More than just coffee at Black Canyon Coffee

Black Canyon Coffee is a place easily mistaken for one that serves coffee and tea along with light snacks as the name suggests at a glance as one takes a walk down the outer boulevard where it is located in Gurney Plaza.
There is no way one could have associated the place with main courses or even Asian food dining, simply due to the sound of the name itself, let alone think of proper course set meals or spicy food; unless of course, one has actually heard or been to the cafe itself.
It does not help with the clarification of their identity with their location along/beside cafes such as Starbucks and Dome either.

Originating from our neighboring country, Thailand, Black Canyon Coffee is indeed a cafe that specializes in their own local style coffee designed to their business's identity.
From iced coffee, lattes and tea, Black Canyon Coffee is just that kind of cafe for one to enjoy a good chilled drink and just well, chill.
Its roots from a land famed for exotic tasting food particularly in the hot and spicy department is just justification enough for them to include their local cuisine food; the pride of their cultural origins even in a cafe themed environment and that was how Black Canyon Coffee revolved into also a cafe-restaurant, serving more than just your regular dose of caffeine fix.

It is a little unusual and tad a bit weird (perhaps it's psychological) to imagine a menu bursting with full-fledged main course meals of an Asian origin in a place which is associated with coffee.
At least it is to me.
As I say, it must be psychological for I had made up my mind that this was no more than a coffee place and I dare say it must have also slipped past the mind of the many who have just walked past the place with a mere glance casted in their direction.
I think something has got to be done with the naming of the place, perhaps locally here?

I was surprised with the variety of meals and dishes offered on their menu and even set lunches designed to cater specific numbers are available (two pax, 4 pax, 6 pax).
They are just eager to attract their own share of diners who are on the hunt of set meals which come with recommended and pre-set courses which saves the trouble of deciding on what to eat from the menu itself.
It is a wise idea.

When you are in a place which started off as a cafe, you must pay homage by ordering drinks with a caffeine-theme.
It is an unspoken rule, and while I am not a caffeine person, I am glad my other half is.

Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte (MYR7.90)
It was tad a little diluted in its taste though the ice and chilled part of the drink came in useful when the food arrives...

Spicy Seafood Tom Yum (MYR16.90)



Well, the name says it all, and it was truly spicy that one could break into sweat within the first few spoonfuls (not that there is much to begin with). Of course our hot weather could be the reason for the perspiration but this is truly one spicy tom yum.



Portions were moderately sized and I would say it fits the serving size of a cafe themed restaurant, offering just that right amount to tempt your appetite but not leaving you stuffed with no room to breathe, if you get my meaning.

The seafood tom yum came with quite a generous amount of fish fillets, prawns, squids, mushrooms and tomatoes swimming in the flavorful soup spiced with lemongrass, tamarind pulps, coriander leaves and tomatoes.
It was quite addictive with that exotic taste, not to mention appetizing despite the 30 degrees Celsius temperature out there.





I was delighted to see that they have this, Pad Kee Mao, which was Spicy Stir Fried Seafood with Hot Basil (MYR13.90)



I used to enjoy this at one of my regular Thai restaurants that I haunt, but since they have ceased operations, I could hardly find this in most of the places I went despite this being a relatively simple and regular Thai dish. It is one of the most basic and probably one of the common street style dishes even.
This was again another spicy dish and while it is not too bad, with the generous amount of seafood (prawns, fish fillets, squids) along with an assortment of long breaks, button mushrooms and of course, wickedly fat slices of red chilies where the seeds were tossed all over the dish for that tantalizing taste, I would say I have tasted better.




Surprisingly, the salad which was supposed to be the appetizing start to my meal came to the table the last.

This, I must say, is the star dish of my entire meal.
If the theme of the Spicy Tom Yum and Pad Kee Mao did not do enough to stir up that sweat glands and trigger that excitement on the taste buds, this, just kicked it up a notch to remind one that they are truly at a Thai restaurant.

I mean, this is kicking spicy.

Spicy Salmon Salad (MYR10.90)

Who would have thought that the salad, which was supposed to be one to balance and even out the tastes turned out to be the main killer of the entire meal?
I have truly underestimated you.
It did well, and it really pushed up that adrenaline and sweat glands and I was just panting and the ice in the drink, that was the savior.

I was enticed by the name and theme of the salad which uses salmon and at such a reasonable price that the salmon-crazed me just have to have this.
The colors were just brightly appealing and drawing one to just enjoy the dish.
Deep fried salmon chunks tossed with largely diced tomatoes, cashew nuts, onion slices, stalks of spring onions and coriander leaves drenched with a sweet and sourish tasting sauce on a bed of lettuce leaves were just luring one into its colorful lair.
Those evil bird's eye chili did all they could to just numb your senses and just sends that hot sensation down your tongue, throat and straight into your tummies to just give them that surge of warmth.



Salad as an appetizer or a safe choice?
This is definitely not and is all about spunky attitude.
I have underestimated the power of the salad.
I have learnt my lesson and I will never do that again.

The food is truly a mind-blowing feast and if that is not enough, the presentation of their rice here could be something to draw your attention to.



I just love the creativity and this "square box" of rice is just too cute to be eaten, but is necessary to help cushion the effect of the spices on the lining of the stomach.
Can I have a "Square box of rice"?
It is just too adorable.
I love it when people get creative with their food presentation.


Black Canyon Coffee is definitely more than just plain coffee and tea and their move with set meals and even the affordable prices of their food and drinks at a well-sized portion could be attracting more to their turf soon.
They have definitely brought along the alluring tastes of their homeland to warm the hearts and of course stomachs of the local Malaysians, or rather, Penangites where they are currently based.




I know I am definitely pumped up, not to mention spiced up on my first visit!




Disclaimer: 
All the experiences are based on my personal tastes and are in no way representing the general.
This is not a sponsored post by the restaurant, and is purely based on my personal opinions.



To Follow my posts and my daily life:

LIKE my Facebook Page

Follow Me on Twitter @Angelstar

Follow my Google+

Stalk me on Instagram @AngelstarChristy

Ribs, Grills and Combo @ Chicago Ribs

Chicago Ribs is no stranger to anyone, and definitely not a newbie on my blog either
(Previous posts here and here)

It has indeed been quite a while since my last visit to any of the Chicago Ribs outlet, but recently a return visit brought back good old memories, enticing the taste buds to lead to further cravings.
Maybe it's me, or maybe it's the tempting tastes after such a long time that piqued our appetites in returning again and the tastes may have even improved; but whatever the reason is, it is more than enough to keep me returning to satisfy the cravings for my favorites.

The City of Ribs and Steak is here to serve to fulfill cravings for pork ribs, but yours truly is more interested in their other menu (sorry Chicago Ribs, I am one outlying customer).

Their signature Original BBQ Pork Ribs -Full Rack (MYR54.90) is the to-go-to for pork ribs lovers.



Luscious pork ribs are barbecued to perfection (or almost), and the secret ingredient to stimulating that fiery appetite for more, according to Chicago Ribs, is that light shot of whiskey in their recipe.
Full rack would serve more to gratify that craving, though small eaters could also opt for the half rack.

Choose from two sides to complement and complete that main.





Grilled Norwegian Salmon (MYR43.90) is another good old favorite, and is recommended on the menu too.



I am picky on the way my salmon steak; not too well done yet must maintain that balance between the grill and moist of the fillet. Medium rare would probably say it, but there is just that hint of perfection I always look for in all my servings of salmon and somehow they just nailed it here.
It's annoying, because it makes me crave more for salmon, and a good grilled Norwegian one too!
On the other hand, I say good job for making to my list of favorite salmon steaks :)

Again, feel free to choose from two side servings to accompany that poor lonely main.




For small eaters, half-rack of the pork ribs would be a good option, or if you are unable to decide and you just want the best of both worlds (trust me, you will want to try that salmon!), the following combo would be a considerably good alternative too.

Famous Pork Ribs and Grilled Salmon (MYR49.90)



One can hit two birds with one order; by enjoying both the ribs and the salmon at the same time, not to mention at an attractive package price.
However, portions are slightly smaller, and the salmon fillet is not as premium as the Norwegian salmon ala carte (understandably so) - also comes at a smaller fillet size.
The half rack is definitely, well, half the size, so if you desperately need to have ribs all in your face and tummy, then go for the full version.





This is nice though, for sharing and when one wants to enjoy different flavors or options and simply cannot decide (especially for people like me).
Thank God for the creation of combos!




Besides the ribs and the salmon, or even combo, another of my new found favorite is this
Beer Battered Fried Mushrooms (MYR19.90)



We are non alcohol drinkers; but this beer batter coating the crisp mushrooms just made us drunk and lust for it even more after every bite.
It is simply irresistible and the ranch dressing just made it every bit better.



Start with this before the meal, or save it by the side for more nibbles.
You won't want to finish it too soon! ;-)

Their drinks menu offer a wide variety; from cocktails to mojitos, and even bottomless (refillable) beverages.
Choose from a variety of soft drinks (MYR6.90) or cordial juices of orange, lime, cranberry at MYR8.90 and one can refill with either any of the flavor of juice.
It is indeed a worth for value drink though I won't encourage too much of sweet drinks, for health's sake ;-)

It is crowded on weekends, which goes to show the base of ardent fans of ribs and western food.



The City of Ribs and Steak, definitely does well in both and even in grilling their seafood and mushrooms too~

Super Value Chinese Set Meal for Dinner

It has been a while since we have dined out as most of the time my MIL would be doing the home cooking and it is not such a bad thing; enjoying the freshly cooked and warm food served directly from the kitchen.
Most of all, it is a dish filled with love and the attention from a mother.

Last weekend, we went out for dinner as MIL was away and we wanted to reminisce our old times together; enjoying the dining experiences and just hanging out with our conversation topics.
We went to Gurney Plaza, and I proposed to try out this Chinese-themed restaurant; Xuan Xin.




It is a good thing we were early for dinner as the crowd started building up slowly towards the later hours; and it is no surprise as this restaurant was quite popular among the locals, and what more, when it's on a weekend?

We were quickly seated; and being early birds, we get the window view facing G Hotel.


I have often gone to Dragon-i restaurant, but this restaurant is similar to the former; but with much more varieties in the dishes, desserts and even make it easier for the diners with their value set meals.



Though we were initially having a hard time selecting the dishes we wanted to try, and also spoilt by the wide varieties in the menu, we finally decided to just try their set meals which were at quite a good deal for a price.
The Set meal includes a soup of the day, vegetables, and 2 types of dish and is even available for a minimum of 2 pax.
Yes, that sounds just right for us!:-)



There is a list of vegetables and dishes for us to choose from the attached menu, and the choices, though may appear limited compared to the vast variety in the menu, were not half that bad either.

Our soup of the day was a Fish Stew
The soup is as it appears to be; plain soup with a tinge of fishy taste in it.



We did not have to wait long for our food; did I not mention the benefits of being an early bird?

Stir-fried fish fillets with spring onions and ginger



The dish seemed to loaded with onions; and my initial doubts of the smaller portions when customized into set meals were vanquished when I saw the fish fillet portions.



One unique thing I noticed about them is that the name of the chef is attached on a piece of note onto the plate of the dish; indicating the chef who prepared and cooked the dish.



Our vegetables: Stir-fried Hong Kong Kale with garlic



Crunchy dark leafy vegetable that I like!:-)

Last but not least, the Stir-fried prawns with dry curry paste was one fiery yet appetizing dish.
The prawns were just so fresh that it was quite hard to peel its flesh from the shells!



My verdict?
Food was quite good; prices reasonable and environment was conducive as well; a place that is worth another visit? :-)

Whole Barramundi for dinner

Before you groan at "Not another birthday-related post", well, I have to tell you sheepishly that yes, this is YET another birthday-related post and there's still like, two to three more posts on my birthday celebrations which lasted for more than a week and I have had more than 3 cakes this year!:)
I am not complaining, at all!:P

I enjoyed dinner at Manhattan Fish Market in Gurney Plaza (one of the premier shopping malls in Penang)


We were intrigued by their new dishes and decided to order it; along with the set which comes with a soup and a drink.

Seafood chowder (MYR7.90)

This was really good and came with generous portions of squids and clams; along with the thick broth made of tomato cream and onions.


The different types of dippings served at the start of the meal


Citrus Mint (MYR8.50)
A cool drink made of crushed ice in refreshing lemon juice topped with a dash of cool mint.


Alright, honestly, I think that mint is something that you either love or hate, and for my case, I find it a little weird having it in something I drink.
I don't know about you; sometimes I feel like I am drinking toothpaste, LOL!:P

Side order: Fried Calamari (MYR9.90)

If you are expecting round-shaped calamari rings, then you are wrong as the calamari are served in generous slices before being fried to a crispy perfection and served on a bed of garden fresh salad and zesty Chili Vinaigrette.

These are just crunchy bites and lip-smacking-licious!:)

The star of the day and their latest addition; the Barramundi catch.
We ordered the Fiery Hot Whole Barramundi (MRY41.90)

No kidding, they really served the whole fish, deep fried, on the platter, along with Garlic Herb rice (one of their specialty), and broccoli and carrots on the side.

It was good thing that we have ordered this for sharing :)

I love the juicy texture of the barramundi fish amidst the crispy taste of the outer part of the fish.


Now, if you have noticed (or you have been distracted by the pictures of the fish), the name of this is supposed to be Fiery Hot Whole Barramundi, but there is nothing that resembled the fiery hot part, right?
The mystery is unveiled later, when the waiter served us the sauce for the fish (as we were about to question whether they sent us the wrong order)

Anyway, the disappointment lies in here as the sauce was nothing fiery hot; no, not even close!
I didn't think it complemented the fish that well either and I personally preferred having the fish without the sauce.
Guess we should have just ordered Crispy Whole Barramundi (which is the same price anyway).

I didn't need to disappointed for long, as the restaurant, surprisingly also presented me with a complimentary bowl of Cream of mushroom soup (worth MYR4.90) for my birthday; courtesy of the restaurant.

Alright, it's no brownie cake or a whole choir singing birthday song like the previous post, but nevertheless it's a lovely and warm surprise as well.

I really enjoyed the birthday dinner and my surprise; with my seafood and fish-y meal :D