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

Station 1 Cafe Opening Soon at Queensbay Mall

Station 1 Cafe is opening its 3rd branch in Penang after the success at Komtar Walk and Bukit Mertajam. It is still under renovation and I have no information on the opening date yet. I'm guessing soon before the World Cup as they have released a few Football Frenzy menus. The new outlet would be situated at the Ground Floor just beside an entrance next to TGI Friday's. Their concept is modern, chic-dining with fusion food very popular amongst the younger generation these days.
Website: http://www.station1.com.my

Take a look at their Promotional Menu!

Yum......Seng! But drink in moderation

Health benefits: Women put on less weight if they stick to red wine rather than soft drinks or other beverages
The health benefits of red wine have long been a consolation to those who enjoy an occasional glass or two. But the news has got even better.
A study has shown that moderate women drinkers put on less weight than those who stick to soft drinks - and those who drank red wine put on the least weight. The findings by Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston suggest drinkers turn the calories into heat, not fat.
Here we look at the other surprising ways in which alcohol - when taken in moderation - may benefit your body. Men should not exceed three to four units a day and women should not exceed two to three units a day.

Wine, Beer, Gin, Champagne, Cider, Bailey's, Guiness....Bring it on!

"Mail Day" E&O Heritage Trail Dinner and Dance

In the early part of the 20th century, before a regular air connection existed between western world and Penang, mails were delivered once every four to six weeks from the "mail ship". The much anticipated arrival of letters and parcels to the local community from their loved ones provided a reason for the Eastern & Oriental Hotel to hold a "Mail Day" Dinner & Dance Event.

As part of the E&O Hotel's 125th Anniversary Celebrations, a special evening of food, fun and entertainment will be held on:-

Date: 15th May 2010 (Saturday)
Time: 7.00pm onwards
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Special Highlights: Entertainment / E&O Heritage Trail

Tickets are priced at RM200nett per person (8 person per table) inclusive of:

• 4 course Western Set Dinner
• Free flow of wine and beer from 7.00pm - 10.00pm
• After 10.00pm, beverages at happy hour prices.

Table reservations are on first-come-first-serve basis
Contact: +604-222 2000 ext 3100/3103

Limitless Dim Sum @ Equatorial

Limitless Dim Sum

Golden Phoenix

Ongoing

Available: Monday to Friday

Lunch from 12.00 noon – 2.30 pm

Price: RM29++ per person

Rate is subject to 10% service charge and 5% Government tax

From: http://www.penanghotels.com.my
Penang’s most talked-about eat-all-you-can dim sum extend its offer with a new array of must-try delicious bite-sized delights of steamed, pan-fried, deep-fried, baked items, rice rolls, congee, rice, noodles, vegetables and desserts dishes. Take advantage of this great place to combine your business meeting and a quick lunch. A great place to combine your business meeting and a quick lunch that will surely to dian xin – touch your heart.

Equatorial Hotel
1 Jalan Bukit Jambul, Bayan Lepas, 11900 Penang, Malaysia.
Tel: (604) 643 8111 Fax: (604) 644 8000
Website: www.equatorial.com/pen/
Email: info@pen.equatorial.com

Villa Fit for the King of Fruits

While we're in the subject of Durian, a local farmer recently setup 2 cozy villas at his Sungai Pinang orchard to cater for durian lovers. These air-conditioned villas are equipped with a 32-inch LCD TV and private swimming pool each.

You can enjoy the special “eat-all-you-can” package where one can pay RM25 to enjoy the durians for breakfast, RM35 for lunch and RM45 for dinner. The farm stay at his private villas will cost you RM180nett.

Bao Sheng Durian Farm (349429-A)
150 Mk.2, Sungai Pinang, 11010 Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia.
Fax:604-829 9000 Mobile Phone:012-411 0600 / 012-401 0800
bsfarm@durian.com.my
http://www.durian.com.my/

Read on

Durian Cheese Cake @Secret Recipe

If you're a durian and cheese cake lover like me, you definitely can't resist this. For RM6+ per slice, it is well worth the money you're paying for. As with other cheese cakes at Secret Recipe, it is super rich and thick in texture. You can practically taste more of the durian than the cheese.

The durian cheese is seasonal and can be found at Prangin Mall more often than other outlets. I bought these at E-Gate which was the first time I saw them. Sorry I already took a bite before being able to take a shot. Can't resist longer...

One whole cake will cost RM80 and if you would like to order one online, visit Secret Recipe's online store.

A Great Variety of Har Kau @Zim Sum Restaurant

Har Kau is a traditional Chinese dumpling served in dim sum made primarily with shrimp. Besides the traditional Har Kau, nowadays you can find other types like the Ebikko Har Kau (Prawn eggs in bright orange color), Hu Zhe Har Kau (Shark's fin) and Zim Bak Har Kau (Crab meat). Served in bamboo baskets, these steamed delicacies are best taken while still warm. Each basket consisting of three dumplings will cost you RM4, or RM3 if you opt for the standard type.

Besides Har Kau, they also serve many other varieties of dim sum of course. If you plan to "break fast" here, make sure you arrive early (before 8am) as it is very packed between 8-10am.

Restoran Zim Sum
35, Jalan Anson, Georgetown 10400, Penang
Tel: 04-229 7273
Business hours: 6.30am - 1.00pm



Click for more photos

Xuan Xin Steamboat - A Reasonable, Value-For-Money Choice

This is my 2nd visit to Xuan Xin Steamboat at Tanjong Tokong. Was surprised to see that many patrons as it was a weekday. All the spaces in its already very limited car park were taken up as early as 7pm. So I had to park in front of Teppanyaki Restaurant as the nearby food court did not allow non-patrons to park.

Unlike other steamboat outlets, the ventilation here is pretty good especially those having an option for you to BBQ. This is because there is a special section called the Teppanyaki section where they will prepare and serve you. You are provided with small clips that are marked with your table numbers, so you just clip them to your plates of food. If you'd experience barbecuing food around the perimeter of your steamboat, then you will understand my feelings. Not only will you experience second degree burns but it is terribly uncomfortable. Why would you pay money to suffer? And it could be a hazard as well as I've heard stories of young boys being temporarily blinded by the oil splashes.

The food variety being offered here is quite reasonable. My favorites are the shrimps of course (they come in medium size and very fresh), fish fillet, calamari and chicken feet. Their other menu includes poultry, seafood (cockles, mussel, ketam bunga), fresh veggies and mushrooms, cooked items (fried chicken, fries, fried rice, fried mee), ice-cream and cordials.

There is a promotion running in conjunction with their 4th anniversary celebration, RM20.10 per person not including service charge (on weekdays only). So what are you waiting for, head over there if you're feeling like having steamboat.

Join as Free member and get a chance to win dining vouchers!

Xuan Xin Steamboat
101, Jalan Tanjung Tokong,
10470, Tanjung Tokong,
Penang
Tel: 04-899 6833
Fax: 04-210 7126
Business hours: Mon-Sat (5pm-12am)
Sun & Public Holiday (12noon-3pm) (5pm-12am)

Xuan Xin Restaurant
Gurney Plaza

Dining @ J.L.Gourmet Cafe

This is a hidden gem at Prangin Mall serving a great variety of food at a reasonable price. Located on the 3rd floor opposite Little Oasis Cafe, you'll not miss its signature cart filled with bottles and a sign showing its Daily Special. This was my first visit her although I had wanted to sample them for quite some time. I understand that Mizi Bistro at New World Park also belongs to the same owner. Collecting my gf's mobile phone at the inefficient Nokia Care centre was a good enough excuse to stop by, else I'll have to wait for my next pirated software or mobile phone purchase.

Opting for something light, we ordered the Panfried Dory Fish Almondine and the recommended Chef's Salad. After some 20min wait and inhaling plenty of smoke from our friendly smoking diner, our food finally came. The portions were really reasonable and not the average size I had expected. Thumbs up for the Fish but the salad was just average. The prices on the menu is nett and there is neither service nor government tax. That's a plus point... Will be back to sample their other delights especially the Seafood Bruschetta.

Price:
Panfried Dory Fish Almondine - RM13.80
Chef's Salad - RM13.50
Set meals comes with a soup, drink and ice-cream - RM17.90.

J.L. Gourmet Cafe
Add: 33-3-09 Prangin Mall, Jln Dr. Lim Chwee Leong, 10100 Penang
H/P: 012-415 9960
http://www.jlgourmet.oomph.com.my

Freshly Brewed Coffee at Breek's Cafe

Freshly brewed coffee at RM6.50, although the menu states RM5.50. Initially thought I was mistaken but after checking their menu online, the Cafe Americano only costs RM5.50. But why make a fuss about RM1? After all, they are not any cheaper than Starbucks or Coffee Bean. Hmmm, I really think they should update their menu online and offline if RM6.50 is their new selling price.

As for the coffee, it has great viscosity and a persistent aftertaste which is good signs of a good coffee. And I do appreciate the biscuit dippers offered as part of the package.

Download the menu (not updated)

Couple Sushi Eating Contest @ Sakae Teppanyaki, Autocity

Thanks to foodblogger Steven Goh for this update. Only been to Sakae Teppanyaki once for the food tasting invitation. The mystery gift is a RM5 discount voucher only if you register before 9th April. Registration can only be done at the outlet itself. So start training those jaws and stomach now.

For the sushi lover couple, and you are planing for your wedding as well. You will stand a chane to win your dream wedding reception worth RM3800 @ Sakae Izakaya, AutoCity Prai.
The couple sushi eating contest.
1st Price:   – Wedding Reception Coordination Service worth RM3800.
2nd Price: – One Couple Lifestyle Photo Session worth RM600.
3rd Price: – Lovely Hand Bouquet worth RM199.

Quick Facts:

• Saturday 8 May: 3pm – 6pm(Finals).
• Registration deadline 21 April 2010.
• Preliminary Rounds will be on 24 & 25 April, 1 & 2 May at Sakae Izakaya, Auto City 3pm – 6pm.
• Participants must pair up to compete in the contest.
• Registration Fee: RM10
• For more information, please call: 04-508 0268

New from TGIF: The Taste of Texas, The Passions of Mexico

TGI Friday's is offering new Latin-inspired dishes featuring flavors from both sides of the border. Thank god, I'm getting bored of their same old average-tasting food. Hopefully this won't be another disappointment. The Gold Mango Margarita seems interesting. Will try it out!

Menu List:
Queso Fundido - RM14.90 (Will skip)
Chicken Ranchero Tacos - RM22.90 (May try)
Chicken with Peppers and Mushrooms - RM26.90 (May try)
SOL beer Ribeye Asada - RM47.90 (No beef)
Tilapia Vera Cruz - RM25.90 (May try)
Gold Mango Margarita - RM17.90 (Will try)

Visit TGI Friday's Malaysia

Buen Provecho!

Egg-Citing Sunday Easter Brunch, Hard Rock Hotel Penang

Easter Fun at Golden Sands Resort

Feast on our Easter lunch buffet featuring beef ribs, spit-roasted lamb, chocolate fountain along with a wide selection of local and international favourites. Plus, fun and exciting Easter activities are specially planned for the little ones' enjoyment!

Highlights of the day:
- Easter egg hunt at the bunny garden, great prizes await!
- Sand art, games and clowns
- 'Story of Easter' movie screening
- Easter books and toys display by Precious Ones


Have your best Easter ever at
Golden Sands Resort
Sunday, 4 April 2010 from 12:00 noon to 2:30pm
Price: RM69.50++ (adult) / RM34.00++ (child)
Buffet lunch at the Garden Cafe
Easter activities at the Bunga Raya Ballroom

---

Batu Feringgi Beach,11100 Penang, Malaysia. Tel: (60 4) 886 1911   |   Fax:(60 4) 881 1880
Email: gsh@shangri-la.com  |  Website: www.shangri-la.com

Sakae Salad

                                                 

Sakae Salad, originally uploaded by Shaun Yap.

If u happen to visit Sakae Sushi, don't forget to sample this delicacy. A mixture of fresh salad, chinmi, sashimi, etc and topped up wt a special sakae dressing. It is value for money at a reasonable price of RM8.90. Be sure to try it! p/s: The portion at Gurney Plaza is more reasonable than in QB.