BY CK Lam

Since 1993, Feringgi Grill has been nominated by the readers of Malaysia Tatler as one of Malaysia’s Best Restaurants for its exceptional cuisine and service. The restaurant with its exquisitely prepared modern grill cuisine, wide range of vintage wines and fine cigars was recently listed in first annual “101 Best Hotel Restaurants Around The World” by The Daily Meal, New York.

Today, the restaurant is helmed by German chef de cuisine, Matthias Tretbar, who focus on grilled dishes. He has 12 years of experience working in his home ground in Munich, West Germany before moving to Muscat, Oman in the Middle East and most recently in Bangkok, Thailand.

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* This is a reproduction of my article published in New Straits Times (Northern Streets) on 29th October 2012

BY CK Lam

Bayview Hotel Georgetown’s Revolving Restaurant presents a Thai dinner buffet to go with its 360-degree, bird’s eye view of Penang island. Laden with appetisers, hot dishes and desserts, the buffet table offers an exciting blend of flavours.

Diners can choose from the many varieties of refreshing salads and cold dishes. On display are grilled beef salad, green papaya salad, Thai clam salad with young mango, Thai glass noodle salad, Thai pomelo salad and leaf -wrapped savoury morsels (miang kham). The last is a riot of fragrances and textures from the combination of daun kaduk, onions, chilies, roasted peanuts and lime.

Leaf wrapped savory morsels (miang kham)

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BY CK Lam

This month, Eastin Hotel Penang is going deutsche with its German Galore promotion at its halal Swez Brasserie Restaurant. The buffet features classic German appetisers and entrees such as sauerkraut salad, goulash soup, bratwurst (German sausages) and scrumptious desserts to satisfy your taste buds.

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BY CK Lam

Penang recently sees the opening of Macalister Mansion, an exclusive boutique hotel. Also known as MM, the restored charming colonial white mansion with minimalism decor takes its name from the road it is located. MM houses Living Room, Dining Room, Bagan Bar, The Den, Eight Rooms and The Lawn, each with its own unique setting.

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By CK Lam

It was a wonderful night lingering over dinner for hours with friends at Eighty Eight Restaurant. The newly opened restaurant is in Kelawei Road here. It takes its name from the year of its chef-cum-owner Danny Ng’s birth.

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By CK Lam

Sushi Tei, the international Japanese Sushi Restaurant Chain which originates from Singapore is now opened in Penang. Located in Gurney Plaza, the dining place with a touch of Japanese interior has a great sea view. The signature open-kitchen concept is also seen in this outlet.

The menu offers one dish meal, ramen, sushi, sashimi, tempura, rolls and grill dishes. I adore the sashimi with four different types of raw fish, garnished with lemon slices. The fresh yellow-tail, salmon and butterfish goes well with wasabi but the marbled tuna belly is best eaten on its own. This highly prized fish is also available in a single plate with five thick pieces per order.

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By CK Lam

Ristorante Bella Italia is  the place to go when it comes to Italian food in Penang. It has two outlets, with the first one at Bellisa Row in Pulau Tikus, and  the other in Batu Ferringhi, which has a casual and friendly atmosphere. Both the outlets serve a slightly different menu.

The Batu Ferringhi outlet welcomes visitors with its delightful selection of food and its relaxing dining hall looking out into a small garden.

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BY CK Lam

Established under the Texchem Group, Miraku in G Hotel is a great place for customers to enjoy Japanese food. The main cuisine at this fine dining restaurant is Japanese food, with ala carte dishes and course menus.

Executive Chef Masaki Kurihara came up with creative dishes using seasonal and premium ingredients flown in from Japan, for traditional Japanese menus ranging from RM100.

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* This article was published in the New Straits Times (Life & Times) on 6th September 2011.

The recently launched Campbell House in George Town is home to Il Bacaro Venetian Restaurant. This slice of classic Italian dining is within walking distance of Tho Yuen and Tai Tong Dim Sum House.

The restaurant serves its cuisine the Il Bacaro way, which is based on a traditional Venetian backstreet tavern. It’s where one can enjoy authentic Italian dishes served in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

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