Ying and Niq’s Niche

The automotive industry is now livelier with the introduction of the new Ford Focus 2009 “Kinetic” in Malaysia. The Ford Focus is the car that I had always dream of driving. To own one you have to really struggle between logic and impulse.

The Ford Focus, fully imported from Philippines as Completely Built Unit (CBU), is still a worthy contender in the 1.8-2.0L sedan and hatchback segment due to its attractive features and pricing of under RM120,000 (OTR Price with Insurance: RM117,123.40 for 2.0L Sport, RM116,097.40 for 2.0L Ghia). Sadly, there is no sales and service support in Penang Island.

I had the pleasure of viewing the Kinetic in Taiping Sentral on 14-Mar-09. Sime Darby Auto Connexion is quite aggresive on the promotion. The Kinetic was also on display in Queensbay Mall when I was there on 22-Mar-09. There are changes made to the head lights, front grill and tail lights. I can’t commend on originality as I can see hues of Volvo and Mazda.

Well, so much for dreaming.

Ford Focus 2009 Kinetic

Ford Focus Kinetic 2009 Silver, Queensbay Mall

Ford Focus Kinetic 2009 Swept Back Headlamps

Sat, 28-Feb-09. This is our 2nd attempt at steamboat. Today, our target was still Zi Wei Yuan at Jalan Raja Uda, Butterworth, but traffic was hardly moving on the Penang bridge. So, we decided to try Town Steamboat Restaurant instead. This place is located along Jalan Macalister. The spread is pretty good. They have marinated beef, fish, and chicken for the grill - you can get banana leaf cuttings from the counter. For the steamboat, you can have chicken soup and tomyam and you can choose many varieties of fishball, seafood, vegetables, mushroom and noodles. They also serve dim sum. The most popular item seems to be the ice-cream - there was a long queue from the moment we arrived till we left. After gulping down those heaty stuff, the iced honey lime drink they serve was really quenching and refreshing. For RM19.90 per person, it was just another glutton’s paradise.

Steaming hot 3-in-1 boat (2 soups, 1 grill)

Koi pond near the rest rooms. Met a 'gwai-low' who joked with me, saying, "There is a steamboat in there too?!"

The hand wash area outside the rest rooms. Interesting waterfall concept.

Fri, 27-Feb. Had dinner at Thirty Two at the Mansion, Penang. We thought that there won’t be many diners, so we did not enquire or make a reservation. To our surprise, it was a full house that night, or rather full mansion - there were 2 functions that night. We were received well, and the staff obliged to find a place for us. A few minutes later, we were led to our table. Although not in front of the band, we had to be contented. My drum teacher plays there every Friday and Saturday night from 8:45pm. The band plays nice, soothing, palatable jazz standards. The environment is nice and warm. The food was served pretty quick. Tastes good but slightly wanting on the serving size.

Thirty Two at the Mansion - the Building

Ying posing at Thirty Two

Me at Thirty Two

Barbecue Chicken at Thirty Two

Sausage and Turkey Ham Chicken Wrap at Thirty Two

This is a pleasant little cafe situated along Nagore Road, Penang. It serves home roasted coffee. Home roasted? Yes, they buy raw coffee beans and roast at least once a month twice a week. You can see their coffee roaster in the cafe. If you leave them your contact, they will inform you when they plan another round of roasting. I feel it is a great concept by educating coffee lovers besides just serving out a good cup. They have Arabica and Robusta beans. I tried my favorite Arabica Americano. It is full-bodied and has rich aroma with low acidity. You may purchase Arabica beans at RM12.00 for 200g. Robusta costs RM10.00. Visit their website for more info.

Coffee Roaster at siTigun Cafe