Keong Hee Huat Chai!

Article by HELEN ONG

Phew! I’m tired! That’s because during the recent year-end round of festivities, I took it upon myself to do the honours, ie roast the turkey together with all the trimmings – even to the extent of making my own mince pies.

Although the meal itself was a big success – at least I think it was! – the amount of work required to plan it, shop for it, prepare, cook and serve it not to mention the clearing up means it’s not something I care to repeat. With Chinese New Year round the corner – and Valentine’s Day hot on its heels – I have come to one conclusion: it’s really a much better idea to eat out.

That’s one of the marvellous things about living in Penang of course. There’s no end of choice available, whether you want traditional Chinese cuisine in a typical Cantonese restaurant, or something quite different in a luxury resort or boutique hotel. We have something to suit every budget and desire. Most of our local Chinese restaurants will be serving Yee Sang, Fatt Choy and Poon Choy together with other specialties which come out in force at this time of year.

However, for the time-honoured annual Reunion Dinner on 9 February when family members travel from distant corners to gather at the ancestral home, here are a few places in town which will be doing something a bit different to welcome in the Year of the Snake. It’s a great way to say, “Thank You” to Mom as well as give her some hard-earned time off, and makes for a stress-free meal so everyone can enjoy themselves.

Have a traditional meal cooked in a contemporary style at Kebaya Dining Room in Seven Terraces. The private hotel in Stewart Lane is doing a set Peranakan menu for the eve, first and second days. Special dishes will include their Cerviche Yee Sang, Eight-Treasure Duck Roulade and Slow-cooked Crispy Hock to go with their celebratory Nasi Ulam as well as roll-your-own Poh Piah. It’s priced at RM128++ per pax and there’s no need to get ten around the table. You’ll be able to enjoy the food in elegant surroundings whilst being serenaded by a classical duo. As it’s limited to 60 per night, do book early.

A stone’s throw away, tuck into traditional Chinese cuisine at the 1881 Chong Tian Chinese Hotel in Jalan Pintal Tali, where Chef Wah has come up with a selection of dishes which are his specialty: how do Grilled Special Shredded Lamb Chop and Fried Beancurd with meat and shrimps sound?  The meal is served in authentic Dragon Bowls and all the other paraphernalia which were only used by the Emperor himself.

Chefs at Dragon-i outlets in Gurney Plaza and Queensbay Mall have prepared a Lao Sheng dish to welcome in the New Year, or you can take home a genuine Prosperity Abalone Treasure Pot which was specially created by Hong Kong Iron Chef Leung Man-To for them. It comes complete with an easy-to-reheat stainless steel container.  Do your bit for charity and enjoy some of their Blissful Products – Glutinous Rice Cakes, Radish Cake and Water Chestnut Cake – at the same time – for every purchase RM10 will be donated to World Vision Malaysia.

Have a prosperous sit-down eight-course Fatt Choy Reunion Dinner at the g-Hotel’s Sesame Restaurant , or a Prosperity& Fortune Dinner which is available for the 15 days of Chinese New Year. Alternatively, do it buffet-style at Sarkie’s at the E&O. Their “Gong Xi Fa Cai” Buffet Dinner with yee sang and other Chinese delicacies comes with free-flow wine, beer or fruit punch for RM148++ per pax.

If you prefer to have your reunion dinner by the sea, then how about a Chinese New Year “Special Fusion Lobster Set Dinner” at Golden Sands Resort in Batu Ferringhi? At Sigi’s Bar and Grill, Chef Frederic will be preparing this luxury seafood with his secret ginger chilli sauce. It comes with a glass of wine, beer or juice and is priced at just RM138++ per person.

On Chinese New Year day itself, the ground-floor Garden Café will be holding a Lunar Special Buffet Lunch – parents of young children might well consider this as it comes with free admission to their Adventure Zone, the resort’s unique fun-filled family entertainment centre.

Meanwhile, at the iconic Rasa Sayang Resort, there will be a Chinese New Year Reunion at their popular Spice Market Café (RM198++ per pax), although there’s something special about alfresco dining at the Pinang Bar where you’ll be able to enjoy the sunset with their BBQ Buffet Dinner (RM158++).

By the way, it’s customary to give cookies or cakes at this time of year, either as thanks to friends and family for their help and support, or as buah tangan (hand gifts) when you are invited to someone’s abode. For a gift with a difference, try the range of specially-packaged western-style chewy chocolate raisins, ginger or fruity cookies and shortbreads from China House in Beach Street. They are guaranteed to titillate any tastebuds!

KEONG HEE HUAT CHAI to all our Chinese readers. May the Year of the Snake be a good year for everyone.