Meals made more affordable at Eld’s 22 Pasta & Grill

Set lunches and dinners, waived GST and service tax charges along with reasonably priced food and beverages are the main marketing tools for this quaint little diner-style restaurant located on the 5^th floor of one of Penang’s upscale and most happening shopping mall, Gurney Paragon.

It is a wise move, with such offering to attract the budget-savvy local folks and even tourists especially with the recent changes in the nation’s economy.

Additional taxes imposed are additional deduction from one’s monthly allowance accumulatively and this could be a burden for those in the lower and medium income earners, who are already faced with the rising costs of living. It is just a perplexing situation when the existing income or earning is not in the growth quadrant but the costs of the basic necessities and amenities take the opposite direction and pose that additional stress in the financial management.

Dining out is now a luxury more than ever, especially for those with multiple headcounts in the families depending on sole breadwinners and even for the singles who would need to manage their living expenses.

Eld’s 22 is quick to hop onto the bandwagon to seize the attention of the population waning in the current situation and offering that glimmer of hope to enjoy that option to dine out while keeping a conscious tab on their expenses.

It is an initiative much welcomed by many, I am sure as their weekend outings with families and friends need not be compromised with the many attractive courses offered by Eld’s 22 menu.

I was drawn to their advertising and being a visitor to the mall, I have often passed by the place though I have never really tried any of their offerings.

Well, mainly because I am usually a comfort diner and I tend to stick to my own preferred places and then there’s just that usual routine craving that I simply must satisfy.

On days when I am adventurous and wanting something different, that’s where you spot posts like these much to the delight of the places I decided to try.

Eld’s 22 Pasta and Grill just happened on one of my weekends in Gurney Paragon and I was quite impressed with the attentive servers who quickly ushered me to my table in no time and took my orders.

That is one important criterion to capture a new customer’s heart, I must say and I was pleasantly surprised though happy about it at the same time.

I was early but business was brisk and it did not take long for the place to be filled with the ardent weekend crowd of lunch hunters while on their shopping spree. It is proof of the popularity of the place as a choice for lunch among the locals; and the crowd comprises of a combination of both the young, old, and even families.

That is what reasonable costs and waivers do to people. It is all about the dollars and cents.

Set Lunches are available on weekends, unlike most restaurants or cafes and that is another winning factor.

The set lunches are designed especially for the sets available on a separate menu, and are priced at a reasonable range from MYR15.00 onwards, inclusive of a soup, drink and dessert.

Grilled Saba Fish with Tropicana Salsa Set Lunch (MYR18.90)

I was a little disappointed with the portion though I know there is not much to ask for when it is a set to begin with. I was expecting the portion to be petite and well, it was as expected.

For the price and the overall package of the set, I guess it is reasonably designed?

I just could not help comparing to my other set lunch which caught me off guard at Blackwood, but then again, they are two different entities. Still…

The Saba, pretty much mackerel, was quite minute in its size served along with thin angel hair spaghetti spruced up with the Tropicana salsa sauce.

It would be a sufficient portion for a decisive and conscious eater definitely, but I would recommend ala carte orders or additional side dishes if one is on the higher metabolism side.

Taste wise, the saba was done quite well, depending on one’s taste, but it was not too bad for me.

I don’t usually order the saba fish but this was quite appetizing, though it was a tad bit oily as well.

The Tropicana salsa added flavor (and colors) to this dish, and just created that wholesome balance of the tastes with its exciting and mildly exotic combination of sweet and sour in just that appropriate amount to spice up the plain grill of the fish packed with nutrients and the ordinary spaghetti.

The drink which accompanied the set came in the form of a glass of cordial fruit punch.

The soup of the day, is their Homemade Pumpkin Soup with Dried Shrimps (priced at MYR7.80 ala carte)

Grilled Seasonal Fish with Honey Mustard Sauce was ordered ala carte (MYR17.80)

Served with purple sweet potatoes, carrots, pickles, roast tomatoes and nachos chips, this was quite pleasant to taste, in my opinion.

Portion was average but it was more than enough for me, and it was not too bad where the flesh of the fish was maintained in its tenderness and the honey mustard sauce, of course, honey mustard sauce is always a good complement to almost everything.

Dessert for the set lunch is a scoop of ice-cream presented nicely on a plate, and I must say, this is an appreciated effort for I have seen places where the dessert is just a slab on the plate, since it is just part of the set.

The attitude is set right by Eld’s 22 in their presentation of their set meals, and I applaud that.

My first impression of Eld’s 22 was not too bad and their menu does attract me with a few things that I would love to try, maybe on my next visit, hopefully?

Now, if I can step out of my comfort zone more often when it comes to eating….

                                                                                                                                                                       

For more information, check out their Facebook Page here

Address:
163D-Level 5-16, 18 & 19, Gurney Paragon Mall, Persiaran Gurney, Pulau Pinang



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.



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A Taste of Wood Grill at Blackwood Cafe & Restaurant

Blackwood Cafe and Restaurant is probably one of the new cafes in the town of Kulim; or perhaps on the other side of the town and it is also not that new anymore.

I have heard about this cafe restaurant from some of my friends who are working in the industrial zone and of course, even the hubs had had lunch at this place which he found would suit my tastes and that I might be just interested to try.

(It is just as well since we are running out of places to eat at, and wonder where to eat almost all the time. Am I the only one or does everyone faces that same predicament?)

Located on the row of shoplots along with the local CMart supermarket which faces the Giant hypermarket on the opposite side of the road, Blackwood is a new addition welcomed by the quiet town of Kulim (may not be that quiet anymore); especially the industrial zone workers who crave for a taste of variety and urban concept while enjoying the serenity of the green canvas of this town up north.
Kulim is a pretty much laid-back town compared to most of the major cities and the population was of course, smaller compared to all those dense cities in the country but it has this close to home environment and offers that tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
The town grew in its popularity since the establishment of the industrial zone which witnessed a mass of people from the island of Penang, and parts of the Northern states and even other states traversing to the town and even around the town as they settle in their workplaces (mainly factories). Some have even settled down, calling Kulim their new homes as they migrated to the town residences out of convenience and nearer to the workplace.
Duty calls.

The growth in Kulim may not be on par with the capital city, of course, it is not even just in comparison due to the population but it has certainly enjoyed its balance between industrialization and its original placid identity.
A town which used to thrive on mostly homegrown brands and locally run businesses now is joined by some of the commercial names and nationwide chain brands making their way into Kulim's backyard.
It used to be the town without a McDonald's and today, even McCafe is available for 24 hours in the town, and one can also spot Old Town White Coffee, Secret Recipe, and the likes enlisted as the local residents of the town.

While chain restaurants and international brands (like McDonald's) have become part of Kulim's offerings, Blackwood Cafe and Restaurant is still very much a local business which boldly introduces the concept of urban style dining to the local community here.

 The cafe was dimly lit and decorations were kept to the minimum; as in most of the contemporary cafes these days.
Blackwood also offers their own selection of cakes available at the main counter.

Comfortable couches were also available for relaxation over a cup of coffee and cake, just like in your usual cafe style.

I was here for their main courses, rather than the desserts; which perhaps I could save for another time.

Their menu was done in a pretty simple manner; in that typical two sheets ala daily newspaper style.

I prefer menus like these, for it is much easier on the hands and to flip rather than heavy and Huge cardboard menus which could be hard for me to grasp sometimes.
(That's just me, of course)
Heavy menus somehow just scream class and sophistication while paper menus can sometimes be flimsy and reflect on the economical style.
It is all about perception and impression.
That is what business is all about.

They do offer the lunch sets, even on weekends too.
The lunch set bundles the usual main course, along with a soup of the day and a drink.
No dessert though.

Golden Red Dory Fish Grill Lunch Set (MYR22.00)
(Ordered ala carte, the dory grill costs MYR18.00)



It was quite a generously sized portion; with two thick slabs of dory fish fillets grilled to golden brown, and with that extra spank of crispy on the exterior served atop plump-sized fries and a side of fresh greens consisting of lettuce leaves, cherry tomatoes and broccolis with thousand island dressing.
The wood grilled golden brown dory fish fillets were then drizzled with a winning sauce which was just appetizing with its mild trio tastes of sweet, salty and lightly spicy before sprinkling fried ginger slices on top of the fillets. The sauce concoction gave that meaning to the red definition of the name, but it was quite addictive though it is advisable to take in moderation due to the sodium in it.



Though this was more of a Western style kind of dish, the sauce and serving of the ginger slices just seemed more of an Asian inspiration which just injects that unique fusion combination into this dish.
I was anticipating the usual lightweight slices of the dory fish fillets, but Blackwood serves the dory in the thick versions (note the word slabs; are more like it).
The stocky fillets were also pulpy, and satisfying to every bite and you just must take it along with that sauce which just gives the triumphant edge to this dish.
It invoked that long buried love I had for dory; and while most dory fish fillets served in most places seem deprived of nutrition in general, Blackwood made up and clarified that dory are not all malnourished and even took that extra step in ensuring that their diners enjoy the most of the succulent fillets by serving two; instead of one.
You will not feel inadequate with the pleasing tastes of the juicy fillets and most probably you will leave with that longing for dory fish fillets lingering in your mind.
This dish surprised and impressed me at the same time; especially when this is a lunch set portion.
Now, that's again part of the perception which we have been conditioned with due to the bundled and more cost-friendly prices which would be justified by the portions served, ain't that true?


The set comes with the soup of the day; Creamy Mushroom Soup (ala carte price: MYR7.00)



Again, the concept of the set is not compromised in the portion and the quality of the soup served.
True to its name, the soup was densely packed with the creamy goodness and bites of mushrooms can be found in it too.



Lemon coke (ala carte: MYR6.90) was also served with the set and is one of the more popular drinks in the cafe.

The whole set was probably worth more than its set price, if you were to add the ala carte prices up (though it could be a strategic illusion; it is after all business), but the portions do make up for all its worth?

Baked Honey Mustard Salmon (MYR26.00) is not offered on the set lunch menu, and this is ordered ala carte.

Anything with salmon would have caught my attention; and while I was contemplating between ordering the King Salmon versus this normal salmon, the Honey Mustard thrown in just made the decision for me.
It sounds like an interesting combination though the fascination lies further than the name as this was served in a breakfast style; you know, the typical big American breakfast kind of presentation.
Lightly roasted chunks of potatoes and stir fry thinly sliced mushrooms lined that base of the plate; with that additional companion in the form of the greens of lettuce.





The salmon; just like the dory, were also served in pairs (I guess Blackwood just wants to feed us really well and walk away satisfied). The fillets were seated upon the combination which make up the breakfast team and dribbled with the alluring honey mustard dressing.
The light dressing was compensated with that extra serving of the sauce on the side, for cases of immediate addiction (you just might, trust me!)



I am generally a big fan of salmon, but the salmon was slightly more than a little well done; giving it that dry and flaky taste though the outer crispy layer did do its part in seducing the taste buds in that brief tango moment but I felt it could be slightly better. There were some parts of the salmon which seemed to have hit the nail on the head, but the key is consistency when it comes to the taste.
It was not too bad, and I am not an expert to comment much on the way they chef bakes it anyway, though I just have my own preference when it comes to salmon which is, by the way, one of my favorite fish.
(I think that needs no introduction or further justification, just take a look at my salmon-infestation around the blog and you will get the idea).

I was not really disappointed with my overall experience; though I was quite surprised that the dory won my heart over salmon this round.
Blackwood is known to use that wood grill to grill and prepare most of the food which gives it that extra edge, and of course that identity to the conception of its branding.

Prices are certainly a little steep for the neighborhood in general; and while it compensates and justifies in its offerings and portions, it will take some time for the local to get used to such pricing.
Furthermore the population would take some time to grow in numbers; though Blackwood would see the welcoming trend of adventurous patrons comprising of the modern generation and also the industrial population flocking to its turf on a daily working day basis to sustain their efforts.

It is a good start though; and being one who used to work in this same town for a while, I am happy to see this new addition and Blackwood has certainly started on the right foot with its overall contemporary concept and the quality of their offerings.
Besides, no one would turn away a specialized cafe and that wholesome tastes from wood grill and passionate culinary skills, right?





Address:
No. 342C, Tingkat Bawah, Jalan Seraya Indah 1& 2, Taman Seraya Indah 1 and 2, Kulim 09000 

(Also known as Blackwood Coffee & Chocolate)


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 stay tune to more of my posts~

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Let's Get Crabbin' with the Australian Spanner

The sight of this bright siren red, not to mention the gigantic size of this crustacean species is enough to make anyone go weak in the knees.
This unique species known as the Australian Spanner Crab is definitely not meant for the weak-hearted and can be quite a catch to be found here, but it is definitely close to most of the local Australians' hearts.

This resident crab hails from the Land Down Under; with obvious signs indicated in the name itself and is commonly found along the eastern to the southern part of the coastal waters in the region.
From Queensland to Nowra in New South Wales, it is a familiar species and even a popular favorite among the Australian folks.

While commonly found in Australia, its presence here definitely deserves the spotlight and that was exactly the star role it landed on the menu of Manhattan Fish Market recently as one of the highlighted dish.

At a whopping price of only MYR39.90, it sounded reasonable and just too good for the crab lovers out there; especially for the adventurous ones (after all, the sight of the crab is there to tell you what you're expecting).
The photo of the crab on the promotional poster poised against the easel at the entrance of the shop was a visual concept to prepare the diners of this crab, but still, it did nothing to halt that big 'O' opening of our mouths when the dish finally arrived.



The crab did not come alone and along its arrival are its companions in the form of the accompanying sauce.
A choice of a light buttery sauce or the fiery spicy sambal gravy, the dressing sauces are there to enhance the dining experience and the taste of the crabby flesh.

The tools to get the crab cracked open are definitely not forgotten; along with a bowl of water with a slice of lemon for one to rinse their hands with after all the hard work.
That is indeed thoughtful, and that lemon gives the hands a citrusy scent to dispel the strong and distinctive smell from the crabs itself.
(You'd know what I mean :-)

A glimpse of the flesh



The accompanying spicy sauce did a better job in masking the slightly frozen taste of the flesh; temporarily blinding the thought that this was indeed air flown into our country from another country.
However, the sambal sauce was definitely a strong reminder of our local tastes and I really mean that it was spicy!

Crabs tend to take a longer time to consume, or enjoy and therefore, when dining with the crabs, it takes a lot more patience and of course, when you are just in the mood backed with the leisure/luxury of time on hand.

I don't mind crabs, well, at least when they are peeled, to be honest *grins* and I need my crabs to be really, really fresh.

The Australian Spanner Crab may be the star of the meal, but the Grilled Salmon with Black Pepper Sauce (MYR24.90) made its way to our table too, courtesy of yours truly who just needed a fix of salmon that day.



Served with fresh and boiled vegetables alongside mashed potatoes drenched with the black pepper sauce where the salmon fillet is plopped on top, complete with a tiny flag of Manhattan Fish Market, this looked pretty appetizing for a start.






However, I was a little disappointed that the salmon fillet, while stunningly succulent in appearance turned out to be too overly well done to my liking.
Perhaps I was just too particular with the way my salmon is to taste like, but I am not a fan of dry and harsh textures of the flesh when it comes to a rich fish like salmon.

The starter we ordered; the Ocean's Gem (MYR10.90) which was a combination of an assortment of seafood drizzled with a tantalizing sourish dressing on a bed of fresh greens was definitely the winner of the day.



Juicy fresh prawns and scallops, mixed with the crunchy variety of sliced carrots, capsicums, cucumbers, lettuces and cabbages, raisins and marinated onion slices make up the triumphant dish and one just can't get enough of the portion.

It may look small in its size, but I would say it is just nice for a serving of 1-2 pax and is a sure appetite stimulant with its vibrant colors and the flavorful tastes which one simply cannot resist.




To quench that thirst and soothe the senses, the Sunset by The Bay (MYR9.90) is one good choice.
A bold mix of Early Grey Tea with tiny bits of peaches, graced by that slice of lemon by the side to give it that extra zesty kick is truly irresistible.

It has been a while I have been to this restaurant and I have almost forgotten the wonderful varieties of seafood; especially fish that they have here.




I am reminded of them now, and I crab you not, that I am thinking of my order on my next visit :-)

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~