CRIZ BON APPETITE

To usher in the auspicious Lunar New Year 2020 of the Yang Metal Rat, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa and Golden Sands Resort, Penang will present an array of Chinese New Year delicacies, featuring the traditional Prosperous Yee Sang tossing, starting on Chinese New Year’s Eve. The Yee Sang consists of Raw Fish with Shredded Vegetables Plum Sauce, Salmon, Marinated Cuttlefish, decorated with Whole Pomelos and Mandarin Oranges. For more details and reservations, please call Spice Market Café @ Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa at +604-888 8888 or Garden Café @ Golden Sands Resort at +604-886 1911 or Sigi’s Bar & Grill @ Golden Sands Resort at +604-886 1852 today.

On Chinese New Year’s Eve, Spice Market Café, Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa’s signature restaurant, will feature a Spring Time Buffet Dinner at RM288nett per adult, RM144nett for children below twelve years old and free for children below six years old. Guests can expect a wide range of delicacies, such as the Eight Treasure Soup with King Crabmeat, Sea Cucumber, Dried Scallop and Mushroom, Assortment of Fresh Tuna, Jellyfish with Shredded Roast Duck and Ginger Flower Dressing, plus many other scrumptious decadent treats. On Chinese New Year’s Day, Spice Market Café will feature a Chinese New Year Buffet Brunch at RM198nett for adults, RM99nett for children below twelve years old and free for children below six. The Brunch will be served from 12.00pm until 3.00pm. On the first and second evening of Chinese New Year, 25 and 26 January, Spice Market Café features the Spice & Happiness Buffet Dinner priced at RM268nett per adult and RM134nett per child. Some of the highlights are Roasted Prime Rib with Black Pepper Sauce, Sirloin with Herbs, Mustard, Horse Radish, Roasted Potatoes, Roasted Duck, Soy Chicken and Condiments, Double Boiled Chicken Soup with Ginseng Roots and Wolfberries, Fish Maw Soup with Chinese Herbs and Scallops as well as specially crafted Snow Fungus with Gingko Nut Red Dates and Dried Longan and Peanut Cream Soup with Chinese Pancake, a sweet way to end the scrumptious meal. The spread on both days are slightly different, offering guests refreshing options each night.

Over at Golden Sands Resort, Penang, Garden Café will feature a Happiness Reunion Buffet Dinner on Chinese New Year’s Eve and a Reunion Chinese Set Dinner. The Reunion Chinese Set Dinner is for tables of 10 and includes a bottle of red wine which is priced at RM1,388 nett per table. The Happiness Reunion Buffet Dinner includes a complimentary glass of mocktail and entertainment by the Chinese Orchestra is priced at RM128nett per adult, RM64nett per child below twelve years old and free for children below six years old. The Happiness On the first and second day of the Chinese New Year, 25 and 26 January 2020, Garden Café will serve a Fatt Choy Brunch at RM118nett per adult, RM59 per child below twelve years old and free for children below six years old. Some highlights include the “Yee Sang” accompanied with Norwegian Smoked Salmon, Oven Roasted Australian Beef Striploin, Mandarin Orange Flan, Iced Longan with Honey Sea Coconut and other delectable dishes. The first evening of Chinese New Year is celebrated with a feast of Fortune Seafood Buffet Dinner at Garden Café. Priced at RM128nett per adult and RM64nett per child, the buffet has an amazing spread with favouites such as Fish of Prosperity “Yee Sang” accompanied with Tasmanian and Smoked Salmon, Wok-fried Prawns and Salted Egg, Singapore Chili Crab Steamed Red Lion with Superior Sauce and some wonderful desserts to complete the meal; Marble Cheese Cake and Chilled Dried Longan with White Fungus and Gingko.

At Sigi’s Bar & Grill, there will be a Prosperity BBQ Buffet Dinner served from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. on 26 January 2020, the second day of Chinese New Year. Priced at RM128 nett per adult and RM64nett per child including a mocktail, some of the special an array of specialty such as the Roasted Whole Chicken with Asian Flavors, Five Spices NZ Striploins, Chinee BBQ Whole Lamb, Slipper Lobster, Assorted French Pastries, Assorted Nyonya Kuih and an assortment of CNY Cookies.

For those who would like to celebrate at home, Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa’s Rasa Deli provides takeaway Yee Sang for guests and their loved ones to enjoy. The various flavors of this year’s Yee Sang include Salmon, priced at RM100nett; Jellyfish and Abalone, priced at RM88nett; and Fruits at RM68nett. Availability will be between 24 January and 8 February 2020.

Here are some of the main highlights for the Chinese New Year dishes and desserts.

About Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts: An iconic flagship brand of the Shangri-La Group, currently operates over 80 deluxe hotels and resorts with a room inventory of over 35,000. Renowned for its distinctive Asian hospitality, the Company has properties in destinations of Australia, Canada, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sultanate of Oman, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The group’s award-winning Golden Circle loyalty program extends to all properties of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts worldwide. For more information, visit www.shangri-la.com.

With the appointment of Chef Rizal Masir, a chef with more than 25 years of culinary experiences, locally and overseas, as the resort’s Executive Sous Chef, you would get surely get a boosted-up dining experiences at the Golden Sands Resort. You would also get to experience his culinary skills using the freshest ingredients, herbs and spices available to pep up sumptuous local dishes in the current Selera Kampung Buffet Dinner Promotion. The promotion is priced at RM98nett per adult and RM49nett per child from 6.00pm until 10.00pm on every Monday until Saturday, excluding eve of public holidays and public holidays. The good news is, there would be a BUY-ONE-FREE-ONE offer for Monday until Thursday for all adults. Senior citizens would get a 40% off from the actual price on Friday and Saturday. Terms & conditions apply. The hotel would also contribute RM2 per purchase to charity. For reservations, please call +604-886 1911 (Direct Restaurant Line).

You would be expecting Appetizers and Salads such as Ulam-Ulam Tempatan (Petai, Timun, Tomato, Daun Ceylon,Ulam Raja,Terung Pipit, Kacang Botol, Jering, Daun Pegaga ,Ulam Rebus, Terung, Jantung Pisang, Kacang Panjang, Pucuk Ubi, Pucuk Gajus, Nangka dll), Salad Segar dan 3 jenis Dressing), Kerabu Ayam, Kerabu Sotong, Kerabu Taugeh, Chinese Salad, Sides such as Tempeh Sambal, Serunding Kangkung, Paceri Nenas, Acar Buah,Acar Rampai, Jelatah & Mango Chutney, Gado-Gado, Pickles and Condiments such as Jeruk Mangga, Jeruk Betik, Jeruk Kelubi, Jeruk Cermai, Jeruk Pala, Jeruk Halia, Jeruk Kedondong, Jeruk Kundang,Jeruk Jambu Air, Sambal Bajak, Sambal Belacan, Sambal Tomato, Sambal Goreng Berlada, Sambal Tempoyak, Cencaluk, Budu, Various Crackers and Salted Fish such as Keropok Ikan, Keropok Udang, Keropok Sayur, Keropok Lekor, Keropok Melinjau, Ikan Masin Kurau, Ikan Masin Tenggiri Jeruk, Ikan Kembung Masin, Ikan Masin Sepat, Ikan Gelama Kering, Garing-garing, Telur Masin. On top of that, you would also get Lemang, Lemang Pulut Hitam & Ketupat Daun Palas, Serunding Daging dan Rendang Pedas, plus Pasembut (Cucur Sayur, Telor Rebus, Timun, Sengkuang, Kentang, Bebola Ikan, Kepingan Ikan, Sosej, Isi Ketam), Mee Ayam dan Wantan Goreng.

The Main Dishes would include Cili Ketam, Kambing Maisore, Ayam Panggang Bumbu Bali, Beef with Dry Chili and Cashew Nuts, Crispy Catfish in Garlic Soya, Taugeh Goreng Ikan Masin, Dhalca Sayur, Kueh Teow Mamak, Nasi Puspasari, Nasi Jagung, Nasi Kukus Daun Pandan, Sup ‘Gear Box’, Nasi Briyani Tulang Rawan.

There would also be various grills outdoor at the garden, namely Kambing Panggang Bawang Putih with condiments such as Air Assam, Pudina Krim Masam, Acar Bawang Ros, Ayam ‘Pasu’, Panggang Ikan (Kembong, Pari, Selar, Cencaru, Tenggiri, Kerang, Sotong with condiments such as Air Assam, Cili Kicap dan Sambal Mentah.

As for Desserts to end the meal, you would be expecting items such as Tapai Ubi, Kek Pisang, Talam Ubi, Kuih Lapis, Buah Melaka, Ketayap, Onde-Onde, Puteri Ayu, Kuih Gelang, Kuih Bahulu, Sajian Kek dan Manisan Barat, Bubur Sumsum, Pengat Nangka, Buah Kurma, Pilihan Biskut dan Kuih Raya, Jeli Buah-Buahan, Puding Gula Hangus, Buah-Buahan, Ais Batu Campur, Cendol dan Ais Krim (3 perisa), Teh Tarik dan Kopi Tarik, Mata Kucing, Jus Kurma, Sirap Selasih.

The restaurant is just located within the premises of Golden Sands Resort. Drive all the way up towards Batu Ferringhi. When you see the Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa on your right, slow down and watch out for the Golden Sands Resort entrance which is right after the Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa. Park your car at the ample car park there and walk into the main lobby of the resort. Head towards the left side of the lobby and you would see the Garden Café there.

Name: GARDEN CAFE @ GOLDEN SANDS RESORT
Address: Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100 Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: +604-886 1911 (Direct Restaurant Line)
Business Hours: 7.00pm-10.00pm (Ala Carte: 6.30am-11.00pm)
GPS: 5.477405, 100.251657

RATING:
Ambience: 9/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 classy)
Food Choices: 8/10 (1-4 limited, 5-7 average, 8-10 many choices)
Taste: 8/10 (1-4 tasteless, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)
Pricing: 8/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 expensive)
Service: 8/10 (1-4 bad, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)

About Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Group: Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 90 hotels under the Shangri-La brand with a room inventory of over 37,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, Cambodia, India, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.

Buon appetito~ Let’s enjoy some great Italian cuisine with the newly launched Viva Italiano Promotion at the Garden Cafe @ Golden Sands Resort, Penang. The promotion is available from 7.00pm until 10.00pm on every Wednesdays until the end of October 2015. Priced at RM78nett (Adult) and RM39nett (child from 6-11 years old), diners would get to savor the best of what the Italians could offer in their culinary spreads. Do enjoy the serenading music from the resident house band.

To start off the meal, let’s dip into their Appetizer & Fresh Salad Bar. You would expect to get at least six kinds of imported and local fresh vegetables with their house dressing/vinaigrette and condiments such as French, Italian, Tartar, Thousands Island, Herbs Vinaigrette, Paw-paw Dressing, Garlic Crouton, Gherkin, Black and Stuffed Olive, Jalapeno Pepper, Red Pimentos, Onion Rings, lemon Wedges and Silver Cocktail Onion. On top of that they do have the Caprese Salad (tomato slices with fresh buffalo milk made mozzarella with drizzle of olive oil and some sprinkles of salt. Where are the sweet basils? :P), Caesar Salad, DIY Bruschetta, Assorted Cold Cut, Poached Half Shell Mussel with Vegetable Emulsion, Grilled Trio Color Pepper with drizzle pesto, Chilly Oil and sprinkle with Parmigiana Italian Pasta salad.

As for Soup, they have two options such as the Minestrone Casalinga and Crème de Pomodoro, served with freshly baked Breads, Rolls, Crisini (bread sticks) with Salted, Unsalted Butter and Margarine. I fell in love with the Crème de Pomodoro as it had the sweetness of all the added carrots, celery, onions, garlic, tomatoes with a light hint of oregano and sour cream. Instead of having it with bread rolls or crisini, I had some garlic croutons on the soup and it was heavenly delicious. As for the Minestrone Casalinga, I found it to be a bit lack in flavors compared to my home cooked Russian Borsche Soup. I would think bay leaves did play a high role in pepping up the flavors of tomato based soup which the Minestrone Casalinga had none.

Moving towards the Hot Items Section, we had the Risi e Bisi (Rice & Peas), Pasticio (Layered Pasta with Tomato Sauce), Milanese Style Osso Bocco, Baked Pesto Chicken, Pan Fried Fish with Dill Cream Sauce, Potatoes Gnocchi with Green Peas served with Cream Sauce, Grilled Lamb Cutlet with Thyme Garlic Gravy, Sautéed Broccoli and Carrot and Grilled Prawn with Parmigiana Paprika Cream Sauce. The Risi e Bisi was practically buttered risotto with boiled peas. It went well with the juicy and yet tenderly prepared Milanese Style Osso Bosso beef chunks. Basically, everything on the hot item spread had its own unique flavors with the Potatoes Gnocchi with Green Peas served with Cream Sauce as my all-time favorite. Somehow, the texture of the gnocchi had that chewy yet flavorful potato sweetness that got me quite addicted to the dish.

As for the Carving Section, the highlight of the night was their Roasted Beef with Caramelize Onion Brown Sauce. Everything was just perfect as the beef had just the right texture and was not overly done. At the Heating Element Section, they were serving Fristo Misto Di Mare. Every culture has its own unique fried items and the kitchen did really well by serving the Deep Fried Calamari and Deep Fried Prawns at their freshest state. I simply love the crisp on the well marinated seafood.

They also do have a Pasta Stall serving a variety of pasta such as vegetable fusilli, penne and spaghetti plus various condiments. As for the sauce, you would have options such as Napolitana, Carbonara, Bolognese and Marinara. Amongst the 4 sauces, my recommendation would be the Bolognese sauce as it has more texture and bites from the minced meat. However, I wondered why they have the “boil & dress the sauce” version unlike most restaurants as it was too “instant” to my liking. It’s advisable to request for the pan-stir version which would thicken up the sauce and make the pasta dish more palatable.

To wind up the meal, we had our sweet indulgence in their Dessert Section with mostly cakes. Those that we had on the evening included Assorted Tropical Fresh Fruits, Strawberry Pudding, Apple Pie, Morello Cherry Cake, Panna Cotta, Orange Zesty Cake, Fruits & Nut Cake, Orange Cream Caramel, Tiramisu, Peach Cobbler, Creme de Menthe Cake, Warm Chocolate Pudding and more. It was indeed a dessert paradise for many sweet-tooth diners. However, to my personal preference, I would have expected the pastry chef to come out with more unique Italian pastries rather than just having lots of “quite standard” types of cakes. The only dessert that stood out to be rather Italian was their Tiramisu Cake. Though lacked the authenticity of having the delish with savoiardi (lad fingers), it was still a delicious mascarpone cream based dessert. I was actually looking forward to a good mix and match of Italian pastries and cakes that stood out from other buffet spreads but not many were present. The pastry chef should look into producing more pastry items such as cannoli, brioche, cream horns, eclairs, appolini and more to give the diners more options into Italian pastry treats.

Overall, I quite like the concept of having a themed buffet dinner once weekly as you would not get bored with the spreads if you were to be an in-house guest. At the same time, it would give the kitchen ample time to plan and pep up more goodies. I would say their first introduction to the Italian dishes for the night to be quite impressive, considering that the kitchen staff took the effort to ascertain that the dishes served were at their freshest state.

Do check out the hotel’s other promotions by clicking the poster below for a clearer view.

The restaurant is just located within the premises of Golden Sands Resort. Drive all the way up towards Batu Ferringhi. When you see the Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa on your right, slow down and watch out for the Golden Sands Resort entrance which is right after the Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa. Park your car at the ample car park there and walk into the main lobby of the resort. Head towards the left side of the lobby and you would see the Garden Café there.

Name: GARDEN CAFE @ GOLDEN SANDS RESORT
Address: Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100 Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: 604-886 1911 (Direct Restaurant Line)
Business Hours: 7.00pm-10.00pm (Ala Carte: 6.30am-11.00pm)
GPS: 5.477405, 100.251657

RATING:
Ambience: 9/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 classy)
Food Choices: 8/10 (1-4 limited, 5-7 average, 8-10 many choices)
Taste: 8/10 (1-4 tasteless, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)
Pricing: 7/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 expensive)
Service: 8/10 (1-4 bad, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 90 hotels under the Shangri-La brand with a room inventory of over 37,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, Cambodia, India, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.