A SIGHT to behold and flavours to savour — Hotel Equatorial Penang’s The View restaurant is where breathtakingly majestic scenery and delightfully exquisite cuisine come together in beguiling splendour.
Perched 150m above sea level, the French fine dining establishment’s elegant interior frames an expanse of floor to ceiling glass windows that afford panoramic views of the island’s south-eastern regions and coastline beyond.
The undulating fairways, punctuated by dense treetops of an adjacent international golf course is laid out below, the iconic Penang Bridge looms in the distance and pure white clouds drift by against bluish skies, seemingly within reach.
Come sunset, the majestic piece of scenic art is transformed into an enthralling play of glittering lights that brighten up the night sky, the ideal backdrop for a romantic evening.
The cuisine is no less spectacular, with an appealing symphony of Provencal and Mediterranean flavours that have earned it a place in the prestigious Miele Guide for Asia’s finest restaurants in its 2009/2010 issue.
Only 400 restaurants in Asia have been listed in the current edition, all having undergone rounds of meticulous judging and also taking into account opinion from the public and respected critics.
With an emphasis on the freshest and most seasonal products available, the restaurant has carved a reputation over the last two decades for its premium standards and food quality, playing host to the most discerning connoisseurs as well as dignitaries.
Current highlights include the daily Executive Express Lunch and Semi-Buffet Dinners.
For the dinner, just pick your main course from the extensive menu selection, and help yourself to appetisers, soups and desserts from a buffet line at no extra charge.
The same applies for lunch when there are reservations for 10 or more – otherwise the appetisers, soups and desserts are served individually.
Amongst the starters you get to enjoy include Fresh Oyster in Mignote Sauce, Pan Seared Tuna with Mango and Lime Salsa, Roma Cherry Tomato with Stuffed Eggplant Caviar, and Grilled Zucchini with Boursin Cheese and Basil Tomato Salsa.
Each of executive chef Junious Dickerson’s creations explode with flavour the moment you sink your teeth into it.
The Lobster Bisque, served with goat cheese and garlic cracker, is one of the restaurant’s most popular soups. Rich, luxurious and packed with shellfish flavour, it’s little wonder why.
If you’re in the mood for something light for main course, then go for the Filet de Morue (Canadian cod with risotto, red wine reduction and parmesan disc). Otherwise, the Carre d Agneau (crusted New Zealand lamb chops with ratatouille and homemade pesto) is a savoury alternative.
The Cote de Veau, a milk-fed Dutch veal chop with Yorkshire pudding and chanterelle mushrooms, is The View’s latest signature item. Juicy and melts in your mouth, the newest addition is bound to gain a huge following.
Desserts spring up a selection of homemade pastries, cheesecake, creme caramel, tarts and heavenly tiramisu, beautifully ornamented with chocolate shavings, fruits and even gold leaf.
There’s also an extensive selection of the finest vintages to complement your meal. If you’re undecided, just get some recommendations from the experienced sommelier.
The restaurant seats up to 93 persons and also has glass-panelled private dining rooms for those seeking a little more seclusion.
The View is open on weekdays for lunch (12pm to 2.30pm) and dinner (6.30pm to 10pm), and only for dinners on Saturday. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays. For reservations, call 04-6438111.
Source : STAR
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