El Faro Tapas Bar and Wine

This place has been in my to-do list for quite some time now. Finally had the chance to pay them a visit last week. There aren't many tapas bar here in Penang and this is one of the first ones known to me. The Spanish dish I recalled most is the Paella (pronounced "pa e ya") which was introduced to me by my Spanish classmate during Uni days.

Tapas are a wide variety of snacks and appetizers, therefore don't expect huge portions.

Walaa...this is the wine cellar! Not much of a choice but I found myself a nice vino. The wine list is concentrated on new world regions with light to full-bodied varietals from major wine producing countries of Australia, Chile and Argentina. I wished there were more variety, after all their cellar looks quite empty. 

The seating arrangement and lighting makes a nice ambiance for an enchanting evening for friends and love birds alike. It's open-concept kitchen basically resides next to the dining but the ventilation is superb! 

Ordered this 2006 cabernet sauvignon from Famiglia Bianchi of Mendoza. At rm130+ I must say it is value-for-money. This wine has a nice aroma, well-balanced with a pleasing finishing and even though it is full-bodied, it paired well with our dishes. If only they can decant the wine to let it breathe slightly and serve it in larger wine glass bowl :(

This unique squid ink rice with shrimp is my a must-try!

Salmon....loved it!

Smoked salmon...erm!

Looking forward to another visit to this place sometime in the near future. Wanting to try the Sangria in a jug and other tapas variety. Oh ya, Tong Pak Fu is nearby so leave some room for a sweet dessert. Muchas gracias :)

200 Meter Queue at Uniqlo's Opening at Queensbay Mall Penang

Amazing! Tons of people queuing up yesterday to visit the first Uniqlo store in Penang. Hardly seen such a frenzy besides the launch of new iPhones models.

Best Wine Drinking Places in Penang

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WINE BAR (5)

1

. The Wine ShopWINE BAR

15 Lintang Burma, George Town, Penang

"Excellent place to hang out. Brightly-lid, noisy crowd and bar-style seats. Huge collection of wines from the very affordable to the pricey ones. Try the cheese and pizza! Tel: 04-226 1824"

Shaun Yap · 22 minutes ago

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2

. That Little Wine BarWINE BAR

54 Jalan Chow Thye, George Town, Penang

"Wine bar and restaurant. Organizes wine classes and sharing session by qualified Sommelier. Nice and quiet joint with outdoor seating available. Tel: 04-226 8182"

Shaun Yap · 8 minutes ago

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3

. Vino Vino BistroWINE BAR

Bay Avenue Block H-10-3, Bayan Lepas, Penang

"Wines are priced higher here. Serving its specialty the Yakitori and Teppanyaki dishes. Nice karaoke rooms available for rent upstairs. Nice place for a quiet and relaxing dinner. Tel: 04-645 9922"

Shaun Yap · 11 minutes ago

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4

. El Faro Tapas Bar & WineWINE BAR

Burma Road, Penang, Malaysia

"The latest and hottest spot in town. Robust flavors, both warm and cold, savory, exciting delicious meals to fill your tummy and satisfy your palate. Tel: 04-227 2310"

Shaun Yap · 5 minutes ago

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5

. Bossa VinoWINE BAR

56, Jln. Chow Thye Off Jln. Burmah, George Town, Penang

"Wine . Dine . Bar . Events & BBQ. Mon - Sat: 6:00 pm - 1:00 am. Tel: 04-2261932"

Shaun Yap · 4 minutes ago

1st Ever Uniqlo in Penang, Opening 8th Mar 2013 at Queensbay Mall

Brace yourselves this 8th March for the opening of the 1st ever Uniqlo branch in Penang. Be sure to be the first in line for the queue as early as 10:30am for the maiden opening. Fashionistas be ready! Penang rocks!

Squash Lessons for Kids @Nicol David International Squash Centre

Weekly squash lessons for kids at rm30/month. Hourly classes depending on age categories. Bring your kids here for a fun and enjoyable time. You may bump into the champ if you're lucky one day!

Nicol David International Squash Centre - http://4sq.com/cO3hIm
Jalan Gelugor, Gelugor, Penang, 11700, MY

Hokkien Mee @Bayan Baru

Situated along the new shoplots opposite Mayang Mall, this hokkien mee stall is the franchise of the famous hokkien mee at weld quay. What I liked is there are many side dishes like pork ribs, crisp pork, porkballs, fish balls and many more. There aren't many hokkien mee here with such variety. Prices starts from rm4 for a large bowl with surcharges for its side dishes ranging from rm1-rm2. The outlet is still new so cleanliness and comfort is not an issue. Staff are friendly unlike the 888 hokkien mee nearby. Another new place to add to my lunch list.

僑頭福建面 - http://4sq.com/Wq25Xj
MY

The Twelve Cups at The WhiteAways Arcade

If you are fascinated by the heritage trails in Penang, it would definitely be a delightful affair to chill at The Twelve Cups to sip the freshly brewed coffee and savour their signature mille crepe cake with your loved ones.


Tel: 04-262 6812 facebook.com/thetwelvecups

Wen Chang Hainanese Chicken Rice at Cintra Street

Best hainanese chicken rice, loh bak and teh peng! The chicken meat is lean, rice is not oily therefore perfect for the healh conscious.

Parking is limited during lunch hours so arrive early.

Eam Huat Charcoal Steamboat at Batu Lanchang

Nestled amongst the high rise apartments along batu lanchang road, this steamboat is a hidden gem. It is one of the many stalls operating at the corner coffee shop just opposite central park apartments.

I've read reviews that their hand-made meatballs are a must try! It's fish-based soup is sweet but the ginger a bit too much for my liking. The sukiyaki sauce is good but is not the best I've tasted.

The coffee shop is breezy and ventilation is excellent. I would avoid the seats under the tree if I were you.

Overall good value for money and perfect for a family outing.

English Afternoon Tea at David Brown's

Fancy having scones and tea in cool climate with a view to behold?

Then you should make the trip up Penang Hill to dine at David Brown's restaurant. With the new funicular completed, it will take only a 5-minute trip to the peak as compared to a 30-minute ride before. The only annoying experience is the permanent long queues at the ticketing booth.

Of course, english afternoon tea at elevated locations comes at a premium. At rm78++ for a couple's tea set, it is not cheap. But that is the price that people is willing to pay to experience the environment and to taste the quality delights.

The scones and apple tarts are good though. My advice is to avoid the peak seasons and always carry an umbrella with you :)

Mini Steamboat Set @Ko Cha Taiwanese Delight

What I loved about this eatery is its mini steamboat dishes at very reasonable prices. Nestled along the ever busy Burmah road, just beside the 1926 Heritage Hotel this Taiwanese diner is always packed to the rim. Parking spaces are limited but there are ample spots along the neighbouring street.

The mini steamboat soup is surprisingly sweet without the hint of MSG. At less than rm25 per set, it can easily satisfy the palate of 2 light eaters. Of course there are other choices on the menu. But this for me is my favourite pick.

MLTR is coming to town! MLTR World Tour Live in Malaysia 2011

Good news to Micheal Learns to Rock (MLTR) fans as the famous Danish are dropping by Penang as part of their World Tour Live in Malaysia. Expect a sell out crowd at PISA on 22 Apr, so be sure to book your tickets early. This is one live act I wouldn't want to miss.

Michael Learns to Rock (MLTR) fans are in for a treat - the Danish pop act is scheduled to visit Malaysia this April and the band will be on a three city tour covering Kuala Lumpur, PPenang and Kuantan.

Presented by MBI International, the upcoming tour of this legendary soft rock band will take the stage of Penang Pisa Stadium on 22 April, Kuala Lumpur KLCC Plenary Hall on 24 April and Kuantan Sukpa Stadium on 30 April 2011, featuring all of their popular songs as well as new ones from their recent album, Eternity, brought out under their own independent label, MLTR Music.

MLTR recorded a sell-out concert here in Malaysia back in 2009 and this popular Danish soft rock band does seem to have a strong fan base as all 6,000 seats at the hall were filled with groupies who seemed to know every word of the band's songs.

MLTR has been enthralling audiences all across the globe since the past 2 decades. The band is regarded as one of the finest 'pop makers' ever to have hit the global music arena.

Comprising lead vocals and keyboardist Jascha Richter, drummer Kare Wanscher and guitarist Mikkel Lentz, the well known Danish pop trio has more than 8 million recordings to its credit since its professional debut in 1991.

Few of MLTR's chartbuster albums include: Colours, Played on Pepper, Nothing to Lose, Blue Night and Eternity. Some of their evergreen hits include: The Actor, Sleeping Child, Someday, That's Why (You Go Away), Breaking My Heart, It's Only Love, Nothing to Lose and You Took My Heart Away.

Organized by Star Planet, tickets for the MLTR World Tour Live in Malaysia 2011 are priced at RM323 (VIP), RM223 (PS1), RM163 (PS2), and RM103 (PS3). Tickets are open for sale with a 15% discount extended on limited tickets only.

For tickets, call Star Planet 03-92233667 or TicketCharge 03-92228811 or visit official website www.starplanet.com.my

Khun Thai, Authentic Thai Restaurant @Permatang Tengah

At first glance, the facade might look very ordinary but once you step inside you couldn't stop to imagine that you are somewhere in Bangkok or Chiangmai having your dinner. Of course it is a bit exaggerated but this is the kind of feeling I had every time I visit Khun Thai restaurant at Permatang Tengah.

To me the food and variety is only average but the reason I keep coming back is because of the price and the atmosphere. On average, the prices are 20-30% lower compared to Thai restaurants on the island. Of course, the petrol and toll for the trip may set you back a bit but imagine if you could enjoy dining in Thailand without making the trip there. Only thing is they don't accept Thai Baht.

My favourite dishes are the tanghoon prawn, thai-style fish and prawn fritters. I've seen people ordering the seafood platter which is even more economical but I have to give that a skip. Too bad many of the famous thai dishes has been pulled out of the menu especially the famous dessert Tub Tim Grob. Maybe this is part of its efforts to maintain its excellent TAT.

Give it a try, you won't regret it.

The facade looks ordinary like some swift let farm with the two open windows?

Main dining hall close to the entrance

Another dining hall close to the kitchen and reception area

Source of light for the bamboo hut dining area

Bamboo huts powered by powerful fans to reduce the heat

Miaeng Kum, taste-bud tantalizing Thai appetizer

Miaeng kum wrapped and ready to go

Thai-style fish

Frog or chooi kay, fried in Kung Po and Thai-style

The tanghoon prawn being prepared by the waiter

Tanghoon prawn ready for consumption

Seafood otak-otak stuffed in empty coconut shell

Prawn fritters with lemon sauce, just discovered this and my favourite

1. Miaeng Kum - rm10
2. Thai style steam fish (Siakap) - rm43
3. Deep-fried Prawn fritters - rm16
4. Tanghoon shrimp - rm18
5. Seafood Otak-Otak - rm20
6. Chooi Kay (300gm) - Thai style - rm18
7. Chooi Kay (300gm) - Kung Po style - rm18

7 dishes for 3 hungry person @rm50/pax. You be the judge...

Website: http://khunthai.com
Photos courtesy of Boon's Gallery

UEFA Champions League Trophy is Coming to Town

This 5 & 6 Mar, the most coveted trophy in European football will set foot in Gurney Plaza Penang. Set among the lush landscape of Gurney Park, it is the perfect spot for a picture perfect moment with the trophy for footy fans.

A UCL football legend was also said to be making his appearance at the site to greet fans. If not mistaken, it is the legendary Chelsea striker Gianfranco Zola. Besides the trophy itself, a series of activities had been lined up for fans, including a chance to win tickets to watch the UCL finals 2011 in Wembley.

So grab your jerseys and head to Gurney Plaza next weekend.

Gurney Plaza
New Wing Atrium, Ground Floor
5 - 6 March 2011
11.30am - 8.30pm

Yahoo! Selects Penang Amongst the 10 Top Islands to Explore Before You Die

View Yahoo! Top 10 Islands to Explore Before You Die in a larger map

Another proud moment for Penang as we are ranked at #8 amongst the Top 10 Islands to Explore Before You Die published by Yahoo!

Yahoo! travel writer Gary McKechnie is particularly impressed by the fusion of food, local architecture, beach resorts, preserved mangroves, fishing villages, mosque, church and temple especially Kek Lok Si.

Below are the top 10 list of islands.

1. Bali, Indonesia
2. Vieques, Puerto Rico
3. Easter Island, Chile
4. Ischia in the bay of Naples, Italy
5. Chiloe, Chile
6. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
7. Key West, Conch Republic
8. Penang, Malaysia
9. Galapagos, Ecuador
10. Palm Islands, Dubai

Source: http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-37926474

Gong Xi Fa Cai & Happy Chinese New Year but where to dine???

Start the Year of the Rabbit with a BANG! Good food will translate to good fortune and prosperity. Why not Lo Hei and start your new year at these venues. Here's a compilation of sumptuous Chinese New Year buffet offered by selected hotels in Penang. Enjoy & Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Spice Market Cafe
Reunion Dinner Buffet
2 February 2011 | 6:30pm to 10:30pm
RM178++ (adult) | RM89++ (child)

Joyluck Brunch Buffet
3 to 6 February 2011
12:00 noon to 3:00pm
RM120++ (adult) | RM60++ (child)

'Fatt Choy' Dinner Buffet
3 to 6 February 2011 | 6:30pm to 10:30pm
RM178++ (adult) | RM89++ (child)

Pinang Restaurant & Bar
Prosperity Sunset BBQ
Dinner Buffet
2 to 6 February 2011 | 6:30pm to 10:30pm
RM138++ (adult) | RM69++ (child)

Chinese New Year Western Reunion Set Dinner
Tuesday to Thursday, 1 to 3 February 2011
7:00pm to 10:00pm
RM138++ per person
Price includes a glass of red or white wine per person

Chinese Reunion Buffet Dinner
Get together with family and friends on the eve of the lunar new year over a delectable spread replete with the season’s delicacies.
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
7:00pm to 10:00pm
RM108++ adult, RM68++ teenager, RM42++ child
Free flow of wine, beer, fruit punch and soft drinks

Chinese ‘Lo Hei’ Buffet Dinner
Celebrate over a sumptuous fare that includes Braised fish maw soup, Prosperity herbal duck, Almond flake chicken, Stir-fried prawn “Bi Fang Tong” style, Braised sea treasures with broccoli, Stir-fried fragrant yam rice and Yee Sang salad.
Thursday to Saturday, 3 to 5 February 2011
7:00pm to 10:00pm
RM108++ adult, RM68++ teenager, RM42++ child
Free flow of wine, beer, fruit punch and soft drinks

Chinese Prosperity Buffet Lunch
We are serving a lavish spread of Chinese fare that signifies prosperity and good fortune. Come feast in abundance and start the new lunar year on the right note.
Sunday, 6 February, 2011
12:00noon to 2:30pm
RM68++ adult, RM48++ teenager, RM28++ child

Deliciosa! Spanish Themed Buffet @Hard Rock Hotel

Hola Amigos, this January is the month of español. Not only is winning the world cup boosting their popularity but Spanish food seems to be so ubiquitous nowadays. 

So it is not a surprise when Hard Rock Penang throws a Spanish themed buffet at their famous Starz Diner restaurant. Additional perks on Saturdays with fresh succulent seafood swimming on the menu. 

Hmm, I still can't decide. Spanish or Japanese? Yea, Lionel Messi might have just walked away with FIFA's Ballon d'or and yes he plays for the Barcelona. And yes my fav player is Fernando Torres. So the choice is easy.

Green Curry Thai Laksa

There are two basic types of laksa, curry laksa and asam laksa. Curry laksa is a coconut-based curry soup while Asam laksa is sour fish based soup. 

This is a version Thai version of curry laksa based on green curry. It is quite popular now in Penang and can be quite widely found. I've tasted the Thai laksa located at Swee Hong kopitiam at Pulau Tikus and also Tesco Glugor foodcourt. 

Spicy, Hot, Sweet is what I used to describe this laksa dish. If you're not used to the authentic Thai cuisine, then get prepared as you will most likely end up with Rihanna's lips. Recommended to have 3 cups of ice water ready as back-up. Seriously it is damn hot.