappointing.
We then had a photography section basically at anything we could find in the restaurant while waiting for the chefs to prepare our food.


The very peculiar name of this dish: "Gado-Gado Senyum Selalu" (RM8.80) got me mishearing it as "Gaduh-Gaduh Senyum Selalu" which means quarrel, quarrel and non-stop smiling in Malay language.
Gado-Gado is actually an Indonesian version of vegetable salad that is served with a peanut sauce dressing.
However, they did apply some magic to it, they used Sambal Kacang sauce instead of ordinary peanut sauce.
The spicy sauce canceled out the bitterness of the vegetables and in the meanwhile, the tofu, egg and kacang combined to give out a weak sweet taste.



Next, it was the Ayam Rendang (RM19.90) which looked really smoking hot and spicy.
To me, the spiciness was moderate but when i was choking it down, i felt a stream of heat coming from the back of my throat.
The gravy which bathed the firm chicken was pretty thick and was full of Malay spices aroma.
That particular strong aroma smoked the chicken and definitely improved the taste.
It deserves some of your attention, trust me, try it.


If you are having Malay cuisine, how could you neglect Tom Yam?
The Tom Yam Seafood (RM26.80) was served in a wok with a flickering flame on its bottom to keep the soup warm all the time.
It gave out an intense sour taste accompanied by a simultaneous mild spicy taste.
No doubt, it went very well with the plain white rice provided.
The only unsatisfying factor was that the freshness of the prawns.


Well, the Curry Udang (RM18/27) had an affrighting look, it was terrifyingly red.
We all thought it will be extremely spicy and all along it was not.
It was the fat which gives the curry its super red appearance.
With reference to the pictures below, the curry was very oily.
Anyhow, the curry was thick and rich of spice flavours.
The flavours just exploded in my mouth but still, i found it less impressive than the Tom Yam Seafood.


The Tauhu Claypot Muhibah looks familiar to you, doesn't it?
In fact, i found it very fascinating due to its name.
What do you think of when a Malay restaurant serves Tauhu which is cooked in a Chinese way somehow using a claypot?
I think of 1 Malaysia and i guess that is what inspired the chefs to come out with this unique dish.
For your information, muhibah can be defined as caring for one another or living in harmony among all races.
Taste wise, it was on the same level with those top Chinese ones.
With exactly the right amount of saltiness and a hint of sweetness, the starchy gravy was awesome and so did the soft, spongy Tauhu.


I felt that the Ketam Manis Pedas (RM29/pieces) was a little bit overpriced.
The other food bloggers only left me one crab claw part and surprisingly, i did not even manage to obtain a half spoonful of its flesh.
Nevertheless, the spotlight is on the orange gravy which was sweet following by a hint of spicy taste.
In my opinion, the gravy was originally less sweet but the sweetness from the crabs found its way into the gravy.
Thumbs up for the gravy but not the price!



It was dessert time and we got the chance to test food beyond the reviewing range.
There are only three types of desserts offered excluding fruit platter.
We were fortunate enough to try all these three out.
First, the so-called Ais Kacang Getaran Jiwa (RM5.50) which can be translated into English, Stirring Soul Ice Kacang was not reasonably-priced.
RM5.50 for a mountain of shaved ice, red beans, corns, jelly and some sweet colourful dressings? You got to be kidding me.
I did not feel that it was better than those roadside ones, except the dining surrounding.


I have to say the same old thing to the Ais Cendol Sewangi Pandan (RM5.50) which tasted normal.
Every extra cent was for thicker coconut milk, extra pandan worm-like jelly and more shaved ice.
Still, it was not living up to its price tag.


Gula Melaka Sago is one of the popular desserts among the Peranakan (Chinese-Malay origin).
The restaurant's Sagu Gula Bendahara Melaka (RM4.80) had a promising appearance but it ended up being a complete and utter disappointment.
Awfully, the whole thing was in liquid state rather than pudding state.
I did not feel or taste any coconut element in the liquid but only the palm sugar.


Good news everyone!
Ezivoucher will soon unveal a D'Dapor Express deal in which with only a bargain of RM19.90, you are entitled to a set meal for 3 pax.
There are two versions of set meal: one of them includes Curry Udang (RM18), Ketam Manis Pedas (1 pieces - RM29), Gado-Gado Senyum Selalu (RM8.80) and white rice (RM6) while the other one includes Ayam Rendang (RM19.90), Tom Yam Seafood (RM26.80), Tauhu Claypot Muhibah (RM10.80) and also white rice (RM6).
Other than that, if you redeem two vouchers at a time, you get to enjoy all these dishes.
To get first hand voucher news, kindly follow Ezivoucher's facebook page.

Address:
No. 7, Lebuh Union,
10200 Penang.
[google map]

Operation Hours:
11am - 3pm , 6pm - 10pm everyday

Contact no.:
04 - 2629323 / 013 - 4899544

Email:
Ddapore@gmail.com



Monday, June 27, 2011

Invited: Arabian Night @ Sigi's Bar & Grill On The Beach, Penang.




Sigi's Bar & Grill not only provides an excellent view of Batu Ferringhi golden beach and blue sea, but also serves a wide spectrum of international delicacies.
For your information, Sigi's Bar & Grill organized its very first Arabian-themed beach party which turned out to be a successful one last year and they decided to make it an annual tradition following positive public reactions to that event.
With the help of Criz and a stroke of luck, i was officially invited to the Arabian Night Beach Party which was held on 25 June 2011.
That means i was entitled to Arabian buffet, bottomless wine, beer and entertaining programs without paying any cent, the original price is RM158++.


The venue was filled with Arabic tents scattered around the beach and the service crew was even dressed up in head-turning costumes which fit the theme of the night perfectly.
Out of my expectation, most of those attended the party were foreigners from all around the world especially UK and Australia.
We, invited ones were given a private room while the others were seated at outdoor banquet tables or low tables.





The sky was getting darker and with such low light condition, my camera was incapable of performing as usual.
Hence, please excuse my awful photography skills.
As you can see, an extensive collection of exotic food, ranging from appetizers to desserts was being displayed at various corners.



I kicked off with the soup of the night, the Lentil Soup which was made with a big portion of vegetables.
Seriously, it was like the thick version of local Indian Dhal Curry but the taste was more intense.
Besides that, a list of salad was made available there.
Dinner rolls.


Lentil Soup.


Iceberg Salad.


Panzenella Salad.


Moving on, a multitude of Mezze was offered.
Mezze simply means a selection of small dishes served in the Mediterranean and Middle East as dinner or lunch, with or without drinks.
Hummus which is basically a dip, condiment is a popular food in Middle East region and is made with mashed chickpeas along with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic.
It gave out a strong, sharp taste and it formed a wonderful couple with the deepfried chickpea patty, Falafel.
Hummus.


Falafel.


Since the Stuffed Vine Leaves, also known as Dolma or Grape Leaves were served cold, that indicates that they were meatless.
The combination of materials such as garlic, onions, carrot and bulgur produced an extremely sour taste.


Well, the SBG (Sigi's Bar & Grill) Sovlaki Pizza got nothing special, nothing worth to be mentioned.


The Pita Bread was awesome in a way that it went well with both Baba Ghanoush and Chicken Shawerma.
Pita Breads.


Chicken Shawerma.


I personally felt that the Spit Roasted Lamb was the odd one out that night.


The deliciousness of the Seafood Kebab and Grilled Morrocan Prawns left the guests craving for more and in the end, the chef had to keep himself busy by fulfilling the high demand.


At the corridor linking the entrance to the beach, a vast array of sinful desserts were being displayed.
They were Baklava, Muhalabia, Bassboussa, Rosewater Creme Brulee, Warm Apple Crumble Vanilla Anglaise, Chocolate Brownie, Mini Fruit Tartlets, Baked Cheesecake, Lemon Delicious and Cream Caramel.







Other than Middle Eastern delicacies, the band as well as fire jugglers presented the best of them to the guests.


Among all the performances, the snake show which stunned every audience was the best.
The snake charmer showed an excellent technique to control the king cobra.
He eventually bowed down to the cobra, kissed it and his next act was very horrifying.
Guess what? He squeezed the head of the cobra and stuffed it into his mouth!



Last but not least, i intoxicated myself with the beautiful, flawless body movement of this young, gorgeous lady.
She was dancing with a pair of butterfly wings, swinging here and there before she got them stripped off.
Exposing her belly to the public, she started to perform belly dancing and she was shaking every part of her curves like an outboard motor.
According to the lady, she started to dance when she was four.



Address:
Level 1, Ground Floor (Beachfront),
Golden Sands Resort, Batu Feringgi Beach
11100 Penang.

Operation hours:
11am - 6pm , 6.30pm - 10.30pm

Contact no.:
04 - 8861852

Website:
[click here]




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