RM68+ never tasted so good: set lunch at Third Culture Dining

There is a spellbinding magic when tradition meets innovation, when culinary techniques rooted in European precision are combined with passion and local ingredients to create something truly sedap-licious. At Third Culture Dining, the three-course Lite Set Lunch, priced at RM68+ per person, is a standout offering, especially considering the cost of such thoughtfully selected produce. As a Penangite, we are always on the lookout for great value, and I was simply charmed by this unbelievable offer.
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Chef Petr’s new chapter at Alfresco Dining by Sky 7 Hutong

I have always been captivated by Chef Petr Fehér’s culinary artistry – his creations are delicate yet brimming with flavour, and each dish is plated with a refined elegance that reflects his passion and skill. His masterful touch transforms quality ingredients into sumptuous delights that enchant the senses and linger in memory.
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Le Dux Patisserie – where passion rises with the dough

At the quiet break of dawn, while the city still slumbers, a warm glow begins to stir behind the glass walls of Le Dux Patisserie in upper Beach Street. By 5:00 am, Chef Belle Tan Phey Phey, a maître pâtissière, is already gently coaxing butter into layers of delicate croissant dough – a ritual she repeats each day (except on off days). It is here, in the heart of George Town, that craft meets care in the art of French pastry.
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Northern Thai offerings and more at Siam Social in Noordin Street

Thanks to Nazlina Hussin, I had the opportunity to attend an intimate food tasting session at Siam Social, a stylish new restaurant and bar on Noordin Street. We were welcomed by Calvin Lim, a former banker who has transitioned into the restaurant scene with a creative flair for interior design and a thoughtful appreciation for good food. The menu offers an interesting mix of Western fare infused with Northern Thai influences, including items ranging from pastas and pizzas to more regionally inspired dishes. To make selection easier, the menu also includes set items for both individuals and groups.
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A beautifully sublime birthday celebration at Au Jardin

If love could be gift-wrapped, I would have done so in a heartbeat – for no one deserves it more than Mum, who turned 91 this year. As a close second, I picked up my brush and painted a portrait of her – my lifelong muse, the woman whose gentle faith in me never wavered. She saw the spark of creativity in my childhood sketches, in the dresses I once designed just for her to tailor and in the kitchen, where she taught me to cook from a young age, nurturing my early interest with patience and pride.
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Tsukiji Sushi Bar: A Front-Row Seat to the Art of Sushi Making

My daughter Jean and I had a good luncheon at Tsukiji Sushi Bar, located at City Junction, Penang. The open-kitchen concept allowed us to watch the chefs at work, showcasing their precision and artistry. This reflects the "shokunin" spirit – a Japanese philosophy of lifelong dedication to mastering one’s craft, where even the simplest dishes are continuously refined. As a creative soul, I have always been drawn to Japanese restaurants, where each dish is presented on exquisite utsuwa (ceramic ware), enhancing its colours and textures. At Tsukiji Sushi Bar, freshness and flavour are celebrated alongside beauty and tradition.
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