Tasik Beris Grape Farm

Many have wondered, is grapes really a viable crop in Malaysia, with its hot and humid weather? Well, at Tasik Beris, the Tasik Beris Grape Farm is a showcase farm that is to let Malaysians have a glimpse at how grape farming can be a sustainable venture in Malaysia. Initially, I thought that this farm right next to Beris Lake was the actual farm but after driving around Lake Beris, I found out that this is actually just the showcase farm and that the actual mass production grape vineyards are located further away, covering tracts of hilly land that surrounds this man made lake. There are 2 types of grape variety that is grown here and I call it green and red. From what I can see, these are the main types and even within the colors, they have different shapes and sizes among the species. Read on to see more

43 Cafe ~ Homemade Pork Burgers and More!

Penang has been bustling with new addition to the food scene and that is music to my ears for a food lover like me. Well, about a couple of months back, a prominent food blogger decided that he will venture into making one feisty pork burger as he believes that this is one of the burgers that is lacking in Penang, not to mention the whole of Malaysia. The owner is none other than Jacgy Chan and he has since start up shop in his own backyard (or front) and is making waves in the porkie burger scene! So do read on to find out more about what is available from this guy at 43 Cafe.

LightHouse Coffee's Coffee Appreciation Session

During August, I was lucky to be invited to join a coffee appreciation session that was organized by Foodsion Magazine and Lighthouse Coffee. At first I did not know what to expect from this other than trying out different type of coffees but I guess end of the day, became a little bit wiser about the types of coffee, ways to prepare a cuppa and of course, the different styles of drinks that we normally have. So do read on if you are a coffee person.

Lattes. You will see more or how this was done soon

Hard Rock Hotel Penang

Was really lucky that this year I got a chance to stay at Hard Rock Hotel in Penang for a night. For those that has not been to Hard Rock Hotel or their famous Cafe's, well this is a small glimpse of what you can experience. Everything about the hotel focuses around music genre and not just "Rock"! 

When you arrive, instantly you will see many music themes abound and if you are a Beatle's fan, then this place is as if its a mini shrine! Do read on.

You are greeted by the bronze statue of the Beatle's if you are at the pool side!

Thai Food Restaurant, Penang

I have seen many restaurants with fancy names and all, but I think this one beats every single one of it. The restaurant is called Thai Food Restaurant! Yes, so as to confused people everytime we want to have some Thai food, then we say lets go for Thai Food and they will say yeah, where, Thai Food, ya, so which place, Thai Food, you get the drift!

So here at Batu Lanchang, near where the famous foodcourt and wet market, there is a new Thai Restaurant that just opened and without ado, do check out their yummilicous food. I was really lucky I guess to be invited to this review right before their official opening!

The exterior of the restaurant. Nothing too fancy here

Street Grill Burger, Sungai Pinang, Penang

There is so many reviews lately about burgers and burgers! I guess it goes to show why McD's and practically every fast food chain have a burger on their menu. Burgers are just such a joy to eat, especially when you get one that has good quality meat in it. Thus I was initially surprised when I got a call to try out some burgers at a small little van parked by the roadside next to the Ocean View apartments. The guys here operate Street Grill where they have a selection of grilled burger goodies just waiting to be had!

Do read on to find out more!

The small van/truck that is parked by the road side next to Ocean View apartments. If you don't know where Ocean View is, its near where the Burger King outlet is in Penang.

 All their patties are homemade and you will notice that for their chicken burger, they actually use full pieces of chicken thigh meat. For the normal size, you will get the upper thigh and for a special, you will get a whole leg.

Trip to Sabah 2012 - Jesselton Point for Island Hopping

At Sabah, there is a jetty known as Jesselton Point where it is the gateway to many island hopping adventures. I think you can get many packages from the tour guides here and they are more than happy to work out a plan. We had a group about 30 pax and ended up going island hopping to Pulau Sapi and Mamutik. Sapi Island is definitely bigger with more amenities but its also because of this that the waters surrounding the island is also not in as good condition. Mamutik on the other hand has better water, lots more fish as well as corals. Do check out some photos. And sorry I don't have an underwater camera so don't expect coral pictures from me. 

Archway to the jetty

Interesting street art on the way to the jetty

Trip to Sabah 2012 - Tuaran Mee and Laksa at Yee Fung

In Sabah, our guide told us that the local noodle here called Tuaran Mee is very famous and very delicious and thus, I made it a point to try it out. So what exactly is Tuaran Mee? Well, we found a coffee shop called Kedai Kopi Yee Fung located along Gaya Street and stopped for their Tuaran Mee. Tuaran Mee is a local version of wan tan mee and I was truly disappointed with it. Sorry Sabah folks, unless this was a bad example but the noodles were soft and not tender at all. The dumplings were also small and save for the BBQ pork, its not special at all. Luckily for me, I ordered the Laksa too! Read on

Tuaran Mee or Noodle

The laksa on the other hand that is available at Yee Fung was good. Its like curry mee in Penang with a lemak or coconut milk base soup. You get lots of bits of chicken and some prawns too. Mind you, food in Sabah is not cheap. The Tuaran Mee and Laksa each costs RM5 per bowl.

Trip to Sabah 2012 - Pasar Besar & Gaya Sunday Market

Being the adventurous me and hoping to get a feel of the local market, I made my way to the biggest market in KK (I think its the biggest) which is the Pasar Besar. This market is located right next to the fish market and the handicraft market. Its really convenient as its located nearby and right at the town. Many stalls selling all sort of items but the Sabah Vegetable remained elusive. I just didn't spot it at any of the stalls that were open.

I was too early as many stalls still yet to open at 6am

Trip to Sabah 2012 - Frozen Seafood & Night Markets

Now Sabah is known for its seafood and its very popular for visitors to bring some frozen seafood home with them. I was no different and did the same. There are quite a few shops selling frozen seafood in the town and on average, its cheaper than the shop at the airport for the more average type of fish. What I mean by average are the garoupa's such as the stone or 7 star or red ones. After surveying many shops, in town, the price is about RM40-45 per kg but for the more exotic fish, such as the sow mei and lou shu pan, these are from RM110-120 per kg. The standard packing that they provide is able to last about 12 hours and if you use the styrofoam packing, it will last 24 hours which should be able to last any flight home!

Thats me with 2 huge frozen lobsters! The one in my left hand was about 3kg! Huge! I can't believe I did not take photos of the frozen fishes! I did buy a frozen Sow Mei which I have already eaten! The flesh was just so soft and sweet and even though the fish was small, it was good. But if eating at the restaurant for RM350-400 per kg live, I think its over priced! I would instead go for the giant ones where they slice up the fish for you. There is one restaurant where my friend told me the fish was going for about RM220-250 per kg. Next time I will try it.