Taiwanese Takes

What an exciting weekend - and it's only halfway through!

First of all there was the launch of the "Taste of Taiwan" at The Islander Coffee House, Traders Hotel on Saturday evening, which was jointly promoted by Taiwan Visitors Association and China Airlines. It was packed with press, fellow bloggers (good to meet you guys and gals), and Taiwanese guests of the airlines.

It was officiated by YB Danny Law who was greeted by Comms Mgr Eileen Chong and GM Mr Karl Karlsson. As usual the YB was almost bang on time (he makes it a point to do so, which I think is very commendable because it shows consideration for the other guests), and despite a few stammers his opening speech was delivered with warmth. On top of that, he did what many of us can't - welcomed our Taiwanese visitors in fluent MANDARIN, which would no doubt have impressed them.

After that we were all treated to a buffet spread of authentic Taiwanese cuisine prepared by chefs from Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza in Taipei. I shot straight to the famed Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup (there will be 3 soups rotating daily - can't wait to try the Danzai), and tucked into that before the crowd got wind of it!

UNFORTUNATELY I couldn't really eat too much else as we had a wedding dinner to attend that same evening ... sigh ... sometimes there's nothing on and other times we get 3 invites a night!!! ... so I was just able to try a bit here and there. All in the name of work, you understand.

Their version of Lor Mai Kai was interesting - it was served with crab, and I also enjoyed the 3-egg custard.

Dessert was also different - the Ice Cream wrapped in Spring Roll Skin came with a generous sprinkling of crushed peanuts and a few fresh coriander leaves! Delicious. My only complaint was I didn't have room to try more things.

The promo lasts until 14 June so better make it there if you want quick. And not a bad price either - Lunch RM47 nett and half price for kids (noon to 2.30pm) and Dinner RM68 (6-9.30pm).

Geeing it Up at the G Hotel

Although G Hotel's Sesame+Soy Chinese restaurant has been going since the trendy hotel started two years ago, it's taking a while for Penangites to come to terms with "fusion Chinese". After all, as the friendly but professional PR Executive Ivy Ng said, "People here are still used to having a plate plonked in the middle of the table and everyone helping themselves."

Actually, it's rather nice not having to fight for your share, and isn't it true it's always that last morsel that nobody dares go for - either out of politeness, shyness or "I don't want them to think I'm greedy" syndrome. Which brings to mind that joke a friend recounted recently, about the last chicken wing on the plate which everyone was eyeing but nobody was reaching out for. Suddenly there was a powercut, and the lights went out, at which point the host yelled out in pain and shock. When the lights came back on a minute later, he was reaching out with his fork in that last chicken wing, and nine other forks were stuck in his hand. That really shows what we are like eh!!

Anyway Chef Vincent Lee is an experienced Chef whose father was also a well-known Penang Chef, and his Crayfish Hor Fun which I tried last time is excellent. Full of wok hei. This time round we tried their new menu, as they have gone pork-free.

The Lamb Shank, an old favourite, was great, and comes with either noodles or sweet potato mash, with a thick gravy which Vincent adapted from his father's old recipe. Mmmm .... The range of dishes in their menu is innovative. Vincent tells me he puts a lot of effort into trying out different recipes to get the "fusion" right, and it shows.

I also enjoyed the soup, and his Gula Melaka Creme Brulee is rich and to die for: it's the talk of the town.

IPOH HOR FUN? HAH!

I'm in KL being dutiful daughter and visiting Dad. Of course at the same time managing to go and do a few other things like shopping (I love Amcorp Mall at the weekend - it's got some great stalls and flea market in the basement) and having my hair done. So I popped into a hair dresser's in Bangsar Baru but she was busy so decided to go next door to the "Kopitiam" for a quick bite.

Shades of "Old Town" came to mind - they have a quite passable Ipoh Hor Fun so I thought this would be similar. Boy was I in for a disappointment. It was obviously something they'd cooked up on the spot using whatever was to hand cos it took a while to come - a few prawns, a couple of slices of cooked chicken, and even some CHOY SUM - whoever has heard of Ipoh Hor Fun with that?!!

It was then unceremoniously plonked in front of me. I was so disappointed I didn't even want to take a pix of it, and after a couple of mouthfuls left it. Not worth wasting precious tummy space on. And it cost RM6.90.

I took a taxi to Amcorp Mall and popped into their version of Old Town on the ground floor and there was a special on offer - curry laksa (aka curry mee of course) and drink for RM9.30. I ordered a Kuey Teow Laksa and it was actually not bad. Tasty enough and the drink was not too sweet and plenty of leung fun.

However, in Penang it would have cost RM2.80 or so and RM1 for the drink. That's why we rock, Penang! I miss you!

FERINGGI FEED FEST

It was good to be back at the Feringgi Grill again. This time it was to meet Adam Roy, their latest Executive Sous Chef who has recently arrived to take over the swanky restaurant. After the refurbishment it took a while for the place to regain its position as one of the poshest eateries in town, but I was really pleased to see that it's now settled into it comfortably.

We were joined by other press during the convivial evening, together with GM the charming Desmond Hatton, whose gorgeous Irish lilt belies a rapier-sharp wit and and even sharper tongue!

Despite his youthful looks, Adam comes with vast experience. He tells me he wants to "bring back the Grill" bit, and also add a bit more. "Americans love slow-smoked barbeques," he said, and that's what they're doing, going as far as importing a smoking machine from the US.

The menu certainly reflects this tendency, and my Crab Stuffed Smoked Tomato was excellent; the white flakey meat setting off the smoked flavour of the peeled red vegetable well. The green herb "paint" was just icing on the cake, if you'll pardon the wrong context! The Boston Lobster looked particularly inviting too.

Although the other main courses looked fantastic too, mine was from Chef Adam's Signature Mains (one HAD to try it, hadn't one), and rather quaintly named "Quack Quack" (he wanted to put a bit of humour in) - smoked-grilled duck liver and duck breast with a sweet potato and garlic mash. Although personally not a liver person, my husband tucked into it with relish and declared it, "Absolutely gorgeous, smooth and silky." My breast (or rather the duck's) was good with the dried fruit sauce.

The menu is a delightful fusion of international favourites combined with local flavours: Burnt Pumpkin Soup with pandan oil and Lime Leaf-Coconut Scallop Soup are good examples; Malaysian Stingray and Bombalai Chocolate Vulcano ... now I'd like to go back and try the Fire-grilled Meats - hint hint if you're reading this Suleiman!

Dessert was a magnificent combo of "Death by Chocolate" - a dark chocolate volcano which was lip-smacking with the white chocolate ice cream, and smooth Raspberry Creme Brulee. Great end to a great evening.

CHEF in EnO

Emmanuel Stroobant, aka Chef in Black, is one of the rising young celebrity chefs on Astro's AFC channel. And no wonder - he is good looking, charismatic and charming, and that Belgian accent is very sexy, although it did cross my mind how many people can fully understand him! On top of that, he has the ability to think out of the box, and as a result has been asked to endorse many products.

I had the pleasure of meeting him last year when he was in Penang to promote California Raisins at Traders Hotel, and this time round it was at the E&O, where in "A Gastronomic Experience with US Frozen Potatoes", together with assistant Eugene, he demonstrated to a packed room (which included the Chefs Association of Malaysia Penang Chapter members) six recipes using the products as part of a main course rather than as a side dish, which is usually the case. He even included it in desserts!

They were simple but good ideas: an example was the Croq Monsieur Brown, where he sliced a frozen hash brown into two thin halves, layered ham and a bechamel (white) sauce on top then grilled it. Simple, filling and tasty. I know, because we were all able to sample the food during the tea break which had been prepared by the E&O's hardworking team headed by the friendly and effervescent Chef Bok.

After that the E&O hosted a cocktail party for him. The poor guy must be quite fed up with people insisting on having their photo taken with him (yours truly included), but he takes it all in his stride, and never loses his charming smile. All part of his professionalism, of course.

Interestingly enough I met a fellow blogger there: nice to know that we all have one ... well two things in common: to promote Penang, and to try and make some money promoting Penang!

SO MANY THINGS TO WRITE ABOUT ...

Yes, life seems to come in peaks and troughs, and sometimes there's nothing happening at all and it's an enjoyable hiatus because you never know what's coming round the corner. Other times it is like there seems no time to breathe even. But it's all quite fun.





The last few days for example. What began as a quiet week with only one or two things in the diary has been filled and now I don't know what to write about! On Sunday night I was asked to cover the Tzu Chi Concert in Dewan Sri Pinang. It was an eye opener. The Buddhist association, which started in Taiwan, teaches kindness and consideration for others. Something which is important in this day and age. It was done through the song and short acts. I quite enjoyed it, but felt a bit sad at the end. These are basic human principles which should not need to be taught to us. It should be inherent in us.





Monday evening was also busy with a sedate concert at the beautiful Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in Leith Street held by the Alliance Francaise in conjunction with their French Art Festival. It's great that the French Government funds this cultural week throughout the world, and even in lil ole Penang they are busy every year, serving up a menu of interesting and varied activities for any one who is interested. As I spent a wonderful three years in the South of France in the early 1990s (in fact my younger son was born in Grasse Hospital, perfume centre of the world), I have a bond with the country, and this is one way of connecting with it from time to time.


The performance by the two musicians was commendable, the French counter tenor's voice was pure and spot on. He was accompanied by a Brazilian who played a medieval instrument which was a bit like a cross between a lute and a 12-string guitar - it was remarkable how he managed to coax such beautiful notes from it, especially as it reacted to humidity and had to be re-tuned often. However, the evening was marred by the heat - with nearly 100 people in the room, the air conditioning was inadequate, and we were all sweltering. The poor performers were soaked in their own perspiration! Luckily it lasted just under an hour, and after that we all rushed next door to Red Garden Hawker Centre to tuck into some very welcome ice-cold beer.





I like the place. It's a bit tawdry and noisy with all the singing (if you can call it that) and dancing but what the heck! At least people were enjoying it. I had some belacan fried rice - not bad.

PINANG BAR IN PENANG

We have a hotel to suit every need and budget in Penang, from the cheap backpacker's retreat in Love Lane to Traders and Equatorial, the businessman's inns; from the heritage Cheong Fatt Tze and E&O in town to the seaside resorts in Batu Ferringhi.

The Rasa Sayang of course is one of our best, and the other day I had lunch in their alfresco Pinang Bar, where their revamped, bigger menu means all-day dining. It offers a range of healthy international dishes typical of poolside ordering, lite bites which include wraps and salads, snacks and sandwiches. There is also a small range of hot dishes, including a few local specialities.

The affable Chef Amir is in charge there, so I asked him to recommend something different and suitable for me - he came up with Vegetable Quesadilla, a vegetarian dish of roasted bell peppers, pesto and cheese in a tortilla, accompanied by three dips: guacamole (avocado), sour cream and a spicy but delish tomato salsa.

It was quite tasty, and filling enough to take the edge off a complaining stomach, but not so much that it bloats you up so you can't swim. Or enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and listen to the waves as they crash gently onto the beach. It's a gorgeous place to enjoy a beer or two, and to entice guests, they have introduced a "Tap the Beer", which is 14oz mug of draft beer for just RM10++ all day long. Not a bad deal at all,

considering the beautiful environment.

However, I'd also consider going along during Happy Hours (5.30-7.30) when it's 50% off all their other drinks! And I can't wait for next Thursday - I've been invited to the Feringgi Grill to try their new Chef's creations.

Deluxcious Birthday Do

We celebrated a friend's birthday party at Deluxcious Spa Cuisine last night. It's run by Singaporean-trained Executive Chef Keith Khoo, a friendly young chap who hardly seems out of short trousers! That, you probably know, is a sign of old age, when people seem younger and younger to you.

I like the place. Although they do some ala carte, it is their sets which are really attractive - there are many differently-priced ranging from a very reasonable RM14.90 or so to the really sinful RM99 for their lobster. But most come complete with starter, soup, dessert and coffee so I think they are very good value. I love courses because they give me an excuse to pig out (otherwise wasted, right? it's included mah!). And delicious too. I love their Fried Tang Hoon although the sambal belacan could be a bit less watery.

In fact, I had my own birthday do their last year.

They didn't let me down last night. Despite the fact the group was quite large (over 25 pax) they managed to serve the six courses to everyone almost all at the same time, and the food was hot at that. Well done Keith.

And if you want to relax after then just pop upstairs to the spa run by sister Miranda.

Happy Mother's Day

It's Mother's Day today ... again ... cos of course my boys, who are studying in the UK, where they celebrate it a month earlier, sent me loving greetings then. So today, I'm getting wishes not from my children but for some strange reason other moms. It's become like Christmas now, people going round wishing each other "Happy Mother's Day".



All the outlets and restaurants will be, I hope anyway in view of the recession, full to the brim with grateful and appreciative sons and daughters all wishing to thank their mother for having brought them up. As both my boys are away, I am unlikely to be taken out because if left to my husband, he wouldn't remember.



I remember once saying to him, "So - do I get breakfast in bed tomorrow then?" (it being a Mothering Sunday the next day). His reply was, "Why? You're not my mother!" Gee thanks honey!!



Anyway to all the sons and daughters out there - please remember to wish your mother, whose gentle but sometimes firm hands washed your bottom, smacked it if necessary; kissed your hurt better, cooked and cleaned for you, taxied you around, stayed up nights to make sure you were still breathing; shouted at you but then cried in remorse after; cooked all your favourite dishes whenever you came back to visit; still washes and irons for you when you do ... in short, loved, and still love, you and cared for you with all her heart - A Happy Mother's Day.


It's the thought that counts but sons, if you read this, mine's a large G&T!

KARA - OK? OR NOT OK?

Karaoke'ing is a very popular pasttime in the East, where people will happily pick up the mike and croon along to their favourite oldie without hesitation or restraint, even amongst total strangers. In fact I think that's sometimes the problem to be honest - it's OK when someone has a musical ear or a good voice, and can hold their tune. But when they can't, it's quite an assault on your ear drums!

Take last night for example. We had a good meal at our local club with a group of close friends, then all set off for the Karaoke Room to sing out to our hearts' content. It was fun, but some of the party (who will remain nameless) just couldn't enter at the right key and that's one thing about karaoke - once you do that, you are forever at odds with the background music!

It was so funny that I spent half the time in tears cos I was laughing so hard yet trying to be discreet about it. My stomach hurts today! And btw it wasn't just them who were out of tune - I was too!!

God knows what the people in the neighbouring rooms thought of our group. Often they are seeerioouus singers who fancy themselves to be Frank Sinatra or Agnetha, and heaven help you if you criticise or interrupt their singing! Lighten up!!!

Which brings to mind someone near my mother's place who used to sing along in his front room with all the windows wide open, sharing his tuneless hits with all and sundry. Until one night from the opposite house a long-suffering neighbour, who'd probably had enough, shouted out at the top of his voice, "SHUUUUT UUUUUP!" There was a stunned, hurt silence ... and he hasn't done it since!!

So fellow karaoke singers - a bit of consideration for others please!

Still, that's all part of the fun eh!

Farewell Worthy Friend

Last night I said goodbye to a friend who has been around for a while. And I although I shan't weep, I was feeling rather sad as I walked away for the last time. Yes, Peppino's Italian Restaurant at the Golden Sands Resort is closing its doors. I've just been told that due to popular demand (and mother's day, of course), they have deferred closing by one day and so Sunday 10th will be the finale, as they call it, for this stalwart of Batu Ferringhi.

I've had many meals in there - some excellent - their salad buffet was the talk of the town, and the lasagna was great, and at one point the Pasta with Prawns was mmmmm ... with a bit of added chilli (must lah!) it was DEEElishus; their pizzas were cooked in the special oven.

Some, well shall we say, were OK. I've done food reviews there for The Star and The Expat, and had a great time chatting with Chef Bok, who's been there since it started nearly 20 years ago. Their staff are all attentive and friendly without being irritatingly sycophantic, and I'm glad that they will be at the new place when it opens.

However, one thing was for sure - it was a lovely place and had great ambiance, especially when the strollers accompanied your meal with a few favourite renditions. It's a bit old-fashioned, and like a friend said, its decor is exactly like what a London Italian restaurant looked like in the 70s. That's as it may be, but it was cosy and the smells of oregano and thyme that assaulted your nose as you stepped in were enough to transport me straight back to that time!

It was a very pleasant evening with another two couples who were quite voluble, especially as the night wore on and the freeflow wine made known its presence. One couldn't get a word in edgeways sometimes they talked so much! That was a good sign though that they were enjoying themselves ... wine, women and song. What more could a good hostess provide!

Come August or September, Peppino's will be replaced by Bocce, which will be located in the old Sigi's by the Sea. Some of the more popular items on the menu will be back, but it will have a more seafoody theme, I'm told.

I can't wait, but fare thee well Peppino's. Thanks for the memories!