Klang Ki Xiang Bak Kut Teh

My Ratings: 5 Stars

Cuisine: Chinese

Location: Pasar Awam Megamall, Jalan Perai Jaya 3, Taman Perai Jaya, 13700 Perai, Butterworth, Penang

(see GPS coordinates below)

Non-halal

Price: RM10-20 per person

Where to go when you have that Bak Kut Teh craving. Well, it is at Kluang Ki Xiang Bak Kut Teh is where BKT connoisseur go to for their fix. I can say that I finally found a place where I can find one of the best BKT in Penang. But you have to leave the island to a complex behind the Pacific Megamall. This is a four bagger of 5 stars review.

The meat are vegetables are fresh, the soup is tasty and the aroma is just a perfect balance of herbs. The local favorites are the dry BKT. But the soupy version is also worth a try. You get to order all sorts of pork parts from inerts to knuckles to tails to meat. Delicious!

A blend of 18 fruits and the Acai Berry that is nature perfect health drink

Price is moderate with RM8 per serving of BKT and RM6 for a plate of vegetables.

Open daily from 8am - 10pm. Call 013-4444488 or 016-2238993 to confirm or directions

Invited Review: Kim Tavern

My Ratings: 5 Stars

Cuisine: International, Fusion, Asian

Location: LG04, Sunway Carnival Mall, Jalan Todak, 13700 Seberang Jaya

Pork Free

RM15-20 per person

This is certainly a pleasant surprise. Never can you expect a restaurant in the major shopping mall to be able to serve great tasting, delicious, savoury foods. Kim Tavern is a heck of that special restaurant. Barely a month old (opened mid October), Kim Tavern has enjoyed over whelming response from satisfied customers as soon as it open its door for business from 11:30am. The restaurant is fully packed right up to 3pm

Born from the hard work and vision of a young entrepreneur, Andy is also a great cook and equally passionate about great food. Kim Tavern is his latest project. His previous projects are also in the food and beverage in other malls in Seberang Jaya. Kim Tavern is targeted at casual family dining. Kim Tavern has any food items that are able to satisfy all taste buds and moods with equally tantalizing drinks. Great food but the best thing is the price is competitive and value for money. Where else can you find a bento box for RM8.50+?

Andy's philosophy for success is serving great food together with great service. The secrets lies in the choice of ingredients. For example, Andy use the more expensive New Zealand mussels, not one but two in its tom yam noodle dishes. Another example of the choice ingredients is the large shrimps in most of the dishes like Sambal Udang Rice and Ipoh Hor Fun. Another of Andy's secret of success is he tries to serve as close to as home cooked meals and no details has been left out during the preparation. For example, white turnip is used to prepare the stock to enhance the aroma and flavour. Furthermore, Andy try to served the food as healthy as possible. Minimal oil is used, only natural flavours. It's nasi lemak do not have coconut milk. You will be surprised that the nasi lemak set is tastier that way.

"The perfect way to get your daily servings of fruits, anti-oxidants and phyto-nutirents"

I like all the dishes served. My favourites are Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese, Chicken Lasagna, Tom Yam Soup Noodle, Unagi Egg Rice, Honey Pepper Roast Chicken drumlets, Sambal for the fried rice and seafood porridge. For drinks, Mango smoothie and tiramisu are also my favourite.

This restaurant has only to look forward. Andy said that the menu is only 40% of his planned menu. So there is more food items to come for us to enjoy. This is a hattrick, my past two review has also been a 5 star performer. More to come. So if you are in Sunway Carnival Mall, Kim Tavern is a must stop for food. Open Daily 11:30am - 9:30pm. Call 604-3999879 or Andy Liew at +6012-4288066. Thanks to CK Lam, Taufulou and Andy for organizing this review

Below are the food we had:-

SOUTHEAST ASIA FAVORITE
S01 Nasi Lemak Curry Chicken (RM7.90)

S02 Nasi Lemak Rendang Chicken (RM7.90)

S04 Udang Sambal Rice (RM7.90)

S06 Dry Curry Stir Fried Chicken Rice (RM6.90)

JAPANESE-ASIAN STYLE BENTO
B02 Sweet & Spicy Fish Bento (RM8.50)

JAPANESE BIG BOWL RICE
J01 Unagi Fried Egg Rice (RM12.90)

SOUP NOODLE
T01 Tomyam Seafood Noodle (RM9.90)

T02 Ipoh Chicken Slice Noodle (RM6.90)

FIRED RICE / FRIED NOODLE
F02 Capsicum Prawn Fried Rice (RM7.90)

F06 Tomyam Seafood Fried Noodle (RM8.50)

MUSHROOM PORRIDGE
P03 Seafood Mushroom Porridge (RM7.90)

MAIN COURSES
M1 Spaghetti Chicken Bolognese (RM6.90)
M4 Mushroom Chicken Chop with Garlic Butter Rice (RM9.90)

M5 Cheesy Chicken Lasagna (RM9.90)

ENTREE
E5 Honey Pepper Roast Chicken Drumlet (5pcs - RM6.90)

FRUIT JUICE / COLD DRINKS
D16 Fresh Carrot-Orange (RM3.50)

D20 Honey Lemon Ice (RM3.80)

SMOOTHIES
D29 Mango Smoothies (RM5.50)

D32 Wheatgrass Smoothies (RM5.50)

SPECIAL ICE BLENDED
D40 Peppermint Mocha (RM7.80)

D41 Blueberry chocolate (RM7.80)

D42 Hazelnut Latte (RM7.80)

D43 Almond Latte (RM7.80)

D44 Tiramisu (RM7.80)

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Lang Sae Lee Thai Food

My Ratings: 5 Star

Cuisine: Thai

Location: 97A, Tan Jetty, Weld Quay 10300 Penang

Non-halal

Price: RM15-20 per person

It is so rare that you can find an establishment that is dishing out great food and yet still not commercialized. Look no more. Madam Lee, a Thai Teo Chew who have been staying in Penang for the past 40 years decided three months ago to go into the restaurant trade after she received encouragement from her friends who enjoy her authentic Thai cooking.

Thanks to Criz who recommended me this restaurant. Another jewel to be discovered. I truly enjoy the food and atmosphere. The restaurant is situated at the end of the Tan Jetty is surrounded by picturesque view of a jetty long forgotten in time. The restaurants serves a variety of Thai fried rices and noodles: Belacan, Tom Yam, Slated Fish, Sambal, Thai Basil and all time favourites Pinaaple Fried Rice. It aslo serves other Thai favourites like Fish Cake, Otak Otak, Stuffed Chicken Wings, Pandan Chicken, Tom Yam Soup both clear and the hot & spicy types and of course Thai Laksa.

We ordered the Thai Laksa as entry and followed by Stuffed Chicken Wings, Fish Cake, Pineapple Rice, Laksa and Clear Tom Yam soup. Madam Lee is truly a master in authentic Thai dish. My favourites are Fish Cake, Stuffed Chicken wings (RM3/pcs), Clear Tom Yam soup (RM8) and a bowl of laksa (RM3) to share. Wonderful!!!!

The fish cake is tasty, the clear Tom Yam soup pack a powerful sour punch and the laksa as a balance of sourness and sweetness from the coconut milk - all 5 stars. Together with home-made "Ribena" (Freshly brewed Roselle flower)

There is so many other dishes that we have to leave for the next trip. Madam Lee is thinking of expanding her business with seafood and steamboat

"Looking to grow a global business with a 5-star company and achieve financial freedom? Look no more. Opportunity is now and here"

Customers can order seafood or steamboat now (RM15 per person set not including drinks). But because it is still uncommerciallized, pre-order by phone call is required in order for Madam Lee to serve you with the freshest seafood. Yes, you have to cal at least 1-2 days ahead so that Madam Lee has time to buy you your fish at the wet market nearby the jetty. This is seriously fresh! Madam Lee insist that we try her Steamed Siakap in spicy lime on our next visit

I rate this place 5 stars because it serves traditional, authentic home-cooked Thai food that is still uncommercialized (still cooked in small portions just like you would be having a family dinner). Once she has taken your order, she will quietly disappear into her back kitchen and starts creating her magic. Price is moderate but worth in value coz what you get is authenticity and fresh ingredients. As it is still uncommercialized, don't expect it to be a fancy restaurant. There is no menu...yet, just a photo album to illustrate some of the food items

So Madam Lee's Authentic Thai food is a must-try now before commercialization sets in. Don't go in a very empty stomach as Madam Lee takes her time and pride to whip up her specialties. For pre-orders, call Madam Lang Sae Lee +6014-9071808. Opens Daily except Tuesday from 11:00am - 7:00pm.

What if there is a comapny that can offer you multiple way to earn income via their innovative and dynamic compensation plans? What will you do?

Ivy's Kitchen

My ratings: 5 Stars

Cuisine: Nyonya, Chinese, Steamboat, Seafood, Cafe & Hawker fare

Location: 58, Jalan Chow Thye, 10250 Penang

(2 doors down Jemputree restaurant/opp Hotel 1926)

Pork Free

RM10-30 per person

There is an undiscovered jewel in the mass of restaurants in Penang. Ivy's Kitchen serves the best traditional Nyonya, Chinese, Seafood and Steamboat cuisine. Born out of the dreams of Tan And Ivy to set up a family orientated restaurant serving the best dishes of their Hokkien and Teo Chew heritage.

Their strength is in cooking up the long forgotten dishes that our mothers used to make for us like Chilli Crab, Ju Hu Char, Teo Chew styled soup with seaweed and traditional steamboat. Their promise to their customers that every of their dish is home made and made fresh on that day and nothing comes out to the table except quality food.

As a matter of fact, some dishes like the Chilli Crab and Steamboat must be pre-ordered so that Ivy will get the raw ingredients and spices fresh from the market.

The menu may looked simple but ask Mr. Tan for recommendation for the day and soon you will realize there is more to offer and best part of it all the dishes are good. And the best part is that there is variety, you have to make several trips and dine at the restaurant before you get to the end of the menu. Rarely, you can get a restaurant that can cook well for all of its items in the menu buy Ivy's Kitchen is different and is that special restaurant. Here's to Ivy.

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We ordered a lot and we finished them all. We ordered Nasi Lemak, Gulai Ikan, Ju Hu Char, Chicken Lor Bak, Asam Prawns, Assam Gulai Ikan, Laksa, Rojak, Kailan Sambal, Beef Rendang and Bitter Gourd with Taucu. Oh! Yummy.......

Here is my recommendations: Basically, all above............esp. Nasi Lemak set, Curry Fish Head, Beef Rendang, Penang Assam Laksa, Assam Gulai Ikan, Assam Prawns, Ju Hu Char, bitter gourd with taucu, etc. Mr Tan is eager to recommend his Chili Crab and steamboat. I am sure they will taste fantastic! My next visit......

Tan and Ivy is taking reservations for Chinese New Year family steamboat dinner over the duration of the Chinese New Year. Call their numbers below.

I am giving my two thumbs up because I can get basically all my great tasting childhood comfort food here and if you have the opportunity, chat with Tan and Ivy. They have a lot of life & food stories to share....definitely adds to the homely friendly atmosphere. Stop by Ivy's Kitchen as part of your heritage adventure around Georgetown and get to experience a taste of heritage.

Call Tan (+6 013-4337878) or Ivy (+6 016-4337130) for reservations and/or advance orders. Open Daily 12:00pm - 9:00pm. Park car along Chow Thye road or at Cafe 127's car park.

Inaka

My Ratings: 3 Stars

Cuisine: Japanese

Location: 253-G-1-1 Premier Center, Jalan Burmah, 10350 Penang

(next to The Place 007/White Beach Restaurant/Old Thai Prontip)

Non Halal

Price: RM20-30 per person

"Inaka" means countryside in Japanese. Recently opened on 9-9-09, this restaurant serves decent Japanese meals that is easy on the wallet. With Bento set starting from RM16 and Ramen set from RM16.90, it is not only value for money but also delicious.

Barely opened a month, the stream of customer is constant with a mix of local and Japanese customers. The ambiance is nice with a private room that can hold up to 10 diners comfortably.

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We ordered the ramen sets. The ramen sets are accompanied by a side dish, chawanmushi, salad, and fruits. We had the Miso Ramen, Mussel Ramen, Chicken Nanban Wakayama and the Gyoza Gekikara Ramen (spicy).

Overall, the taste of all the ramen base is OK. We like the Miso and Gekikara soup base better. The portions are sufficient that can satisfy any hungry man or woman. Overall the service is OK despite the restaurant just open for business. Green Tea is FOC but there is a 10% service charge add.

Call +604-2272268 for reservation.

Kozue

My ratings: 4 Stars

Cuisine: Japanese

Location: 170-03-59 Gurney plaza, Penang

Non Halal

RM25-40 per person

The beauty is its simplicity. Kozue is fast gaining popularity among the Japanese community as the place to dine that is close to a home cooked meal. So much so that the owners caters to Japanese businessman and expatriates, offering different menu daily (not in restaurant menu) and with special request from its customers (favourite dish) so that they are never home sick for traditional meal just like their wives and mother used to cook

The restaurant is beautifully decorated, true to a chic Japanese modern deco of black and white hues. The menu is a work of art with most of the food items beautifully illustrated.

I was introduced to this restaurant by CK Lam and was asked to try their Ume Chazuke (RM8.00). It is basically a bowl of rice topped with pieces of ume plum and seaweed. It is served with a pot of green tea. The green tea is not to direct as is but to be poured over the rice right before eating. Wonderful! The heat from the green tea infuse with the sour of the ume plum is just heavenly. It is hard to believe that something so simple can be novel, exciting, delicious and healthy all at the same time. I recommend it.

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We also ordered Hijiki (very healthy seaweed) Inaniwa Udon (Inaniwa Udon is the thinner version of the Udon) RM19.00++, Kimuchi Udon (RM16.00++, Avocado Maki (RM4.00++), Unagi Tempura set and Chicken Miso Tsukeyaki set. All of which are beautifully prepared and delicious.

The owners of Kozue previously opened another well known Japanese restaurant in town before getting their hands dirty in Kozue. Majority of the customers just followed and solidifying the fact that it one of Penang true to taste Japanese restaurant and has true loyal Japanese and local followers. Kozue will be changing the menu items soon to better serve its customer's tastes.

Call +604-2269336 for reservations

The Pizzaria at Hard Rock Hotel

My ratings: 3 stars

Cuisine: International

Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Batu Ferringhi, Penang

Halal

RM40 - 70 per person

It was 20th September 2009, It was the night following the opening night of this brand new hotel in the famous Batu Ferringhi stretch. It was already 8:30pm and we thought of having a late dinner at the famous Hard Rock Cafe.

Crikey! The car park was full and was closed off for public access, All of the sudden we were looking high and low for a parking space and we had to turn into a slip road to a PBA facility opposite the hotel and had to park on dirt at a 30 degree slope. It was a good thing we did not drive the Bimmer, otherwise will would have been difficult to park on such a narrow lane.

We were turned away from Hard Rock Cafe staff as it was packed and were told to try the Pizzaria by the beach. HR hotel has 3 restaurants. The other is called Starz Diner. We made our way to the Pizzaria. The beach was only accessible to hotel guest but the security was lax that eventually we found The Pizzaria by the beach.

The Pizzaria had a traditional pizza oven and we knew the chef was from QE2 (another great place for pizza), so we knew the pizza there had to be good. The large pizza was RM35++. We ordered a seafood pizza and an open calzone and antipasto, all to share plus 3 beers at RM15++ per pint

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The food was OK but expensive as the portion is smaller than average. However the service can be improved upon. We did not get our beers until after the last dish came and that's after reminding the service personnel twice. The order came out wrong. We order an open calzone but we got a calzone instead and we waited for our bill. I think the problem was that the staff are new and still getting used to the system and also the bar and cashier is located 50M away at the lobby so that staff have to meander around he pool several trips per table. The total damage for 3 persons was slightly below RM170.

After dinner, we went a walkabout and got to explore the hotel and cafes and took some pictures. Some shots were shot during my revisit because I wanted some sunset shots from the hotel. Overall, I found the hotel decor contemporary and stuck well to the musical theme with memorabilia of Micheal Jackson, The Beettles, Rolling Stones, Elton John, Elvis, The Supremes and many more. The last stop was the Rock Shoppe. Amanda bought a tee-shirt and a cap which cost RM160 (last picture).

For more information/reservations visit http://penang.hardrockhotels.net/promotions.php or email: info.penang@hardrockhotels.net or call +604 8811711

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