Metro

Friday August 10, 2012

Resort offers a mix of kampung and international dishes for more variety

Story and photo by JEREMY TAN
north@thestar.com.my


BUKA puasa feasts are sprinkled with a generous helping of tropical charm at the Holiday Inn Resort Penang, whose ‘Stay Ramadan’ buffet dinner is dished up in the company of rustling leaves, gentle sea breeze and sunsets.

It is available every Wednesday and Thursday from 7.30pm onwards at the Terrace Cafe, whose laid back, al- fresco setting is mere footsteps away from the Pearl of the Orient’s famed Batu Ferringhi stretch.

The buffet — which features a wide selection of local and international fare — has been certified as halal by Jakim, and is also being promoted as part of the Penang Ramadan Suoq 2012 programme.

Hotel food and beverage manager Roslan Razak said they wanted to offer guests better variety, and so they decided to complement traditional kampung dishes, with international and western items.

So many choices: Head to the North Indian section (front) for mouth-watering curry dishes, but not before devouring the many appetisers at the salad bar (back). So many choices: Head to the North Indian section (front) for mouth-watering curry dishes, but not before devouring the many appetisers at the salad bar (back).

He said: “There are around 10 action stalls, where diners can choose their own condiments, and have their dishes prepared live upon order.”

With some 80 items in total to choose from, it is a bountiful spread for festive feasting with friends and family, and all taste buds well-catered to.

For starters, pick your own bowl of fresh greens, or nibble on a variety of pickles and bite-sized snacks. There is also the customary Sup Ayam Berempah and Sup Ekor Lembu, along with Bubur Lambuk.

Alternatively, head to the Kerabu Salad Bar, select from the myriad ingredients, and have your own creation tossed up by the chef.

For mains, there are traditional offerings like Ikan Masak Lemak Pindang, Ikan Terutup, Ayam Masak Merah, Ayam Panggang Percik, Daging Pacak Air Asam and Daging Rendang Penang.

These go with North Indian items like Chicken Briyani, Mutton Curry, Dhall Makhani, Aloo Jeera, Mutton Vindaloo and a variety of naan flatbreads.

Once done with those, follow your nose to the Charcoal Grill station where Chicken and Beef Satay, Ayam Tandoori, Marinated Lamb Shoulder, Beef and Otak-otak Ikan are flamed in smoky spectacles.

Seafood lovers might gravitate to the Ikan Bakar station in particular, where whole ikan kembong, gerut and cencaru, along with prawns, squid, clams and stingray are grilled. These can be baked in banana leaf, and topped with a choice of sambal.

Nearby, one finds various stalls dishing up shawarma (lamb and chicken kebabs), chicken quesadilla, murtabak, Roti John, curry mee, char koay teow, chicken noodle soup, spring rolls, samosa and fritters.

At the dessert station, pancakes are prepared ala minute, to be filled with one’s choice of fruit or cream fillings, and additional scoop of ice cream if so desired.

A bowl of Ice Kacang, brimming with condiments, is great yet colourful way to cool off, as are glasses of Air Bandung, Air Jagung, Air Kurma, Air Epal and Air Tembikai Susu. Finish off the meal with a variety of cakes, puddings, jellies and local Malay kuih.

The buffet is priced at RM55nett per adult, and RM30nett for children and seniors. For groups, there is a Buy-4-Get-1-Free offer, terms and conditions apply.

For Hari Raya, the hotel dishes up the Aidilfitri Buffet Dinner on Aug 19 and Aug 20 starting 7pm, and priced at RM60 for adults and RM35 for kids and seniors.

For enquiries or reservations, call 04-8866666.

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