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ON FRIDAY NIGHT Batu Ferringhi was THE place to be. To be precise, the Bayview Beach Resort was the place to be, as it was the official launch of SAGAR, one of the newest restaurants on the island, by YB Danny Law, Exco for Tourism Development and Culture.

Anyone who was anyone was there, including, of course, yours truly, although I hasten to add that I was invited merely as one of many food writers.

It started a bit slowly - because of Friday night traffic, YB was delayed getting to that end of Batu Ferringhi - but upon his arrival things soon started to pick up with very loud drums from the colourfully-clad Bangra dancers who accompanied him all the way from Reception to the ground floor where the restaurant is situated.

Proprietors Hermet Singh and his brother Gurdashan went up to give a speech welcoming everyone, then it was YB's turn to tell everyone how welcome Sagar is as it gives Penangites yet another place to go and eat (as if we didn't have enough already!). However he is correct, and now we have another Northern Indian restaurant in Batu Ferringhi, but this is quite authentic, as his chefs are all from India, including Head Chef Lakhan who is from Mhadaya Pradesh (near Bombay).

YB was followed by more dancing and merry-making, as everyone queued for their food (rather long, unfortunately, as there were over 300 pax I think) which included starters of their signature Chicken Mallai Tikka and Pakoras, and then queued again for the mains which was a combination of various curries and masalas. Unfortunately I'm still getting used to the small (temporary)new camera I have so not many pics came out well so apologies for that (I'm waiting eagerly for the Olympus EP3 which is supposed to be fantastic).

However, knowing that I wouldn't be able to have much opportunity to talk to Hermet, I went along there for dinner on Wed night and was able to try the Chicken Briyani amongst a few other dishes. It's quite unique cos it is baked with a Nan lid to keep the flavours in!

Sagar is the 8th of the well-known KL chain although it's not their first in the north - there is one in Pantai Tengah in Langkawi. Well done guys, and welcome to Penang!

Sagar (which stands for 'ocean' in Sanskrit - it has no limits hence can grow) is open every day from noon to 3pm and from 6-10.30pm. Check out their website www.sagarrestaurant.com or call +604-881 2039.