CRIZ BON APPETITE

Recently, a client of mine invited me for a dinner. We circled a few rounds within Georgetown to seek a place for dinner and ended up at Segafredo, Upper Penang Road. The ambience of the bistro & pub was great. There were the outside area and inside area with soft house music. This is quite a cool place for a small meeting as well as for casual chit chats.

My client ordered the Chicken Arrosto (RM13.50) which looked very impressive in the menu. He ended up with a chicken drumstick which was too small a portion for his big size although the taste was not bad at all.

On the other hand, I ordered the Fish & Chips (RM14) which was also too small a portion for my appetite. There was nothing special at all in this dish except for the two big prawns served in the salad.

Overall, I would think the bistro is rather pricey in their food and beverages items. We paid RM61.53 for the meal, inclusive of 10% service charge and 5% Government Tax which came up to RM8.03. I guessed the bistro served more party goers than diners well here as it is situated within the night entertainment spots of Upper Penang Road. Just refer to the map below if you would like to pay a visit to this place.

Name: SEGAFREDO (UPPER PENANG ROAD)
Address: 3J, Upper Penang Road, 10000 Penang, Malaysia.
Tel: 604-262 2611
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 1.00am
GPS: 5.422310, 100.334820

RATING:
Ambience: 8/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 classy)
Food Choices: 6/10 (1-4 limited, 5-7 average, 8-10 many choices)
Taste: 7/10 (1-4 tasteless, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)
Pricing: 9/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 expensive)
Service: 8/10 (1-4 bad, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)

You may have pass by this restaurant always but maybe you did not pay much attention as it is hidden at the end of a lane. This restaurant is actually right with the premises of the Penang Eurasian Association. That’s how it got its name as EA Bistro & Pub. Not only does the restaurant serve Set Lunch (RM9.90) daily (except Monday), it also served one of the best Western Food as well as Japanese Meals around the area and everything in this restaurant is freshly cooked daily. Even the soups are prepared with the freshest ingredients and the Japanese meals are prepared with imported Japanese products.

My friend and I discovered this place on our way to Tanjung Tokong area a few days back and decided to try out this place. We ordered the BBQ Chicken (RM16.90) and Blackened Chicken (RM16.90). The Blackened Chicken is actually grilled cajun spiced chicken breast meat served with black pepper sauce. Every piece on the plate is well prepared and tasty. The portion served is extremely large.

The BBQ Chicken on the other hand is a grilled cajun spiced chicken drumstick served with sweet fragrance-rich BBQ sauce. Absolute delicious too!

For every order of an Ala Carte Western Dishes, you are can upsized to Set Dinner with an additional RM7.00. You will get a glass of soda of your choice, a fresh Mushroom Soup, a spicy green salad, and coffee or tea. This is recommended for those big eaters. You should also try out the smoothness of their Vietnamese Coffee. This is such a great offer!

There will also be different Live Bands performing from Thursday until Saturday. Thursday would be Jazz Night, First and Third Friday would be Country Night, Second and Fourth Friday would be Retro Night and Saturday would be Oldies Night. This is not a bad place for group gatherings or party but you will expect dimly lighted place with some smoke since this is a bistro cum pub.

There is also a list of Teppanyaki and Sashimi dishes, Spaghetti and Pasta, and finger food available for your hungry tummy. The boss recommended their Yaki Udon, Yaki Mesi, Spaghetti Marinara and Chicken & Mushroom Fettuccine for our next visit.

If you are coming from town towards Gurney Plaza along Jalan Kelawai, you will reach a traffic light. Go straight and turn into the second lane on your left. The restaurant is just at the end of a no-through road, right in between the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Malaysia building and Arcadia Apartment. Hunzaland Project Office is just directly opposite the lane. The will be parking space inside.

Name: EA BISTRO & PUB
Address:
107-A, Jalan Kelawai (Solok Serani), Pulau Tikus, 10250 Penang, Malaysia.
Tel: 604-228 2406, 016-422 6688 (Pauline)
Opening Hours:
11.30am – 3.00pm (Lunch)
6.00pm – 10.00pm (Dinner)
6.00pm – 1.00/2.00am (Pub)
6.00pm – 12.00/1.00am (Live Band – Thursday – Saturday)
GPS: 5.434593, 100.310315

RATING:
Ambience: 7/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 classy)
Food Choices: 8/10 (1-4 limited, 5-7 average, 8-10 many choices)
Taste: 8/10 (1-4 tasteless, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)
Pricing: 7/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 expensive)
Service: 8/10 (1-4 bad, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)

Name: FACES STEAK CORNER
Address: 4D Jalan Pantai Molek, Tg. Tokong, 10470 Penang, Malaysia.
Tel: 604-8900998
Opening Hours: 6.00pm – 1.00am daily
GPS: 5.444408, 100.305948

RATING:
Ambience: 8/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 classy)
Food Choices: 8/10 (1-4 limited, 5-7 average, 8-10 many choices)
Taste: 8/10 (1-4 tasteless, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)

Service: 7/10 (1-4 bad, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)

Penang has many Duck Koay Chiap stalls from Lebuh Melayu, Lebuh Kimberley, Jalan Macalister, Jalan Air Itam up to Lorong Kucing in Pulau Tikus. The one that I like most is still from Lebuh Kimberley. The soup is just right for my taste without too much of bitterness from the herbs that are used in the braising of the duck. On top of that the amount of duck meat given is much more than any of the other stalls I have been to.

BRAISED DUCK KOAY CHIAP (RM4-RM6)

BRAISED DUCK BROTH (RM4-RM6)

BRAISED DUCK RICE (RM4-RM6)

BRAISED DUCK MEAT WITH EGG (RM5-RM6)

Name: KIMBERLEY STREET DUCK KOAY CHIAP
Address: Lebuh Kimberley, Penang, Malaysia.
Opening Hours: 6.30pm – 11.30pm (Closed Thursday)
GPS: 5.416200, 100.332717

RATING:
Ambience: 5/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 classy)
Food Choices: 6/10 (1-4 limited, 5-7 average, 8-10 many choices)
Taste: 8/10 (1-4 tasteless, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)
Pricing: 7/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 expensive)
Service: 7/10 (1-4 bad, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)

Name: HOCK LYE SEAFOOD VILLAGE
Address: 130A, Jalan C. Y. Choy, Bridge Street Foreshore, 10300 Penang, Malaysia.
Tel: 604-262 7524, 012-525 1874
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm 5.30pm – 10.30pm
GPS: 5.404451, 100.330689

RATING:
Ambience: 7/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 classy)
Food Choices: 8/10 (1-4 limited, 5-7 average, 8-10 many choices)
Taste: 8/10 (1-4 tasteless, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)
Pricing: 7/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 expensive)
Service: 7/10 (1-4 bad, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)

Note: The restaurant has shifted to the main road of Jalan Fettes Park opposite Prima Tanjung. Items sold are still the same.

Name: 113 FRIED PORRIDGE SHOP @ SEONG IPING CAFE
Address: 47, Laya Batu Maung, 19300 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: 016-428 9113
Opening Hours:
11.30am – 3.00pm, 6.00pm – 10.30pm (Closed Alternate Thursday)
GPS: 5.285879, 100.282495

RATING:
Ambience: 7/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 classy)
Food Choices: 8/10 (1-4 limited, 5-7 average, 8-10 many choices)
Taste: 8/10 (1-4 tasteless, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)
Pricing: 7/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 expensive)
Service: 8/10 (1-4 bad, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)

There is something new in the market that will take over the beverage industry by storm in no time. ANYTHING and WHATEVER was launched on 3 June 2008 at Armada Hotel, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. The idea and creative came from Out Of The Box Pte. Ltd. from Singapore and the beverages are being distributed by Tongee (KL) Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia.

What makes these products so unique is that you will never know what drink you will be having until you open up the can and test it out. There won’t be any more problems in deciding what beverage to have again next time. That’s the thrill of getting surprises and I’m sure lots of people would like to try them out.

ANYTHING which is carbonated has six flavors such as Cola, Cola with Lemon, Apple, Fizz Up, Cloudy Lemon and Root Beer.

On the other hand, WHATEVER which is non-carbonated has also six flavors such as Ice Lemon Tea, Peach Tea, Jasmine Green Tea, White Grape Tea, Apple Tea and Chrysanthemum Tea.

I immediately got hold of half a dozen of each when I was at 7-Eleven recently. I just love surprises. It’s selling at RM1.80 per can. So far I had the Apple, Root Beer, Jasmine Green Tea and Peach Tea and the tastes met up with my expectations. They were great! What an ideal beverage for parties, picnics, BBQ, etc! I am sure your guest will love all the surprises you are giving them. Presently, you will see the ANYTHING and WHATEVER posters at all the 7-Eleven outlets all across Peninsular Malaysia. You can even get them in Jusco. Within the next few months, I am certain that most cafés, bistros, kopitiams, mamaks and convenient shops will have them available for the public.

I saw their TVCs and was laughing all the way. Here are the two TV Commercials directed by the acclaimed Mr. Thononchai Sornsriwichai who was a highly awarded director in the world in 2006.

ANYTHING COMMERCIAL:

WHATEVER COMMERCIAL:

Name: TONGEE (KL) SDN. BHD.
Address:
No. 3 & 5, Jalan Segambut Pusat, Segamut Industrial Area,
Segamut, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: 603-6253 1111
Fax: 603-6253 0000
Email: jeremy@tongeeklsb.com
Website: http://www.anything.com.my/

RATING:
Choices: 8/10 (1-4 limited, 5-7 average, 8-10 many choices)
Taste: 8/10 (1-4 tasteless, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)
Pricing: 7/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 expensive)

“Hey Jon! Where’s my lasagna?” Hmm… Where have I heard this before? Yea… it’s me! Haha. I felt like I have a part of Garfield hidden inside me as I am always craving for lasagna. After searching in many Italian restaurants for lasagna that’s good and affordable, I ended up in Pasta & Pie at Northern Beach Café again and again. Why? It is because the dish can be ordered as ala carte or in a set which will cost you not more than RM16.90. I ordered the set as I can get an appetizer, a main and a dessert at a much lesser price.

You have a few choices to choose from and I chose the Mushroom Carrot Soup. The soup is thick and creamy and it comes with a breadstick. This is how I always love my soup to be. Yummy!

“Thou shalt not touch my lasagna!” Right! You got it! The lasagna is my favorite but the portion is too small to be shared with anyone else. The smell from the melted cheese and the smoothness of the meat and lasagna pasta has always sent me craving for more. It’s a must to try.

As for dessert, I chose the Pumpkin Cheese Pie as it was not too filling compared to the many varieties of chocolate cakes and apple pies the stall has. The top of the slice of Pumpkin Cheese Pie was baked with crunchy almonds slices and accompanied with yummy custard sauce.

There are many other pies which I have tasted before such as the Chicken Pot Pie, Shepherd’s Pie, Mushroom Chicken Pie and many other sweet pies that are really good as well. In fact, you can even custom ordered your birthday cakes, wedding cakes, dessert & sweet for your tea party by contacting Tony days before your function.

To get there is real easy. Just drive along Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah where the Northam Hotel is and turn left into the Northam Beach Café. The stall is strategically located within the dining area.

Name: PASTA & PIE @ NORTHAM BEACH CAFE
Address: 58, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 Penang, Malaysia.
Tel: 016-555 0317 (Tony Cheah)
Opening Hours: 6.00pm – 11.00pm
GPS: 5.427159, 100.323522

RATING:
Ambience: 7/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 classy)
Food Choices: 8/10 (1-4 limited, 5-7 average, 8-10 many choices)
Taste: 8/10 (1-4 tasteless, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)
Pricing: 7/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 expensive)
Service: 8/10 (1-4 bad, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)

Penang produces so many different versions of delicious Wan Than Mee (sometimes called wonton noodle) that most of the time we get confused with what style of the noodles to consume. We have the Cantonese, Hokkien, Hakka, Teochew even Hong Kong styles of Wan Than Mee, not forgetting that the different style of how other states prepare the dish such as the versions from Johor, Pahang, Perak, Sarawak and Selangor. The dish comes in two versions, the dry and the soup. We also have the boiled wonton and the deep fried wonton, fine noodles and thick noodles, served with sambal and/or pickled green chillies.

One of the regular Wan Than Mee stall that I frequent is right in the heart of Georgetown. Somehow I like the taste of it compared to a few famous ones in Penang. I gave the stall the name Agogo as the boss will always shake vigorously when he shook the noodles dry. The noodles come in three sizes, small (RM2.40), medium (RM2.90) and large (RM3.40). If you want to try out the noodle, be prepare to wait for awhile as the customers will come in nonstop. After all, there are selling only for 5 hours or less per day, except for Sunday.

You have to drive towards Lebuh Pantai to get into Lebuh Melayu as it is a one-way street. You can see the stall on you right at the junction of Lorong Toh Aka. Ample parking spaces can be found on the left road ( Lorong Ikan). If you find that the stall has no more places to sit, you can always move to the coffee shop opposite, which is cooler.

Name: AGOGO WAN THAN MEE
Address: Junction of Lorong Toh Aka / Lebuh Melayu
Opening Hours: 12.30pm – 5.00pm (Closed Sunday)
GPS: 5.414032, 100.336300

RATING:
Ambience: 5/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 classy)
Food Choices: 5/10 (1-4 limited, 5-7 average, 8-10 many choices)
Taste: 8/10 (1-4 tasteless, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)
Pricing: 6/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 expensive)
Service: 8/10 (1-4 bad, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)

I have been having too much of red meat continuous for the past few weeks. I think it’s time to cook something that is much healthier. Somehow, I still missed those juicy T-Bone Steak or Mutton Shank but for a healthier meal, I opted for vegetarian mock mutton. I am going to share you all this week my Vegetarian Kurma Mutton, an Indian dish which is spicy but not hot. It can also be taken by children of any ages.

INGREDIENTS
500g mock mutton
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
1 big onion (cut to wedges)
2” cinnamon bark
2 cloves
2 cardamoms
1 full clove of star anise
2 medium tomatoes (washed and cut to wedges)
2 green chillies (deseed and cut into thick slices)
40 Mint leaves
300ml full cream milk (can be replaced with coconut milk)
Salt and sugar to taste
Some fried shallots
2 potatoes (optional – cut into large cubes and semi fry it to cook)

BLENDED INGREDIENTS
10 shallots
2 green chillies
2 tsp coriander powder
3 tsp poppy seeds
1 tsp turmeric powder
1.5” ginger
1/2 tsp grounded pepper

PREPARATION
1. Heat up the vegetable oil and stir in the blended ingredients.
2. Put in the onion, cinnamon bark, cloves, cardamoms and star anise. Stir until fragrant.
3. Add in the mock mutton and water. Simmer for 10 minutes on low fire.
4. Add in the tomatoes and green chillies and stir for another 5 minutes.
5. Add in the full cream milk and mint leaves.
6. Add salt and sugar to taste.
7. Garnish with fried shallots
8. Serve with white rice, roti canai or chapatti.

(Serves: 4-6)

YOU CAN CHECK HERE FOR MORE RECIPES.

OPTIONAL:
The mock/vegetarian mutton can be replaced with meaty mutton cubes. The mutton must be marinated with juice from grated ginger in order to make the meat tender while cooking. Use one cup of water instead of the 1/2 cup as stated.