Eastin Hotel at Waterfront of Queensbay, Penang Island

Eastin Hotel Penang (N5.33657 E100.30635) is located along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Highway in  Sungai Nibong, Penang Island. The area is really convenience because the huge Queensbay Shopping Mall is just sitting next to it, and I also noticed there's a 24 hours convenience shop behind the hotel.

Eastin Hotel Penang

"Eastin Hotel Penang in Penang, Malaysia proves that not all accommodations are created equal. While other business hotels give you just the usual offerings, we make sure we bring our service a notch higher. That’s why at our hotel, located along the waterfront of Queensbay, you get to indulge in top-caliber enjoyments, whether you’re holding corporate affairs or celebrating personal milestones. Indeed, we are the perfect example of what a business hotel should be: a place that addresses every aspect of your comfort and convenience. This is what sets us above the rest." from Eastin Hotel, Penang.

We (me and Robin) were in Penang for 2 days 1 night foods hunting trip. Once we stepped into the lobby, we were greeted by their friendly smiles from the door till the front counter. The reception area is spacious and be able to cater more peoples during the peak hour.
Our checking process was fast and simple...

The Lobby of Eastin Hotel Penang

Thanks to the warm hospitality from Ms Selene Yeap - Assistant Marketing Communications Manager and her colleague. She introduced us the area surround with her professionalism and her 'trademark smile'.

The Lounge is at the left side of the reception counter...

The Lounge of Eastin Hotel Penang

They have a live band performance during the evening session...if you are visit on the Ladies night every Wednesday, the lady will get a free Margarita or Daiquiri who accompanied by a guy, beside this...the Buy 3 Free 1 House Wine is available daily from 6pm - 11pm.

The counter of The Lounge of Eastin Hotel, Penang.

And on the right side is the restaurant - Swez Brasserie where the hotel guests having their breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Restaurant of the Hotel

"Take part in their culinary adventure into a world of diverse dining with an assortment of distinctive German, Japanese, Mexican, Thai and many other exotic cuisines from around the globe."

Lunch with Vegetarian Corner (Mon- Fri), Hi-Tea with Kids Corner (Sat, Sun and Public Holiday) and Semi Buffet Dinner (Sun - Thu).

The Swez Brasserie are having a Mid-Autumn Mooncake Festival from 12th Aug - 9th Sep 2013. You can buy the delightful mooncakes in their custom designed gift box with your favorite flavors from pure lotus with double yolk to precious black.

If you are looking for place to celebrate your children birthday party, they have a Birthday Bash Package where you can enjoy the delectable selection of scrumptious food while having a delightful time with their tailor-made, fun filled games.

There's a GYM & SPA beside the swimming pool for guest to relaxing themselves.

On the level 2 & 3, there are total of 6 function rooms and 3 boardrooms.
As for meeting and seminars, they provided 2 packages (or more) to their clients, and the facilities are :-
*  2 multi-purpose function rooms and 3 boardrooms
*  Innovative cuisine and flexible menus for coffee breaks
*  Wi-Fi Internet Access
*  Audio-visual conferencing services available
*  Writing materials, flipchart and whiteboard
*  Flexible and mobile platform
*  LCD projector with screen
*  Customized signage
*  Pre-event publicity via Eastin websites, banners and digital signage

As for the weddings, banquets & celebrations, the function room can accommodate up to 650 banquets. And they provided all the necessary included the complimentary stay and others.
For booking and enquiries, please contact their Sales and Marketing Team at +604-6121111 or email info.pg@eastin.com

We stayed in the Eastin Deluxe room - 56-square meter (total of 33 rooms), which is a suite room. Let me show you the photos below...

The living hall of the suite room

Safe is provided

Mini bar's drinks are complementary

Mini bar's drinks are complementary

The King size bed configuration in the room

The bathroom has a glass where you can see each other from the bedroom, well...there's a curtain in between...

Spacious bathroom with bathtub

The room has a magnificent view from the windows, the Pulau Jerejak is clearly appeared. The Queensbay Mall is situated at the right side from the room's window...

Nice view from our room's window...

The room was spacious and it has another small bathroom beside the living hall area. We were satisfied with the room included the amenities & services.

Let me show other types of rooms in Eastin Hotel Penang...

Deluxe room (Hillview & Seaview with total of 234 rooms)

The Deluxe room with a queen bed

The Deluxe room with 2 single beds

Both type of the rooms above having same configuration of the bathroom.

Bathroom of the Deluxe room

SOHO Duplex room (total of 12 rooms) - it has a mezzanine floor where the bedroom located.

SOHO Duplex room

The living hall of the SOHO Duplex room

Nice garden view from the window

The bedroom on the mezzanine floor

The bathroom on the mezzanine floor beside the bed

The Friendly Suite room (only 1 room available) also has the same configuration except one extra bed at the living area and more hand support in the bathroom, let me show you the bathroom...

The single bed of the Friendly Suite room, with the nice garden view

The bathroom of the Friendly Suite room...
I'm impressed where the hotel provide this room for the less effort peoples, the called OKU (Orang Kurang Upaya) in local.

Beside the photos above, The Eastin Hotel Penang also has Club Deluxe room (hillview & seaview with total of 47 rooms) and the Family Duplex Suite (only 1 room).

The Guest Room Amenities & Services
*  Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access
*  LCD TV including CNN channel
*  In-room safe
*  Mini-bar
*  Coffee/tea making facilities with kettle
*  Private bathroom with shower area
*  Hair dryer and shaving mirror
*  Writing desk with speaker telephone
*  Complimentary daily local newspaper
*  Individual-controlled air-conditioning
*  IDD telephone with voicemail
*  Iron and ironing board
*  Adjustable reading lights
*  Complimentary bottled water

Executive Floor Benefits
*  Choice of either :
     -  International breakfast at the Executive Lounge (level 14th) from 7am - 10.30am
     -  Buffet breakfast at Swez Brasserie from 6am - 10.30am
*  Pre-dinner cocktails at the Executive Lounge from 5pm - 7pm.
*  Promotions on the hotel facilities :
     -  10% off at all food and beverage outlets on food and non-alcoholics drinks
     -  10% off laundry services
     -  15% off business centre facilities
     -  15% off IDD and mobile number calls
*  Complimentary beverages - fruit juice, soft drinks, coffee and tea served thoughout the day at the Executive Lounge from 10.30am - 10pm.
*  Complimentary pressing of 1 suit per stay
*  Complementary daily local newspaper
*  Complimentary incoming and outgoing faxes
*  Complimentary local calls (area code : 04, except mobile phone numbers)
*  Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access
*  Complimentary mini-bar

After a short while rest in the afternoon, we join their Ramadan buffet dinner in the evening at Swez Brasserie.

The buffet dinner was Full of varieties! The Chef introduced us their Nice beef bones - Gear Box.

The Chef with the 'Gear Box'

The Gear Box (beef bones)

You will see this nice roasted baby lamb in every Ramadan buffet dinner

The appetizers

Well presented appetizers

The main course area

The deep fried 'popiah' - local snacks

The Seafood area - my favorite corner!

The dessert area

The chocolate fountain for the fondue

After looking at so many foods around, I chose mine...

My buffet dinner at Eastin Hotel Penang

The buffet dinner was nice and satisfied. We were overloaded again! :)

The staffs here were really friendly and we felt comfort with their smile, it was a Nice stayed with the Eastin Hotel Penang, I will dropby again if I'm happen to be around at that area.

EASTIN HOTEL PENANG
1 Solok Bayan Indah, Queensbay,
11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
Phone Number: +604-612 1111
http://www.eastinhotel-penang.com

Location map of Eastin Hotel Penang Island

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Newly Toast Box Cafe at Dedap area of Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru.

The newly open Toast Box Cafe (N1 32.368 E103 48.263)  on 1st Aug 2013 is located at the corner of Jalan Dedap 13 & Dedap 8, Tmn Johor Jaya. We were invited by media for the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Cafe.

The Toast Box Cafe at Dedap area, Tmn Johor Jaya

"The neighbourhood of Johor Jaya is greeted by the charm of Traditional Nanyang Coffee (Kopi in colloquial terms), and Kaya Toast in a modern rustic setting with the opening of the brand new Toast Box store at Johor Jaya. Being the second store to open in Johor Bahru other than the one at KSL City Mall, it is currently the largest Toast Box in South East Asia.
 
This new store is a significant milestone in Toast Box’s plans to bringing its distinctive Traditional Nanyang culture to different parts of Asia, providing the vibrant neighbourhood a hearty and unique dining experience with a hint of nostalgia. 

Established in December 2005, the first Toast Box outlet was located in Food Republic Wisma Atria and has grown steadily with its unique concept. To date, Toast Box has 57 outlets in Singapore and 34 outlets in China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Philippines and Thailand."

"Breeze into Toast Box at Johor Jaya and be charmed by the joy of old style, casual dining experience in a simplistic yet endearing ambience. Sharing the charm of Traditional Nanyang Kopi and Toast culture with customers, Toast Box strives to deliver the best kopi and toast, making every visit a delicious stroll down memory lane."

We like the atmosphere and the rustic decoration very much. Felt like a English setting...especially all in white color...

Among all the  dining area, I like this part the most...

The Grand Opening speech by Mr Vincent Lim (林青材), Senior Vice President of Toast Box (Global), Mr James Quek (郭成华), Chief Executive Officer of Bakery Division (Global), BreadTalk Pte Ltd and followed by the Guest Of Honor - YB Liow Cai Tung (廖彩彤), State Assembly Woman for Johor Jaya.

Speech by Mr Vincent Lim

Guest of Honor - Liow Cai Tung

The demonstration of Nanyang Coffee brewing came after the speech.

Demonstration of brewing the Nanyang Coffee

Demonstration of brewing the Nanyang Coffee

Each of us have a chance to taste the coffee after it...taste nice!

Nanyang Coffee from Toast Box Cafe

Beside the coffee, the cafe do serve others like Peanuts Butter Thick Toast, Otah Baguette, Laksa Mee Tai Mak, Homemade Nasi Lemak with Curry Chicken Rendang, Curry Chicken with rice or Baguette. Their Thick Toast all are cut with the thickness of exact 2cm, said by Mr Vincent Lim - Senior Vice President of Toast Box.

Peanuts Butter Thick Toast

Otah Baguette

Laksa Mee Tai Mak

Homemade Nasi Lemak with Curry Chicken Rendang

Curry Chicken with rice or Baguette

Toast Box is offering a special promotion of 10% off with a minimum of RM5 spent from now until 31st August 2013. This promotion is only valid at Toast Box Johor Jaya.

The parent company of Toast Box is Breadtalk from Singapore, here is some write up about Breadtalk...

"Founded as an F&B operator in Singapore in 2000 and listed on the SGX in 2003, BreadTalk Group Limited has rapidly expanded to become a distinctive household brand owner that has established its mark on the world stage with its bakery, restaurant and food atrium footprints. Its brand portfolio comprises BreadTalk, Toast Box, Food Republic, Din Tai Fung, The Icing Room, RamenPlay, Thye Moh Chan and Carl’s Jr China. With global staff strength of 7,000 employees, the Group has a network of 700 F&B outlets in 15 countries such as Singapore, China, Hong Kong and the Middle East. It also operates Michelin Star awardee, Din Tai Fung, with close to 20 restaurants in Singapore and Thailand, as well as over 50 award-winning Food Republic food atriums in Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand."

Do try out the new concept of cafe at Taman Johor Jaya, you may like the foods and the deco which is unique at the Dedap area...

Toast Box Johor Jaya

2 & 4, Jalan Dedap 13,

Taman Johor Jaya.

http://toastbox.com.sg

Location map of Toast Box Cafe at Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru.

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Popular Steam Fish (淡杯烫鱼) at Hin Hock Bak Kut Teh Restaurant (兴福) at Tampoi, Johor Bahru.

The Restaurant Hin Hock Bak Kut Teh (N1.49716 E103.70261) is located along Jalan Dato Toh Ah Boon, Tampoi. The street is just beside the Cycle & Carriage Johor Bahru and it's simple to locate. Many peoples thought that the Bak Kit Teh should be the signature dish but the true is their Fresh Steam Fish is the Popular and Famous dish in Tampoi area.

Restoran Hin Hock Bak Kut Teh

The Hin Hock Bak Kut Teh Restaurant is operating in an old wooden shop, and the place usually humid, hot and poor ventilation during day time...unless it's rain just like the good timing we had on our visit. Their speciality is the Steam Fish, wiht the different cooking method compare with others...they prepare the fresh fish in the hot boiling water, Not exactly steam it...unitl the fish is ready to serve. Interesting!

Indoor dining area

 

Outdoor dining area

We chose the outdoor area for better ventilation even on the raining day...

The cooking and foods preparation area is situated outside the restaurant, I felt they make more transperant to their customers is a good idea.

Their service was fast and good, and they only have few common dishes to serve which made the order process much more easier.

Our order :-

*  Steam Tiplapia (fish)
*  Minced pork oyster sauce bean curd (tou-fu)
*  Claypot braised vinegar pork knuckle
*  Minced pork bean sprout

Tampoi Hin Hock Steam Fish (淡杯兴福烫鱼)

The fish was fresh and nice! They boiled and served the fish on the perfect timing, and I like my every bite with the chopped spring onions and fried garlic very much! And don't forget with the onion and garlic sauce that served together with the fish...
I can't really tell the different between their cooking method and common steaming method, anyway...it taste Good!

The sauce served together with the fish

Minced pork oyster sauce bean curd (tou-fu)

 The bean curd was soft and went well with the oysterf sauce and minced pork, the portion was big!

Claypot braised vinegar pork knuckle

The pork was tender and flavorful, the vinegar level was just nice which made the dish more tasty!

Minced pork bean sprout

The way the prepared it was special to me, hardly can see so much of topping of minced pork on the juicy bean sprout. Not bad!

They started the business since 20 years ago and become one of the 'Must Try' food if you visit Tampoi area. It's advise to visit the restaurant during the non-peak hour, that's why we stepped in about 11am...just to avoid the lunch hour crowd.

The photo I took of the outlook was the old shop, they had swifted to the new location on the same street about 200 meter away, just notice their signage for easy locate.

The Damage for the above dishes included drinks was RM71.00 for 4 adults. I will visit it again whenever I pass by, but...only during raining day...:)

Restoran Hin Hock Bak Kut Teh
淡杯兴福烫鱼, 肉骨茶

25, Lorong 2,

Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru.

Business hour : 7.30am - 3.30pm (close on Monday)

Location map of Restoran Bak Kut Teh Hin Hock at Tampoi, Johor Bahru

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