Penang Hill (Penang)

So the board on Penang Hill proclaims:  Located Air Itam, Penang Hill had nothing much to offer except... crowds. Once you get away from the crowd, that's where the fun begins. Go there early or you will have to end up jostling with the crowd to get into the funicular. Prices for foreigners are at RM 30 which is fairly pricey. The funicular went quickly up the steep slope. Lush greenery surrounds you. Upon reaching the...

Read More

Gellert Hill (Budapest)

I'm not sure when this habit started- but we have been walking up hills to get a panoramic view of the city. Often, the trek is a tiring one, but the rewards at the end of it often justify the trek upwards- pretty much like life, isn't it?  One of my favourite places that I visited this year (July 2013) is the Gellert Hill.  Gellert Hill is named after Saint Gerard who was allegedly was thrown down from this hill.  While...

Read More

China House (Penang)

If you are in Georgetown, you may want to drop by China House for some cakes although honestly, their cakes aren't that fantastic- the cafe has a very cosy ambience though.  ChinaHouse consists of 3 heritage buildings linked by an open air courtyard. It contains 14 spaces with shops, cafes, galleries etc. Who can resist a table lined with different cakes? A feast for the eyes! The Tiramisu (RM 15) was a giganormous piece. It was...

Read More

Ferringhi Coffee Garden (Penang)

Having brunch in the midst of greenery is always an enjoyable experience.  We read reviews online saying that it's often crowded. However, when we were there, there was plenty of space- go there early before the lunch crowd streams in! We headed straight for the comfort of air-con because the heat outside was unbearable. I ordered the "FCG Breakkie" (RM 25.80) which got served on a really big plate. This kept me full for quite...

Read More

Living Room Cafe Bar & Gallery (Penang)

Sad to say, our best meal in Penang wasn't spent in some roadside stall slurping down a piping hot bowl of Penang laksa or enjoying a bowl of chendol in the sweltering heat. Rather, it was a delicious meal at Living Room Cafe Bar & Gallery.  Lots of greenery at the outdoor space of the restaurant. We ordered a Veg Curry Capitan (36 RM) which is a typical Malaysian dish. Robust curry flavour served piping hot was perfect with the...

Read More

Golden Sands Resort (Penang)

It is always nice to wind down at the end of the year, so we decided to go to Penang for a short trip. We booked Golden Sands Resort which proved to be a rather good choice.  1) Location  Golden Sands Resort is located in Batu Ferringhi which is famous for its beaches. Just venturing a few steps out from the resort will bring you to the beach.  2) Hotel room The room was not carpeted and this was actually a plus...

Read More

Group Therapy (Katong V)

Another place on my Want-to-eat list is finally struck out. Group Therapy's new branch at Katong V is of course welcome, given that their branch at Duxton is always crowded. On a Saturday afternoon, this place was comfortably filled up, with no queues.  We had a large group and it was a good thing that we could fit in, because no reservations are allowed. I got Poached Eggs ($15) with an additional side of Mushrooms ($3). It was only...

Read More

Pension Ohno (Hokkaido)

As with life, a lot of decisions are made based on calculated risks. So, when Tripadvisor shows very few (albeit good) reviews of a place, you sometime have to make the call whether those are genuine reviews. And with a stroke of luck, you may just find something good- Pension Ohno is one of them. (Note: Trip was in July 2013).  1) Location  Pension Ohno is located right opposite Lake Toya. It's a 15-20 minute walk from the popular...

Read More

Bakerzin (Vivo City)

One rainy Saturday evening, my friend declared that she needed chocolate lava cake and tea. When this sort of craving hits, there's no way you can fend it off.  I opted for Chocolate Amer ($8.50) which is a flourless sponge cake, with chocolate mousse made with valrhona chocolate. I was pleasantly surprised that I could switch vanilla ice-cream for chocolate ice cream. Now this is a marvellous combination of all things chocolatey. Rich...

Read More

I Wan Noodles

On a Friday night, this eatery was still pretty crowded although this part of Tanjong Pagar isn't where young people would be seen on a Friday night- think Duxton Hill, Ann Siang Hill etc. I tried the Signature Chilli Crab Wanton Noodles ($8.80). This consisted of a very huge piece of deep fried soft shell crab and many shredded deep fried pieces of beancurd skin. While they are pretty generous with their ingredients, the crab sauce fails to...

Read More

Eighteen Chefs (Tiong Bahru Plaza)

The first time I stepped foot in Eighteen Chefs at Simei was four to five years ago. In that span of time, they have opened a couple more outlets.  Why 18? Apparently the number 18 has reference to a secret society in Singapore. The owner of Eighteen Chefs, Benny Se Teo, is behind this venture to help troubled youths and ex-convicts.  This place is well known for its baked rice. But I decided to go for the Tom Yam Seafood Aglio...

Read More