Gartien Pineapple Cake ~ Penang

Located in the heart of Georgetown, Gartien has sprung up in an old refurbished shophouse at 68 Lorong Macalister( UPDATE : It is now located at 380 Penang Road) which is right opposite Komtar and easily accessible via Jalan Burma. So what exactly is Gartien about? Well, its started by a young chap who has a love for good food and he came up with his own recipe for a pineapple cake. Yes, compared to the typical pineapple tarts which are so common, he went a step further to instead incorporate a pastry shell for the delicious pineapples that is what Gartien is about.

They source for their own pineapples from the local pineapple farm located on the mainland at Nibong Tebal and this ensures fresh and a constant supply of ripe and delicious pineapples. Everything here is natural and the filling in this pineapple cake is 100% pineapple that has been purposely cut into bite size chunks rather than mashed pineapple. This is so that every bite will ensure that you get a mouthful of zesty pineapple. The pastry is also very light and has a smooth buttery taste to it which helps to balances out the pineapple. They recommend to serve their cakes with some nice Chinese tea and it really helps to bring the satisfaction to another level. I'm really happy to know that modern Penang is still innovating and there are individuals who continues to bring their creations for all to savour. Do drop by their shop or you can even order it via their website at www.gartien.com  

This is the exquisitely packed Gartien Pineapple Cake. It comes in a box of 10 and each cake is individually packed. They only use all natural ingredients thus the cake can only keep for about 1 month in the packaging.

Restoran Nelayan Kuala Juru

Initially, my family and I wanted to have Mee Udang for our lunch but when we arrived at the place at Juru's old fishing village, the shop mentioned that they only start at 3pm, thus we drove further in towards the jetty area. And luckily, as we were already hungry, there was a local restaurant called Restoran Nelayan Kuala Juru which was opened. It was pretty empty when we entered and we were the only table having our lunch there but they do have quite a number of seats.

As I scanned the menu, we decided to have rice and ordered a couple of simple dishes which are not too spicy as my daughter can't take too spicy food. One item I did noticed that they had were ample baskets of very fresh cockles! Wish we ordered it but as my wife mentioned, try not to eat too much seafood ya!

Do read on, or just enjoy the pictures.

Nice and fresh looking cockles which are harvested from the waters near here. They have a machine right next door which is used to sort cockles

Their large signboard. They are about the last building at the end of the road so its pretty hard to miss

Kak Chaq Ikan Bakar & Sup Tulang ~ Gurun, Kedah

I happen to visit Gurun a couple of months back and I must say, lady luck was shining on me when I stumbled upon this Malay eatery that was located right along the road on the way to Gunung Jerai. The stall is called Kak Chaq Ikan Bakar & Sup Tulang. As its name implies, grilled fish and soup is the signature here and looking at the crowd when I was there, I wouldn't be surprise if the food was good. And I must say, I was not to go home hungry or disappointed as what I managed to try, definitely was one of the most enjoyable grilled fish I have had. Do read on about this good eat at Gurun!

Deepavali Celebrations with children from Ramakrishna Ashrama Penang hosted by Eastin Hotel Penang

Deepavali this year really lighted up for the children from the Ramakrishna Ashrama Penang home when they were treated to an early Deepavali semi buffet by the very courteous staff of Eastin Hotel! I was invited to join Eastin Hotel in one of the CSR activities and I'm really glad I managed to join them this time as I really felt the sincerity as well as the warmth from the staff of Eastin Hotel in the activity.

To start, the staff allocated a nice section of the Swez Brasserie which is the hotels in house restaurant and the semi buffet for the night, there was chicken chop as well as a vegetarian pasta as mains, and of course the wide selection from their buffet line. The children was really enjoying themselves and even the staffs were all happy mingling with the kids. Its great seeing how they all had an enjoyable meal as its not everyday one get to have a nice buffet meal, especially for these kids. You can really feel their excitement and joy at being here, its like striking a lottery for them!

Thus, I would like to commend Eastin Hotel Penang, for putting not just profits on the agenda, but also taking the time and effort to help the needy, and making them feel special on occasions that counts. Do keep up the good work and I'm sure everyone appreciates it! Of course, do keep reading on and see some of the activities, and of course, since there are elements of food here, many foodie pictures as well ya!

Norway & Norway Consumer Goods Exhibition, Gurney Plaza

From 1-4 November 2012, the Norwegian Embassy is having a photo exhibition as well as exhibitions by some of the most recognized brands of Norway at Gurney Plaza. This event was launched and officiated by the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Lim Guan Eng and the Ambassador of Norway to Malaysia, H.E. Han Ola Urstad.

Its not everyday we get an opportunity to learn more about another country and this is also the first time that the Royal Norwegian Embassy has an exhibition out of Kuala Lumpur. There is a very nice photo exhibition with some really superb photos showcasing what Norway has to offer. Besides the photo exhibition, 4 companies are showcasing their products here as well.

I'm sure many have heard of Jotun which is one of the top manufacturers of paint products. Then there is Jordan, another leader in oral care, and another 2 companies which I was just introduced to which is Tine Norway and Trapia Sdn Bhd. Tine Norway is showcasing an assortment of Norwegian cheese, which is really different than the ones available locally (its currently not imported into Malaysia currently). Trapia Sdn Bhd on the other hand is a local company which uses Norwegian technology to produce eco friendly fish farming at Lake Temenggor where they are focusing on Tilapia fish production. Do read on and see the many pictures, and since its only available for this coming weekend, do not miss the chance to pay this exhibition a visit.

Cheese sampling.....

Photo exhibition

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